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Annual Report2018
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Contents Our Mission ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Our Values, Behaviours and Culture .......................................................................................................... 3
Our High Level Goals ................................................................................................................................... 3
Minister’s Foreword ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Minister of State’s Foreword ...................................................................................................................... 6
Introduction by Secretary General ............................................................................................................. 7
At a Glance – 2018 ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Integration with Wider Government Policy ........................................................................................... 11
Objective: To ensure that policy and programme development, investment and spending
decisions are consistent with the wider strategic context and anticipated future trends ................. 11
Objective: To reduce emissions and build a climate resilient low carbon transport sector by 2050
....................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Objective: To develop strategies and policies that take account of future developments in the
transport sector, including intelligent transport systems ....................................................................... 16
Objective: To effectively coordinate and manage a national-level strategic response to
emergencies for which we are the designated Lead Government Department ................................. 18
Land Transport ............................................................................................................................................ 19
Objective: To enhance land transport services and investment .......................................................... 19
Objective: To promote and advance safety on our transport network .............................................. 32
Objective: To promote improved sustainability in land transport ....................................................... 37
Aviation ........................................................................................................................................................ 39
Objective: To ensure that Irish aviation meets the highest standards of safety and security ......... 39
Objective: To promote the sustainable development, competitiveness and growth of the Irish
aviation sector within Ireland and globally .............................................................................................. 42
Maritime ....................................................................................................................................................... 47
Objective: To facilitate an effective and competitive market for maritime transport services to
meet the needs of our trading economy .................................................................................................. 47
Objective: To update and develop legislation and associated activities, with regard to safety,
security, living and working conditions, and ship-source pollution ...................................................... 48
Objective: To carry out safety, security, living and working conditions and environmental
regulatory and enforcement activities relating to vessels, seafarers and ports .................................. 50
Objective: To manage the delivery of maritime safety, emergency response and pollution
prevention measures .................................................................................................................................. 51
Tourism......................................................................................................................................................... 53
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Objective: To ensure that a policy framework is in place to champion the tourism sector and
influence other relevant stakeholders ...................................................................................................... 53
Objective: To ensure that Ireland has an attractive, competitive and sustainable tourism product
....................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Objective: To ensure Ireland is effectively marketed as a tourism destination in the overseas and
domestic markets ........................................................................................................................................ 58
Sport ............................................................................................................................................................. 61
Objective: To ensure a policy framework is in place that recognises the economic, health and
social role of sport and promotes both participation in sport and physical activity at all levels and
opportunities for the achievement of excellence at the elite levels of sport nationally and
internationally .............................................................................................................................................. 61
Objective: To facilitate development of sports facilities at national, regional and local level
ensuring that supports are provided in a regionally balanced way and target disadvantaged areas
...................................................................................................................................................................... .66
Objective: To facilitate and oversee the development of a National Sports Campus ...................... 67
Objective: To meet Ireland’s responsibilities in relation to sport issues at EU and international
level ............................................................................................................................................................... 69
Our Commitment to Performance ........................................................................................................... 70
Objective: To provide support to our Ministers in the performance of their duties ......................... 70
Objective: To manage, structure and resource the Department and its systems to support the
delivery of our goals.................................................................................................................................... 70
Objective: To develop and train staff to enable them to effectively deliver their responsibilities . 72
Objective: To oversee corporate governance of our agencies ............................................................ 73
Appendix 1…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….74
Ministers and Senior Management ........................................................................................................... 74
Appendix 2 ................................................................................................................................................... 74
Departmental Legislation ........................................................................................................................... 74
Appendix 3 ................................................................................................................................................... 75
Irish Coast Guard Statistics ............................................................................................................................ 75
Appendix 4 ................................................................................................................................................... 76
Acronym Index ............................................................................................................................................ 76
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Our Mission
As a central Government Department, serving the Government and the people of Ireland,
our mission is to shape the safe and sustainable development of transport, tourism and
sport, to support economic growth and social progress.
Our Values, Behaviours and Culture
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport at all times seeks to instil, develop and
maintain values and behaviours that maximise the organisation’s capacity to deliver upon
its stated objectives. The Department’s culture is inherent in its structures and the way it
carries out its functions and delivers its services. In addition to a duty to be professional,
responsive, open and accountable, the Department is firmly committed to continual
reform, innovation and improvement.
The primary tenets of the Department’s ethos, which reflects the wider ethos of the Civil
Service, are set out below:
The Department upholds the values of the Civil Service, including a deep-rooted
public service ethos of independence, integrity, impartiality, equality, fairness and
respect.
The Department supports and implements a culture of accountability, efficiency
and value for money.
The Department commits to the highest standards of professionalism, leadership
and rigour.
Our High Level Goals
In pursuing this mission, we focus on the High Level Goals of our Statement of Strategy
2016-2019. These goals are:
Land Transport: to best serve the needs of society and the economy through safe,
sustainable and competitive transport networks and services
Aviation: to maximise air transport connectivity with a safe, competitive, cost-
effective and sustainable aviation sector
Maritime: to facilitate safe and sustainable maritime transport and the delivery of
emergency management services
Tourism: to support the tourism industry to grow in a sustainable way
Sport: to contribute to a healthier and more active society by promoting sports
participation and by supporting high performance and the provision of sport
facilities.
Our corporate support services are key to the successful delivery of our goals.
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Minister’s Foreword
During 2018 there was strong growth in all the areas of activity of my Department, 269
million public transport passenger journeys, an increase of almost 19 million on last year,
were supported by the taxpayer. Our State and regional airports reported a 6% increase
on passenger numbers and a total of 36.5 million passengers while preliminary figures for
our ports demonstrate another year of strong growth. It was also a positive year for
tourism with CSO data indicating that revenue from overseas visitors contributed over
five billion euro to the economy.
In June, I was pleased to announce that almost €25 billion will be invested in our
transport, tourism and sport infrastructure over the next 10 years under the ‘Linking
people and places’ initiative which will help fulfil the ambition of Project Ireland 2040. Our
transport network – be it road, rail, air or sea – and our sports and tourism sectors have a
vital role to play in connecting us to each other and the wider world. The investment
committed by Government has an important role to play in developing and sustaining
economic and social progress and ensuring better services and infrastructure across the
country in the years to come.
Last year also witnessed a number of important milestones in project delivery across the
Department. In July, I launched the Strategy for the Future Development of National and
Regional Greenways and subsequent funding call. July also saw the publication of the
National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and construction work on phase two of the National
Indoor Arena at the National Sports Campus also progressed significantly during 2018.
Construction work also continued on a number of important Project Ireland 2040
schemes including the Naas to Newbridge widening project, the Gorey to Enniscorthy
motorway and the New Ross Bypass. All of these projects are due to be completed and
opened in 2019.
Safety is of paramount importance to me and while I am pleased that road fatalities fell to
147 in 2018, which was the lowest number since records began, every death on our roads
is one too many. We will continue our work to support safer road use by taking drink
drivers off the road, continuing to engage with all of the major stakeholders and
introducing additional legislative changes to improve safety.
In 2018 much of my Department's work focused on preparing and planning for Brexit and
the problems it presents for the Transport and Tourism sectors. In 2019 we will continue
to work with our colleagues in the Agencies, other Departments and the European
Commission to ensure that everything that can be done will be done to mitigate the
effects of Brexit on Ireland.
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Looking ahead to 2019, my Department and its agencies are committed to
implementation of our objectives; providing improvements in public transport, our roads
network, and the transport links to our main international gateways, by both air and sea;
strategically targeted investment in tourism and in sports facilities, and supporting the
transition toward a low-carbon and climate resilient society.
Shane Ross T.D.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport
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Minister of State’s Foreword
I am pleased to have the opportunity to reflect on 2018 in this report. It was a year which
saw much progress in both policy areas under my remit, tourism and sport.
2018 was a remarkable year for Irish tourism. CSO data indicates that it was another
record breaking year for overseas tourism revenue, driven by strong visitor growth from
Europe and North America. This is testament to the joint efforts of Government, the
tourism agencies and the industry in growing tourism as an important source of
employment and revenue. Overall, overseas visitors contributed over five billion euro to
the economy in 2018 and supported the employment of 260,000 people across the
country.
Government support for tourism was reinforced during the Budget 2019 process when
Minister Ross and I secured a 26% increase in the tourism budget. Overall, we are
investing an additional €35 million in tourism in 2019 and this represents the largest
increase in the tourism budget in fifteen years. This will allow both Fáilte Ireland and
Tourism Ireland to continue to grow tourism regionally and across the seasons, in line with
key policy objectives. Additional funding has been allocated to the tourism agencies to
respond to the impact of Brexit. Fáilte Ireland will implement a programme which places a
focus on retaining business from Northern Ireland and Britain whilst also offering supports
to enterprises to equip them for the post-Brexit marketplace. Tourism Ireland will
implement a review of its operations in the British market and also extend its Regional
Access initiative.
Additional funding of €3.4m was allocated to Sport Ireland in 2018, including €1.5m in
August for high performance sport to assist athletes’ preparations for the Tokyo 2020
Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are building from a strong platform for Tokyo 2020,
with 77 medals achieved by Irish athletes at European and World level competitions in
2018 across a variety of Olympic and Paralympic sports.
The 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications in October with
a record 2,337 applications submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding. This large
number of applications is evidence of the continuing relevance of the programme to clubs
and sports groups across the country.
The publication of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 was a particular highlight for
sport during the year. We have set ambitious targets to be achieved over the next decade
and I am commencing the implementation of the 57 actions in the Policy in 2019.
Brendan Griffin T.D.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport
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Introduction by Secretary General
This Annual Report outlines the progress made during the year by the Department on
achieving our goals and objectives as set out in the Department’s Statement of Strategy
2016 to 2019.
Throughout 2018 we worked closely with other Departments and bodies to prepare for
and address the many challenges resulting from Brexit, including contingency planning.
Brexit remains the main strategic risk facing the Department.
Under the policy direction of the Minister and Minister of State there was continued
growth across the various sectors. The National Development Plan, published in 2018, in
conjunction with the National Planning Framework as part of Project Ireland 2040, sets
out the major investments planned over the next 10 years for Public Transport. It
provides for full Exchequer funding over the period 2018 to 2027 for short, medium and
longer term measures required to improve our public transport and active travel networks.
It will deliver significantly increased funding for the heavy rail network, vastly improved
bus and cycling infrastructure in every major city, a massive expansion of our electrified
rail network in the Greater Dublin Area and a brand new MetroLink in Dublin.
There were record numbers travelling through Irish airports in 2018 and the Dublin to
London route is the second busiest international route globally by number of passengers
with almost 4.5 million passengers per year. Under the Regional Airports Programme, €7.6
million was provided to support necessary safety and security investments and activities,
enabling them to continue to contribute to enhanced regional connectivity for business
and tourism. In June 2018, new direct air services commenced to the Hong Kong SAR
and China (Beijing), representing the first ever scheduled passenger flights between
Ireland and the Asia-Pacific Region.
Overall there was a 5% increase in goods handled by our ports and Ireland maintained its
position on the “white list” of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State
Control. Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company was dissolved and the harbour transferred
from the Department to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on the 3 October 2018
as part of the implementation of the Harbours Act 2015.
There was increased investment in roads in 2018 - €434m was invested in regional and
local roads; €312m in capital was allocated to national roads, while €35.8m was allocated
to on-going maintenance and upkeep of the national road network. In addition to this, a
total of €122m in expenditure was related to Public Private Partnership (PPP) road
schemes. There was a welcome reduction in road fatalities during the year and 16 pieces
of secondary legislation across a wide variety of road safety areas were introduced during
2018.
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In July, the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 was launched, confirming the Government’s
commitment to invest in sports facilities in the years ahead. 2018 was another record
breaking year for overseas tourism to Ireland and a growth of 5.6% in overseas visits to
Ireland. Notwithstanding the risk from Brexit, both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are
working hard to ensure that this trend will continue in 2019. Key objectives for the sector
are to grow Tourism in a sustainable manner, to extend the season and ensure that all
regions benefit from the continuing development and investment in tourism.
In relation to climate change, the scale of the challenge facing Ireland, and the level of
transformation required if we are going to see a meaningful decrease in greenhouse gas
emissions, is widely recognised. In 2018, the Department continued to implement the
National Mitigation Plan, which was approved by Government in 2017, and sets out 24
transport mitigation measures and 29 time-bound associated actions. Transport is playing
a significant role in the national mitigation Plan and this Department is committed to
working toward our national decarbonisation objective.
In conclusion, I wish to recognise the commitment, dedication and hard work of all our
staff across the country and my colleagues on the Management Board. I would like to
extend my thanks for their efforts in 2018 and acknowledge that our ambitious
programme to support economic growth and social progress through the safe and
sustainable development of transport, tourism and sport could not be achieved without
them.
I also wish to express my appreciation for the continued co-operation and support in 2018
of the wide range of State Bodies under our aegis, as well as local authorities and other
Government Departments and Bodies who helped us to deliver our objectives.
Graham Doyle
Secretary General
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At a Glance – 2018
How Exchequer Resources were allocated in 2018 by the Department of Transport,
Tourism and Sport
In 2018, €1.95bn of taxpayer funding was spent across the Department’s programmes
with the sectoral breakdown as below:
Headline Statistics from 2018
Image Credit: Transport Infrastructure Ireland Image Credit: Iarnród Éireann Image Credit: Shannon Group
Source: DPER
Ro
ads •€312m on
national roads
•€434m on regional and local roads
•€35.8m on national road maintenance P
ub
lic T
ran
spo
rt
•€406m invested in public transport infrastructure
•6.5% increase in public transport passenger numbers
•2m passenger journeys funded under Rural Transport Programme
Avi
atio
n
•36.5m passengers through Irish airports, an increase of 6% on 2017
•Over 1.1m flights managed by Irish air traffic controllers and radio officers, an increase of 1.4% on 2017
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Image Credit: D/Transport, Tourism and Sport Image Credit: AAIU / RAIU Image Credit: Tourism Ireland
Mar
itim
e
•Ireland maintained its position in the top tier of international shipping benchmarks for the quality of its shipping and seafarer training.
•5% increase in goods handled by our ports.
•12 port facilities inspections completed.
•Irish Coast Guard responded to 2,647 incidents.
To
uri
sm
•10.6m overseas visits to Ireland, an increase of 6.9% over 2017.
•Expenditure from overseas visits in the first 9 months of 2018 stood at €4.1bn, an increase of 7.2% on the same period in 2017.
•174,800 people employed in Accommodation and Food Service sector (+3.6% on 2017).
Sp
ort
•€11.3m invested in high performance sport and €8.3m to GAA, FAI and IRFU to increase participation by young people
•New Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund opened for applications in November 2018
•2018 round of Sports Capital Programme launched
Car
s &
Mo
tori
sts
•5m motor tax discs issued with €980m in motor tax receipts
•1.2m vehicle registration certs issued
•695k (including learner permits) driving licences issued
•475K road worthiness certs issued for commercial vehicles
Acc
iden
t In
ve
stig
atio
n
•Air Accident Investigation Unit published 24 Air Accident Reports and issued 11 safety recommendations
•Railway Accident Investigation Unit published 2 reports and issued 9 safety recommendations
Su
stai
nab
le T
ran
spo
rt • Over 20,000
school children received cycle training under the Cycle Right National Training Programme in 2018
• €37.5m in funding provided for sustainable transport measures that benefit cycling and walking over the course of the year in 2018
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Integration with Wider Government Policy
Our mission and goals are often closely linked with other important Government policy
areas, and many of our spending and investment decisions will have lasting impacts on our
societal and economic development.
Brexit
Ireland's response to Brexit is coordinated on a whole-of-Government basis by the
Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Brexit
has been identified as the Department's main strategic risk and to this end the
Department has been engaged in extensive consultations with other Government
Departments and agencies, public and private stakeholders, the European Commission
and other EU Member States in order to inform national policy on Brexit in the areas of
Transport and Tourism.
Plans for Brexit take place based on two potential scenarios, a ‘no-deal’ scenario where
the UK crashes out of the European Union, and a ‘Central Case Scenario’ which assumes a
deal and transition period of two years. The bulk of planning has revolved around the
immediate dangers posed by a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.
Practically-speaking, the Department’s Policy and EU Division leads on the overall
preparation and coordination of the response to Brexit to ensure provision of cohesive
and inclusive analysis.
The Division chairs an internal Departmental Committee on Brexit and liaises closely with all Divisions on the many aspects of the Department’s work impacted by Brexit.
The Government has established a number of Brexit workgroups to provide key sectoral
and thematic advice to Government, and to ensure a coordinated, whole-of-Government
response. Throughout 2018 we worked closely with other Departments and bodies to
prepare for and address the many challenges resulting from Brexit. This also included
detailed contingency planning. The Department continues to be represented on a number
of key inter-Departmental working groups, including the Inter-Departmental Group on the
EU and Brexit and the Landbridge Project Group.
In 2018, the Department, in addition to on-going engagement with its sectors, held
separate Brexit fora for Maritime and Freight stakeholders. The Department
communicated the European Commission’s Notices to Stakeholders in the areas of
transport to its sectors and was involved in working on the EU’s contingency measures,
which are aimed at ensuring basic aviation and road transport connectivity in the event of
Objective: To ensure that policy and programme development, investment and spending decisions are consistent with the wider strategic context and anticipated future trends
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a no-deal Brexit. The Irish Maritime Development Office also published a report on ‘The
Implications of Brexit on the Use of the Landbridge’ in November 2018.
All relevant Divisions within the Department are actively engaged in Brexit-related work
and remain in regular contact with individual agencies and stakeholders on specific Brexit
related matters as they arise.
Connecting Europe Facility
Since the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility Regulation (CEF) 2013 came into effect on 1
January 2014, there have been seven funding Calls with transport digitalisation, road
safety and multimodality as the funding priorities. Over this period, Irish organisations
have been successful in applications involving over €118m in EU co-funding for projects
including in the areas of rail, ports, Intelligent Transport, Motorways of the Sea, Single
European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) and alternative fuel innovation.
There was one CEF Call for funding in 2018 for which there were three applications with
Irish beneficiaries, one of which was successful.
Full details of all successful Irish projects under the CEF programme can be accessed on
the European Commission’s website at the following link:
https://ec.europa.eu/inea/en/connecting-europe-facility/cef-transport/projects-by-
country/ireland.
Strategic Research and Analysis
The Department’s Strategic Research and Analysis Division (SRAD) provides an analytical
and research resource to support the wider Department, in line with Government’s
commitment to evidence-based policy making.
The SRAD carries out research and analysis, disseminates research findings and proposes
evidence-informed policy recommendations to support all Departmental sectors. Its
primary work centres on economic analysis, expenditure appraisal, evaluation and data
management and use.
Particular highlights in 2018 include –
Publication of Transport Trends 2018, the Department’s statistical summary
highlighting key figures and trends across all transport modes.
Initiation of Planning Land Use and Transport – Outlook 2040 (PLUTO), which aims
to identify the investments needed in the transport sector to support projected
population growth and spatial distribution patterns and support the delivery of
Project Ireland 2040’s objectives.
Completion of the Quality Assurance 2017 process, which assesses the
Department’s overall compliance with the Public Spending Code and includes an
inventory of 330 projects/programmes with a projected total value in excess of
€22.6 billion.
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Publication of two papers as part of the assessment of evidence bases for the
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s 2018 Spending Review.
Provision of advice and guidance to divisions and agencies on economic appraisals
and adherence to the Public Spending Code. In total, reviews of 21 Business Cases
and 35 Project Appraisal Plans for planned roads, public transport and sporting
infrastructure improvements were completed.
A Value for Money and Policy Review of the Tourism Marketing Fund advanced
almost to completion, with a published report due in Q2 of 2019.
Ongoing research looking at public transport trends, alternative fuels and
congestion as part of the Public Transport Policy Programme.
Adaptation
The importance of adapting to climate change and ensuring resilience to the impacts of
extreme weather events for transport infrastructure and services is increasingly recognised.
A statutory sectoral adaptation plan for the transport sector is being prepared under the
National Adaptation Framework to be submitted to Government for approval before 30
September 2019. The plan will put in place a pathway towards identifying critical transport
infrastructure and prioritising future adaptation outcomes, taking into account the cross-
cutting nature of climate risks.
To inform this work, in 2018 a sectoral adaptation team incorporating a range of transport
and interdepartmental stakeholders was established and the Department put in place a
methodology to collect quantitative data on the impacts of extreme weather events on
road, rail, aviation, ports and bus services.
Alternative Fuels
Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce
The LEV Taskforce was established in December 2016 to consider the range of measures
and options available to Government to encourage increased uptake of low carbon
technologies in the road transport sector.
Phase one of the Taskforce’s work programme, which focused on electric vehicles,
concluded its work in 2018 and a Progress Report was published on the Department’s
website in October. The second phase of the Taskforce’s work programme began its work
in September 2018, and this phase will focus on examining the role of alternative fuel
technologies such as compressed natural gas, biogas and hydrogen with a specific focus on
the freight sector.
Objective: To reduce emissions and build a climate resilient low carbon transport sector by 2050
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Low Emission Bus Trial
The National Development Plan committed that from July 2019, no diesel-only buses would
be purchased for the urban bus fleet. In late 2018, the Department, together with the
National Transport Authority and key urban operators, launched a comprehensive set of
bus trials with the objective of helping to further inform purchasing decisions for new buses
over the coming years. The fuels and technologies tested include full electric, diesel-electric
hybrids, hydrogen and compressed natural gas. The trials will assess CO2 emissions, impact
on air quality and the contribution potential towards sectoral renewable energy targets, as
well as costs, vehicle availability and operational/infrastructural requirements. The trials are
ongoing in Dublin and Cork, and it is expected that they will end in July 2019.
EU Dossiers
Throughout 2018, officials from the Department engaged in negotiations on important EU
dossiers:
a. CO2 Regulations for Cars and Vans
New proposals on the regulation of CO2 emissions from both cars and vans are underway at
EU level. The proposed new regulation seeks to build upon the existing vehicle standards
obligations on manufacturers that require them to engineer new vehicles to be
progressively emitting over time. The existing standards have been instrumental in reducing
CO2 emissions from new vehicles but the current regulation expires in 2021.
b. CO2 Regulations for Heavy Duty Vehicles
Heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) only account for approximately 5% of vehicles on EU roads, yet
they are responsible for approximately 25% of all road transport emissions. In line with the
above regulations concerning cars and vans, the European Commission has proposed the
introduction of regulations that, from 2019 onwards, will permit the setting of maximum
fleet emission averages for new HDVs constructed and thereafter progressive emission
reduction standards.
Research Platform
In 2018, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport co-funded four research projects
in the area of climate change. The projects consider the effects of eco-driving on emission
reduction in the freight sector; mitigation measures that will reduce emissions and/or air
pollution from heavy duty vehicles; and the role of modal shift in the reduction of transport
emissions.
Aviation and Maritime Emissions
The importance of minimising negative impacts of aviation on the environment is
increasingly recognised. Achieving a carbon neutral growth scenario for the aviation
sector is strongly supported by Ireland and efforts are underway at a global level to
implement a coordinated global response.
15
In 2017 the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council, of which Ireland is
currently a member, approved the draft standards that will apply in the implementation of
a global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
Ireland, as part of the 44 member European Civil Aviation Conference, is working towards
its implementation from its first phase i.e. from 2021. In addition, it is expected that a
revised Action Plan for Aviation Emissions Reduction in Ireland will be finalised early in
2019, detailing ongoing and future measures of the aviation sector in support of
environmental protection.
The Department continues close engagement with the Department of Communications,
Climate Action and Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency on matters
pertaining to aviation within the framework of the EU Emission Trading System (ETS).
Likewise in the maritime sector, it is recognised that shipping needs to play its part in
controlling greenhouse gas emissions. In 2018, Ireland participated in meetings of the
Maritime Environment Protection Committee (a committee of the International Maritime
Organization - IMO) in London where in April, an initial strategy on the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions from ships was adopted. In October, the Committee approved a
programme of follow-up actions to the initial IMO strategy up to 2023.
Mitigation
In 2018, the Department continued to implement the National Mitigation Plan, which was
approved by Government in 2017 and which firmly establishes Government’s
commitment to working toward our national decarbonisation objective.
Transport is playing a significant role in the national mitigation effort and the Plan sets out
24 transport mitigation measures and 29 time-bound associated actions with designated
leads and identified stakeholders. The transport mitigation measures are wide-ranging and
focus primarily on –
Modal shift
Investment in public and sustainable transport
Decarbonising the fleet through the promotion of alternative fuels and
technologies.
The NDP, also published in 2018 under Project Ireland 2040, committed €8.6 billion for
investment in public and sustainable transport to 2027 through projects such as
MetroLink, BusConnects and the DART Expansion Programme. This investment should
encourage modal shift away from private car use. In addition, the NDP committed to stop
buying diesel-only buses for the urban bus fleet from July 2019, which will help to
decarbonise the public transport fleet through the incorporation of alternative fuels and
technologies.
Developments within climate change mitigation are advancing at a fast pace; in
recognition of this in 2018, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport developed a
climate change research platform to co-fund academic research into areas where there is
a dearth of Irish specific information. To date projects have been co-funded that consider
16
potential mitigation measures in the freight sector and the role of behavioural change in
promoting modal shift. Findings from these research projects will help inform further
climate policy development.
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are the application and integration of advanced
communication based technologies to transport. ITS are broad based enablers that allows
transport operators to better plan, design, operate, maintain and manage transport
systems.
During 2018, DTTAS continued its engagement with national and international ITS
organisations and platforms such as ITS Ireland, ERTICO, the Road User Charging
Conferences, and, Association of European Transport including support for the European
Transport Conference (ETC) held in Dublin in October 2018. The ETC will again be
hosted by DTTAS in October 2019.
Our main areas of focus on ITS in 2018 are summarised below:
National ITS Strategy
During 2018 preparatory work continued in relation to the drafting of a National ITS
Strategy for Ireland. Work underway on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV)
will feed into the National ITS Strategy.
EU ITS Directive
DTTAS along with our agencies, engaged throughout the year with the European
Commission on ITS matters and in particular on the development of delegated
regulations under the ITS Directive (2010/40/EU). The delegated authority under the
ITS Directive allowing the Commission to make Regulations has been extended for a
further four years to August 2022. ITS Regulations have already been adopted in the
areas of road safety related traffic information, real time traffic information and an EU
wide multimodal journey planner.
EU Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS)
Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) focuses on the communication
between digital technologies which provide intelligence, placed at the roadside or in
vehicles. These systems enable vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, with the
infrastructure, or with other C-ITS systems. It is envisaged in the very near future
vehicles will interact directly with each other and with the road infrastructure. This
interaction will allow road users and traffic managers to share information and use it to
coordinate their actions. The cooperative element, enabled by digital connectivity
between vehicles and between vehicles and transport infrastructure, is expected to
significantly improve road safety, traffic efficiency and the comfort of driving. These
Objective: To develop strategies and policies that take account of future developments in the transport sector, including intelligent transport systems
17
outcomes will be achieved by helping the driver to take the right decisions and adapt
to the traffic situation. The EU Commission, with the assistance of Member States
including Ireland, continued drafting a Regulation on specifications for C-ITS during
2018. It is expected that the new Regulation will be adopted in 2019.
Autonomous Driving – Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV)
During 2018, Minister Ross announced the development of guidelines for the testing
of autonomous vehicles on Irish roads. An interdepartmental steering group on
connected and autonomous vehicles comprised of relevant public bodies was
established and held a number of meetings to advance work on the guidelines. A series
of workshops was also held during 2018 to gather input from stakeholders and ensure
that the draft guidelines meet their needs. It is expected that the guidelines will be
released in 2019. They will be supported by a National Connected and Autonomous
Vehicle (CAV) roadmap and plan as well as a National Strategy for Intelligent Transport
Systems.
Work is underway at EU and international level on the introduction of connected and
autonomous driving and the Department continues to closely follow and engage with
these developments.
Speed Limits
DTTAS continues to implement the recommendations of the Speed Limit Review
(2013) and the subsequent Guidelines for Managing Speed Limits in Ireland (2015).
Currently Local Authorities are working to compile a comprehensive update of speed
limits in accordance with the Guidelines.
European Electronic Toll Service (EETS)
The European Commission proposed a recast of the European Electronic Toll Service
(EETS) Directive in 2017 with the aim of ensuring full electronic toll interoperability
throughout the European Union. The full recast was worked on throughout 2018 by
all Member States of the EU. The recast EETS Directive contains a new provision for
penalties for unpaid fines from non-national vehicles. It is expected that the recast
EETS Directive will be adopted early in 2019.
Research Projects
Ireland continued taking part in phase two of a pilot project with Maynooth University
to develop software which can search a database of road attributes for changes in the
data on these attributes. This project will assist in Ireland meeting its obligations
under EU ITS Regulations to provide Real Time Traffic information. Ultimately this
information will be communicated to drivers which should enhance road safety and
facilitate traffic movement. This project will continue in 2019.
Other technological research projects in which DTTAS is a participant are:
C-Roads which is a joint initiative of European Member States and road
operators for testing and implementing Cooperative Intelligent Transport
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Systems (C-ITS) services in light of cross-border harmonisation and
interoperability. The overall aim of the C-Roads Ireland C-ITS pilot is to deploy,
trial and evaluate existing and future C-ITS services.
TN-ITS (Transport Network Intelligent Transport Systems) GO project is a pilot
project part funded by the EU Commission. It is concerned with the exchange
of information on changes in static road attributes. Static meaning that the
attributes are of a more or less permanent nature, even though they may
sometimes change, such as speed limits.
Arc Atlantique Traffic Management Corridor. This project links the key
economic nodes of Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, Cardiff, London, Calais, Rotterdam,
Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Charleroi, Liège, Lille, Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux,
Toulouse, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Valladolid, Santander, A Coruña, Porto and
Lisbon. The project focused on the deployment of core Intelligent Transport
Systems (ITS) services, in particular traffic management and traffic information
services that support traffic managers in directing traffic operations.
The Department is represented on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning
and on the National Steering Group which oversees the Framework for Major Emergency
Management. We are the Lead Government Department for national transport
emergencies and support other Lead Departments for emergencies which affect travel
and transport e.g. severe weather.
In 2018 the Department participated in the National Emergency Coordination Group
(NECG), convened by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in
response to a number of severe weather events. The NECG met in response to Storm
Eleanor in January, Storm Emma in February-March and Storm Callum in October. The
Department, transport operators and agencies worked with the NECG to ensure a
coordinated response to these events.
We also participated in a number of emergency planning exercises held by agencies and
other government departments during 2018. We continue to work closely with the Office
of Emergency Planning on a range of emergency planning issues including critical
infrastructure resilience and risk assessment.
Objective: To effectively coordinate and manage a national-level strategic response to emergencies for which we are the designated Lead Government Department
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Land Transport
Image Credit: Iarnród Éireann / Transport Infrastructure Ireland
High level goal To best serve the needs of society and the economy through
safe, sustainable and competitive transport networks and
services
Ireland’s land transport system - comprising our road and rail networks, together with bus,
rail and taxi services - is of fundamental importance to both societal and economic well-
being. Our objectives over the period 2016 to 2019 seek to both address the challenges
that exist today and to plan for, and enable, the future development of land transport
networks and services, with an emphasis on safety, service enhancements and promoting
more sustainable forms of transport such as cycling and walking.
Transport Investment Framework
Government launched Project Ireland 2040 in February 2018. This sets out both the
planned spatial development and investment framework for the coming years, through
the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 - 2027.
Within that framework, Government has committed to major investments in improving
the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the transport network and the NDP
Objective: To enhance land transport services and investment
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provides indicative allocations of €8.6 billion for investment in public transport projects
around Ireland over the next 10 years. The investment committed to within the National
Development Plan will result in the delivery of a number of significant projects and
programmes, such as –
Heavy rail maintenance and renewal;
The BusConnects programme of improved bus services and infrastructure in all
major cities, including significantly enhanced cycling facilities ;
The MetroLink; and
The DART Expansion programme.
The large projects and programmes will be complemented by other planned investments,
such as the development of a new National Train Control Centre, the roll-out of strategic
cycle networks in the major cities and a programme of investment in national and regional
roads as detailed within the Project Ireland 2040.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has developed and published a Project
Tracker which includes those projects and programmes within Project Ireland 2040 with a
proposed expenditure of €20 million or more. The Project Tracker includes progress on
relevant public transport and roads investment projects and programmes.
In relation to roads, Project Ireland 2040 provided a gradual build-up in capital funding to
the levels required to maintain the network in a steady state condition and allow for
targeted improvement projects. Most of the expenditure under Project Ireland 2040
continues to be directed towards road maintenance and renewal and meeting contractual
commitments under the road PPP programme.
The increased levels of funding also allows for significant enhancements to the capital
investment programme in roads, with some additional road improvement projects now
included. The upgrade projects included in Project Ireland 2040 are being implemented on
a phased basis as budgets allow and as projects are advanced through the project
development stages.
Within the capital envelope available, the Department’s investment priorities in the roads
sector continue to be:
(i) Maintenance of the national, regional and local road network in good
condition;
(ii) Advancement to construction stage, subject to necessary approvals, of the
important national and regional road improvement projects identified in Project
Ireland 2040; and
(iii) The appraisal of a range of other projects with a view to prioritising projects for
future development.
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Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has responsibility for the implementation of the
national roads programme and is progressing planning and preparatory advance works for
the major national road improvement projects included in Project Ireland 2040. A general
outline of the projects are listed in the table below.
Roads N25 New Ross Bypass Construction on-going and on schedule to open
Q4 2019/Q1 2020.
N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin The Tender competition for a contractor was
completed in 2018. Construction is due to begin
in Q1 2019.
M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy Construction on-going and on schedule to open
Q2 2019.
M7 Naas to Newbridge Bypass and Sallins Bypass
The Naas Bypass, Sallins Bypass and Osberstown
Interchange projects are being progressed under
one contract. Construction has commenced and
completion expected on a phased basis over
2019/2020.
Nangor/Adamstown Road upgrades Construction commenced in 2017 and expected
to be completed in 2019.
Individual road authorities are responsible for implementation of regional and local road
projects. They also work in partnership with TII in the delivery of most of the national
roads projects. In addition a package of extra measures can be implemented on the roads
network including the improved management of the M50 through the use of variable
speed limits, reduced energy usage for route lighting, minor improvement works and
community involvement and drainage grant programmes together with the assessment of
potential future improvement projects.
With regard to Variable Speed Limits (VSL), legislative arrangements are under way within
the Department to provide TII with the powers to manage and regulate variable speed
limits on motorways, which will include the M50. This new system will improve
operational efficiency of the M50 by
Smoothing traffic flow.
Improving journey time reliability.
Reducing the number of secondary traffic collisions.
Implementation of an integrated and coordinated response to traffic conditions by TII and emergency responders.
Improved dissemination of information to road users.
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To progress this important measure, TII is extending the motorway traffic control centre
at Dublin Port Tunnel to cater for the additional workload from the introduction of VSL
and is currently procuring the management systems and hardware which will be erected
on existing gantries.
The table below gives an overview of progress in 2018 on specific public transport
projects.
Overview of Progress on specific Capital Plan Projects in 2018 Public Transport
Dublin City Centre Resignalling
Work continued in 2018 on a major upgrading of the Dublin City Centre
Resignalling programme. The programme, which is due to be completed
by 2029, is a central element of the upgrading of rail services within the
Greater Dublin Area and the delivery of the DART Expansion Programme.
The project will provide for increased train frequencies by replacing
outdated equipment with more modern technologies. The project will also
facilitate an increase in the level of service along the Belfast and
Maynooth Lines, and through the City Centre.
DART Expansion The National Transport Authority, in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann,
continued work in 2018 on the pre-planning stage of the DART Expansion
Programme with a view to commencing new planning and design work
in preparation for the statutory planning process.
Metro Link An extensive Public Consultation on the ‘Emerging Preferred Route’ was carried out from March to June 2018 and 8,000 submissions received relating to issues such as the proposed route alignment. All submissions are currently being carefully reviewed by the National
Transport Authority (NTA) with a view to informing development of a
‘Preferred Route’ for public consultation in the first quarter of 2019.
National Train Control Centre
Work continued in 2018 on the development of the National Train
Control Centre (NTCC), which will modernise and integrate signalling and
communications control across the entire rail network, thereby optimising
rail traffic management. A significant customer benefit of the NTCC will
be increased train performance and the availability of accurate real time
travel information for trip planning.
Public Service Obligation bus replacement programme
In 2018 funding was provided for 205 Public Service Obligation buses for
the Dublin Region - 141 buses for Dublin Bus and 64 buses for Go Ahead.
83 new buses were purchased for the Bus Éireann PSO bus fleet.
Rail network maintenance
€160 million provided to Iarnród Éireann for the maintenance and renewal
of the heavy rail network nationwide under the Infrastructure Manager
Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC).
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Public Transport
In addition to the above, a range of other projects were progressed during 2018 –
Accessibility Retro-Fit Programme
Accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and audio/visual aids, are built into all
new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage. Newer
systems such as LUAS are fully accessible.
However, there are legacy issues in relation to older infrastructure and facilities, for
example Victorian era railway infrastructure.
To address these legacy issues, DTTAS funds an on-going programme of accessibility
improvement grants, managed by the NTA, to upgrade existing older infrastructure and
facilities such as
the installation of accessible bus stops in rural and regional areas
upgrading train stations to make them accessible to wheelchair users, and
providing grant support for the introduction of more wheelchair accessible
vehicles (WAVs) into the taxi fleet.
The 4 year capital envelope for public transport announced under Budget 2018, included
a multi-annual allocation of almost €28m for the accessibility retro-fit programme for the
period 2018 to 2021. This funding is a trebling of the previous allocation for accessibility
under the Capital Plan.
Bus Connects
BusConnects was launched in May 2017 and is a new programme seeking to radically
redesign the bus system in Dublin. BusConnects will completely overhaul the bus system
in Dublin by implementing:
o A network of “next generation” bus corridors with segregated cycling
o Complete redesign of bus network
o Simpler fare structure
o Cashless payment system
o State-of-the-art ticketing system
o New bus livery
o New bus stops and shelters
o Use of low emission vehicles
The NTA held a significant public consultation period from July to September in 2018 in
relation to the proposed new network of bus routes. Over 30,000 submissions were
received and the NTA are reviewing these. A revised network proposal will be published
for further consultation in 2019.The NTA launched a Public Consultation on the first
tranche of 4 core bus corridors (physical infrastructure) in November 2018 which will run
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until mid-February 2019. Further consultations in relation to the remaining 12 corridors
will be held in Q1 and Q2 2019.
Bus Market Opening
10% of the total Public Service Obligation bus (PSO) route network previously operated
by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann under contracts concluded with the NTA were tendered
by the NTA and contracts awarded in 2017 and 2018. These competitively tendered
services are for routes in the Dublin Metropolitan, Dublin Commuter and Waterford
areas. Go-Ahead Ireland won the contracts for Dublin Metropolitan and Commuter and
Bus Éireann was successful in the Waterford competition
In September 2018, Go-Ahead Ireland commenced operating a new service, Route 175,
which was the first of the 23 routes for which it won the tender to operate. From
October 7th 2018, a phased transfer (from Dublin Bus) of the remaining 22 bus routes
began, with 11 routes having transferred by 2nd December 2018.
Go-Ahead Ireland was also announced as the winner of the tendering competition to
operate PSO bus services on six bus routes in the Dublin Commuter Area along the
Kildare corridor (currently Bus Éireann routes). Services are due to begin on these routes
in Q2 2019.
Bus Éireann was announced by the NTA in November 2017 as the preferred bidder in the
tendering competition to operate 5 bus routes in Waterford city. Services on these routes
began in December 2018, creating an extra 21 jobs in Waterford.
In tandem with the transfer of bus routes to Go-Ahead Ireland, the NTA has also
approved a major expansion programme which features significant frequency
improvements to a number of Dublin Bus routes, to meet increased demand at peak
periods and to encourage greater use of bus services during the off-peak period and on
Saturdays and Sundays. These improvements are being introduced periodically during
2019. The NTA is developing further improvements throughout the network of services
provided by both Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland.
The NTA also entered into a contract with JJ Kavanagh in 2018 which operates the 139
service between Naas, Co. Kildare and Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
NTA new Direct Award Contracts 2019 and subsequent years
The current direct award PSO contracts with Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann
expire at the end of November 2019. The awarding of PSO contracts is the statutory
responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the NTA is required to follow
a statutory process underpinned by both EU and national legislation before the direct
award contracts may be renewed.
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As part of this process, the NTA launched a public consultation process in early October
2018, which informed its decision on the renewal of the contracts including in relation to
the Direct Award/Competitive Tender balance of contracts. Submission on the proposals
were open to the CIÉ group of companies as well as other stakeholders and users of bus
services. The closing date for submissions was 30 October 2018.
The NTA sought the approval of its Board on the Direct Award / Competitive Tender
balance for bus services before deciding at end November 2018 to:
o directly award an equivalent service level to Dublin Bus for a further 5 year
contract
o directly award to Bus Éireann, an equivalent service level that the company will
have in December 2019;
o amend that contract in 2021 to reduce it by up to 5% of services;
o provide the removed services through a separate contract following an open
competitive tender process. It is open to Bus Éireann to compete for this
contract.
The bus services that the NTA are proposing to include in the competitive tender are
routes serving the Dublin Commuter area in the Eastern Region. The NTA plans to
directly award the contract for rail services for 10 years. In compliance with legislation, it
will publish a substantiated decision and inform the EU Commission.
Leap Card
The Leap card has been an enormous success since its launch in December 2011. By end-
2018 card sales had reached in excess of 3.6m with over 823k cards issued in 2018, a
17% increase on 2017's 704k. In 2018 over 156.9m journeys were taken on Leap cards,
averaging over 13m journeys each month, an overall increase of 21% on 2017.
Various enhancements have been added to the scheme since its initial launch, most
notably the Leap Top-Up for Android phones. Take-up has been hugely popular and
during 2018 the app processed top-ups worth €44.5m, an average of €3.7m per month, a
65% increase over 2017.
A significant change which happened in 2018 was the roll out of Leap ticketing machines
on all Bus Éireann PSO buses nationwide. This will result in passengers saving almost 43%
when paying fares using credit on their Leap card instead of cash. Other initiatives have
included the 4th annual "Kids Go Free" on all public transport services covered by the Leap
card from 2nd July to 15th July 2018. During this period free travel applied to any holder
of a child Leap card. Almost 716,000 child trips were taken over those two free weeks
which was up from 658,000 free trips taken in 2017, an increase of 8.75%.
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Luas Green Line Capacity Enhancement
Work continued on the Luas Green Line Capacity Enhancement project. The purpose of
the project is to address current capacity limits at peak hours on the Luas Green Line and
to cater for future demands along the line.
The project will cost approximately €90 million and is proposed in the National Transport
Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035. It
includes the lengthening of the existing green line tram fleet, the purchase of additional
trams to meet future passenger demand and modifications to Sandyford Depot to stable
and maintain these trams. The contract was placed at the end of 2017 for 26 tram
extensions and the first of these will be delivered in late 2019. The order for eight new
trams was placed in November 2018. Phase one of the Sandyford Depot Extension was
completed in March 2018 and Phase two is scheduled for completion in Q1 2019.
The capacity increases at peak periods provided by the project will assist in reducing
crowding on the Green Line and enhance accessibility for mobility and sensory impaired
users during these periods.
Next Generation Ticketing
In 2018, the NTA ran a competition to seek a supplier of a bar code based mobile
ticketing solution for use across public transport operators which will be targeting initially
inter-city and longer-distance bus (and possibly rail) journeys where the cheapest price is
typically obtained by booking online in advance of the journey. The competition is close
to completion with award of contract expected to be March 2019. The first use of mobile
ticketing will be later in 2019 on a pilot basis.
PSO services
Taxpayers' contribution towards funding PSO services is substantial and in 2018
amounted to €285 million, €75m higher than in 2015, representing an increase of 36% in
the past 4 years. 269 million passenger journeys were provided by Dublin Bus, Bus
Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, LUAS and Go-Ahead Ireland on PSO services in 2018, an
increase of almost 19 million, or 7.5% compared to 2017.
Public Transport Accessibility
The Department has responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public
transport accessibility. The NTA has statutory responsibility for developing an integrated,
accessible public transport network.
As a result of wide consultation with members of the disability community and with
disability bodies, Minister Ross decided that the public transport companies under his
aegis should each have at least one board member who has personal knowledge and
experience of the needs and difficulties of people with disabilities using public transport.
The Minister announced the 5 new Directors at a Press Conference in August 2018.
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During 2018, the Department’s Accessibility Consultative Committee (ACC) met on a
quarterly basis. The ACC brings together Officials from the Department, from relevant
Agencies, representatives from organisations representing people with disabilities and
members of the Disability Stakeholder Group (DSG). The DSG members are appointed
under the Government’s National Disability Inclusion Strategy. The minutes of these
meetings, the ACC Work Programme and other related documentation are available on
the Department’s website.
A number of initiates were undertaken in 2018 towards progressively making public
transport services and infrastructures fully accessible. These included:
Following a six month pilot project, Irish Rail reduced the period of advance notice,
from 24 to four hours, for people with a disability who require assistance to use
services on the DART, Maynooth and Northern line commuter services.
Additional funding was allocated to Irish Rail for the development of a new
smartphone app to address some of the key communication breakdowns that occur
when providing assistance to persons with disabilities. The company intends to
deploy this app during 2019.
The NTA placed an order for new single-deck buses for use on PSO commuter
routes up to 50km which will eliminate the advance notice requirement on these
routes. 24hrs advance notice is currently required.
The NTA in conjunction with Bus Éireann, successfully piloted the “Short Common
Name” (SCN) Project in Waterford. This will enable the roll out of Audio Visual
announcements on all Bus Éireann rural and regional services for the approximately
6,000 bus stops nationwide.
The level of accessibility on Local Link services increased to approximately 80%.
Since the introduction of a taxi wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme
in 2014, the number of WAVs in the fleet has increased from 860 in 2014 to 2,220
at end December 2018. This is the highest level ever of WAVs in the small public
service vehicle fleet.
Rural Transport Programme
The NTA has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including
management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP), which is now operating under the
‘Local Link’ brand. During 2018, 2 million passenger journeys were recorded on over
149,115 Local Link services, across 1,072 routes.
In 2018 the NTA published the Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018-
2022. The NTA developed the Plan in partnership with the Chairs and Managers of the
Local Link Offices. The key priorities continue to include addressing rural social exclusion
and the integration of rural transport services with other public transport services.
Funding of approximately €15 million was provided to the Programme in 2018 by the
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. This figure represented an increase in
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funding of €0.6m over 2017 and allowed for the development of 16 new regular
commuter bus services in 2018. These included the introduction of regular five/six/seven
day per week bus services. This type of network development took place to enhance both
Demand Responsive and Scheduled services. Key features of these developments include
greater integration with existing public transport services and better linkage of services
between and within towns and villages.
In terms of existing services, a retendering process of the existing 1,035 rural transport
services continued during 2018. Given the volume of routes, it is expected that the
retendering exercise will be completed by mid- 2019.
In recognition of the importance of addressing social isolation and unmet transport needs
in rural areas during evening and night-time hours, Minister Ross asked the NTA to
examine the potential to extend existing Local Link services to provide additional services
in the evenings.
Following a call for applications to all of the Local Link offices, a total of 65 additional
services across all 26 counties were approved for funding. These ran from July, typically
from 6pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, on a trial basis.
The trial was scheduled to run until end December 2018. Following a review by the NTA,
the trial, with the majority of the services, was extended until the end of Quarter One
2019, when the NTA will conduct a further review of the performance of the services.
Roads
National Roads Investment in 2018
A total of €312m in capital was allocated to national roads, while €35.8m was allocated to
on-going maintenance and upkeep of the national road network. The maintenance works
included winter maintenance, improved signage and other necessary upkeep. In addition
to this, a total of €122m in expenditure was related to Public Private Partnership (PPP)
road schemes.
Regional and Local Roads Investment
A total of €434m was invested by the Exchequer in regional and local roads in 2018.
While the main focus of the regional and local grant programme was road maintenance
and renewal, funding was also allocated in 2018 for:
51 Specific Improvement category projects and 16 Strategic Regional and Local
Roads category projects.
227 Safety Improvement Works category schemes and 216 Bridge Rehabilitation
category schemes.
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Following the launch of an initiative aimed at reducing speed limits in housing estates
across the country in 2015, further funding of almost €1million was provided to local
authorities to support this signage programme in 2018. Funding will continue to be
provided for this initiative in 2019.
2018 grant allocations also included provision for initiatives in the area of Community
Involvement Schemes amounting to €25m over two years, and drainage, with funding of
€10m for 2018. While local authorities were able to use general grants for such schemes
in recent years, in 2018 ring-fenced funding was provided.
Roadworks & Licencing Management
Road works are a necessary part of normal economic activity. They do however cause
congestion and damage to road pavements and it is necessary to regulate them through
licensing and consents. The Department, in conjunction with local authorities, has
progressed a number of initiatives to assist with this which are:
Road Management Office (Local Authority shared service established in late 2014
and commenced operations in 2015). Further information at www.rmo.ie.
Following extensive consultation (including with utilities/telecos) over some three
years, the latest version of the Guidelines for Managing Openings in Public Roads
(Purple Book) was published in April 2017. This document provides guidance and
specifications for excavation and road opening works on public roads, material on
the legal background and requirements as well as procedures for the use of the
MapRoad Licensing System (national centralised road opening licensing system).
Formal training in support of implementation was developed during 2018.
Supporting and developing technologies, in particular, an IT based road
management system (MapRoad) continues to be developed. This is a centralised
web based system which allows utility companies and other organisations to apply
on-line for road opening licenses and road works permits. Work on this is being
supplemented by updates to a series of related technical guidance documents and
the production of associated apps.
These interventions to date have achieved the following:
By the end of 2018, the MapRoad Roadworks Licensing System (MRL) is being
used by 30 local authorities. The Road Management Office continues to engage
with the remaining major urban local authorities. This is in line with the Report of
the Mobile Phone and Broadband Task Force which, among other things,
recommended that the MapRoad Roadworks Licensing System (MRL) will be
utilised by all local authorities and road opening licensing applicants as the single
national centralised road opening licensing system. The Department is an active
participant in the Task Force.
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During 2018, over 570 organisations registered on MRL. An average of 2,200
licences per month were processed, peaking at of over 3,000 during Quarter 3. The
Department also established the Joint Utility and Local Authority (JULA) group
comprising representatives from all major stakeholders. The group has made
significant collaborative progress in the implementation of the Department’s
Guidelines including a standardised framework for charging, security and agreeing
timelines for training and notifications of roadworks by stakeholders.
All utility/telecoms applications are now online rather than paper based. Irish
Water are using MapRoad for all capital works license applications and have
commenced implementation for use of MRL for all of its remaining works to be
implemented.
Improvements continue to be made in license turnaround times and
standardisation.
Pavement Management
The Department continues to lead implementation of pavement management systems,
with local authorities required to monitor and track the performance of their road
networks. Data collected is used for prioritising, funding and managing works. Elements
of the performance data is also required for reports to the National Oversight and Audit
Commission (NOAC).
Work completed included:
Complete machine and visual condition surveys for the entire regional road
network.
Publication of the non-national road pavement condition survey standard.
Updating the MapRoad software system to current OSI mapping and software
supports for individual authorities to update their road schedules and analyse
condition of roads at project level.
Reporting of conditions and works completed by local authorities. Provisional
figures for outputs for 2018 are shown below:
Road Class Poor Fair Good Excellent Unsurveyed
Regional 8% 25% 32% 35% 0%
Local Primary 12% 26% 39% 20% 3%
Local Secondary 19% 29% 35% 13% 5%
Local Tertiary 25% 21% 23% 12% 19%
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Guidance and software supports in relation to footways condition rating have also
been developed and rolled out to local authorities.
Work is progressing to address efficiency and sustainability issues arising around
public lighting. This will be progressed further in 2019. One of the highest uses of
energy in local authorities is public lighting.
Work continued on progressing systems and solutions for other areas such as
footways, public lighting, bridges, traffic safety and collisions.
Continuation of work to develop new procedures, guidelines, software and training
around bridges and structures happened in 2018. This will be progressed further
in 2019 to help better manage up to 30,000 such structures across the country.
Commencement of work in relation to road collision data to address road safety
issues arising. This will be progressed further in 2019.
Revision and update to the Traffic Signs Manual.
Development of guidance in relation to temporary traffic management in support
of Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.
Revision and update of the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS).
The Department also continued its participation in ROADEX, a technical co-operation
between roads organisations across northern Europe that aims to share roads related
information and research between the partners particularly relating to the construction
and maintenance of rural roads. The Department will host a Roadex Conference in
advance of the Local Authority Conference in 2019.
Road Transport Operator Licensing
The Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit (RTOL) manages the licence process for road
haulage operators and road passenger transport operators. At the end of 2018 there
were 3,875 haulage licence holders with a total of 18,882 authorised vehicles and 1,719
passenger licence holders with 11,257 authorised vehicles. During 2018, 748 Road
Haulage Operator Licences and 344 Road Passenger Transport Operator Licences were
issued.
In 2018, approximately 69% of all licence applications and applications to amend existing
licences were made through the Department's online application service. This represents
an increase of 7% in the use of the online service on the previous year, pointing to the
sector’s increasing adoption of electronic application systems. Income from licence fees
for 2018 totalled €878K.
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In relation to the European Commission’s Mobility Package and its proposals published in
May 2017, RTOL engaged with the Commission and stakeholders throughout 2018 to
ensure that Ireland’s interests continue to be taken into account in any proposed changes
to existing road transport legislation.
Road Safety Strategy
The Government’s fourth Road Safety Strategy 2013 -2020 aims to make Ireland one of
the safest countries in terms of road deaths in the EU. The number of road deaths was
147 in 2018, which was the lowest number since records began. While there was a
welcome reduction of 10 road deaths in 2018 by comparison with 2017, significant
further progress is needed over the next two years to reach the specific target set in the
Strategy of reducing the number of road deaths to 124 per year by 2020.
During 2018 the Department continued work on implementing the Strategy, and the
recommendations of the mid-term Review of the Road Safety Strategy conducted in
2017, which identified a number of additional actions to be carried out. The Department
has continued to engage with all of the major stakeholders, including the Road Safety
Authority, the Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, an Garda Síochána,
the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Health and
Safety Authority, and others to improve road safety.
Legislation
16 pieces of secondary legislation across a wide variety of road safety areas were
introduced during 2018.
Cost of Insurance Working Group
The Department participated in the Cost of Insurance Working Group (CIWG), established
in 2016 under the Chairmanship of a Minister of State of the Department of Finance. This
group was tasked with examining the reasons for the recent rises in the cost of motor
insurance, and to make recommendations on how these costs might be reduced. The
CIWG has made 23 recommendations, with 71 associated actions to be carried out within
agreed timeframes.
The main recommendations for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport relate to:
Increased focus (in conjunction with the RSA) on further measures to improve road
safety focussed on learner and novice drivers.
The establishment of a fully functioning insurance database to be maintained by
the insurance industry.
Objective: To promote and advance safety on our transport network
33
During 2018, DTTAS, continued work begun in 2017, in conjunction with the RSA,
Insurance Ireland and insurance company representatives to assist with the development
of a road safety campaign to be carried out by the industry. The insurance industry will
initially concentrate on a campaign using primarily social media to target learner and
novice drivers.
Phase one of the insurance database project relating to privately owned motor vehicles
will provide insured and uninsured vehicle lists to An Garda Síochána based on vehicle
licence plate number and insurer name. This includes providing a list of uninsured vehicles
that can be loaded into the An Garda Síochána Automatic Number Plate Recognition
(ANPR) System.
Further testing of the phase one database to identify vehicles for which no insurance is in
place was carried out by An Garda Síochána, and most of phase one is now completed.
Preliminary work towards phase two of the project, which includes the capturing of driver
vehicle numbers, was also undertaken during 2018.
Drink Driving
The Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018 was passed and its measures commenced. The
Act is focused on addressing two important road safety issues. First, it ensures that all
drink drivers will now face disqualification, by removing a previous anomaly which allowed
some drink drivers to receive penalty points rather than a disqualification. These people
will now receive a 3-month disqualification. Second, it addresses the problem of learner
drivers illegally driving unaccompanied. It does this in two ways. First, it makes it an
offence for the owner of a vehicle to permit an unaccompanied learner (or an unlicensed
driver) to drive their vehicle. Second, it extends the existing Garda power to detain a
vehicle under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, so that a vehicle may be detained if
driven by an unaccompanied learner.
Drug Driving
Work continued on the introduction of measures to combat the issue of drug driving
which is a matter of growing concern.
The Road Traffic Act, which was signed into law in December 2016 and contains
measures to address drug driving in two ways. First, a new offence has been created of
driving while over a specified limit for certain drugs. This is the first time that drugs have
been put on the same level as alcohol in this way. Second, the Act provides powers for
Gardaí to conduct preliminary drug tests, in the same circumstances in which they may
already conduct roadside breath tests for alcohol.
Fixed Charge Notices and Penalty Points
The penalty points system for certain driving offences was introduced in Ireland on 31
October 2002. The offences selected for inclusion in the system all relate either directly
34
or indirectly to road safety and the principal focus of the system is to influence and
improve driver behaviour in Ireland and reduce the levels of death and serious injury on
our roads.
Difficulties can sometimes be encountered with the allocation of penalty points offences
dealt with in the Courts to the relevant driver records, in particular those who go to court
to challenge their penalty points but do not bring their licence with them.
The Garda Inspectorate report ‘The Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS), a 21st
Century Strategy’ contains a recommendation that a system be introduced to ensure that
all penalty points are endorsed on driving licences. Vehicles and drivers are currently
accommodated on separate databases reflecting the historical way in which vehicle and
driver services were delivered.
A Transformation Programme provides for the creation of a new Master Licence Record
(MLR). This will provide a link between vehicle owners and holders of driving licences in
order to achieve optimum penalty point endorsement. The MLR, however, will not cater
for situations where the offender has no direct association with the vehicle.
The project is progressing and in order to mitigate any legislative and administrative
problems, the project team has engaged with the Office of the Attorney General, the Data
Protection Commissioner’s Office, the Gardaí and other key stakeholders to finalise the
requirements. The first phase of the MLR matching project is complete. This phase
involved associating vehicle owner records with driver records by matching on name and
address details. After removing all duplicate owner and duplicate driver records to reduce
the possibility of mismatches, roughly 18% of active vehicle records have been
successfully matched with driver records. This matching process runs every week, after
which a file containing the vehicle-driver associations is sent to An Garda Síochána for use
in the Fixed Charge Processing System. New legislation will be required to enable other
MLR matching methods. DTTAS included measures which will contribute to the
underpinning of the MLR as part of a general scheme of a Road Traffic (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Bill submitted to Government in December 2018.
Rail Regulation
The EU adopted the Fourth Railway Package in 2016 which provide for national
implementation dates ranging from December 2017 to June 2020. The measures consist
of 3 Directives and 3 Regulations covering:
The governance of rail infrastructure and operation
Updating and streamlining of processes and systems for railway safety and
interoperability
Market opening for domestic passenger rail transport
35
The introduction of mandatory competitive tendering for Public Service Obligations
(PSO) passenger service contracts from 2019 for most rail services but permitting
direct award PSO contracts in certain circumstances
An expanded role for the European Railway Agency (renamed as the European
Union Agency for Railways -EUAR).
The six proposals of the EU Railway Package fall into two groups – a Market pillar and a
Technical pillar.
The Market pillar introduces changes to governance of railway infrastructure management
to support domestic passenger market opening and changes to the regulation on awarding
public service contracts. Draft national regulations were prepared in 2018 and are due to
be finalised and implemented in 2019.
The Technical pillar recasts and updates the earlier Railway Interoperability Directives and
the Railway Safety Directives. A new EU Regulation expands the role of the EUAR as a
‘one stop shop’ for safety certification of railway undertakings. The objective is to improve
the functioning of the Single European Railway area by removing remaining barriers and
to reinforce harmonisation of interoperability and safety arrangements. Member States
were given the option to extend the implementation date for the Technical Pillar by a year
to June 2020. Ireland availed of that extension facility in order to fully address provisions
relating to third countries and any other impacts arising from the Brexit process.
In 2018, the Department, with its Permanent Representation officials in Brussels,
continued engagement with the EU Commission and engaged with national stakeholders
in negotiations on EU proposals to recast the EU Regulation on Rail Passengers’ Rights
and Obligations.
A General Scheme for a Railway Safety Amendment Bill was published in May 2018. The
proposals include measures for updating the Alcohol and Drug (intoxicants) testing
provisions for railway safety critical workers. As highlighted during the Pre-Legislative
Scrutiny appearance, it is proposed, following engagement with the Office of the
Parliamentary Counsel, that there will be a restructuring of the provisions in the General
Scheme relating to criminal offences. Publication of the Bill is now expected in 2019.
Railway Accident Investigation Unit
The purpose of the Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) is to independently
investigate occurrences on Irish railways with a view to establishing their cause and make
recommendations to prevent their reoccurrence or otherwise improve railway safety.
Forty – nine preliminary examinations were carried out in 2018. Four investigations were
commenced in 2018, these related to:
Collision buffer stop at Laois Train Care Depot;
Collision of a train with a motor vehicle at level crossing, XM 220, Co. Mayo;
Wrongside door failure at Ashtown Station, Dublin;
36
Trend investigation: - road rail vehicle incidents on IÉ Network- near miss.
The RAIU published one investigation report in 2018, this related to an occurrence that
took place in 2017. The investigation was as follows:
Derailment of DART passenger service at Points DL115, Dun Laoghaire.
Seven new safety recommendations were issued in 2018 as a result of this investigation.
The focus of the safety recommendations were:
o Training and competency management of persons required to conduct
Infrastructure Manager operating duties and a review of the associated
documentation;
o Monitoring compliance of safety critical communications;
o Management of major customer disruption, particularly in terms of
uncontrolled impromptu evacuations;
o Signalling protection, adopted by drivers in the event of an emergency.
Rickshaws
A General Scheme of the Taxi Regulation (Amendment) (Rickshaw) Bill 2018 was
published on 13 November and brought to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport,
Tourism and Sport for pre-legislative scrutiny on 28 November 2018. The General
Scheme provides powers to the National Transport Authority to introduce a licensing
regime, similar to that in place for taxis, for non-motorised rickshaws only.
This General Scheme provides for a number of licensing and enforcement provisions
addressing broad themes including: vehicle checking and registration; driver vetting and
registration; requirements regarding insurance and fare regulation. A key component of
the new framework will be to ensure that a ban on motorised rickshaws carrying
passengers is effectively enforced with the introduction of comprehensive new detention
powers. These powers will permit an authorised officer to remove a vehicle for further
examination.
The Department is engaging with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to advance the
drafting of the Bill with a view to publication in 2019.
Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) Regulation
The NTA has responsibility for the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV)
industry under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
The 2018 wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme was administered by the
NTA to support an increase in the number of WAVs in the SPSV fleet. Under the Scheme,
funding of €3.336 million resulted in the addition of 679 new WAVs to the fleet and the
upgrading of 82, previously licenced WAVs being replaced. By 31 December 2018 there
37
were 2,220 WAVs in the fleet, compared to 1,555 at the start of the year, an overall
increase of 43%.
The NTA introduced changes to the SPSV driver entry test in October to allow candidates
to carry over a pass in one module, for a period of twelve months, while attempting to
pass the second module. The pass mark for the test was also reduced from 80% to
75%. Initial results for test completions and pass rates by year end were positive. In 2018,
there was a 2% increase in the total number of SPSV driver licences.
The introduction of single module retests and reduction in the pass rate has had a knock-
on effect on the number of new drivers joining the industry in 2018. There has been an
increase of 49% in the average number of new SPSV driver licences issued per month
over the last year.
Cycling
Bikeweek (9th June to 17th June 2018) continued to be very successful with over 50,000
participants in over 600 nationwide events organised by local authorities, local sports
partnerships and local communities. This event encourages people of all ages to consider
getting on their bike for the first time or to take out their bike to cycle to work, school or
just for leisure.
Following on from the success of 2017 where some 15,000 school children received cycle
training under the cycle right training programme, over 20,000 school children received
cycle training under this programme in 2018. In order to build on this success DTTAS will
increase investment in this programme which will increase training numbers by up to 25%
in 2019.
National Planning Framework
During 2017 the Department worked closely with our colleagues in Department of
Housing, Planning and Local Government on the development of the new National
Planning Framework to consider ways to reduce the overall need to travel and the
distances taken through the integration of land and transport planning. The new
Framework was published in February 2018.
Sustainable Transport Programme
Work on key programmes continued in 2018 with on-going investment in both
infrastructure and behavioural change programmes to facilitate and encourage modal shift
towards sustainable forms of transport. In terms of investment, a number of projects
Objective: To promote improved sustainability in land transport
38
across the country were funded including public transport improvements in Cork City
Centre and a cycling and walking bridge in Navan, Co. Meath.
Behavioural change programmes that also continued to receive financial support to
encourage smarter travel included the travel element of the Green Schools Programme
along with the Smarter Travel Campuses and Workplaces Programmes. On average over
400 schools per annum participate in the Green Schools Travel Programme, with a range
of activities taking place throughout the year promoting sustainable travel and pupil
participation.
In 2018 Smarter Travel Campuses was active in 23 third level institutions giving a
potential reach of over 200,000 students and 25,000 employees. The Smarter Travel
Workplace programme also continued in 2018 and now has a potential reach of over
100,000 employees including 116 large employers and clusters of smaller employers.
39
Aviation
Image Credit: Shannon Group
High level goal To maximise air transport connectivity with a safe, competitive,
cost-effective and sustainable aviation sector
Our aviation strategy aims to promote safe, cost-effective and competitive air services
linking the country with key business and tourism markets. The policies and actions to
achieve this goal are set out in our National Aviation Policy.
National Aviation Policy for Ireland
The National Aviation Policy (NAP) was published in August 2015. Throughout 2018
progress continued on the actions contained in the policy across all of its chapters. Work
commenced in 2018 on the second progress report under National Aviation Policy action
plan, which is now published.
Objective: To ensure that Irish aviation meets the highest standards of safety and security
40
Aviation Safety Regulation
In line with its commitments in the National Aviation Policy 2015, the Department played
an active role in the development of the European Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 on
common rules in the field of civil aviation and establishment of a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA), which updates EU aviation safety legislation.
The EU Regulation encompasses all essential requirements for aviation safety, and
includes new regulatory provisions concerning civil drones. It extends EASA’s scope to
safety-related aspects of security. It also establishes a mechanism for the pooling and
sharing of aviation inspectors, and other technical assistance to support EU countries in
certification, oversight and enforcement tasks.
Through statutory instrument number 557 of 2018 the Minister ensured that the Irish
Aviation Authority continues to be designated as the national competent authority for
aviation safety regulation in the State for the purposes of this new European aviation
safety regulation.
Air Accident Investigation Unit
The objective of safety investigation should be the prevention of future accidents and
incidents without apportioning blame or liability. Experience has shown that accidents are
often preceded by safety-related incidents and deficiencies revealing the existence of a
safety hazard. Safety information is therefore an important resource for the detection of
potential safety hazards.
A total of 24,560 Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MORs) were received and assessed in
2018, of which 72 came within the investigative remit of the Air Accident Investigation
Unit (AAIU). With priority given towards the investigation and reporting of accidents and
serious incidents, a total of 34 occurrences were the subject of an investigation in 2018.
16 of these occurrences were national and 16 were foreign investigations into Irish
registered/operated aircraft abroad.
The following table shows a breakdown of the total national and international occurrences
and fatalities recorded by the AAIU in 2018.
Accidents Serious Incidents Incidents Total Fatalities
National 12 4 22 38 3
International 3 13 18 34 0
Total 15 17 40 72 3
There were a total of three aviation related fatalities in Ireland in 2018. Two persons, a
pilot and passenger (minor) were fatally injured in a parachuting aircraft accident near
41
Clonbullogue, Co Kildare on the 13 May 2018 and one pilot was fatally injured in a
general aviation accident near Ballina on the 4 May 2018.
The Investigation into the tragic loss of the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter R116 at Black
Rock, Co. Mayo, Ireland on the 14 March 2017 is on-going as a matter of priority and it is
envisaged that the Investigation Report will be concluded in 2019.
With regard to the foreign occurrences, the AAIU provided assistance to these
investigations through the appointment of 17 Accredited Representatives. The AAIU
continues to support the Egyptian authorities in their investigation of the Irish Registered
Airbus A321, EI-ETJ Accident that occurred in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt on 31 October
2015, with the loss of 224 persons.
A total of 24 Reports, made up of 21 national and three international, were published on
the Unit website www.aaiu.ie and 11 safety recommendations were issued to various
aviation entities by the AAIU in 2018.
National Civil Aviation Security Programme and Committee
The National Civil Aviation Security Programme sets out national and international
aviation security requirements for civil aviation in the State. The Department conducted
the annual review of the Programme in 2018 in consultation with the National Civil
Aviation Security Committee.
The National Civil Aviation Security Committee, which is chaired by the Department,
coordinates the implementation of the National Programme for civil aviation security and
advises Government on all matters pertaining to aviation security. The Committee
comprises representatives of key Government Departments, An Garda Síochána, the
Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Defence Forces, the Irish Aviation Authority
and the aviation industry sectors. The Committee met in plenary on two occasions in
2018, with a number of topic focused working group meetings held to progress the work
of the Committee.
National Aviation Facilitation Committee
The National Aviation Facilitation (FAL) Committee provides a forum for issues to be aired
by the aviation sector and to find ways of addressing them to improve the passenger
experience, as well as ensuring compliance with Annex 9 of the Chicago Convention
which is monitored by ICAO.
Two meetings of the FAL Committee were held in 2018 with all relevant airport
authorities, airlines, Government Departments and agencies represented. The new
National Facilitation Programme for 2018 – 2021 was approved at the October meeting
of the FAL Committee.
42
ECAC FAL Working Group
The Department hosted the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Workshop on
Health Matters in Civil Aviation and the 56th meeting of the ECAC Facilitation Working
Group in Dublin Castle on 23 and 24 October 2018. The Health Workshop was attended
by representatives of national authorities and managers from airlines and airport
operators responsible for developing policy or implementing provisions related to health
issues in civil aviation.
The Facilitation Working Group is composed of members and observers from the civil
aviation sector, including users, customs, immigration, cargo and public health specialists
from the 44 ECAC Member States. The group meets twice a year and works to improve
passenger experience and facilitate trade and travel through airports.
International Civil Aviation Organisation
Ireland continues its role as a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation
(ICAO) Council for the period 2016-2019.
The ICAO Council is one of the two governing bodies of ICAO and its major duties are to
adopt international standards and recommended practices (SARPs) and to incorporate
these as annexes to the Chicago Convention. On 27th June 2018, the ICAO Council
adopted the key rules of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International
Aviation, known as CORSIA The adoption of the first addition of Annex 16 Vol IV on
CORSIA was seen as an important step forward showing the shared global commitment to
implement what is the first ever global scheme on aviation emissions. The agreement set
out the rules needed for airlines to monitor and report their emissions and agreed in detail
what had to be done and by whom, starting with the collection of information on
international aviation CO2 emissions by airlines as of 1 January, 2019.
National Civil Aviation Development Forum
In line with the NAP commitment to establish closer collaborative links with the industry,
the National Civil Aviation Development Forum (NCADF) consisting of senior aviation
stakeholders continued its work in 2018. The NCADF structures were consolidated in
early 2018, with both the Aircraft Leasing and Training, Skills and Education Working
Groups having effectively concluded their work. The Regulatory Framework Working
Group (RFWG), met six times in 2018, continuing effective stakeholder debate across a
range of regulatory and policy issues, most notably Brexit. On Brexit, the Department
facilitated two meetings of the NCADF Steering Committee with Tánaiste Coveney and
Objective: To promote the sustainable development, competitiveness and growth of the Irish aviation sector within Ireland and globally
43
Minister Ross in 2018 and also a meeting of the RFWG with a delegation from the EU
parliament transport (TRAN) committee in Dublin.
In terms of external developments impacting on the policy, the decision by the UK to
withdraw from the European Union (Brexit) is the most significant event since the
publication of the policy, with the potential for substantial negative impacts on both the
Irish aviation sector and the Irish economy. The unique legal regime which governs
international civil aviation makes the legalities around Brexit quite complex. Unlike many
other sectors, trade in aviation services are usually excluded from general international
trade and investment agreements and instead are governed by a network of bilateral
agreements between states.
Aviation is the principal means of travel for all visitors to/from Ireland, and the UK is by
far the most important origin and destination for international passengers to and from
Ireland. The current extent of air traffic between the UK and Ireland is significant at
approximately 12.8 million passengers or 39% of total passengers handled by Irish
airports. The Dublin to London route is the second busiest international route globally by
number of passengers with almost 4.5 million passengers per year.
The Department is engaging on key issues through an internal committee established
within the Government’s Brexit Contingency Framework and in consultation with the
sector. These include implications for the open skies policy and connectivity, aviation
safety, aviation security and the future of the Ireland-UK functional airspace block. On
the 19th of December 2018, the European Commission published a draft proposal for a
Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules ensuring
basic connectivity with regard to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland from the Union. The objective of this unilateral measure is to lay
down provisions to govern air transport between the EU and the UK following the latter’s
withdrawal from the EU. The measures are subject to reciprocity with the UK and would
only apply for a period of 12 months or until such time as a comprehensive air transport
agreement between the EU and the UK has been concluded, under the “future
relationship” phase of Brexit.
Airport Capacity
In line with the aim to enhance Ireland’s connectivity, and take strategic steps to ensure
sufficient capacity for the increasing air traffic demand, work on the second parallel
runway project at Dublin Airport continued in 2018. The preliminary works under the
first phase of the construction package including preparation of the site, drainage, utility
works, fencing, landscaping and realignment of roads were completed. Following a
competitive tender process, a contract was awarded by daa to a joint venture
compromising Irish firm Roadbridge and Spanish infrastructure company FCC
Construcción (FCC) for phase two (construction of runway). Work is underway and the
runway is expected to be operational in 2021.
44
To also ensure the long-term development of the three State Airports (Dublin, Cork and
Shannon), the Department appointed consultants to undertake a high-level strategic
review of the future capacity needs at Ireland’s State Airports. The review was carried out
by Oxford Economics and Cambridge Economics Policy Associates (CEPA) and considers
the development of the three State Airports to 2050. The Review was published on 24
October 2018. It identifies priorities for infrastructure provision at all three airports. In the
case of Dublin Airport only, the study assesses the relative advantages and disadvantages
of the operation of any new terminal by the existing airport operator in comparison with
being operated on an independent basis.
The views of all interested parties on the findings of the Review were invited through a
public consultation process. All submissions received are being considered before the
Minister reverts to Government with recommendations on the future development of
Dublin Airport.
U.S. Preclearance
Agreement has been reached between the Department and US officials on amendments
to the Ireland/US Preclearance Agreement following detailed negotiations in order to
ensure that sufficient resources are in place at US Preclearance to accommodate the
growing transatlantic business at Dublin and Shannon Airports. Arrangements are
underway for the entry into force of the revised Agreement.
Aviation Statistics
In line with commitments outlined in the NAP, the Department published quarterly
aviation statistical information on its website throughout 2018 in relation to State and
Regional Airports, including passenger numbers, cargo carried and airport commercial
movements.
Aircraft Noise
The Department prepared and published during 2018 a new Aircraft Noise (Dublin
Airport) Regulation Bill 2018, designed to implement EU Regulation 598/2014 in Ireland.
It proposes a new regulatory regime for noise at Dublin Airport. The Bill was introduced in
Dáil Éireann in November 2018.
Airport Charges
In 2019, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) will make a new Determination on
the maximum level of airport charges at Dublin Airport, for a period of four years,
commencing on the 1 January 2020.
The Department wrote to the CAR confirming government policy on airport charges
regulation in July 2018. CAR’s final decision on the 2019 Determination is due in
September 2019 with the Determination coming into effect on 1 January, 2020.
45
Air Transport Agreements
A key component of the EU’s external aviation policy is to develop a wider European
Common Aviation Area by incorporating neighbouring countries. To this end, a number of
air transport agreements have been negotiated between the EU and many neighbouring
countries and regions in recent years.
During 2016 the EU Commission was authorised to open negotiations on comprehensive
EU air transport agreements with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Member
States (ASEAN), Turkey, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ireland fully supports
the efforts of the European Commission in this area. Throughout 2018, officials from the
Department engaged in these negotiations with various third countries via the Aviation
Special Committee and the Aviation Working Group of the European Council.
In addition to EU Agreements, we continue to pursue measures to enhance Ireland’s
bilateral aviation relations with emerging markets. In June 2018, a new Bilateral Air
Services Agreement was reached between officials from Department and counterparts in
the Transport Ministry of Hong Kong. This new bilateral agreement facilitated the
commencement of direct air services between Dublin and Hong Kong by Cathay Pacific
in June 2018. The Chinese operator Hainan Airlines also commenced scheduled air
services to Dublin from Beijing in summer 2018. These flights represented the first ever
direct scheduled passenger services between Ireland and the Asia-Pacific region.
Aviation Leasing
The NAP seeks to foster the growth of aviation enterprise as a key contributor to Ireland’s
economic growth and development. The Cape Town Convention 2001 and its associated
Aircraft Protocol is a key international instrument in support of aviation leasing. Ireland
made a successful application to qualify for inclusion on the “Cape Town List”, and was
officially added on the 30th August 2018. States deemed to apply key provisions of the
Cape Town Convention qualify for a discount on the prescribed minimum premium rate,
under the terms of the OECD Aircraft Sectoral Understanding on Export Credits.
Aviareto is the joint venture between the Irish Government and the Société Internationale
de Télécommunications Aéronautiques (SITA) which has operated the International
Registry of Aircraft Assets since its launch in 2006, contracted to and under the guidance
of ICAO. The International Registry allows for the secure registration of financial interests
in high value aircraft assets. Ireland, through its representation on the ICAO Council
helped to secure an extension to the Aviareto contract to operate the International
Registry until at least 2026. This is a strong endorsement of the company’s exemplary
record in operating the International Registry to date.
Aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector
In 2018 the Department commissioned independent consultants to provide a
comprehensive overview of the MRO sector in Ireland. This includes analysis of
46
international trends in MRO and air transport generally to assess the capacity of MRO to
meet projected growth in demand. The report was published in May 2019.
Regional Airports
The current Regional Airports Programme covering the period 2015 to 2019 provides
targeted Exchequer supports to four regional airports; Donegal, Kerry, Ireland West
Airport Knock (IWAK) and Waterford. These supports are provided through grant aid
schemes and are limited to safety and security related capital investments and operational
costs.
Grant support for the regional airports of Donegal, Kerry and IWAK in 2018 amounted to
approximately €7.45m. Of this, €3.77m was provided in operational supports and €3.68m
was provided in capital grant assistance. In light of the fact that all scheduled air services
ceased operations at Waterford Airport in June 2016 a process to review future options
for the airport commenced in 2018. Pending the outcome of this review, and as an
exceptional measure, two payments totalling €750,000 were made to Waterford Airport
in 2018. These payments ensured no disruption to the Coast Guard Search and Rescue
service while a future direction for the airport was being considered.
The Department also administers a Public Service Obligation (PSO) Air Services Scheme.
Following an EU public tendering process in accordance with EC Regulation 1008/2008, a
new contract to operate the Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services between Kerry
and Dublin and between Donegal and Dublin was awarded to Stobart Air commencing 1
February 2018. The new contract is for four years and will operate until 31 January 2022.
The total value of this contract is €29m with €7.25m paid to Stobart Air in respect of the
above services in 2018.
Restructuring of Aviation Regulation
Under the NAP, the Department committed to restructuring Ireland’s aviation regulation
regime to reflect best practice and developments at EU level. Government subsequently
approved the Department’s proposal to implement this by merging the IAA’s Safety
Regulation Division (SRD) with the CAR to form a single, standalone regulatory authority.
The residual commercial functions of the IAA, primarily Air Navigation Services, are to be
retained as a regulated, State-owned enterprise.
The Department has been progressing work on this project in 2018 through the
establishment of a project governance structure comprising a high-level steering group
and individual working groups with representation from each of the three entities affected
by the transformation – the IAA’s SRD and ANSP Divisions and the CAR. Each working
group has been assigned responsibility for an aspect of the project, including finance and
funding, HR, organisational structure, communications, and legislation. This work has
been guided and overseen by the steering group, which includes members of senior
management of both regulators alongside Departmental officials. The timeline for
completion of the overall project, including the enactment of legislation to effect the
merger, is anticipated to be the end of 2019.
—— 47
Annual Report 2018
Maritime
Image Credit: Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
High level goal To facilitate safe and sustainable maritime transport and the delivery
of emergency management services
Given Ireland’s status as a small open economy, the maritime sector is a critical gateway
for the movement of goods between Ireland and its trading partners. The sector also plays
a significant role in the movement of people to and from Ireland and is, therefore, key to
the development of the tourism sector. Our role in respect of maritime transport
encompasses not only the facilitation of the development of maritime transport but also
the implementation and assurance of safety, technical, labour and enforcement standards
and procedures that provide assurance for all who are reliant on the sea.
Objective: To facilitate an effective and competitive market for maritime transport services to meet the needs of our trading economy
—— 48
Annual Report 2018
National Ports Policy
In March 2013 Government approved the publication of a new National Ports Policy the
implementation of which was supported by the enactment of the Harbours Act 2015.
The policy introduces a number of important reforms and categorises the commercial port
companies into three tiers:
Ports of National Significance Tier 1 (Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes)
Ports of National Significance Tier 2 (Waterford and Rosslare)
Ports of Regional Significance (Drogheda, Dún Laoghaire, Galway, New Ross and
Wicklow).
During 2018 DTTAS continued implementation of the new policy in line with published
commitments.
The Harbours Act 2015 was passed by the Oireachtas and signed into law by the
President in December 2015.
The primary purpose of the Act is to facilitate the transfer of the five ports of Regional
Significance, Drogheda, Dún Laoghaire, Galway, New Ross and Wicklow, to local authority
control. The Act also makes a number of improvements to the board appointment process
for the port companies.
The Act provides for two possible transfer options:
A Ministerial power to transfer the shareholding of the companies to a relevant
Local Authority and provide for certain matters relating to the future
administration of any such company.
A Ministerial power to dissolve the companies and transfer all assets, liabilities and
employees to a relevant local authority.
Wicklow Port Company transferred to Wicklow County Council on 30 August 2016.
Drogheda Port Company’s shareholding was transferred to Louth County Council on 2
October 2017. Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company was dissolved and the harbour
transferred to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on the 3 October 2018. The
other local authorities concerned have commenced a due diligence process with the
remaining two ports due to be transferred. We continue to liaise with the local authorities
and ports with regard to the transfer process and the model of transfer.
Irish Flagged Vessels
The internationally trading Irish merchant shipping fleet increased and numbered 41
vessels (greater than 500 gross tonnage) at the end of 2018. Ireland maintained its
position on the “white list” of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State
Control. The Irish flag also maintained its “low risk” status. Objective: To update and develop legislation and associated activities, with regard to safety, security, living and working conditions, and ship-source pollution
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Annual Report 2018
Maritime Safety Strategy
The Irish Maritime Administration published a new Maritime Safety Strategy in 2015. The
Strategy contains 33 actions and focuses on reducing the number of deaths and injuries
among recreational users, fishers, passengers and seafarers over the period 2015 to 2019
and advocates greater personal responsibility and risk awareness.
A new edition of the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft has
been available since November 2017. The Code of Practice was widely distributed to
interested individuals and organisations throughout 2018 and adverts in marine leisure
publications, posters and flyers were used to publicise its availability and safety message.
The Code is a valuable source of information, advice and best practice operational
guidance for owners, operators and users of pleasure and recreational craft operating in
Irish coastal and inland waters including sail and motor boats, sailing dinghies, personal
watercraft (e.g. jet skis), power boats, canoes, kayaks, rowing boats, charter boats,
windsurfers, stand-up paddle boards and other non-powered craft.
Maritime Safety and Environment Legislation
A number of statutory instruments were made during 2018:
S.I. No. 236 of 2018 – Sea Pollution (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment)
Regulations 2018 amending the form of the Supplement to the International Oil
Pollution Prevention Certificate
S.I. No. 312 of 2018 – European Union (Marine Equipment) (Amendment)
Regulations 2018 amending the European Union (Marine Equipment) Regulations
2017 (S.I. No. 177 of 2017) to take account of Commission Implementing
Regulation (EU) 2018/773 on design, construction and performance requirements
and testing standards for marine equipment
S.I. No. 400 of 2018 – Pleasure Craft (Personal Flotation Devices and Operation)
(Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 amending the Pleasure Craft (Personal
Flotation Devices and Operation) (Safety) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 921 of 2005)
by updating the definition of “suitable personal flotation device”
S.I. No. 401 of 2018 – Fishing Vessel (Personal Flotation Devices) (Amendment)
Regulations 2018 amending the Fishing Vessel (Personal Flotation Devices)
Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 586 of 2001) by updating the definition of “suitable
personal flotation device”
S.I. No. 555 of 2018 – European Union (Ship Recycling) Regulations 2018 giving
effect to Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 on ship recycling
A further two statutory instruments were made to comply with International Maritime
Organization (IMO) requirements under Chapters III (Life-saving appliances and
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Annual Report 2018
requirements) and IV (Radiocommunications) of the Annex to the International
Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS):
S.I. No. 438 of 2018 – Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) Rules 2018
S.I. No. 452 of 2018 – Merchant Shipping (Radio) Rules 2018
The Irish Maritime Administration has been, and continues to be, very active in promoting
ambitious targets for maritime greenhouse gas emission reductions within the IMO’s
Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), and in co-operation with our EU
partners.
Living and Working Conditions in the Fishing Sector
On 31 January 2017, Council Directive (EU) 2017/159 was published in the Official
Journal of the European Union. This Directive contains a social partnership agreement,
concluded on 21 May 2012, which aims to implement the Work in Fishing Convention.
The Directive is due to be transposed into Irish law by 15 November 2019. A stakeholder
consultation was published via Marine Notice 42 of 2018 which sought views of fishers
and employers on both the Convention and the Directive. Following receipt of
submissions in December 2018 work is progressing on the legislation necessary to
transpose the Directive.
Marine Notices
In 2018 a total of 43 marine notices were issued. These notices are issued by the
Department to publicise important safety, regulatory and other relevant information
relating to maritime affairs in Ireland and can be divided into 3 categories:
Information: e.g. Marine Survey Office procedures and examinations, publications,
product recalls & safety alerts, and other industry notifications;
Works: e.g. advice on construction, works or surveys at sea that may affect
navigation; and
Statutory: to draw attention to a regulation or other legal requirement.
Accessible Maritime Transport
The Department continues to pursue initiatives to promote improvements in maritime
passenger transport accessibility. Throughout 2018 a flyer was distributed to encourage
further accessibility improvements on passenger ship and boat services based on five low-
cost improvement options.
Objective: To carry out safety, security, living and working conditions and environmental regulatory and enforcement activities relating to vessels, seafarers and ports
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Annual Report 2018
Concentrated Inspection Campaign
From September to end November 2018 Ireland took part in a concentrated inspection
campaign (CIC) which focussed on the requirements for the prevention of air pollution
from ships. The results will be made available through the Paris Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) on port state control.
266 foreign flagged ships were also inspected by the MSO under the Paris MOU Fair
Share arrangement, exceeding the set target of 260. The total number of ship related
surveys and inspections for 2018 was 1,293.
Maritime Education and Training Scheme
The Irish Maritime Education and Training Scheme (MET) is certified by the Department in
accordance with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and EU requirements for
seafarers’ training and certification.
Ireland continued implementation of the 2010 Manilla amendments, the International
Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
(STCW), and Ireland maintained its position on the “white list” of the IMO for States giving
full and complete effect to the STCW Convention. This means that Irish Certificates meet
the highest standards internationally and are recognised as such throughout the EU and
EEA and globally, by means of bi-lateral agreements with the main flag states.
Further developments are being made to the Seafarers’s Information System and its
accompanying website, www.seafarers.ie to allow greater access for both service
providers and seafarers. A total of 1779 certificates were issued by the Mercantile
Marine Office in 2018, an increase of 330 on the identified target.
Maritime Security
Throughout 2018 the implementation of maritime security measures including oversight
for ships, port facilities and ports continued during the year to ensure compliance with the
EU Regulation 725/2004/EC and Directive 2005/65/EC on port security. The European
Commission carried out an inspection during April 2018 in relation to the continued
implementation of the EU’s maritime security legislation in Ireland. A total of 12 Port
facilities inspections were also completed in 2018.
Search and Rescue
In 2018 there were a total of 2,647 incidents (2017: 2,502). There was a slight decrease in
the number of incidents responded to aboard merchant vessels and a decrease in
incidents responded to in the recreational craft sector. The increase in the total number
Objective: To manage the delivery of maritime safety, emergency response and pollution prevention measures
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Annual Report 2018
of incidents over the previous year was due to assistance provided to other agencies such
as the National Ambulance Service.
In 2018, in response to the 2,647 incidents, the number of taskings for search response
units are as follows – Coast Guard helicopters were tasked 669 times with RNLI being
tasked to 843 incidents and Coast Guard units being tasked 1,192 times.
Lives Saved
The Coast Guard attaches particular attention to what is categorised as "lives saved". This
refers to assistance provided that if it was not available would have resulted in loss of life
or severe risk of loss of life or protracted hospitalisation. In 2018 the Coast Guard has
recorded that in excess of 400 people were categorised as "lives saved".
Coast Guard Volunteer Units – Modernisation
New all-terrain vehicles have been introduced into the fleet while the general vehicle
replacement programme continued throughout the year.
The process for the construction of Coast Guard buildings in Greystones, Westport and
Kilmore Quay have commenced and a building and maintenance programme with the
OPW is on-going.
The development of a drone capability within Irish Coast Guard has commenced with the
intention to roll this out in 2019.
Additional resources and staff were brought onboard during 2018 to improve
management and oversight of the Coast Guard volunteer Units. Significant investments
were made in the Coast Guard to implement a safety management system to achieve ISO
45001.
The Volunteer Information Management System (VIMS), to support the work of Coast
Guard volunteers, continues to be progressed with the publication of a request for tender
for the provision of the design, development, implementation and support of a new
Volunteer Management system (VIMS) platform for the Irish Coast Guard in November
2018.
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Annual Report 2018
Tourism
Image Credit: Tourism Ireland photographed by Tom Archer
High level goal: To support the tourism industry to grow in a sustainable way
The Tourism industry is deeply rooted in the fabric of Irish economic life, urban and rural.
The sector has made a hugely significant contribution to Ireland’s economic progress in
recent years. It is a sector which provides vital jobs and income to communities across the
country, with Fáilte Ireland estimating that 260,000 jobs were supported by tourism in
2018.
The tourism industry has enjoyed a very successful period over recent years with
significant increases in revenue from overseas visitors, which was in excess of €5 billion in
2018. The strong performance has been underpinned by effective targeted marketing,
particularly of the tourism experience brands (the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient
East, Dublin and the newest regional brand, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, which was
launched in 2018), coupled with increased air access into Ireland. Overall, when domestic
tourism and carrier fares are taken into account, it is estimated that the sector was worth
over €9 billion to the economy in 2018.
Objective: To ensure that a policy framework is in place to champion the tourism sector and influence other relevant stakeholders
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Annual Report 2018
Tourism Policy
The Government's Tourism Policy Statement "People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism
to 2025" was launched in March 2015. The ambition of the Tourism Policy Statement is
to have a vibrant, attractive tourism sector that makes a significant contribution to
employment across the country, is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable,
helps promote a positive image of Ireland overseas, and is a sector that people wish to
work in.
The Department's role lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy and
developing and influencing a range of internal and external policy actions and
programmes, in consultation with industry partners. The two tourism agencies operating
under our aegis, Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority) and Tourism
Ireland, deal with the implementation of this policy and accordingly, our tourism budget is
channelled primarily through the two tourism agencies.
The Policy Statement provides the framework to deliver the Government’s ambition
through collaboration between stakeholders including the tourism agencies, tourism
industry, local authorities, Government departments and other bodies with a vested
interest in Irish tourism.
Tourism Action Plan
In July 2015, a Tourism Leadership Group was established to put in place a Tourism
Action Plan, setting out the actions required in the period to 2018 to achieve the overall
objectives in the Government's Tourism Policy Statement. The plan contained 23 actions
and most of these actions were completed ahead of schedule.
Following consultation with key stakeholders the Tourism Action Plan 2019-2021 has
been developed following the thematic approach contained in the tourism policy
statement. The Plan was published on the 19th of December 2018 and sets out the
actions identified as priorities to be progressed during this period in order to secure
sustainable growth in overseas tourism revenue and employment.
Tourism Experience Brands
Fáilte Ireland continued to develop the established tourism experience brands, both
through targeted capital investment in attractions and other tourism infrastructure and
through programme supports aimed at further enhancing, animating and promoting these
brands, including business supports, training, festivals and events.
Objective: To ensure that Ireland has an attractive, competitive and sustainable tourism product
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Annual Report 2018
In April 2018, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands was launched as the latest tourism experience
brand - for the Midlands/Lakelands region. It is designed to boost tourism and drive
visitor growth across the region, encouraging visitors to get ‘active in nature’ and explore
the region’s natural assets, including its many lakes, walkways and blueways. Initial
investment was aimed at developing and enhancing visitor experiences, supporting
industry development and developing marketing campaigns for the region.
Project Ireland 2040: Tourism Capital Investment
In line with the objectives of Project Ireland 2040, capital funding is helping support and
grow tourism in rural communities in line with the further development and promotion of
the regional tourism experience brands. Priority areas for tourism capital investment
include the development and enhancement of tourist attractions and activity-based
tourism to provide the type and quality of experience that visitors are seeking.
In 2018, in line with its Tourism Investment Strategy 2016-2022, Fáilte Ireland allocated
capital funding for tourism product development through a combination of direct
investment in experience brand infrastructure, strategic partnerships with State bodies
and its large and small grants schemes. With further regard to the latter, in 2018 Fáilte
Ireland awarded grants under three targeted schemes – the Ireland’s Ancient East Grants
Scheme for Storytelling Interpretation; New Horizons on the Wild Atlantic Way Grants Scheme
(targeting the defined geographies of the Connemara Coast & Aran Islands and the Skellig
Coast) and Dublin’s Surprising Stories 2018 Grants Scheme (to improve visitor interpretation
and experience at operating visitor attractions in Dublin).
Greenways
2018 saw the launch of the Strategy for the Future Development of National and
Regional Greenways in July in Moate, Co. Westmeath. This is a long term Strategy with
the aim of increasing the number, length and regional spread of greenways across the
country. It sets out guidance to project promoters on matters including strategic nature,
length, design standards, accommodation works and early consultation with communities
and land owners along proposed routes. The Strategy sets out the general high-level
criteria of what we think makes for a good Greenway, one that is scenic, provides access
to things to see and do, is sustainable, substantially segregated and shared use, and/or
strategic. This is based on both Fáilte Ireland research and experience on the ground of
what has and has not worked with regard to previous investment.
Following the launch of the Strategy, the Department announced a funding call for
Greenways. €53m was made available for the period 2019-2021. This funding call closed
on 30th November 2018. Twenty-two applications were submitted by fifteen Local
Authorities and one State Agency. Each of these applications will be assessed in the early
part of 2019, with the aim of awarding funding to the successful candidates in Quarter
Two 2019.
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Annual Report 2018
Enterprise Supports
With regard to training and development for the industry, Fáilte Ireland continued to offer
a full suite of business development and training supports to build international sales
competency and to enhance enterprise efficiencies and capabilities. New initiatives rolled
out in 2018 included the Irish Management Institute and Fáilte Ireland Strategic
Management Programme, Get China Ready initiative getting industry ready for welcoming
visitors from Asia and the National Service Excellence Programme which raises the bar on
standards and service ensuring excellence in the visitor welcome and overall experience.
During 2018, Fáilte Ireland delivered the new ‘Get Brexit Ready’ programme to provide
tailored, targeted supports to help Irish tourism enterprises meet specific Brexit-related
challenges. The Programme allows individual businesses to self-assess their exposure and
risks and provides a range of interventions to match their needs across market
diversification; retention of British market; business performance and competitiveness
skills. The Get Brexit Ready initiative created a stand-alone portal, with over 26,000
businesses having accessed the site for latest information and insights on Brexit and
getting their businesses Brexit Ready.
Registration and Renewal of Registration Regulations for Holiday Camps 2018
During 2018, the Minister approved revised regulations which address the basic
requirements that must be met to be registered with Fáilte Ireland as a holiday camp. The
Holiday Camp Regulations were introduced by Fáilte Ireland and approved by its
Authority in accordance with the provisions of the Tourism Traffic Acts. The revised
regulations, which came into effect on 1 December 2018, were in line with a Tourism
Action Plan commitment to review and update the Regulations governing visitor
accommodation. There is one registered Holiday Camp (Trabolgan) in the country at
present. Centre Parcs are developing in Longford Forest at present and hope to open for
business in July 2019.
Tourism and Hospitality Careers Oversight Group
A new Tourism and Hospitality Careers Oversight Group was established to continue the
work of Hospitality Skills Oversight Group which published their final report on 19
September, 2018.
The Department is a key stakeholder in this group which is chaired by Fáilte Ireland and
held two meetings in 2018 at which the Department was represented. This group
membership comprises of industry representative bodies, education providers and state
agencies. The group will address labour supply and skills development issues which are
currently affecting growth for tourism business.
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Annual Report 2018
Fáilte Ireland Board Appointments
The Minister approved the appointment of seven new members to the Board of Fáilte
Ireland (National Tourism Development Authority) in 2018. The Minister also approved
the re-appointment of another Board member for a second term of office.
Festivals & Participative Events
In 2018, Fáilte Ireland supported festivals across a wide range of programmes in order to
drive tourism growth in the regions and motivate both domestic and overseas visitors to
travel to different parts of the country. It directly funded 24 national festivals and
participative events and, under an agreement finalised in 2017 and applying from 2018
on, transferred funding to the local authorities which was used to support over 200
smaller scale local festivals and events.
Under its co-created Festivals Programme, Fáilte Ireland continued to supported the Bram
Stoker Festival and New Year’s Festival; launched a new "May the 4th Festival", building
on the global success of the Star Wars movies; and piloted festivals in Limerick and
Donegal under the new Global Irish Festival Series launched in 2018, which was
developed as a partnership between Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade to encourage our diaspora to return home to visit Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland also continues to invest in feasibility studies and next-phase development
for new, innovative festivals. In the autumn, Fáilte Ireland launched a new Festival
Innovation Programme through which it aims to identify and develop iconic, high-impact
festivals and events that will stand out internationally, motivate significant numbers of
overseas visitors to travel to Ireland at off-peak times and disperse visitors to key
geographical areas around the country.
Business Tourism & Major Events
The Department continued to support Fáilte Ireland in its activities to attract major
business conferences and other international events to Ireland – focusing, in particular, on
those events that attract a significant number of international visitors and deliver a large
number of bed nights. Under the Meet in Ireland business tourism brand, tasked with
promoting the island of Ireland as a leading conference and meeting destination, Fáilte
Ireland works collaboratively with key stakeholders to secure international conferences,
meetings and incentive travel for Ireland. In 2018, Fáilte Ireland attracted a total of 385
conferences worth €204m for current and future years, including €32m for regional
Ireland.
UEFA Euro 2020 Championship
In 2014, Dublin along with 12 other cities won the bid to host 4 games of the UEFA
EURO 2020 tournament. This was a collaborative effort between FAI, DCC and DTTAS.
During 2018, the Department in partnership with Dublin City Council and the FAI
continued preparations for hosting the EURO 2020 championship in Dublin. As part of
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Annual Report 2018
this, the Department participates in monthly Project Working Group meetings and co-
ordinates the input and support of public sector bodies for the tournament.
The structure of the tournament provides that qualifying groups in the finals will be
staged in "paired cities". Dublin has been paired with Bilbao. Each qualified host country
will play a minimum of two matches at home in the group stage. In 2018, as part of the
national promotional programme for the tournament, the Department funded a National
Football Exhibition which launched on November 30th in Dublin Castle and is due to travel
around the country to other venues in 2019. The UEFA EURO 2020 Qualifying Draw
took place in the Convention Centre in Dublin on December 2nd 2018. It was attended by
more than 650 guests including media, and football representatives from UEFA’s 55
member associations and was broadcasted live to an audience of 140 million people
around the world.
2018 Performance
2018 was another record year for overseas tourism to Ireland – the eighth consecutive
year of growth. CSO Travel & Tourism data indicate that revenue from overseas visitors
grew by 5.6% in 2018 to over €5 billion. Significant growth from North America and
Europe, particularly Germany, drove this strong performance. Not surprisingly, the British
market was flat for the year but remains an important market for Irish tourism. Long-haul
and emerging markets also showed good returns, albeit at lower levels. When domestic
receipts and carrier fares are taken into account, it is estimated that the sector was worth
over €9 billion overall to the economy in 2018 and supported approximately 260,000
jobs.
Overseas publicity
Tourism Ireland is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a tourism destination
in overseas markets. Working with overseas travel, lifestyle and special interest media is
an important element of the overseas promotional programme. In 2018, thousands of
opportunities were created for potential visitors around the world to read, hear or watch
positive messages about the island of Ireland. Tourism Ireland estimates that this exposure
is worth an estimated €330 million in equivalent advertising value.
Highlights of Tourism Ireland’s 2018 marketing and promotion programme included
campaigns for Ireland’s Ancient East, Dublin, the Wild Atlantic Way, Northern Ireland, as
well as Tourism Ireland’s annual Global Greening initiative on St Patrick’s Day, which was
bigger than ever before in 2018.
Tourism Ireland also undertook a series of actions in the British market to address the
immediate effects of the UK vote to leave the EU. For example, it placed a greater focus
Objective: To ensure Ireland is effectively marketed as a tourism destination in the overseas and domestic markets
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Annual Report 2018
on “culturally curious” visitors, who are less impacted by currency fluctuations, and
highlighted off-season breaks and value offers. Tourism Ireland also facilitated a meeting
in October between Minister of State Griffin and representatives of the travel trade in
Britain.
Other highlights included:
In January, two new plans were unveiled by Tourism Ireland, setting out
challenging and ambitious targets which will see the island of Ireland welcome
800,000 German visitors and 2 million American visitors per year by 2021 –
representing growth of +20% for Germany and +23% for the United States.
A €1.35m ‘Wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way’ campaign was rolled out by Tourism
Ireland in Britain in two phases – February/March and September/October – to
entice British holidaymakers to visit the Wild Atlantic Way during the off-season
months. It highlighted ease of direct access from six British gateway cities to Cork,
Kerry, Shannon, Knock, Donegal and City of Derry airports.
Tourism Ireland’s annual Global Greening initiative for St Patrick’s Day was bigger
than ever before and generated more than €10 million worth of positive publicity
for Ireland across the world. 304 sites in 50 countries joined the initiative in going
green.
Tourism Ireland’s biggest ever sales mission to China took place in May with a
delegation of 29 senior representatives from around the island of Ireland. It
included events in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong and involved
meetings with representative of both Hainan Airlines in Beijing and Cathay Pacific
in Hong Kong, on ways to maximise the promotion of both services. Tourism
Ireland aims to grow Chinese visitor numbers to 175,000 per year, by 2025 (+150%
on 2017).
Tourism Ireland’s 2018 sales mission to Australia and New Zealand took place in October.
A delegation of 11 tourism companies – including hoteliers, visitor attractions and
destination management companies – met and concluded deals with around 500
Australian and New Zealand tour operators and travel agents, in the key cities of Brisbane,
Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland.
The ‘Call of the Wild’ global social media promotional campaign was launched in October
and aims to give local people living on the Wild Atlantic Way the opportunity to highlight
the beauty of their locality as a holiday destination.
Digital strength
Tourism Ireland continued to leverage its strength in digital and social media – especially
important in developing new ways of reaching, and connecting more frequently, with
target audiences. Tourism Ireland is now the fourth most popular tourism board in the
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Annual Report 2018
world on Facebook (almost 4.3 million fans), number four on Twitter (504,000 followers)
and number four on YouTube (49.3 million views). In 2018, Tourism Ireland’s international
website, www.Ireland.com, attracted over 20 million visitors.
Improved access
2018 saw a number of positive announcements on the access front, including new routes
introduced by a range of carriers. These included the first direct flights from China to
Ireland with the Cathay Pacific and Hainan Airlines services from Hong Kong and Beijing
to Dublin respectively. Among a host of other new services were Aer Lingus flights from
Seattle and Philadelphia and Air Canada services from Toronto to Shannon and Montreal
to Dublin. There were more than 591,000 direct, airline seats to the island of Ireland
available during summer 2018; this was a record and a 7% increase in capacity over
summer 2017.
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Annual Report 2018
Sport
Image Credit: Sport Ireland
High level goal To contribute to a healthier and more active society by
promoting sports participation and by supporting high
performance and the provision of sport facilities
Participation by Irish people in sport and physical activity has numerous health, social and
economic benefits for our population. The health benefits that can be gained from
participation in sport are significant, not just for the physical and mental health of the
individual, but also for our health system with the consequent reduction in the demand on
health services. Sport can teach participants important life-skills such as teamwork,
discipline and leadership and can also play an important role in tackling some of the social
challenges faced by society, including social exclusion and anti-social behaviour. The
economic value of sport to Ireland has been estimated at €2.4 billion.
Objective: To ensure a policy framework is in place that recognises the economic, health and social role of sport and promotes both participation in sport and physical activity at all levels and opportunities for the achievement of excellence at the elite levels of sport nationally and internationally
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Annual Report 2018
National Sports Policy
The National Sports Policy 2018-2027 was launched in July 2018. Launching the Policy,
the Ministers of the Department reaffirmed the Government’s intention to doubling
funding for sport, from €112m in 2018 to €220m in 2027 and expressed their intention to
begin implementing the National Sports Policy 2018–2027 without delay.
There are three High-Level Goals in the National Sports Policy:
Increased Participation across all sports in Ireland (from 43% to 50% by 2027).
More Excellence in terms of governance as well as in the high performance
sporting arena.
Improved Capacity to allow for more people to get involved in sport, and for those
already engaged in sport to improve standards across the board.
In December 2018, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister of
State with responsibility for Tourism and Sport established a Sports Leadership Group to
oversee and drive the implementation of the National Sports Policy. This Group have been
tasked with the development of a prioritised action plan for sport with the aim of giving
immediate effect to the high level goals established under the National Sports Policy. The
Sports Leadership Group will be submitting this priority action plan for the approval of
Government during Q 3 2019.
National Physical Activity Plan
The National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) is a cross-sectoral initiative with the aim of
increasing levels of physical activity which in turn would lead to health, economic and
social benefits. The overarching target of the plan is to increase the proportion of the
population across each life stage undertaking regular physical activity by 1% per annum to
2020.
The plan was launched on 14 January 2016. Subsequently, an implementation group was
established and the Department co-chairs meetings of this group with the Department of
Health. The implementation group consists of representatives from relevant Government
Departments, agencies and bodies and meets on a quarterly basis. To provide a more in-
depth focus on certain aspects of the plan, two sub-groups were established in 2017. This
Department chairs the NPAP Subgroup on Children and Young People, and is a member
of the NPAP Subgroup on Research.
In 2018, we provided €1.86 million in Dormant Account Funding (from a total Dormant
Account allocation to DTTAS of €5m for 2018) to promote a variety of sports measures in
the National Physical Activity Plan to disadvantaged communities around Ireland.
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Annual Report 2018
Sport Ireland
The Department supports the activities of Sport Ireland and maintains regular contact
with it in monitoring the effective development, funding and implementation of
programmes, in compliance with Government financial requirements and policy. The
current expenditure budget for sport in 2018 was €54.2m.
This funding allowed Sport Ireland to continue implementation of its strategic priorities as
outlined in its Interim Strategic Plan 2016. An extension to the Interim Strategy 2016
was approved in May 2017, pending the completion of the National Sports Policy in 2018,
following which a new five year statement of strategy will be prepared The interim
Strategy prioritises four key areas from previous strategies and sets out long term key
performance indicators for each of these priorities. The key areas are:
1. Advance Sport Ireland’s Participation Strategy
2. Develop the capacity and capability of the sports sector
3. Develop, operate and promote a world-class National Sports Campus in support of
Irish sport at all levels
4. Develop and sustain Ireland’s High Performance system.
A summary of progress in 2018 under each priority area is provided below –
1. Advance Sport Ireland’s Participation Strategy
Dormant Accounts Funding
In 2018, funding of almost one million euro from the Dormant Accounts Fund was
allocated to support Community Sport and Physical Activity hubs in disadvantaged
communities across the country. A further €1.2m was allocated to community
coaching and youth leadership programmes through National Sports Education and
Training hubs. Approximately €400k was invested in Urban Adventure Initiatives
which provide recreation opportunities in urban disadvantaged communities.
This investment is administered by Sport Ireland and aims to engage with local
communities targeting people with disabilities, people who are educationally
disadvantaged and disadvantaged communities.
Projects designed to support people with disabilities which received support in the
2018 Action Plan include €50,000 for coaching people with disabilities, €170,000 for
further strengthening the existing Sports Disability Training Framework, €200,000 for
sports inclusion disability projects (SIDP) capital support, €25,000 for outdoor
recreation accessible infrastructure training (CARA) and €637,000 for the national
governing body disability sport projects.
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Annual Report 2018
Further funding of €30,000 was provided in 2018 for the Dublin North East Inner City
programme and €35,000 was allocated to phase two of the Garryowen project, within
Limerick City. These projects are to assist in building capacity for local clubs and
sports organisations in very disadvantaged RAPID areas (Revitalising Areas by
Planning, Investment and Development) with the aim of increasing opportunities for
young people and the wider community to become physically active.
Local Sports Partnerships
In 2018, 29 local sports partnerships (LSPs) provided national coverage for sports
participation programmes and services. Sport Ireland invested just over €6m in the
LSP network in the year. The partnership network also hosted the employment of
Community Sports Development Officers in 21 LSP’s and Sports Inclusion Disability
Officers in 25 LSPs.
In 2018, over 17,500 participants took part in the walks and runs organised for
Operation Transformation. In total there were 80 Operation Transformation walks
held across the country. These events were held in conjunction with the local sports
partnership network.
Widening Participation in Sport
An amount of almost €1m was provided in 2018 for the Women in Sport Programme.
Over €20m has been invested by Government through the Women in Sport initiative
since 2005 to address the issue of female participation in sport in Ireland. Sport
Ireland is committed to investing in the Women in Sport Programme as a strategic
priority and will continue to provide resources and direction to reduce the gender gap
in sports participation. The National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020
includes the aim of achieving greater female participation in sport and physical activity
and these measures will contribute to achieving this outcome.
Sport Ireland began a women in sport research project in 2018. The overall aim of this
project was to conduct research to inform Sport Ireland on the best way forward to
increase women’s involvement as advocates, leaders and participants from
recreational sport to the podium. This project examined the current landscape of
women in sport in Ireland, identifying any barriers to their participation in all areas of
sport. The project entailed hosting focus groups throughout the country; gathering
and analysing qualitative and quantative research on women’s involvement in sport;
identifying best case examples of international best practise in the area of advancing
involvement in sport; and consultation with key stakeholders on the barriers and
opportunities. A Women in Sport Policy will be published in early 2019. Following the
publication, applications for funding under the Women in Sport Programme will be
invited from recognised national governing bodies for Sport.
—— 65
Annual Report 2018
In 2018, funding of €600,000 was allocated by Sport Ireland under the ‘Go for Life’
Programme, which aims to help clubs and organisations to increase opportunities for
their older members to actively participate in recreational sport and a range of
physical activities.
One of the actions in the Migrant Integration Strategy is that the potential of sport in
the integration of migrants will be further explored through encouraging active
participation, volunteering and involvement in governance. Sport Ireland is currently
represented on the Active Citizenship Subcommittee of the Migrant Integration
Strategy Monitoring and Co-ordination Committee.
Youth Field Sports
An amount of €8.3m was provided to support the work of the Gaelic Athletic
Association, Football Association of Ireland and Irish Rugby Football Union in
increasing participation in sport by young people (this included Women in Sport
programme funding to the FAI and the IRFU.
Sport Ireland Trails
Sport Ireland continues to support the development of Ireland’s trails network. In
2018, 107 inspections and advisory assignments were undertaken on walking and
cycling trails in Ireland.
Sport Ireland Trails introduced a new audit system for trails in Q4 2018 replacing the
inspection system that was in place for the past 10 years. The new audit system
focuses more on assessing how a trail is managed (including the systems in place for
maintenance and monitoring the trail) while still also looking at the trail itself. This
new system improves the efficiency and helps to maintain the integrity of the Trails
Quality System, assessing trails on an ongoing basis, and confirming their suitability
for inclusion in the National Trails Register.
European Week of Sport, 2018
Sport Ireland was the national coordinator for the European Week of Sport in Ireland
in 2018. The week, an initiative of the European Commission, ran from the 22nd -
30th September and over 500 sporting events were delivered throughout the
country. 2018 was the first year hosting #BeActive Nights where five local sports
partnerships hosted an exciting and innovative line up of events in their own counties.
Sport Ireland worked with a variety of different partners and coordinated a national
promotional campaign for the week using online promotion platforms. Sport Ireland
were delighted to put forward a nomination in the #BeActive Education Award for the
second consecutive year and were delighted to have Our Lady's Abbey, which is an
all-girls primary school, selected by the European Commission as a finalist.
—— 66
Annual Report 2018
The great Dublin Bike Ride took place on the 23rd September 2018 and was a flagship
event for the European Week of Sport in Ireland and had 7,000 entries.
Develop the capacity and capability of the sports sector
Funding of just under €11m was provided to 58 NGBs to allow them carry out their
core activities required to deliver quality sport in Ireland, including administration,
coach education and hosting and participating at international events.
An additional €0.6m was allocated to 26 national governing bodies (NGBs) through
the Women in Sport Programme. The programme aims to raise the overall activity
levels around women and to support women’s roles within sports organisations.
2. Develop, operate and promote a world-class National Sports Campus in support
of Irish sport at all levels
Throughout 2018 the primary focus was on the completion of phase two of the
National Indoor Arena (NIA). The NIA is one of the flagship developments on the
Sport Ireland National Sports Campus. Phase two commenced construction in July
2017 and will be completed in March 2019. Further information is provided on page
65.
3. Develop and sustain Ireland’s High Performance System
Just over €11m was invested in high performance sport in 2018 which included
€1.9m in grants to elite Irish athletes under Sport Ireland’s International Carding
Scheme, and grants amounting to €7.2m to national governing bodies (NGBs) for the
delivery of their high performance programmes.
A further €2m was provided to the Irish Institute of Sport for high performance
support services.
In sports directly supported by Sport Ireland, Ireland won 77 major medals at
European and World level competitions across a variety of Olympic and Paralympic
sports.
Sports Capital Programme
The Sports Capital Programme is the main channel of Government support for developing
sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organisations across
Objective: To facilitate development of sports facilities at national, regional and local level ensuring that supports are provided in a regionally balanced way and target disadvantaged areas
—— 67
Annual Report 2018
Ireland. The 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications in
October 2018 and by that time a record 2,337 applications had been received seeking
€162m in funding. Allocations will be announced in 2019.
In addition, during 2018 €34m was paid out to 856 grantees under previous rounds of the
programme.
Construction work continued at the Kerry Sports Academy at IT Tralee, with
approximately €6.5m paid to the project in the year. The facility is expected to open in
2019.
Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme
The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme provides grants for the provision of a
new or replacement local authority pool or the refurbishment of an existing pool and
2018 saw the continuation of work on the new replacement swimming pool in Castlebar,
County Mayo.
Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund
The National Sports Policy which was published on 25th July 2018 provided for a Large
Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with at least €100 million available over the
coming years. The fund was launched in November 2018 and is open to applications until
17th April 2019. The fund will initially focus on the requirements and development plans
of national governing bodies of sport and local authorities, all of which received letters
inviting them to make applications.
Full details of the programme and application forms can be accessed on the Department's
website at http://www.dttas.gov.ie/sport/english/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-
lssif.
Throughout 2018 the primary focus was on the completion of phase two of the National
Indoor Arena (NIA). The NIA is one of the flagship developments on the Sport Ireland
National Sports Campus. Developed over two phases it provides an array of indoor
facilities for a number of our leading sports. Phase two commenced construction in July
2017 and will be completed in March 2019. The project includes the construction of
covered synthetic pitches, primarily for soccer and rugby but capable of accommodating
all field sports, together with ancillary changing, strength & conditioning facilities etc.
As part of the wider partnership strategy for the development of dedicated field-sport
training facilities by individual NGBs, Sport Ireland approved plans for the phased
development of a high performance, all-weather cricket training facility by Cricket Ireland.
Objective: To facilitate and oversee the development of a National Sports Campus
—— 68
Annual Report 2018
The facility comprises both synthetic and turf bowling nets with turf outfield area. Work
on the facility commenced in December 2017 and the official opening of the facility took
place in August 2018.
2018 also saw the completion in July of the refurbishment of the Courtyard Building. The
Courtyard, which is a protected structure, is now home to Sport Ireland, as well as
providing office accommodation for Cycling Ireland.
With these major projects complete, Sport Ireland was able to focus on a number of new
projects in late 2018. Each will bring the National Sports Campus to a new level, both
nationally and internationally, as Ireland’s flagship sports facility for both elite sports
people and the public at large. The overall masterplan for the Campus will be updated in
2019. Early design work also commenced on a new water based hockey pitch for our very
successful hockey teams, as well as a review of the National Velodrome and Badminton
Centre for which Sport Ireland received planning in 2015. Feasibility studies also
commenced on a number of other projects including the relocation of Tennis Ireland to
the National Campus, a new cricket oval and a commercial hotel.
NSCDA (Operations) Designated Activity Company
A subsidiary of Sport Ireland, NSCDA (Operations) DAC is responsible for the day-to-day
management and operation of the National Sports Campus facilities including the National
Aquatic Centre, the National Indoor Arena, Campus Conference Centre and the National
Sports Campus synthetic and turf pitch facilities, as well as dedicated facilities for
equestrian, diving, modern pentathlon and cross country running. The company is also
responsible for the day-to-day operation of Morton Stadium, Santry and the maintenance
of office accommodation for sports bodies provided on the Campus.
During 2018, 1,149,491 visits were made to the National Aquatic Centre (up from
1,095,555 in 2017) making it the busiest year since the facility came under the direct
management of the Campus and cementing its position among the top paying visitor
attractions in the State. This is the second successive year for the Centre to break the one
million visitor mark.
Football at the synthetic pitches also increased, rising by 4.6% to 102,515 while visitors to
the National Indoor Arena were 444,974, a 62% increase on 2017.
The National Aquatic Centre successfully hosted the World Para-Swimming Allianz
European Championships in August, the first major para-sports event to be staged in
Ireland.
In November 2018, the National Sports Campus was announced as the venue for the
2020 European Cross-Country Championships, after Athletics Ireland was successful in its
bid to host the Championships.
—— 69
Annual Report 2018
Anti-Doping
Sport Ireland operates the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Programme and continues to make
progress in the areas of testing, education and research. The Programme is part of an
international system and has a national and international reputation for excellence which
is important for Irish sports and athletes competing at the highest levels of sport,
domestically and internationally.
The Anti-Doping Unit of Sport Ireland trained 33 education tutors from the following
NGBs: GAA, Badminton Ireland, FAI, Weightlifting Ireland, Horse Sport Ireland and the
Olympic Federation of Ireland.
In 2018, over 3,000 users have completed the online anti-doping e-learning platform for
athletes and athlete support personnel. The programme is very interactive and includes
sections on Anti-Doping Rules Violations (ADRVs), the sample collection process,
checking medications, therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs), supplements and sports foods.
Objective: To meet Ireland’s responsibilities in relation to sport issues at EU and international level
—— 70
Annual Report 2018
Our Commitment to Performance
We are committed to providing the best possible support to our Minsters and to our staff,
and to successfully deliver our mission and high level goals.
Our corporate support services are key to the successful delivery of our goals, and cover
functions such as human and financial resources, internal service provision, and customer
service. In 2018, the Department re-organised its corporate functions under one Assistant
Secretary. Reconfiguring all of the corporate functions within the remit of one Assistant
Secretary was recommended in the Organisational Capability Review report. These
revised arrangements help to bring a clearer focus to the successful delivery of the
Department’s business objectives and are central to providing the Department and all our
staff with the necessary supports to deliver to the highest standards.
Throughout 2018 the Department continued to provide effective administrative, systems
and advisory support to Ministers in discharging their statutory and wider Government
functions.
In 2018 the Minister's answered 3,212 parliamentary questions and 4,698 pieces of
correspondence.
Accommodation
In Dublin, consolidation of the Department’s offices continued in 2018 with further
moves of staff to the Department’s new Headquarters in Leeson Lane.
Energy saving measures undertaken and underway in the Department in 2018 included
the ongoing programme for the consolidation of our buildings in the city centre which
reduces the energy costs involved in property maintenance, the replacement of all lights
in Leeson Lane to energy saving LED lights, the holding of an “Energy Awareness Day” for
staff, a significant reduction in the number of printers and the utilisation of more energy
efficient printers.
Objective: To provide support to our Ministers in the performance of their duties
Objective: To manage, structure and resource the Department and its systems to support the delivery of our goals
—— 71
Annual Report 2018
Civil Service Renewal
The Department has continued to proactively engage with and support key
developments/actions in the Civil Service Renewal Plan including management of service
level agreements for shared services for HR and payroll.
The Department progressed implementation of a number of actions arising from the
findings of the Organisational Capability Review (OCR) process of the Department
undertaken in 2017. This includes the restructuring of the corporate functions as
indicated above. The Department also participated in cross departmental working group
on the development of a local HR Development Strategy. This strategy will address the
results of the 2017 Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey.
Finances of the Department
The role of the Finance Division is to ensure the Department has the financial resources
to meet its goals, to monitor and control those resources and to ensure that our
investments in key economic and social infrastructure is made as and when it needs to be.
We engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the
allocation of funds to meet the investment needs of the Department. This ensures that
our policy areas have sufficient funding to invest in much needed infrastructure and
services across the Transport, Tourism and Sport areas. We are also heavily involved in
the coordination of the Department’s rollout of Project Ireland 2040.
In 2009, the Government agreed that payments by public sector bodies to suppliers
should be made within 15 days of receipt of invoices. During 2018, the Department made
12,013 payments. Payments to the value of €1.4 billion were subject to the prompt
payments standards and 97.4% of those were made within 15 days and 100% of those
were processed within the 30 day deadline. Details of these payments are published
quarterly and can be found on the Corporate Services section of our website.
Finance Division play a critical role in delivering Departmental services and holds its work
to high standards. In 2018, ISO accreditation for the financial management systems (ISO:
9001:2015) was retained.
Information Services
The objective of the Information Services Division (ISD) is to continually develop its
services to meet and exceed customer expectations and contribute to the success of the
Department through the provision of timely, consistently high quality and professional IT
support at every customer contact, underpinning the Department’s IT strategic plan.
ISD works alongside the other divisions of the Department to ensure that their line of
business systems and their support applications meet their individual needs and the needs
of their customers.
—— 72
Annual Report 2018
In line with the Public Service ICT Strategy, ISD have linked in with the Office of the
Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) shared systems programme (Build to
Share) and continue to roll out systems that allow departmental staff collaborate with
internal and external customers more effectively and efficiency.
ISD have commenced a Technology Refresh Programme which will continue to expand its
service offerings and allow staff work with more flexibility, and to provide a high level of
service in the provision of ICT systems.
Workforce Planning
The Department completed the DPER led Workforce Planning process 2018-2021. The
Department continued to operate within the delegated sanction arrangements for pay and
staffing for both the Department and the non-commercial State Agencies. This facilitated
progress on decisions on staffing assignments to ensure that critical business needs were
met.
At the end of 2018 the Department employed a total of 557 staff equating to 530 full-
time equivalents.
Protected Disclosures Summary Report
Section 22 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 requires a public body to prepare a
report setting out the number of protected disclosures made to it in the course of the
immediately preceding year and certain other information relating to any such protected
disclosures.
This report therefore covers the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018.
A total of eight allegations/disclosures invoking the Protected Disclosures Act were
received.
Two of the allegations/disclosures received were not relevant to the Department.
One case has been fully processed and is now closed.
One case was not deemed to be a protected disclosure. This decision was appealed
and the case is currently under internal review.
The remaining four cases are in progress. The Department’s Head of Internal Audit
is notified of allegations/disclosures received which invoke the Act and monitors
them to ensure they are processed on a timely basis.
Objective: To develop and train staff to enable them to effectively deliver their responsibilities
—— 73
Annual Report 2018
Learning and Development
Delivery of training and development opportunities increased across the Department in
2018 associated with the necessity to build capacity and a focus on delivery of the
Department’s Action Plan following the Organisational Capability Review. A wide range
of training courses, addressing both personal development and business needs, were
delivered to staff in 2018, with the rate of training delivered representing an increase of
67% compared to 2017.
The Department also expanded support in 2018 for staff partaking in a variety of Third
level studies, where such courses were considered relevant to their role and of benefit to
the Department.
A number of staff engaged in dedicated leadership training programmes including
leadership programmes under the Senior Public Service Leadership Development Strategy
2017-2020 and leadership and management development modules available from
OneLearning, the new central model for delivering learning and development in the Civil
Service.
The Department continues to offer its Mentoring Programme for staff and all newly
recruited Administrative Officers participated in the Department of Public Expenditure
and Reform’s Graduate Development Programme.
Public Sector Duty
The Public Sector Duty, as provided for in Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and
Equality Commission Act 2014, places a legal obligation on all public bodies, including all
central government departments, to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect
the human rights of their employees and everyone affected by their functions and
services.
Preparatory work commenced in 2018 on the Department’s implementation of the Public
Sector Duty and will continue in 2019.
In March 2018, the Department adopted a new internal framework for the oversight of
both commercial and non-commercial state agencies under its aegis, in respect of
governance. This document outlines roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders in
keeping with the governing legislation of the state bodies involved. The new Framework
also takes into account a number of developments including the Revised Code of Practice
for the Governance of State Bodies and the Organisational Capability Review of the
Department.
Objective: To oversee corporate governance of our agencies
—— 74
Annual Report 2018
Appendix 1
Ministers and Senior Management
The links below provide further information.
Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport
The Management Board of the Department
Appendix 2
Departmental Legislation
A list of all the Primary and Secondary Legislation enacted by the Department in 2018 can
be found at the following link:
Primary and Secondary Legislation
—— 75
Annual Report 2018
Appendix 3
Irish Coast Guard Statistics – Six-year trend
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Incidents 2,627 2,631 2,664 2,582 2,502 2,647
Persons saved / assisted 5,685 4,256 3,899 4,080 3,974 4,990
Incidents involving Pleasure Craft 498 676 600 482 521 411
Incidents involving Merchant Craft 61 69 52 62 69 67
Incidents involving Fishing Craft 215 189 185 212 169 162
Pollution / Salvage Report 46 44 32 44 40 77
IRCG Coastal Units tasked 1,156 1,272 1,289 1,065 1,072 1,192
IRCG Helicopter tasked 808 915 1,013 898 755 669
RNLI tasked 877 819 836 854 842 843
Community Rescue Boats Ireland tasked
145 211 219 131 88 112
False Alarms 91 94 135 245 434 411
—— 76
Annual Report 2018
Appendix 4
Acronym Index
Acronym
AAIU Air Accident Investigation Unit
ASEAN Association Southeast Asian Nations
CAF Common Appraisal Framework
CEF Connecting Europe Facility
CIC Concentrated Inspection Campaign
C-ITS Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems
CIWG Cost of Insurance Working Group
CORSIA Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation
DVCSD Driver Vehicle Computer Services Division
EASA European Union Aviation Safety Agency
ECAC European Civil Aviation Conference
EETS European Electronic Toll Service
ERA European Railway Agency
ERRU European Register of Road Transport Undertakings
EU ETS EU Emissions Trading System
FAB Functional Airspace Block
FAL National Aviation Facilitation Committee
FCPS Fixed Charge Processing System
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organisation
IMO International Maritime Organisation
INADO Institute of National Anti-Doping Organisations
ITS Intelligent Transport Systems
ITS Intelligent Transport Systems
IWAK Ireland West Airport Knock
LSP Local Sports Partnership
MET Maritime Education and Training Scheme
MLR Master Licence Record
MOR Mandatory Occurrence Report
MRL MapRoad Roadworks Licensing System
NAP National Aviation Policy
NCADF National Civil Aviation Development Forum
NGB National Governing Body
NIA National Indoor Arena
—— 77
Annual Report 2018
NIR New Inspection Regime
NJP National Journey Planner
NSMC North South Ministerial Council
NTA National Transport Authority
NVDF National Vehicle and Driver File
PMoU Paris Memorandum of Understanding
PPP Public Private Partnership
PSO Public Service Obligation
RAIU Railway Accident Investigation Unit
RSA Road Safety Authority
RSC Railway Safety Commission
RTOL Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit
RTP Rural Transport Programme
RTPI Real Time Passenger Information
SAR Search & Rescue
SARPs Standards and Recommended Practices
SES Single European Sky
SESAR Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research
SPAD Signals Passed at Danger
SRA Strategic Research and Analysis Division
STCW Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
TCU Transport Co-ordination Unit
WAV Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil2018
1
Ábhar Ár Misean ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Ár Luachanna, Ár nIompar agus Ár gCultúr .............................................................................................. 3
Ár Spriocanna Ardleibhéil ............................................................................................................................ 3
Brollach ón Aire ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Brollach ón Aire Stáit ................................................................................................................................... 7
Réamhrá ón Ard-Rúnaí ................................................................................................................................. 8
Sracfhéachaint ar 2018 .............................................................................................................................. 10
Comhtháthú le Beartas Níos Leithne an Rialtais .................................................................................... 12
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go bhfuil forbairt beartas agus clár, infheistíocht agus cinntí caiteachais ag
teacht leis an gcomhthéacs straitéiseach níos leithne agus le treochtaí a bhfuiltear ag súil leo
amach anseo ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Cuspóir: Astaíochtaí a laghdú agus earnáil iompair ísealcharbóin atá seasmhach ó thaobh na
haeráide de a thógáil faoin mbliain 2050 ................................................................................................. 14
Cuspóir: Straitéisí agus beartais a fhorbairt a chuireann forbairtí san earnáil iompair amach anseo
san áireamh, lena n-áirítear córais iompair chliste .................................................................................. 17
Cuspóir: Freagairt straitéiseach a chomhordú agus a bhainistiú go héifeachtach ar leibhéal
náisiúnta i leith éigeandálaí dá bhfuilimid ainmnithe mar Roinn Ceannais Rialtais ............................. 19
Iompar ar Tír ................................................................................................................................................ 21
Cuspóir: Feabhas a chur ar sheirbhísí iompair ar tír agus ar infheistíocht iontu ................................ 21
Cuspóir: Sábháilteacht ar ár ngréasán iompair a chur chun cinn ......................................................... 34
Cuspóir: Inbhuanaitheacht fheabhsaithe san iompar ar tír a chur chun cinn ..................................... 40
Eitlíocht ........................................................................................................................................................ 42
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go mbaineann eitlíocht na hÉireann na caighdeáin is airde sábháilteachta agus
slándála amach ............................................................................................................................................. 43
Cuspóir: Forbairt, iomaíochas agus fás inbhuanaithe earnáil eitlíochta na hÉireann a chur chun
cinn in Éirinn agus ar fud an domhain ....................................................................................................... 45
Muirí.............................................................................................................................................................. 51
Cuspóir: Margadh éifeachtach agus iomaíoch do sheirbhísí iompair mhuirí a éascú chun freastal ar
riachtanais ár ngeilleagair trádála .............................................................................................................. 51
Cuspóir: Reachtaíocht agus gníomhaíochtaí gaolmhara a uasdátú agus a fhorbairt i ndáil le nithe a
bhaineann le sábháilteacht, slándáil, dálaí maireachtála agus oibre, agus truailliú ó longa ................ 53
Cuspóir: Tabhairt faoi ghníomhaíochtaí rialála agus forfheidhmithe a bhaineann le sábháilteacht,
slándáil, dálaí maireachtála agus oibre, agus an comhshaol maidir le hárthaí, le maraithe agus le
calafoirt ......................................................................................................................................................... 54
Cuspóir: Bearta sábháilteachta muirí, bearta práinnfhreagartha agus bearta maidir le cosc ar
thruailliú a bhainistiú ................................................................................................................................... 55
2
Turasóireacht ............................................................................................................................................... 57
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go bhfuil creat beartais i bhfeidhm chun tacú le hearnáil na turasóireachta
agus dul i gcion ar pháirtithe leasmhara ábhartha eile ........................................................................... 58
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go bhfuil táirge turasóireachta tarraingteach, iomaíoch agus inbhuanaithe ag
Éirinn ............................................................................................................................................................. 58
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go gcuirtear Éire chun cinn go héifeachtach mar áit turasóireachta i margaí
thar lear agus i margaí intíre ....................................................................................................................... 62
Spórt ............................................................................................................................................................. 65
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go bhfuil creat beartais i bhfeidhm a aithníonn an ról eacnamaíoch, sláinte
agus sóisialta atá ag spórt agus a chuireann rannpháirtíocht sa spórt agus i ngníomhaíocht choirp
ag gach leibhéal agus deiseanna barr feabhais ag na leibhéil éilíte go náisiúnta agus go
hidirnáisiúnta chun cinn .............................................................................................................................. 65
Cuspóir: Forbairt áiseanna spóirt a éascú ag leibhéal náisiúnta, réigiúnach agus áitiúil le cinntiú go
gcuirtear tacaíochtaí ar fáil ar bhealach atá cothrom ó thaobh an réigiúin de agus atá dírithe ar
limistéir faoi mhíbhuntáiste ........................................................................................................................ 70
Cuspóir: Forbairt an Champais Náisiúnta Spóirt a éascú agus a mhaoirsiú ........................................ 71
Cuspóir: Freagrachtaí na hÉireann a bhaint amach maidir le ceisteanna spóirt ag leibhéal AE agus
idirnáisiúnta .................................................................................................................................................. 73
Ár dTiomantas d’Fheidhmíocht ................................................................................................................ 74
Cuspóir: Tacaíocht a chur ar fáil do na hAirí chun a gcuid dualgas a chomhlíonadh ......................... 74
Cuspóir: An Roinn agus a cuid córas a bhainistiú, a struchtúrú agus acmhainní a chur ar fáil dóibh
chun tacú le baint amach ár spriocanna ................................................................................................... 74
Cuspóir: An fhoireann a fhorbairt agus a oiliúint lena chur ar a gcumas a gcuid freagrachtaí a
chomhlíonadh go héifeachtach.................................................................................................................. 76
Cuspóir: Maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar rialachas corparáideach ár ngníomhaireachtaí....................... 77
Aguisín 1 ....................................................................................................................................................... 79
Airí agus Bainistíocht Shinsearach ............................................................................................................ 79
Aguisín 2 ....................................................................................................................................................... 79
Reachtaíocht na Roinne .............................................................................................................................. 79
Aguisín 3 ....................................................................................................................................................... 80
Staitisticí Gharda Cósta na hÉireann ............................................................................................................. 80
Aguisín 4 ....................................................................................................................................................... 81
Innéacs Acrainmneacha .............................................................................................................................. 81
3
Ár Misean
Mar Roinn lárnach Rialtais, a fhreastalaíonn ar an Rialtas agus ar mhuintir na hÉireann, tá
sé mar mhisean againn forbairt shábháilte agus inbhuanaithe an iompair, na turasóireachta
agus an spóirt a mhúnlú agus tacú le fás eacnamaíoch agus le dul chun cinn sóisialta.
Ár Luachanna, Ár nIompar agus Ár gCultúr
Teastaíonn ón Roinn Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt luachanna agus iompair a chothú,
a fhorbairt agus a chaomhnú a mhéadaíonn cumas na heagraíochta a cuid cuspóirí a bhaint
amach. Tá cultúr na Roinne dúchasach ina cuid struchtúr agus sa bhealach a ndéantar a
cuid feidhmeanna agus a soláthraítear a cuid seirbhísí. Agus dualgas ar an Roinn a bheith
gairmiúil, sofhreagrach, oscailte agus cuntasach, tá sí an-tiomanta do leasú, do nuálaíocht
agus d’fheabhsú leanúnach.
Leagtar príomhphrionsabail éiteas na Roinne, a léiríonn éiteas níos leithne na Státseirbhíse,
amach thíos:
Seasann an Roinn le luachanna na Státseirbhíse, lena n-áirítear éiteas láidir
seirbhíse poiblí maidir le neamhspleáchas, macántacht, neamhchlaontacht,
comhionannas, cothroime agus meas.
Tacaíonn an Roinn le cultúr freagrachta, éifeachtúlachta agus luacha ar airgead agus
cuireann sí i bhfeidhm iad.
Tá an Roinn tiomanta do na caighdeáin is airde gairmiúlachta, ceannaireachta agus
déine a bhaint amach.
Ár Spriocanna Ardleibhéil
Agus muid ag tabhairt faoin misean seo, táimid ag díriú ar Spriocanna Ardleibhéil Ráiteas
Straitéise 2016-2019. Seo a leanas na spriocanna sin:
Iompar ar Tír: freastal chomh maith is féidir ar riachtanais na sochaí agus an
gheilleagair trí líonraí agus seirbhísí iompair atá sábháilte, inbhuanaithe agus
iomaíoch
Eitlíocht: cur a mhéid is féidir le nascacht iompair aeir, le hearnáil eitlíochta atá
sábháilte, iomaíoch, éifeachtach ó thaobh costais agus inbhuanaithe
Muirí: iompar muirí atá sábháilte agus inbhuanaithe a éascú agus seirbhísí
bainistíochta éigeandála a chur ar fáil
Turasóireacht: tacú le tionscal na turasóireachta chun forbairt ar bhealach
inbhuanaithe
Spórt: cur le sochaí atá níos folláine agus níos gníomhaí trí rannpháirtíocht sa spórt
a chur chun cinn agus trí thacú le hardfheidhmíocht agus saoráidí spóirt a sholáthar.
4
Tá ár seirbhísí tacaíochta corparáidí ríthábhachtach le cinntiú go mbainfear ár spriocanna
amach.
5
Brollach ón Aire
Le linn 2018, tháinig borradh láidir faoi gach réimse gníomhaíochta i mo Roinn agus
thacaigh an cáiníocóir le 269 milliún turas ar iompar poiblí, méadú de bheagnach 19 milliún
ar an mbliain roimhe. Tuairiscíodh méadú 6% ar líon na bpaisinéirí agus 36.5 milliún
paisinéirí san iomlán sna haerfoirt Stáit agus réigiúnacha agus léiríonn réamhfhigiúirí do na
calafoirt bliain eile inar tháinig borradh láidir faoin réimse seo. Ba bhliain dhearfach í ó
thaobh na turasóireachta de freisin agus sonraí CSO ag tabhairt le fios gur thug cuairteoirí
ó thíortha thar leir breis is cúig bhilliún euro don gheilleagar.
I mí an Mheithimh, bhí áthas orm a fhógairt go n-infheisteofar beagnach €25 billiún i
mbonneagar iompair, turasóireachta agus spóirt sna deich mbliana atá amach romhainn
faoin tionscnamh dar teideal ‘Linking people and places’, a chabhróidh linn Tionscadal
Éireann 2040 a chur i gcrích. Tá ról ríthábhachtach ag ár ngréasán iompartha - bóithre,
iarnród, aer agus muir san áireamh - agus ag ár n-earnálacha spóirt agus turasóireachta le
cinntiú go bhfuilimid ceangailte le chéile agus leis an domhan mór. Tá ról tábhachtach ag
an infheistíocht seo ón Rialtas chun dul chun cinn eacnamaíoch agus sóisialta a fhorbairt
agus a chothú agus chun seirbhísí agus bonneagar níos fearr a chur ar fáil ar fud na tíre sna
blianta atá amach romhainn.
Baineadh roinnt garspriocanna tábhachtacha amach anuraidh freisin maidir le soláthar
tionscadail ar fud na Roinne. I mí Iúil, sheol mé an Straitéis d’Fhorbairt na nGlasbhealaí
Náisiúnta agus Réigiúnacha Amach Anseo agus an glao maoinithe a tháinig ina diaidh.
Foilsíodh Beartas Náisiúnta Spóirt 2018-2027 i mí Iúil freisin agus rinneadh an-dul chun
cinn leis an obair thógála ar an dara céim den Airéine Náisiúnta Laistigh ag an gCampas
Náisiúnta Spóirt in 2018.
Leanadh ar aghaidh le hobair thógála ar roinnt scéimeanna tábhachtacha de chuid
Thionscadal Éireann 2040, lena n-áirítear an tionscadal leathnaithe idir an Nás agus
Droichead Nua, an mótarbhealach idir Guaire agus Inis Córthaidh agus Seachbhóthar Ros
Mhic Thriúin. Tá na tionscadail seo ar fad le bheith críochnaithe agus oscailte in 2019.
Tá cúrsaí sábháilteachta fíorthábhachtach dom agus cé go bhfuil áthas orm gur thit líon na
ndaoine a maraíodh ar na bóithre go dtí 147 in 2018, an figiúr is ísle ó cuireadh tús leis na
taifid, is bás de bharraíocht é gach bás ar na bóithre. Leanfaimid ar aghaidh lenár gcuid
oibre chun tacú le sábháilteacht ar bhóithre ach stop a chur le tiománaithe ólta, dul i
dteagmháil leis na príomhpháirtithe leasmhara ar fad agus athruithe reachtacha breise a
chur i bhfeidhm chun sábháilteacht a fheabhsú.
In 2018, bhí go leor d’obair mo Roinne dírithe ar a bheith ag ullmhú agus ag pleanáil don
Bhreatimeacht agus do na fadhbanna a chruthaíonn sé d’earnálacha an Iompair agus na
Turasóireachta. In 2019, leanfaimid ar aghaidh leis an obair atá á déanamh againn lenár
gcomhghleacaithe sna Gníomhaireachtaí, sna Ranna eile agus sa Choimisiún Eorpach le
cinntiú go ndéantar gach rud is féidir chun an tionchar a bheidh ag an mBreatimeacht ar
Éirinn a mhaolú.
6
Agus muid ag féachaint ar 2019, tá mo Roinn agus a cuid gníomaireachtaí tiomanta dár
gcuspóirí a chur i bhfeidhm; iompar poiblí, ár ngréasán bóithre agus na nascanna iompair
lenár bpríomhthairseacha idirnáisiúnta, idir aer agus mhuir, a fheabhsú;
Infheistíocht straitéiseach spriocdhírithe a dhéanamh sa turasóireacht agus in áiseanna
spóirt, agus tacaíocht a thabhairt don aistriú i dtreo sochaí ísealcharbóin atá seasmhach ó
thaobh na haeráide de.
Shane Ross T.D.
An tAire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt
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Brollach ón Aire Stáit
Tá áthas orm go bhfuil an deis agam súil siar a chaitheamh ar 2018 sa tuarascáil seo.
Rinneadh dul chun cinn in 2018 sa dá réimse beartais atá de shainchúram orm,
turasóireacht agus spórt.
Ba bhliain iontach í 2018 ó thaobh thurasóireacht na hÉireann de. Léiríonn sonraí CSO gur
tugadh níos mó ioncam isteach in 2018 ó thurasóirí ó thíortha thar lear ná mar a tugadh
isteach sna blianta roimhe sin mar gheall ar an méadú a tháinig ar líon na gcuairteoirí ón
Eoraip agus ó Mheiriceá Thuaidh. Is léiriú é seo ar chomhiarrachtaí an Rialtais, na
ngníomhaireachtaí turasóireachta agus earnáil na tionsclaíochta chun borradh a chur faoin
turasóireacht mar fhoinse thábhachtach fostaíochta agus ioncaim. Ar an iomlán, thug
cuairteoirí ó thíortha thar lear níos mó ná cúig bhilliún euro don gheilleagar in 2018 agus
thacaigh siad le 260,000 fostaí ar fud na tíre.
Neartaíodh tacaíocht an Rialtais don turasóireacht i bpróiseas an Bhuiséid in 2019 nuair a
fuair mé féin agus an tAire Ross méadú 26% sa bhuiséad turasóireachta. Ar an iomlán,
táimid chun €35 milliún breise a infheistiú sa turasóireacht in 2019 agus is é seo an méadú
is airde i mbuiséad na turasóireacht le cúig bliana déag anuas. Cuirfidh sé seo ar chumas
Fháilte Éireann agus Thurasóireacht Éireann leanúint orthu ag cur le turasóireacht go
réigiúnach agus sna séasúir éagsúla, ar aon dul le cuspóirí tábhachtacha beartais. Dáileadh
maoiniú breise ar na gníomhaireachtaí turasóireachta chun freagairt do thionchar an
Bhreatimeachta. Cuirfidh Fáilte Éireann clár i bhfeidhm a chuireann béim ar ghnó ó
Thuaisceart Éireann agus ón mBreatain a choinneáil agus a chuireann tacaíochtaí ar fáil
d’fhiontair le go mbeidh siad réidh don mhargadh i ndiaidh an Bhreatimeachta. Cuirfidh
Turasóireacht Éireann athbhreithniú ar a cuid gníomhaíochtaí i margadh na Breataine i
bhfeidhm agus cuirfear lena tionscnamh um Rochtain Réigiúnach.
Dáileadh €3.4 milliún de mhaoiniú breise ar Spórt Éireann in 2018, lena n-áirítear €1.5 i mí
Lúnasa do spórt ardfheimíochta chun cabhrú le hullmhúchán na lúthchleasaithe do Chuichí
Oilimpeacha agus Parailimpeacha 2020 i dTóiceo. Táimid ag tógáil ar ardán láidir do
Thóiceo 2020, agus 77 bonn buaite ag lúthchleasaithe na hÉireann i spóirt éagsúla
Oilimpeacha agus Parailimpeacha ag comórtais Eorpacha agus Dhomhanda in 2018.
Bhí an dáta deiridh le haghaidh iarratas do bhabhta 2018 den Chlár Caipitiúil Spóirt i mí
Dheireadh Fómhair agus cuireadh 2,337 iarratas isteach ina €162 milliún i maoiniú á lorg
acu. Léiríonn líon mór na n-iarratas chomh hábhartha agus atá an clár do chlubanna agus
do ghrúpaí spóirt ar fud na hÉireann.
Ba bhuaicphointe ar leith é foilsiú Bheartas Náisiúnta Spóirt 2018-2027 ó thaobh an spóirt
de i rith na bliana. Tá spriocanna uaillmhianacha leagtha amach againn do na deich mbliana
atá amach romhainn agus beidh 57 gníomh sa Bheartas á gcur i bhfeidhm agam in 2019.
Brendan Griffin T.D.
An tAire Stáit don Turasóireacht agus don Spórt
8
Réamhrá ón Ard-Rúnaí
Leagtar amach sa Tuarascáil Bhliantúil seo an dul chun cinn atá déanta ag an Roinn i rith
na bliana maidir lenár spriocanna agus ár gcuspóirí atá leagtha amach i Ráiteas Straitéise
na Roinne 2016 go 2019 a bhaint amach.
I rith 2018, d’oibríomar go dlúth le Ranna agus le comhlachtaí eile chun ullmhú do agus dul
i ngleic leis na dúshláin éagsúla a bhaineann leis an mBreatimeacht, pleanáil
teagmhasachta san áireamh. Is é an Breatimeacht an príomhriosca straitéiseach atá le sárú
ag an Roinn.
Faoi threoir an Aire agus an Aire Stáit, chonacthas fás leanúnach ar fud na n-earnálacha
éagsúla. Leagtar amach sa Phlean Náisiúnta Forbartha, a foilsíodh in 2018 i gcomhar leis
an gCreat Náisiúnta Pleanála mar chuid de Thionscadal Éireann 2040, na hinfheistíochtaí
móra atá pleanáilte don Iompar Poiblí sna deich mbliana atá amach romhainn. Tá foráil
ann do mhaoiniú iomlán Státchiste idir 2018 agus 2027 do bhearta gearrthréimhseacha,
meántréimhseacha agus fadtréimhseacha atá ag teastáil chun ár ngréasáin iompair phoiblí
agus taistil ghníomhaigh a fheabhsú. Cuirfear i bhfad níos mó maoinithe ar fáil do
ghréasáin an iarnróid throm, feabhsóidh an bonneagar busanna agus rothaíochta go mór i
ngach mórchathair, leathnófar ár ngréasán leictrithe iarnróid i mórcheantar Bhaile Átha
Cliath agus cuirfear tús MetroLink nua i mBaile Átha Cliath.
Tháinig méadú ar líon na ndaoine a bhí ag taisteal trí aerfoirt na hÉireann in 2018 agus tá
an t-aerbhealach idir Baile Átha Cliath agus Londain ar an dara haerbhealach idirnáisiúnta
is gnóthaí ó thaobh líon na bpaisinéirí de agus beagnach 4.5 milliún paisinéir á úsáid gach
bliain. Faoi Chlár na nAerfort Réigiúnach, cuireadh €7.6 milliún ar fáil chun tacú leis na
hinfheistíochtaí agus na gníomhaíochtaí riachtanacha sábháilteachta agus slándála agus
cuirfidh sé seo ar chumas na n-aerfort cur le nascacht fheabhsaithe réigiúnach do ghnó
agus don turasóireacht. I Meitheamh 2018, cuireadh tús le aersheirbhísí díreacha nua go
SAR Hong Cong agus an tSín (Béising); na chéad seirbhísí paisinéara sceidealaithe riamh
idir Éire agus réigiún an Aigéin Chiúin agus na hÁise.
Ar an iomlán, tháinig méadú 5% ar líon na n-earraí a láimseáiltear ag ár gcalafoirt agusbhí
Éire fós ar an ngeal-liosta de chuid Mheabhrán Comhthuisceana Pháras um Rialú Stáit ar
Chalafoirt. Díscaoileadh Cuideachta Cuain Dhún Laoghaire agus aistríodh an cuan ón
Roinn go dtí Comhairle Contae Dhún Laoghaire-Ráth an Dúin ar an 3 Deireadh Fómhair
2018 mar chuid de chur i bhfeidhm Acht na gCuanta 2015.
Tháinig ardú ar infheistíocht i mbóithre in 2018 - infheistíodh €434 milliún i mbóithre
réigiúnacha agus áitiúla; leithdháileadh €312 milliún i gcaipiteal ar bhóithre náisiúnta, agus
leithdháileadh €35.8 milliún ar chothabháil leanúnach an ghréasáin bhóithre náisiúnta. Ina
theannta sin, caitheadh €122 ar scéimeanna bóithre Comhpháirtíochta Príobháidí Poiblí
(PPP). Tháinig laghdú ar líon na ndaoine a maraíodh i rith na bliana agus tugagh 16 phíosa
de reachtaíocht thánaisteach isteach ar fud réimsí éagsúla sábháilteachta ar bhóithre.
9
I mí Iúil, seoladh Beartas Náisiúnta Spóirt 2018-2027 agus dhearbhaigh sé seo tiomantas
an Rialtais don infheistíocht in áiseanna spóirt sna blianta atá amach romhainn. Tháinig
níos mó turasóirí ó thíortha thar lear ná riamh go hÉirinn in 2018 agus méadú 5.6% ag
teacht ar líon na gcuairteanna seo. In ainneoin riosca an Bhreatimeachta, tá Fáilte Éireann
agus Turasóireacht Éireann ag obair go crua chun cinntiú go leanfaidh an treocht seo ar
aghaidh in 2019. Seo cuid de phríomhchuspóirí na hearnála: borradh a chur faoin
Turasóireacht ar bhealach inbhuanaithe, cur leis an séasúr agus cinntiú go mbaineann gach
réigiún leas as an bhforbairt agus as an infheistíocht leanúnach in earnáil na
turasóireachta.
Maidir le hathrú aeráide, aithnítear go forleathan an dúshlán mór atá le sárú ag Éirinn agus
na hathruithe atá ag teastáil má táimid chun astaíochtaí gás ceaptha teasa a laghdú. In
2018, lean an Roinn ar aghaidh agus an Plean Náisiúnta Maolúcháin á chur i bhfeidhm aici,
plean a d’fhaomh an Rialtas in 2017 agus a leagann amach 24 beart maolaithe iompair
agus 29 gníomh gaolmhar faoi cheangal ama. Tá ról suntasach ag an earnáil iompair sa
Phlean Náisiúnta Maolúcháin agus tá an Roinn tiomanta dár gcuspóir a bhaineann le
dícharbónú náisiúnta.
Mar fhocal scoir, ba mhaith liom aitheantas a thabhairt do thiomantas agus do dhíograis
gach ball foirne ar fud na tíre agus mo chomhghleacaithe ar an mBord Bainistíochta. Ba
mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil leo as a gcuid iarrachtaí ar fad in 2018 agus
aitheantas a thabhairt dóibh mar nach féidir ár gclar uaillmhianach chun tacú le fás
eacnamaíoch agus le dul chun cinn sóisialta trí fhorbairt shábháilte agus inbhuanaithe
iompair, turasóireachta agus spóirt a bhaint amach gan iad.
Ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil freisin leis na Comhlachtaí éagsúla Stáit faoinár
gcoimirce as a gcomhoibriú agus a dtacaíocht leanúnach in 2018, chomh maith leis na
húdaráis áitiúla agus Ranna agus Comhlachtaí eile Rialtais a chabhraigh linn ár gcuspóirí a
bhaint amach.
Graham Doyle
Ard-Rúnaí
10
Sracfhéachaint ar 2018
Conas a dháil an Roinn Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt Acmhainní Státchiste in 2018
In 2018, caitheadh €1.95 de mhaoiniú an cháiníocóra ar fud chláir na Roinne agus seo
thíos an miondealú earnála:
Staitisticí Ceannlíne ó 2018
Íomhá: Bonneagar Iompair Éireann Íomhá: Iarnród Éireann Íomhá: Shannon Group
11
Íomhá: An Roinn Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt Íomhá: AAIU / RAIU Íomhá: Turasóireacht Éireann
12
Comhtháthú le Beartas Níos Leithne an Rialtais
Is minic a bhíonn ár bhfís agus ár spriocanna ceangailte go dlúth le réimsí tábhachtacha
beartais eile de chuid an Rialtais, agus fagfaidh go leor dár gcinntithe caiteachais agus
infheistíochta a lorg ar ár bhforbairt shochaíoch agus eacnamaíoch.
Breatimeacht
Comhordaíonn Roinn an Taoisigh agus an Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála freagra
na hÉireann ar an mBreatimeacht ar bhonn uile-rialtais. Aithníodh an Breatimeacht mar
phríomhriosca straitéiseach na Roinne agus chuige sin, tá páirt á glacadh ag an Roinn i
gcomhairliúcháin fhorleathana le Ranna agus le gníomhaireachtaí Rialtais eile, páirtithe
leasmhara poiblí agus príobháideacha, an Coimisiún Eorpach agus Ballstáit eile den AE le
bheith mar bhonn eolais do bheartas náisiúnta maidir leis an mBreatimeacht i réimsí an
Iompair agus na Turasóireachta.
Tá pleananna don Bhreatimeacht ann bunaithe ar dhá chás fhéideartha, cás ‘gan
mhargadh’ ina bhfágann an Ríocht Aontaithe an tAontas Eorpach go tobann, agus ‘Cás
Lárnach’ a ghlacann margadh agus idirthréimhse dhá bhliain. Bhí an chuid is mó den
phleanáil bunaithe ar na contúirtí láithreacha a bhaineann le Breatimeacht ‘gan mhargadh.’
Go praiticiúil, tá Rannán Beartas agus AE na Roinne i gceannas ar ullmhúchán agus ar
chomhordú foriomlán an fhreagra ar Bhreatimeacht le cinntiú go soláthrófar anailís
chomhtháite agus ionchuimsitheach.
Tá an Rannán ina chathaoirleach ar Choiste Rannach inmheánach i dtaca leis an mBreatimeacht agus téann sé i gcomhairle leis na Rannáin ar fad ar na gnéithe éagsúla d’obair na Roinne ar a bhfuil tionchar ag an mBreatimeacht.
Bhunaigh an Rialtas roinnt grúpaí oibre Breatimeachta chun comhairle ríthábhachtach
earnála agus théamach a chur ar fáil don Rialtas, agus chun freagra comhordaithe, uile-
rialtais a chinntiú. I rith 2018, d’oibríomar go dlúth le Ranna agus le comhlachtaí eile chun
ullmhú do agus dul i ngleic leis na dúshláin éagsúla a bhaineann leis an mBreatimeacht.
Áiríodh pleanáil teagmhasachta leis seo. Tá ionadaíocht fós á déanamh don Roinn ar roinnt
príomhghrúpaí oibre idir-rannacha, lena n-áirítear an Grúpa Idir-Rannach um an AE agus
an Breatimeacht agus Grúpa Tionscadail an Droichid Talún.
In 2018, reáchtáil an Roinn, fóraim Bhreatimeachta ar leith do pháirtithe leasmhara Muirí
agus Lastais, chomh maith le rannpháirtíocht leanúnach lena hearnálacha. Chuir an Roinn
Fógraí an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh do Pháirtithe Leasmhara i réimsí an iompair in iúl dá
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go bhfuil forbairt beartas agus clár, infheistíocht agus cinntí caiteachais ag teacht leis an gcomhthéacs straitéiseach níos leithne agus le treochtaí a bhfuiltear ag súil leo amach anseo
13
hearnálacha agus bhí obair á déanamh aici ar bhearta teagmhasachta an AE, a bhfuil sé
mar aidhm acu nascacht bhunúsach eitlíochta agus bhóithre a chinntiú i gcás
Breatimeachta gan mhargadh. D’fhoilsigh Oifig Forbartha Muirí na hÉireann tuarascáil ar
‘Impleachtaí an Bhreatimeachta ar Úsáid an Droichid Talún’ i mí na Samhna 2018.
Tá páirt ghníomhach á glacadh ag gach Rannán ábhartha laistigh den Roinn in obair a
bhaineann leis an mBreatimeacht agus bíonn teagmháil rialta acu le gníomhaireachtaí agus
le páirtithe leasmhara aonair maidir le cúrsaí Breatimeachta de réir mar a thagann siad
chun cinn.
An tSaoráid um Chónascadh na hEorpa
Ó tháinig Rialachán 2013 an AE maidir leis an tSaoráid um Chónascadh na hEorpa (CEF) i
bhfeidhm ar an 1 Eanáir 2014, bhí seacht nglao maoinithe agus is tosaíochtaí maoinithe
iad digitiú iompair, sábháilteacht ar bhóithre agus ilmhodúlacht. Sa tréimhse seo, bhí rath
ar eagraíochtaí Éireannacha le hiarratais a bhaineann le níos mó ná €118 milliún i
gcómhaoiniú AE do thionscadail, lena n-áirítear iarnród, calafoirt, Iompar Cliste,
Mótarbhealaigh na Mara, Taighde um Bainistíocht Aerthráchta maidir leis an Aerspás
Eorpach Aonair (SESAR) agus nualaíocht bhreosla mhalartaigh.
Bhí Glao CEF amháin do mhaoiniú in 2018 ina raibh trí iarratas le tairbhithe Éireannacha,
agus d’éirigh le ceann amháin acu.
Is féidir teacht ar shonraí iomlána faoi na tionscadail rathúla Éireannacha ar faoi faoin gclár
CEF ar shuíomh gréasáin an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh ag an nasc seo a leanas:
https://ec.europa.eu/inea/en/connecting-europe-facility/cef-transport/projects-by-
country/ireland.
Taighde agus Anailís Straitéiseach
Cuireann an Rannán um Thaighde agus Anailís Straitéiseach (SRAD) de chuid na Roinne
acmhainn anailíseach agus taighde ar fail chun tacú leis an Roinn níos leithne, de réir
thiomantas an Rialtais do cheapadh beartais ar bhonn fianaise.
Déanann SRAD taighde agus anailís, scaipeann sé torthaí taighde agus molann sé moltaí
beartais a bhfuil fianaise mar bhonn eolais dóibh chun tacú le gach earnáil
Rannach. Díríonn na príomhionaid oibre ar anailís eacnamaíoch, breithmheas caiteachais,
measúnacht agus bainistíocht agus úsáid sonraí.
Seo a leanas cuid de na buaicphointí ó 2018 -
Foilsíodh Treochtaí Iompair 2018, achoimre staitistiúil na Roinne a tharraingíonn
aird ar fhigiúirí agus ar threochtaí ríthábhachtacha ar fud na modhanna iompair ar
fad.
Cuireadh tús le hÚsáid agus Iompar Talún a Phleanáil – Ionchas 2040 (PLUTO), a
bhfuil sé i gceist aige na hinfheistíochtaí a theastaíonn ón earnáil iompair a aithint
chun tacú le patrúin réamh-mheasta maidir le fás daonra agus dáileadh spásúil agus
tacú le soláthar chuspóirí Thionscadal Éireann 2040.
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Cuireadh proiséas Dearbhaithe Cailíochta 2017 i gcrích, a dhéanann measúnú ar
chomhlíonadh foriomlán na Roinne le Cód an Chaiteachais Phoiblí agus áirítear leis
fardal de 330 tionscadal/clár a bhfuil luach iomlán réamh-mheasta de níos mó ná
€22.6 billiún air.
Foilsíodh dhá pháipéar mar chuid den measúnú ar bhoinn fianaise d’Athbhreithniú
Caiteachais 2018 de chuid na Roinne Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe.
Cuireadh comhairle agus treoir ar fáil do rannáin agus do ghníomhaireachtaí maidir
le breithmheasanna eacnamaíochta agus cloí le Cód an Chaiteachais Phoiblí. Ar an
iomlán, cuireadh athbhreithnithe ar 21 Cás Gnó agus 35 Plean Breithmheasa
Tionscadail maidir le feabhsúcháin phleanáilte do bhonneagar bóithre, iompair
phoiblí agus spóirt i gcrích.
Tá Athbhreithniú Luacha ar Airgead agus Beartas ar an gCiste Margaíochta
Turasóireachta beagnach críochnaithe anois agus táthar ag súil go bhfoilseofar
tuarascáil i R2 in 2019.
Rinneadh taighde leanúnach ar threochtaí iompair phoiblí, ar bhreoslaí malartacha
agus ar bhrú tráchta mar chuid den Chlár Beartais um Iompar Poiblí.
Oiriúnú
Aithnítear go forleathan an tábhacht atá le dul in oiriúint d’athrú aeráide agus le
hathléimneacht a chinntiú i dtaca leis na tionchair atá ag teagmhais adhaimsire ar
bhonneagar agus ar sheirbhísí iompair. Tá plean reachtúil earnála oiriúnaithe don earnáil
iompair á chur le cheile faoin gCreat Náisiúnta Oiriúnaithe agus cuirfear faoi bhráid an Rialtais
roimh an 30 Meán Fómhair 2019 é. Cuirfidh an plean seo conair i bhfeidhm trína bhféadfaí
bonneagar ríthábhachtach iompair a aithint agus tús áite a thabhairt do thorthaí oiriúnaithe
amach anseo, agus cuirfidh sé nádúr leathan na rioscaí aeráide san áireamh.
Chun eolas a dhéanamh don obair seo, bunaíodh foireann earnála oiriúnaithe in 2018 a
chuimsíonn réimse páirtithe leasmhara iompair agus idir-rannach agus chuir an Roinn
modheolaíocht i bhfeidhm chun sonraí cainníochtúla ar na tionchair atá ag teagmhais
adhaimsire ar sheirbhísí bóthair, iarnróid, eitlíocht, calafort agus bus a bhailiú.
Breoslaí Malartacha
Tascfhórsa um Fheithiclí Astaíochtaí Ísle
Bunaíodh an Tascfhórsa LEV i mí na Nollag 2016 chun smaoineamh ar an réimse beart agus
roghanna atá ar fáil don Rialtas le go nglacfadh níos mó daoine le teicneolaíochtaí
ísealcharbóin san earnáil iompair ar bhóthar.
Tháinig céim a haon de chlár oibre an Tascfhórsa, a dhírigh ar fheithiclí leictreacha, in 2018
agus foilsíodh Tuarascáil ar Dhul Chun Cinn ar shuíomh gréasáin na Roinne i mí Dheireadh
Cuspóir: Astaíochtaí a laghdú agus earnáil iompair ísealcharbóin atá seasmhach ó thaobh na haeráide de a thógáil faoin mbliain 2050
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Fómhair. Cuireadh tús leis an dara céim de chlár oibre an Tascfhórsa i mí Mheán Fómhair
2018, agus díreofar sa chéim seo ar scrúdú a dhéanamh ar an ról atá ag teicneolaíochtaí
breoslaí malartacha, cosúil le gás nádúrtha comhbhrúite, bithghás agus hidrigin agus béim ar
leith á cur ar an earnáil lastais.
Tástáil na mBusanna Astaíochtaí Ísle
Tiomnaíodh sa Phlean Náisiúnta Forbartha nach gceannófar busanna díosail don fhlít
busanna uirbeacha ó mhí Iúil 2019. Go déanach in 2018, sheol an Roinn, i gcomhar leis an
Údarás Náisiúnta Iompair agus príomhoibreoirí uirbeacha, tástálacha cuimsitheacha busanna
agus é mar chuspóir acu a bheith mar bhonn eolais do chinntí ceannaigh maidir le busanna
nua amach anseo. I measc na mbreoslaí agus na dteicneolaíochtaí a tástáladh bhí
lánleictreach, hibridí díosail-leictreacha, hidrigin agus gás nádúrtha comhbhrúite. Déanfaidh
na tástálacha measúnú ar astaíochtaí CO2, an tionchar atá ag caighdeán an aeir agus conas a
d’fhéadfadh na nithe seo spriocanna na hearnála maidir le fuinneamh in-athnuaite, agus
costais, infhaighteacht feithiclí agus riachtanais oibriúcháin/bhonneagair. Tá na tástálacha
fós ar siúl i mBaile Átha Cliath agus i gCorcaigh, agus táthar ag súil go gcuirfear deireadh leo
i mí Iúil 2019.
Sainchomhaid an AE
Le linn 2018, ghlac oifigigh ón Roinn in idirbheartaíocht maidir le sainchomhaid
thábhachtacha de chuid an AE:
a. Rialacháin CO2 do Charranna agus do Veaineanna
Tá moltaí nua maidir le rialachán astaíochtaí CO2 ó charanna agus ó veaineanna á gcur le
chéile ag leibhéal AE. Tá sé i gceist ag an rialachán nua molta tógáil ar na hoibleagáidí maidir
le caighdeáin feithiclí atá ar dhéantóirí faoi láthair. Faoi na hoibleagáidí seo, tá orthu feithiclí
nua astaithe a dhéanamh le himeacht ama. Bhí na caighdeáin reatha lárnach i dtaca le
hastaíochtaí CO2 ó fheithiclí nua a laghdú ach tiocfaidh deireadh leis an rialachán reatha in
2021.
b. Rialacháin CO2 d’Fheithiclí Tromshaothair
Is ionann feithiclí tromshaothair (HDV) agus thart ar 5% d’fheithiclí ar bhóithre an AE, ach tá
siad freagrach as thart ar 25% de na hastaíochtaí iompair bhóthair ar fad. Ar aon dul leis na
rialacháin thuas a bhaineann le carranna agus veaineanna, mhol an Coimisiún Eorpach go
dtabharfar rialacháin isteach a cheadóidh, ó 2019 ar aghaidh, uasmheáin astaíochtaí
d’Fheithiclí Tromshaothair agus caighdeáin chéimnitheacha maidir le laghdú astaíochtaí a
leagan síos.
Ardán Taighde
In 2018, rinne an Roinn Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt cómhaoiniú ar cheithre
thionscadal taighde i réimse na hathruithe aeráide. Cíorann na tionscadail na tionchair atá ag
éicithiomáint ar laghdú astaíochtaí san earnáil lastais; bearta maolaithe a laghdóidh
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astaíochtaí agus/nó truailliú aeir ó fheithiclí tromshaothair; agus an ról atá ag an aistriú córa
iompair maidir le laghdú astaíochtaí iompair.
Astaíochtaí Eitlíochta agus Muirí
Aithnítear go forleathan an tábhacht atá leis na tionchair dhiúltacha atá ag an eitlíocht ar
an gcomhshaol a laghdú. Tacaíonn Éire go láidir le fás atá neodrach ó thaobh carbóin de
san earnáil eitlíochta agus tá iarrachtaí á ndéanamh ag leibhéal domhanda chun freagra
comhordaithe domhanda a chur i bhfeidhm.
In 2017, d’fhaomh an Eagraíocht Eitlíochta Sibhialta Idirnáisiúnta (ICAO), a bhfuil Éire ina
ball di faoi láthair, na dréachtchaighdeáin a bhainfidh le cur i bhfeidhm na Scéime
Fritháirithe agus Laghdaithe Carbóin don Eitlíocht Idirnáisiúnta (CORSIA) Tá obair á
déanamh ag Éirinn, mar chuid den Chomhdháil Eorpach um Eitlíocht Shibhialta ina bhfuil
44 ball, chun an scéim a chur i bhfeidhm óna céad chéim i.e ó 2021. Ina theannta sin,
táthar ag súil go dtabharfar Plean athbhreithnithe Gníomhaíochta do Laghdú Astaíochtaí
Eitlíochta in Éirinn chun críche go luath in 2019, agus tabharfar eolas sa phlean seo faoi
bhearta leanúnacha agus amach anseo san earnáil eitlíochta a thacóidh le cosaint an
chomhshaoil.
Tá an Roinn fós ag obair go dlúth leis an Roinn Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na
hAeráide agus Comhshaoil agus leis an nGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil
maidir le cúrsaí a bhaineann leis an eitlíocht laistigh de chreat na Scéime AE i ndáil le
Trádáil Astaíochtaí (ETS).
Cosúil leis an earnáil mhuirí, aithnítear go gcaithfidh ról a bheith ag loingeas maidir le
hastaíochtaí gás ceaptha teasa a rialú. In 2018, ghlac Éire páirt i gcruinnithe de chuid an
Choiste um Chaomhnú an Chomhshaoil Mhuirí (coiste de chuid na hEagraíochta Muirí
Idirináisiúnta -IMO) i Londain i mí Aibreáin, agus glacadh le straitéis tosaigh i dtaca le
hastaíochtaí gás ceaptha teasa ó longa a laghdú. I mí Dheireadh Fómhair, d’fhaomh an
Coiste clár chun bearta i straitéis tosaigh IMO a leanúint go dtí 2023.
Maolú
In 2018, lean an Roinn ar aghaidh agus an Plean Náisiúnta Maolúcháin á chur i bhfeidhm
aici, plean a d’fhaomh an Rialtas in 2017 agus a leagann amach go soiléir tiomantas an
Rialtais dár gcuspóir náisiúnta dícharbónaithe.
Tá ról suntasach ag iompar san iarracht náisiúnta mhaolaithe agus leagtar amach sa Phlean
24 beart maolaithe iompair agus 29 gníomh gaolmhar faoi cheangal ama le ceannasaithe
ainmnithe agus páirtithe sainaitheanta leasmhara. Tá na bearta maolaithe iompair
fadréimseach agus díríonn siad go príomha ar na nithe seo a leanas –
Aistriú córa iompair
Infheistíocht in iompar poiblí agus inbhuanaithe
An flít a dhícharbónú ach breoslaí agus teicneolaíochtaí malartacha a chur chun
cinn.
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Tiomnaíodh sa NDP, a foilsíodh in 2018 faoi Thionscadal Éireann 2040, €8.6 billiún
d’infheistíocht in iompar poiblí agus inbhuanaithe go dtí 2027 trí thionscadail ar nós
MetroLink, BusConnects an chláir um Fhorleathnú DART. Ba chóir go spreagfadh sé seo
aistriú córa iompair ó charranna príobháideacha. Ina theannta sin, tiomnaíodh sa NDP stop
a chur le busanna díosail amhain a cheannach don fhlít uirbeach ó mhí Iúil 2019 agus
cabhróidh sé seo leis an bhflít iompair phoiblí a dhícharbónú ach breoslaí agus
teicneolaíochtaí malartacha a chorprú.
Tá dul chun cinn á dhéanamh ar fhorbairtí laistigh de mhaolú athraithe aeráide go han-
tapa; mar aitheantas air seo, d’fhorbair an Roinn Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt (“an
Roinn”) ardán taighde athraithe aeráide in 2018 chun cómhaoiniú a dhéanamh ar thaighde
acadúil i réimsí ina bhfuil easpa eolais atá dírithe ar Éirinn. Go dtí seo, cuireadh
cómhaoiniú ar fáil do thionscadail a chíorann bearta féideartha maolaithe san earnáil
lastais agus an ról atá ag athrú iompraíochta maidir le haistriú córa iompair a chur chun
cinn. Beidh torthaí na dtionscadal taighde seo mar bhonn eolais do thuilleadh forbairtí ar
bheartas aeráide.
Is éard atá i gceist le Córais Iompair Chliste (ITS) ná feidhmiú agus comhtháthú
ardteicneolaíochtaí cumarsáide san earnáil iompair. Is cumasóirí leathana iad ITS a ligeann
d’oibreoirí iompair córais iompair a phleanáil, a dhearadh, a oibriú, a chaomhnú agus a
bhainistiú.
In 2018, lean an Roinn uirthi agus teagmháil á déanamh aici le heagraíochtaí agus le
hardáin idirnáisiúnta ITS, ITS Éireann, ERTICO, Comhdhálacha Luchtaithe d’Úsáideoirí
Bóithre, agus, an Comhlachas Eorpach Iompair san áireamh, agus cuireadh tacaíocht ar fáil
don Chomhdháil Eorpach Iompair (ETC) a bhí á reáchtáil i mBaile Átha Cliath i mí
Dheireadh Fómhair 2018. Beidh an ETC á hóstáil ag an Roinn arís i mí Dheireadh Fómhair
2019.
Déantar achoimre ar ár bpríomhréimsí fócais ITS thíos:
Straitéis Náisiúnta ITS
Le linn 2018, leanadh ar aghaidh le hobair ullmhúcháin maidir le Straitéis Náisiúnta ITS
d’Éirinn a dhréachtú. Neartóidh an obair atá ar siúl ar Fheithiclí Nasctha agus
Uathrialaitheacha (CAV) an Straitéis Náisiúnta ITS.
Treoir ITS an AE
Chuaigh an Roinn agus ár ngníomhaireachtaí i dteagmháil leis an gCoimisiún Eorpach i
rith na bliana faoi chúrsaí ITS agus faoin bhforbairt a dhéantar ar rialacháin tharmligthe
faoin Treoir maidir le ITS (2010/40/EU) go háirithe. Cuireadh ceithre bliana leis an
údarás tarmligthe faoin Treoir maidir le ITS go dtí mí Lúnasa 2022, rud a ligeann don
Cuspóir: Straitéisí agus beartais a fhorbairt a chuireann forbairtí san earnáil iompair amach anseo san áireamh, lena n-áirítear córais iompair chliste
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Choimisiún Rialacháin a dhéanamh. Glacadh le Rialacháin ITS sna réimsí seo a leanas:
faisnéis tráchta maidir le sábháilteacht ar bhóithe, faisnéis fíor-ama tráchta agus
pleanálaí ilmhódach turais ar fud na hEorpa.
Comhchórais Iompair Chliste an AE (C-ITS)
Díríonn Comhchórais Iompair Chliste (C-ITS) ar an gcumarsáid idir teicneolaíochtaí
digiteacha a chuireann faisnéis ar fáil agus atá curtha cois bóthair nó i bhfeithiclí.
Cuireann na córais seo ar chumas feithiclí cumarsáid a dhéanamh le feithiclí eile, leis an
mbonneagar, nó le córais eile C-ITS. Tá sé i gceist go n-idirghníomhóidh feithiclí go
díreach le chéile agus leis an mbonneagar bóthair sula i bhfad. Ligfidh an t-
idirghníomhú seo d’úsáideoirí bóithre agus do bhainisteoirí tráchta eolas a roinnt agus
é a úsáid chun a gcuid gníomhartha a chomhordú. Táthar ag súil go gcuirfidh an ghné
chomhoibritheach, atá á cumasú ag nascacht dhigiteach idir feithiclí agus idir feithiclí
agus bonneagar iompair, feabhas mór ar shábháilteacht ar bhóithre, ar éifeachtúlacht
tráchta ar chompord na tiomána. Bainfear na torthaí seo amach ach cabhrú leis an
tiománaí na cinntithe cearta a dhéanamh agus iad féin a oiriúnú ag brath ar an trácht.
Agus cúnamh á fháil aige ó Bhallstáit, Éire san áireamh, lean an Coimisiún Eorpach air
le dréachtú Rialacháin maidir le sonraíochtaí do C-ITS in 2018. Táthar ag súil go
nglacfar leis an Rialachán nua in 2019.
Tiomáint Uathrialaitheach - Feithiclí Nasctha agus Uathrialaitheacha (CAV)
Le linn 2018, d’fhógair an tAire Ross go mbeadh treoirlínte á gcur le chéile do thástáil
feithiclí uathrialaitheacha ar bhóithre na hÉireann. Bunaíodh grúpa stiúrtha idir-
rannach ar fheithiclí nasctha agus uathrialaitheacha ina bhfuil comhlachtaí ábhartha
poiblí agus bhí roinnt cruinnithe acu chun obair ar na treoirlínte a chur chun cinn.
Cuireadh sraith ceardlann ar siúl in 2018 freisin le hionchur a fháil ó na páirtithe
leasmhara agus le cinntiú go sásaíonn na dréacht-threoirlíne a gcuid riachtanas. Táthar
ag súil go gcuirfear na treoirlínte amach in 2019. Tacóidh treochlár agus plean
d’Fheithiclí Nasctha agus Uathrialaitheacha (CAV) agus Straitéis Náisiúnta do Chórais
Iompair Chliste leo.
Tá obair ar siúl ag leibhéal AE agus idirnáisiúnta i dtaca le tiomáint nasctha agus
uathrialaitheach a thabhairt isteach agus tá an Roinn ag leanúint agus ag dul i ngleic leis
na forbairtí seo.
Luasteorainneacha
Tá moltaí ón Athbhreithniú ar Luasteorainneacha (2013) agus na Treoirlínte maidir le
Luasteorainneacha in Éirinn a Bhainistiú (2015) fós á gcur i bhfeidhm ag an Roinn. Tá
obair á déanamh ag Údaráis Áitiúla faoi láthair chun tuairisc chuimsitheach chun dáta
ar luasteorainneacha a chur le chéile de réir na dTreoirlínte.
Seirbhís Dolaí Leictreonacha na hEorpa (EETS)
Mhol an Coimisiún Eorpach an Treoir maidir le Seirbhís Dolaí Leictreonacha na hEorpa
(EETS) a athrú ó bhonn in 2017 chun idir-inoibritheacht iomlán dolaí leictreonacha a
chinntiú ar fud an Aontais Eorpaigh. D’oibrigh gach Ballstát den AE ar an athrú seo i
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rith 2018. Sa Treoir maidir le EETS a athraíodh, tá fóráil nua do phionóis a ghearradh
ar fheithiclí neamhnáisiúnacha mura n-íoctar fíneálacha. Táthar ag súil go nglacfar leis
an Treoir maidir le EETS a athraíodh go luath in 2019.
Tionscadail Taighde
Ghlac Éire páirt sa dara chéim de threoirthionscadal le hOllscoil Mhá Nuad chun
bogearraí a fhorbairt atá in ann bunachar sonraí de thréithe bóithre a chuardach le
haghaidh athruithe i sonraí na dtréithe seo. Cabhróidh an Tionscadal seo le hÉirinn a
cuid oibleagáidí faoi Rialacháin ITS an AE a bhaint amach i dtaca le faisnéis fíor-ama
tráchta a sholáthar. Cuirfear an fhaisnéis seo in iúl do thiománaithe agus ba chóir go
bhfeabhsódh sé seo sábháilteacht ar bhóithre agus go n-éascódh sé gluaiseacht
tráchta. Leanfaidh an tionscadal ar aghaidh in 2019.
Seo a leanas na dtionscadal teicneolaíochta taighde ina bhfuil an Roinn rannpháirteach:
C-Roads atá ina chomhthionscnamh idir Ballstáit na hEorpa agus oibreoirí
bóithre maidir le Comhchórais Iompair Chliste (C-ITS) a thástáil agus a chur i
bhfeidhm i bhfianaise comhchuibhithe agus idir-inoibritheachta trasteorann. Is é
aidhm fhoriomlán clár píolótach C-ITS de chuid C-Roads Ireland ná seirbhísí C-
ITS amach anseo a úsáid, a thástáil agus a mheas.
Is treoirthionscadal atá á chómhaoiniú ag Coimisiún an AE é TN-ITS (Córais
Iompair Chliste an Ghréasáin Iompair) GO. Baineann sé le malartú faisnéise
maidir le hathruithe ar thréithe bóithre statacha. Is éard is brí le ‘statach’ ná go
bhfuil na tréithe beagnach buan, cé go bhféadfaidís athrú ó am go chéile, ar nós
luasteorainneacha.
Conair Bhainistíocha Tráchta Arc Atlantique. Cruthaíonn an tionscadal nasc idir
na príomhnóid eacnamaíochta seo a leanas: Béal Feirste, Baile Átha Cliath,
Glaschú, Cardiff, Londain, Calais, Rotterdam, Amstardam, Antuairp, an Bhruiséil,
Charleroi, Liège, Lille, Páras, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, San Sebastián, Bilbao,
Valladolid, Santander, La Coruña, Porto agus Liospóin. Dhírigh an tionscadal ar
úsáid phríomhsheirbhísí na gCóras Iompair Cliste (ITS), go háirithe bainistíocht
tráchta agus seirbhísí bainistíochta tráchta a thacaíonn le bainisteoirí tráchta
agus an trácht á treorú acu.
Déantar ionadaíocht don Roinn ar Thascfhórsa an Rialtais maidir le Pleanáil Éigeandála
agus ar an nGrúpa Stiúrtha Náisiúnta a dhéanann maoirseacht ar an gCreat um
Bhainistíocht Móréigeandála. Is muid Príomhroinn an Rialtais d’éigeandálaí náisiúnta
Cuspóir: Freagairt straitéiseach a chomhordú agus a bhainistiú go héifeachtach ar leibhéal náisiúnta i leith éigeandálaí dá bhfuilimid ainmnithe mar Roinn Ceannais Rialtais
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iompair agus tacaímid le Príomhroinn eile d’éigeandálaí a chuireann isteach ar thaisteal
agus ar iompair m.sh. adhaimsir.
In 2018, ghlac an Roinn páirt sa Ghrúpa Náisiúnta Comhordaithe Éigeandálaí (NECG), a
thionóil an Roinn Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil mar fhreagra ar roinnt teagmhas
crua adhaimsire. Bhuail an NECG le chéile mar fhreagra ar Stoirm Eleanor i mí Eanáir,
Stoirm Emma i mí Feabhra/mí an Mhárta agus Stoirm Callum i mí Dheireadh Fómhair.
D’oibrigh an Roinn, oibreoirí agus gníomhaireachtaí iompair leis an NECG le freagra
comhordaithe ar na heachtraí seo a chinntiú.
Ghlacamar páirt freisin i roinnt beart pleanála éigeandála a bhí á reáchtáil ag
gníomhaireachtaí agus ranna eile Rialtais in 2018. Leanaimid orainn agus muid ag obair go
dlúth leis an Oifig Pleanála Éigeandála maidir le réimse ceisteanna pleanála éigeandála,
lena n-áirítear athléimneacht an bhonneagair chriticiúil agus measúnú riosca.
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Iompar ar Tír
Íomhá: Iarnród Éireann / Bonneagar Iompair Éireann
Sprioc ardleibhéil Freastal chomh maith is féidir ar riachtanais na sochaí agus an
gheilleagair trí líonraí agus seirbhísí iompair atá sábháilte,
inbhuanaithe agus iomaíoch
Tá tábhacht bhunúsach le córas iompair talún na hÉireann – a chuimsíonn ár ngréasáin
bhóithre agus iarnróid, chomh maith le seirbhísí bus, iarnróid agus tacsaí – d’fholláine
shochaíoch agus eacnamaíoch. Sa tréimhse idir 2016 agus 2019, tá sé i gceist againn dul i
ngleic le dúshláin an lae inniu agus pleanáil don fhorbairt a dhéanfar ar ghréasáin agus ar
sheirbhísí iompair talún agus iad a chumasú, agus béim á cur ar shábháilteacht, ar
fheabhsaithe slándála agus ar chineálacha níos inbhuanaithe iompair, ar nós rothaíochta
agus siúil.
Creat Infheistíochta Iompair
Sheol an Rialtas Tionscadal Éireann 2040 i mí Feabhra 2018. Leagtar amach sa tionscadal
seo an fhorbairt spásúil agus an creat infheistíochta atá pleanáilte do na blianta atá amach
romhainn, tríd an gCreat Náisiúnta Pleanála agus an Plean Náisiúnta Forbartha (NDP)
2018-2027.
Laistigh den Chreat seo, thiomnaigh an Rialtas d’infheistíochtaí móra chun éifeachtúlacht,
éifeachtacht agus inbhuanaitheacht an ghréasáin iompair agus cuireann an NDP
Cuspóir: Feabhas a chur ar sheirbhísí iompair ar tír agus ar infheistíocht iontu
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leithdháiltí táscacha de €8.6 billiún ar fáil le hinfheistiú i dtionscadail iompair phoiblí ar fud
na hÉireann sna deich mbliana atá amach romhainn. Cuirfear tús le roinnt tionscadal agus
clár suntasach mar gheall ar an infheistíocht ar tiomnaíodh di sa Phlean Náisiúnta
Forbartha, lena n-áirítear -
Cothabháil agus athnuachan an iarnróid throim;
Chuir clár BusConnects feabhas ar sheirbhísí agus ar bhonneagar busanna i ngach
mórchathair, lena n-áirítear áiseanna feabhsaithe rothaíochta;
MetroLink; agus
An clár um Fhorleathnú DART.
Beidh na tionscadail agus na cláir mhóra á gcomhlánú ag infheistíochtaí eile atá pleanáilte,
mar shampla: Ionad Náisiúnta Rialaithe Traenach nua a fhorbairt, gréasáin straitéiseacha
rothaíochta a chur i bhfeidhm sna mórchathracha agus clár infheistíochta i mbóithre
náisiúnta agus réigiúnacha mar atá leagtha amach i dTionscadal Éireann 2040.
D’fhorbair agus d’fhoilsigh an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe Rianaire
Tionscadail a chuimsíonn na tionscadail agus na cláir i dTionscadal Éireann 2040 agus
moladh go mbeidh caiteachas €20 milliún nó níos mó aige. Cuimsíonn an Rianaire
Tionscadail dul chun cinn ar thionscadail agus ar chláir ábhartha a bhaineann le hiompar
poiblí agus le hinfheistíocht i mbóithre.
Maidir le bóithre, ardaíodh an cistiú caipitil céim ar chéim go dtí na leibhéil a theastaíonn
faoi Thionscadal Éireann 2040 le cinntiú go bhfuil staid foistine ar an ngréasán agus go
ngcuirtear tús le tionscadail spriocdhírithe feabhsúcháin. Tá an chuid is mó den
chaiteachas faoi Thionscadal Éireann 2040 fós á úsáid do chothabháil agus d’athnuachan
bóithre agus chun tiomantais chonarthacha a bhaint amach faoi chlár bóithre PPP.
Is féidir feabhsuithe suntasacha a dhéanamh ar an gclár infheistíochta caipitil do bhóithre
mar gheall ar na leibhéil mhéadaithe mhaoinithe, agus tá tionscadail feabhsúcháin bhóithre
bhreise curtha san áireamh anois. Tá na tionscadail uasghrádaithe de chuid Thionscadal
Éireann 2040 á gcur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn céimnithe de réir mar a cheadaíonn buiséid agus
de réir mar a chuirtear tionscadail chun cinn trí chéimeanna forbartha an tionscadail.
Laistigh den chlúdach caipitil atá ar fáil, seo a leanas tosaíochtaí infheistíochta na Roinne in
earnáil na mbóithre:
(i) Cothabháil a dhéanamh ar an ngréasán bóithre náisiúnta, réigiúnach agus áitiúil;
(ii) Dul ar aghaidh go dtí an chéim tógála, ag brath ar cheaduithe riachtanacha, de na
tionscadail thábhachtacha feabhsúcháin do bhóithre náisiúnta agus réigiúnacha
a aithníodh i dTionscadal Éireann 2040; agus
(iii) Breithmheas ar réimse tionscadal eile agus tús áite á thabhairt acu do thionscadail
forbartha amach anseo.
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Tá freagracht ar Bhonneagar Iompair Éireann (TII) clár na mbóithre náisiúnta a chur i
bhfeidhm agus tá pleanáil agus réamhoibreacha ullmhúcháin do thionscadail feabhsúcháin
na príomhbhóithre náisiúnta de chuid Thionscadal Éireann 2040 á gcur chun cinn aige. Tá
achoimre ghinearálta ar na na tionscadail le feiceáil sa tábla thíos.
Bóithre Seachbhóthar N25 Ros Mhic Thriúin Á thógáil agus de réir sceidil le bheith oscailte in
R4 2019/R1 2020.
N4 idir Cúil Mhuine agus Béal Átha na gCarraigíní
Críochnaíodh an comórtas Tairisceana le
haghaidh conraitheora in 2018. Táthar ag súil go
gcuirfear tús leis an tógáil i R1 2019.
M11 idir Guaire agus Inis Córthaidh Á thógáil agus de réir sceidil le bheith oscailte in
R2 2020.
Seachbhóthar M7 idir an Nás agus Droichead Nua agus Seachbhóthar na Sollán
Tá dul chun cinn á dhéanamh ar Sheachbhóthar
an Náis, ar Sheachbhóthar na Sollán agus ar
Acomhal Bhaile Osbeird faoi chonradh amháin.
Cuireadh tús leis an tógáil agus táthar ag súil go
dtiocfaidh sí chun críche ar bhonn céimneach idir
2019/2020.
Uasghrádaithe ar Bhóthar Nangair/Bhaile Adaim
Cuireadh tús leis an tógáil in 2017 agus táthar ag
súil go dtiocfaidh sí chun críche in 2019.
Tá údaráis aonair bhóithre freagrach as tionscadail maidir le bóithre réigiúnacha agus
áitiúla a chur i bhfeidhm. Oibríonn siad i gcomhpháirt le TII chun an chuid is mó de na
tionscadail ar bhóithre náisiúnta a chur i gcrích. Ina theannta sin, is féidir pacáiste beart
breise a chur i bhfeidhm ar an ngréasán bóithre, lena n-áirítear bainistíocht níos fearr ar an
M50 ach luasteorainneacha inathraithe a úsáid, níos lú fuinnimh a úsáid do shoilsiú bealaí,
mionoibreacha feabhsúcháin, rannpháirtíocht phobail agus cláir dheontais dhraenála i
gcomhar leis an measúnú ar thionscadail fhéideartha feabhsúcháin amach anseo.
Maidir le Luasteorainneacha Inathraithe (VSL), tá socruithe reachtacha ar siúl laistigh den
Roinn chun an chumhacht a thabhairt do TII luasteorainneacha inathraithe ar
mhótarbhealaigh a bhainistiú agus a rialú, an M50 san áireamh. Cuirfidh an córas nua seo
feabhas ar éifeachtúlacht oibriúcháin ar an M50 ach
Sruth tráchta a éascú.
Iontaofacht fhad na dturas a fheabhsú.
Imbhuailtí tánaisteachta tráchta a laghdú.
Freagra comhtháite agus comhordaithe ar dhálaí tráchta ó TII agus ó fhreagróirí éigeandála a chur i bhfeidhm.
Scaipeadh eolais ar úsáideoirí bóithre a fheabhsú.
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Chun an beart tábhachtach seo a chur chun cinn, tá TII ag cur leis an ionad rialaithe um
thrácht ar mhótarbhealaigh ag Tollán Chalafort Bhaile Átha Cliath chun freastal ar an
ualach oibre breise ó thabhairt isteach VSL agus tá na córais bhainistíochta agus crua-
earraí a bheidh á dtógáil ar dhroichid reatha.
Faightear achoimre sa tábla thíos ar dhul chun cinn a rinneadh in 2018 ar thionscadail
iompair phoiblí ar leith.
Achoimre ar Dhul Chun Cinn ar Thionscadail ar leith maidir le Plean Caipitil in 2018 Iompar Poiblí
Athchomharthaíocht Lár Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath
In 2018, leanadh ar aghaidh le hobair ar uasghrádú mór ar chlár
athchomharthaíochta Lár Chatair Bhaile Átha Cliath. Is gné lárnach
d’uasghrádú seirbhísí iarnróid laistigh de Mhórcheantar Bhaile Átha
Cliath agus de sholáthar an Chláir um Fhorleathnú DART é an clár a
bheidh á thabhairt chun críche faoi 2029. Beidh foráil sa tionscadal do
mhinicíochtaí méadaithe traenacha ach teicneolaíochtaí níos nua-
aimseartha a chur in áit trealaimh as dáta. Éascóidh an tionscadal
méadú ar an leibhéal seirbhíse feadh Línte Bhéal Feirste agus Mhá
Nuad, agus trí Lár na Cathrach.
Forleathnú DART Leanadh an tÚdarás Náisiúnta Iompair, i gcomhar le hIarnród Éireann,
ar aghaidh le hobair in 2018 ar an gcéim réamhphleanála den Chlár um
Fhorleathnú DART agus é ar intinn acu tús a chur le pleanáil agus le
dearadh nua mar ullmhúchán don phróiseas reachtúil pleanála.
Metro Link Eagraíodh comhairliúchán forleathan poiblín ar an mBealach Is Dealraithí a Roghnófar’ idir mí an Mhárta agus mí an Mheithimh 2018 agus fuarthas 8,000 aighneacht a bhain le ceisteanna cosúil leis an ailíniú molta bealaigh. Tá athbhreithniú cúramach á dhéanamh ag an Údarás Náisiúnta Iompair
(NTA) faoi láthair ar gach aighneacht agus é ar intinn aige eolas a
dhéanamh d’fhorbairt ar an mbealach is dealraithí le haghaidh
comhairliúcháin phoiblín sa chéad ráithe de 2019.
Ionad Náisiúnta Rialaithe Traenach
Leanadh ar aghaidh le aboair in 2018 ar fhorbairt an Ionaid Náisiúnta
Rialaithe Traenach (NTCC) a nuachóireoidh agus a chomhtháthóidh
rialú comharthaíochta agus cumarsáide ar fud an ghréasáin iarnróid,
agus barrfheabhsófar bainistíocht ar thrácht iarnróid dá bharr.
Buntáiste suntasach do chustaiméirí a bhaineann leis an NTC ná go
méadófar feidhmíocht traenacha agus infhaighteacht faisnéise cruinne
fíor-ama taistil chun turais a phleanáil.
Clár athsholáthair busanna Oibleagáide Seirbhíse Poiblí
In 2018, cuireadh maoiniú ar fáil do 205 bus Oibleagáide Seirbhíse
Poiblí do Cheantar Bhaile Átha Cliath - 141 bus do Bhus Átha Cliath
agus 64 bus do Go Ahead. Ceannaíodh 83 bus nua do fhlít PSO de
chuid Bhus Éireann.
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Cothabháil an ghréasáin iarnróid
Cuireadh €160 milliún ar fáil d’Iarnród Éireann do chothabháil agus
d’athnuachan an ghréasáin an iarnróid throim ar fud na tíre faoi
Chonradh Ilbhliantúil an Bhainisteora Bhonneagair.
Iompar Poiblí
I dteannta na nithe thuas, rinneadh dul chun cinn le réimse tionscadal eile in 2018 -
Clár Iarfheistithe Rochtana
Tá gnéithe rochtana, lena n-áirítear bealach isteach do chathaoireacha rothaí agus
áiseanna closamhairc/amhairc, le fáil i ngach tionscadal bonneagair agus feithiclí nua
iompair phoiblí ó chéim an deartha. Tá córais níos nua, ar nós LUAS, inrochtana go
hiomlán.
Ta ceisteanna oidhreachta ann, áfach, a bhaineann le bonneagar agus le háiseanna níos
sine, mar shampla bonneagar iarnróid ón ré Victeoiriach.
Chun dul i ngleic leis na ceisteanna oidhreachta seo, maoiníonn an Roinn clár leanúnach do
dheontais feabhsúcháin rochtana, atá á bhainistiú ag an NTA, chun bonneagar agus
áiseanna níos sine mar seo a leanas a uasghrádú:
Stadanna inrochtana bus a chur isteach i gceantair thuaithe agus réigiúnacha
Stáisiúin traenach a uasghrádú le go mbeidh rochtain ag daoine i
gcathaoireacha rothaí orthu, agus
Tacaíocht deontais a chur ar fáil chun níos mó feithiclí atá oiriúnach do
chathaoireacha rotha (WAV) a thabhairt isteach i bhflít na dtacsaithe.
Bhí leithdháileadh ilbhliantúil de bheagnach €28 milliún don chlár Iarfheistithe rochtana
don tréimhse 2018-2021 sa chlúdach caipitil 4 bliana d’iompar poiblí a fógraíodh faoi
Bhuiséad 2018. Is méadú faoi thrí é seo ar an leithdháileadh rochtana faoin bPlean Caipitil
roimhe seo.
BusConnects
Seoladh BusConnects i mí Bealtaine 2017 agus is clár nua é atá ag iarraidh athdhearadh
iomlán a dhéanamh ar chóras na mbusanna i mBaile Átha Cliath. Leasóidh BUSConnects
córas na mbusanna i mBaile Átha Cliath ó bhonn ach na rudaí seo a leanas a chur i
bhfeidhm:
o Gréasán conairí bus den “chéad ghlúin eile” le conairí scartha rothaíochta
o Athdhearadh iomlán ar an ngréasán bus
o Struchtúr táillí níos simplí
o Córas íocaíochtaí gan airgead tirim
o Córas úrscothach ticéadaithe
o Luibhré busanna nua
o Stadanna agus scáthláin nua bhus
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o Úsáid a bhaint as feithiclí astaíochtaí ísle
D’eagraigh an NTA tréimhse shuntasach chomhairliúcháin phoiblí idir mí Iúil agus mí
Mheán Fómhair 2018 maidir le gréasán nua molta na mbealaí bus. Fuarthas níos mó ná
30,000 aighneacht agus tá athbhreithniú á dhéanamh ag an NTA orthu. Foilseofar moladh
athbhreithnithe gréasáin le haghaigh tuilleadh comhairliúcháin in 2019. Sheol an NTA
Comhairliúchán Poiblí ar an gcéad tráinse de 4 phríomhchonair bhus (bonneagar fisiciúil) i
mí na Samhna 2018 a bheidh ar siúl go dtí lár mhí Feabhra 2019. Eagrófar tuilleadh
comhairliúchán maidir leis an 12 chonair atá fágtha i R1 agus R2 2019.
Oscailt i Margadh na mBusanna
Lorg NTA tairiscintí do 10% de ghréasán bealaigh bhus Oibleagáide Seirbhíse Poiblí (PSO),
a bhí á gcur ar fáil ag Bus Átha Cliath agus Bus Éireann faoi chonarthaí, agus bronnadh
conarthaí in 2017 agus 2018. Baineann na seirbhísí iomaíocha seo ar cuireadh tairiscintí
isteach orthu le bealaí i gCeantar Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath, i gCeantar Comaitéireachta
Bhaile Átha Cliath agus i gCeantar Phort Láirge. Bhuaigh Go-Ahead Ireland na conarthaí
do Cheantar Cathrach agus Comaitéireachta Bhaile Átha Cliath agus d’éirigh le Bus
Éireann an conradh do Phort Láirge a fháil.
I mí Mheán Fómhair 2018, chuir Go-Ahead Ireland tús le seirbhís nua, Bealach 175, agus
bá é an chéad bhealach de na 23 bealach a bhí mar chuid den tairiscint ar cuireadh tús leis.
Ón 7 Deireadh Fómhair 2018, cuireadh tús le haistriú céimnithe (ó Bhus Átha Cliath) na 22
bealach bus a bhí fágtha, agus aistríodh 11 bhealach faoin 2 Nollaig 2018.
Fógraíodh Go-Ahead Ireland mar bhuaiteoir an chomórtais tairisceana chun seirbhísí bus
PSO a chur ar fáil ar shé bhealach bus i gCeantar Comaitéireachta Bhaile Átha Cliath feadh
chonair Chill Dara (is bealaí de chuid Bhus Éireann iad faoi láthair). Táthar ag súil go
gcuirfear tús le seirbhísí do na bealaí seo i R2 2019.
D’fhógair an NTA i mí na Samhna 2017 gurbh é Bus Éireann an tairgeoir ab fhearr sa
chomórtas tairisceana chun 5 bhealach bus a chur ar fáil i gcathair Phort Láirge. Cuireadh
tús le seirbhísí do na bealaí seo i mí na Nollag 2018 agus cruthaíodh 21 post breise i bPort
Láirge dá bharr.
I gcomhar le haistriú na mbealaí bus go Go-Ahead Ireland, d’fhaomh an NTA clár
suntasach forleathnaithe a fheabhsóidh minicíocht na seirbhísí chun freastal ar an éileamh
méadaithe i rith na dtréimhsí is gnóthaí agus chun daoine a spreagadh le seirbhísí bus a
úsáid sna tréimhsí seachbhuaice agus Dé Sáthairn agus Dé Domhnaigh. Beidh na
feabhsuithe seo á dtabhairt isteach go tréimshiúil in 2019. Tá tuilleadh feabhsuithe á
bhforbairt ag an NTA ar fud an ghréasáin seirbhísí a chuireann Bus Átha Cliath agus Go-
Ahead Ireland ar fáil.
In 2018, chuir an NTA tús le conradh le JJ Kavanagh, a chuireann an tseirbhís 139 idir an
Nás, Co. Chill Dara agus Baile Bhlainséir, Baile Átha Cliath 15, ar fáil.
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Conarthaí Dírdhámhachtana nua de chuid an NTA in 2019 agus sna blianta ina dhiaidh
seo
Tiocfaidh deireadh leis na conarthaí dírdhámhachtana reatha PSO le Bus Éireann, le Bus
Átha Cliath agus le hIarnród Éireann ag deireadh mhí na Samhna 2019. Tá sé mar
fhreagracht reachtúil ar an Údarás Náisiúnta Iompair (NTA) conarthaí PSO a bhronnadh
agus tá ar an NTA próiseas reachtúil a leanúint, a bhfuil reachtaíocht AE agus náisiúnta
mar bhonn agus thaca aige, sula bhféadfadh sé conarthaí dírdhámhachtana a athnuachan.
Mar chuid den phróiseas, sheol an NTA próiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí go luath i mí
Dheireadh Fómhair 2018, a bhí mar bhonn eolais dá chinneadh maidir le conarthaí a
athnuachan, cinneadh a bhain le cothromaíocht na gconarthaí
Dírdhámhachtana/Tairisceana Iomaíche san áireamh. Bhí grúpa comhalchtaí CIÉ, chomh
maith le páirtithe leasmhara eile agus úsáideoirí seirbhísí bus, in ann aighneachtaí a chur
isteach ar mholtaí. Ba é an 30 Deireadh Fómhair 2018 an dáta deireadh le haghaidh
aighneachtaí.
Lorg an NTA faomhadh a Bhoird maidir le cothromaíocht na gConarthaí
Dírdhámhachtana/Tairisceana Iomaíche do sheirbhísí bus sula ndearna sé na cinntí seo a
leanas ag deireadh mhí na Samhna 2018:
o conradh dírdhámhachtana maidir le leibhéal coibhéiseach seirbhísí a bhronnadh ar
Bhus Átha Cliath do chonradh 5 bliana eile
o conradh dírdhámhachtana maidir le leibhéal coibhéiseach seirbhísí a bhronnadh ar
Bhus Éireann a bheidh ag an gcomhlacht i mí na Nollag 2019;
o an conradh a leasú in 2021 chun é laghdú faoi shuas le 5% de sheirbhísí;
o na seirbhísí a baineadh a chur ar fáil trí chonradh eile tar éis próiseas oscailte
iomaíoch do thairicintí. Is féidir le Bus Éireann dul san iomaíocht don chonradh
seo.
Is bealaí a fhreastalaíonn ar cheantar Comaitéireachta Bhaile Átha Cliath i Réigiún an
Oirthir iad na seirbhísí bus atá á moladh ag an NTA le cur san áireamh sa tairiscint
iomaíoch. Tá sé i gceist ag an NTA conradh dírdhámhachtana a bhronnadh do sheirbhísí
iarnróid ar feadh 10 mbliana. De réir na reachtaíochta, foilseoidh sé cinneadh a bhfuil
bunús tugtha leis agus cuirfidh sé in iúl don Choimisiún Eorpach é.
Cárta Leap
Tá ag éirí go han-mhaith leis an gcárta Leap ó seoladh i mí na Nollag 2011 é. Faoi
dheireadh 2018, bhí níos mó ná 3.6 milliún cárta díolta agus eisíodh 823,000 cárta in
2018, méadú 17% ar na 704,000 cárta a eisíodh in 2017. In 2018, úsáideadh cártaí Leap ar
níos mó ná 156.9 milliún turas agus is ionann é seo agus 13 milliún turas ar an meán gach
mí; méadú foriomlán de 21% ar 2017.
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Rinneadh feabhsuithe éagsúla ar an scéim ó seoladh é, bhí an Breisiú Leap d’fhóin Android
ar cheann de na feabhsuithe ba shuntasaí. Glacadh go leor daoine leis an aip agus
próiseáladh breisithe ar luach €44.5 milliún in 2018. Is ionann é seo agus €3.7 milliún in
aghaidh na míosa; méadú 65% ar 2017.
In 2018, cuireadh meaisíní ticéadaithe Leap i bhfeidhm ar gach bus PSO de chuid Bhus
Éireann ar fud na tíre. Sábhálfaidh paisinéirí beagnach 43% nuair a íocann siad táillí le
cárta Leap seachas le hairgead tirim mar gheall air seo. Tionscnamh eile a cuireadh ar fáil
ná “Leanaí Saor in Aisce” ar gach seirbhís iompair phoiblí atá clúdaithe ag an gcárta Leap
ón 2 Iúil go dtí an 15 Iúil 2018 agus ba é seo an ceathrú bhliain den tionscnamh áirithe
seo. Sa tréimhse seo, bhí aon leanbh a raibh cárta Leap acu in ann taisteal saor in aisce.
Úsáideadh an cárta le haghaidh beagnach 716,000 turas linbh i rith na coicíse saor in aisce.
Is méadú 8.75% é seo ar 2017 nuair a úsáideadh é le haghaidh 658,000 turas.
Acmhainn na Líne Glaise Luas a Fheabhsú
Leanadh ar aghaidh le hobair ar an tionscadal maidir le hAcmhainn na Líne Glaise Luas a
Fheabhsú. Is éard is cuspóir leis an tionscadal ná dul i ngleic le teorainneacha reatha
acmhainne ag na hamanna is gnóthaí ar an Líne Ghlas Luas agus freastal ar éilimh ar an líne
amach anseo.
Beidh costas thart ar €90 milliún ar an tionscadal agus moltar é sa Straitéis Iompair do
Mhórcheantar Bhaile Átha Cliath 2016-2035 de chuid an Údaráis Náisiúnta Iompair
(NTA). Luaitear sa Straitéis go gcuirfear le flít tramanna ar an líne ghlas, go gceannófar
tuilleadh tramanna chun freastal ar éileamh ó phaisinéirí amach anseo agus go ndéanfar
mionathruithe ar Iosta Áth an Ghainimh chun na tramanna seo a choinneáil agus a
chothabháil. Socraíodh an conradh ag deireadh 2017 do 26 síneadh tram agus soláthrófar
an chéad cheann de na síntrí seo ag deireadh 2019. Cuireadh ordú isteach i mí na Samhna
2018 d’ocht dtram nua. Tháinig céim a haon de Shíneadh Iosta Áth an Ghainimh i mí an
Mhárta 2018 agus tá céim a dó le bheith críochnaithe i R1 2019.
Cabhróidh na méadúithe maidir le hacmhainn ag na tréimhsí is gnóthaí le plódú a laghdú ar
an Líne Ghlas agus feabhsóidh siad rochtain d’úsáideoirí a bhfuil mallachar luaineachta
agus céadfach orthu ag na hamanna gnóthacha seo.
An Chéad Ghlúin Eile de Thicéadú
In 2018, reáchtáil an NTA comórtas chun soláthraí a fháil a bheadh in ann réiteach
ticéadaithe mhóibíligh bunaithe ar bharrachód a sholáthar le go bhféadfaí é a úsáid ar
oibreoirí iompair phoiblí. Beidh sé dírithe ar thurais idirchathracha agus cianthurais bhus
(agus turais iarnróid, b’fhéidir) ina bhfaightear an praghas is saoire de ghnáth ach ticéad a
chur in áirithe ar líne. Tá an comórtas beagnach críochnaithe agus táthar ag súil go
mbronnfar conradh i mí an Mhárta 2019. Bainfear úsáid as ticéadú móibíleach den chéad
uair ar bhonn treoirscéime níos déanaí in 2019.
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Seirbhísí PSO
Tá ranníocaíocht na gcáiníocóirí do mhaoiniú na seirbhísí PSO suntasach agus cuireadh
€285 milliún ar fáil in 2018. Tá an figiúr seo €75 milliún níos airde ná figiúr 2015, ardú
36% le ceithre bliana anuas. Chuir Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, LUAS
agus Go-Ahead Ireland 269 milliún turas ar fáil do phaisinéirí ar sheirbhísí PSO in 2018,
agus is ionann é seo agus méadú de bheagnach 19 milliún, nó 7.5%, i gcomparáid le 2017.
Rochtain ar Iompar Poiblí
Tá an Roinn freagrach as beartas agus maoiniú foriomlán maidir le rochtain ar iompar
poiblí. Tá freagracht reachtúil ar an NTA gréasán inrochtana, comhtháite iompair phoiblí a
fhorbairt.
Mar thoradh ar chomhairliúchán leathan le daoine faoi mhíchumas agus le comhlachtaí
míchumais, chinn an tAire Ross gur chóir go mbeadh comhalta boird amháin ar a laghad a
bhfuil eolas agus taithí aige ar riachtanais agus ar dheacrachtaí na ndaoine faoi mhíchumas
ar iompar poiblí ag na comhlachtaí iompair phoiblí faoina choimirce. D’fhógair an tAire na
cúig stiúrthóir nua ag preasócáid i mí Lúnasa 2018.
Le linn 2018, bhuail Coiste Comhairliúcháin Rochtana na Roinne (ACC) le chéile go
ráithiúil. Tugann an ACC Oifigigh ón Roinn, Gníomhaireachtaí ábhartha, ionadaithe ó
eagraíochtaí a dhéanann ionadaíocht do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas agus baill den Ghrúpa
Páirtithe Leasmhara Míchumais (DSG) le chéile. Ceaptar baill DSG faoi Straitéis Náisiúnta
Mhíchumais an Rialtais. Tá miontuairiscí na gcruinnithe seo, Clár Oibre an ACC agus
cáipéisí gaolmhara eile ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Roinne.
Tugadh faoi roinnt tionscnamh in 2018 chun seirbhísí agus bonneagair iompair phoiblí a
dhéanamh go hiomlán inrochtana. Áirítear leo seo:
Tar éis treoirthionscadal sé mhí, laghdaigh Iarnród Éireann tréimhse an
réamhfhógra, ó 24 uair an chloig go dtí 4 uair an chloig, do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas
a theastaíonn cúnamh uathu chun seirbhísí DART agus seirbhísí comaitéireachta ar
an líne Mhá Nuad agus an Tuaiscirt a úsáid.
Leithdháileadh tuilleadh maoinithe ar Iarnród Éireann chun aip fóin chliste a
fhorbairt chun dul i ngleic le cuid na clistí cumarsáide is mó a tharlaíonn agus
cúnamh á chur ar fáil do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas. Tá sé i gceist ag an gcomhlacht
an aip seo a úsáid le linn 2019.
Rinne an NTA ordú do bhusanna nua a bhfuil urlár amháin acu do bhealaí
comaitéireachta PSO suas le 50km agus cuirfidh sé seo deireadh le riachtanas an
réamhfhógra ar na bealaí seo. Bíonn réamhfhógra 24 uair an chloig ag teastáil faoi
láthair.
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D’éirigh leis an NTA i gcomhar le Bus Éireann Tionscadal an Gháthainm Gearr (SCN)
i bPort Láirge. Cumasóidh sé seo fógraí cosamhairc ar gach seirbhís tuaithe agus
réigiúnach de chuid Bhus Éireann do na 6,000 stad bus ar fud na tíre.
Méadóidh an leibhéal rochtana ar sheirbhísí Local Link go dtí thart ar 80%.
Ó tugadh an Scéim Deontais do thacsaithe atá oiriúnach do chathaoireacha rothaí
in 2014, mhéadaigh líon na bhfeithiclí seo ó 860 in 2014 go dtí 2,220 ag deireadh
mhí na Nollag 2018. Is é seo an leibhéal is airde riamh d’fheithiclí atá oiriúnach do
chathaoireacha rothaí i bhflít beag seirbhíse poiblí.
Clár Iompair Tuaithe
Tá freagracht náisiúnta ar an NTA as iompar comhtháite áitiúil agus tuaithe, lena n-áirítear
bainistíocht ar an gClár Iompair Tuaithe (RTP), atá á oibriú faoin mbranda ‘Local Link’. Le
linn 2018, taifeadadh 2 mhilliún turas paisinéirí ar níos mó ná 149,115 seirbhís Local link
ar fud 1,072 bealach.
In 2018, d’fhoilsigh an NTA Plean Straitéiseach Chlár Iompair Thuaithe Local Link 2018-
2022. D’fhorbair an NTA an Plean i gcomhpháirt le Cathaoirligh agus le Bainisteoirí na
nOifigí Local Link. Tá na nithe seo a leanas fós i measc na bpríomhthosaíochtaí: dul i ngleic
le heisiamh sóisialta tuaithe agus seirbhísí iompair thuaithe a chomhtháthú le seirbhísí eile
iompair phoiblí.
Chuir an Roinn Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt thart ar €15 milliún ar fáil i maoiniú
don Chlár in 2018. Is ardú €0.6 milliún é seo i gcomparáid le 2017 agus forbraíodh 16
sheirbhís nua rialta chomaitéireachta bhus in 2018 dá bharr. Mar shampla, tugadh seirbhísí
rialta bus isteach cúig/sé/seacht lá sa tseachtain. Tharla an cineál seo den fhorbairt
ghréasáin chun seirbhísí ag freagairt don éileamh sceidealaithe a fheabhsú. Tá comhtháthú
níos fearr le seirbhísí reatha iompair phoiblí agus nascacht níos fearr idir seirbhísí agus
laistigh de bhailte agus de shráidbhailte i measc phríomhghnéithe na bhforbairtí seo.
Maidir le seirbhísí reatha, leanadh ar aghaidh le próiseas ath-thairisceana de na 1,035
seirbhís iompair thuaithe reatha in 2018. I bhfianaise méid na mbealaí, táthar ag súil go
dtiocfaidh an ath-thairiscint chun críche faoi lár 2019.
Mar aitheantas ar an tábhacht atá le dul i ngleic le haonrú sóisialta agus le riachtanais
iompair i gceantair thuaithe um thráthnóna agus san oíche, d’iarr an tAire Ross ar an NTA
scrúdú a dhéanamh ar an bpoitéinseal atá le cur le seirbhísí reatha Local Link chun
seirbhísí breise a sholáthar um thráthnóna.
Tar éis glao d’iarratais a chur amach go dtí na hoifigí Local Link ar fad, faomhadh 65
seirbhís bhreise ar fud na 26 contae le haghaidh maoinithe. Bhí siad ar siúl ó mhí Iúil ar
bhonn trialach, ó 6pm go dtí 11pm Dé hAoine agus Dé Sathairn de ghnáth.
Bhí an triail le bheith á reáchtáil go dtí deireadh mhí na Nollag 2018. Tar éis
athbhreithnithe ón NTA, cuireadh leis an triail, agus an chuid is mó de sheirbhísí, go dtí
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deireadh Ráithe a hAon 2019 nuair a dhéanfaidh an NTA athbhreithniú eile ar
fheidhmíocht na seirbhísí.
Bóithre
Infheistíocht i mBóithre Náisiúnta in 2018
Leithdháileadh €312 milliún ar bhóithre náisiúnta agus leithdháileadh €35.8 milliún ar
chothabháil leanúnach an ghréasáin bhóithre náisiúnta. Áirítear cothabháil gheimhridh,
comharthaíocht níos fearr agus cothabháil riachtanach eile i measc na n-oibreacha
cothabhála. Ina theannta sin, caitheadh €122 milliún ar scéimeanna bóithre
Comhpháirtíochta Príobháidí Poiblí (PPP).
Infheistíocht i mBóithre Réigiúnacha agus Áitiúla
D’infheistigh an Státchiste €434 milliún i mbóithre réigiúnacha agus áitiúla in 2018.
Cé gurb é cothabháil agus athnuachan bóithre príomhfhócas chlár na ndeontas réigiúnach
agus áitiúil, cuireadh maoiniú ar fáil do na nithe seo a leanas in 2018 chomh maith:
51 tionscadal sainiúil feabhsúcháin agus 16 thionscadal straitéiseach réigiúnach
agus bóithre áitiúla.
227 scéim um Oibreacha Feabhsúcháin Slándála agus 216 scéimeanna um
Athshlánú Droichead.
Tar éis tionscnamh a sheoladh chun luasteorainneacha a laghdú in eastáit tithíochta ar fud
na tíre in 2015, cuireadh beagnach €1 milliún ar fáil d’údaráis áitiúla chun tacú leis an gclár
comharthaíochta seo in 2018. Cuirfear tuilleadh maoinithe ar fáil don tionscnamh seo in
2019.
Cuireadh €25 milliún ar fáil sna leithdháiltí deontais do thionscnaimh i réimse na
Scéimeanna Rannpháirtíochta Pobail thar dhá bhliain agus tá maoiniú €10 milliún á fháil ag
réimse na draenála in 2018. Cé go raibh údaráis áitiúla in ann deontais ghinearálta a úsáid
do scéimeanna dá leithéid le blianta beaga anuas, cuireadh maoiniú imfhálaithe ar fáil in
2018.
Oibreacha Bóthair & Bainistíocht Cheadúnaithe
Is cuid riachtanach de ghnáthghníomhaíocht gheilleagrach iad oibreacha bóthair.
Cruthaíonn siad brú tráchta agus déanann siad damáiste do chosáin, áfach, agus caithfear
iad a rialú trí cheadúnú agus trí thoilithe. Tá an Roinn, i gcomhar le húdaráis áitiúla, tar éis
roinnt tionscnamh a chur chun cinn chun cabhrú leis seo. Mar shampla:
An Oifig Bainistíochta Bóithre (seirbhís chomhroinnte de chuid na nÚdarás Áitiúil a
bunaíodh ag deireadh 2014 agus cuireadh tús léi in 2015). Tuilleadh eolais ag
www.rmo.ie.
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Tar éis comhairliúcháin forleathain (le fóntais/teileachumarsáid san áireamh) thar
thréimhse trí bliana, foilsíodh an leagan is déanaí de na Treoirlínte maidir le
hOscailtí Bóithre Poiblí a Bhainistiú (Leabhar Corcra). Sa cháipéis seo, Cuirtear
comhairle agus sonraíochtaí ar fáil maidir le hoibreacha tochailte agus oscailte
bóithre ar bhóithre poiblí, ábhar ar an gcúlra agus ar na riachtanais dlí, chomh maith
le nósanna imeachta do Chóras Ceadúnaithe MapRoad a úsáid (córas náisiúnta
láraithe ceadúnaithe um oscailt bóthair). Forbraíodh oiliúint fhoirmiúil chun tacú
leis an gcur i bhfeidhm le linn 2018.
Tá teicneolaíochtaí tacaíochtaí agus forbartha, go háirithe, ar chóras bainistíochta
bóthair (MapRoad) fós á bhforbairt. Is córas láraithe gréasánbhunaithe é seo a
thugann cead do chomhlachtaí fóntais agus d’eagraíochtaí eile cur isteach ar
cheadúnais oscailte bóthair agus ar cheadanna oibreacha bóthair ar líne. Táthar ag
cur le hobair ar an gcóras seo ach uasdátuithe a dhéanamh ar cháipéisí gaolmhara
teicniúla agus ach aipeanna gaolmhara a chruthú.
Tá an méid seo a leanas bainte amach ag na hidirghabhálacha go dtí seo:
Faoi dheireadh 2018, tá Córas Ceadúnaithe Oibreacha Bóthair MapRoad (MRL) á
úsáid ag 30 údarás áitiúil. Tá an Oifig Bainistíochta Bóithre fós ag dul i dteagmháil
leis na príomh-údaráis áitiúla uirbeacha atá fágtha. Tá sé seo ar aon dul leis an
Tuarascáil ón Tascfhórsa Fón Póca agus Leathanbhanda a mhol, i measc rudaí eile,
go n-úsáidfidh údaráis áitúla agus iarratasóirí ar cheadúnais oscailte bóthair Córas
Ceadúnaithe Oibreacha Bóthair MapRoad (MRL) mar an gcóras náisiúnta láraithe
ceadúnaithe um oscailt bóthair. Tá an Roinn ina rannpháirtí gníomhach den
Tascfhórsa.
Le linn 2018, chláraigh níos mó ná 570 eagraíocht ar MRL. Próiseáladh thart ar
2,200 ceadúnas in aghaidh na míosa, agus baineadh 3,000 amach i Ráithe 3.
Bhunaigh an Roinn grúpa an Chomhfhóntais agus an Údaráis Áitiúil (JULA) ina
bhfuil ionadaithe ó na príomhpháirtithe leasmhara ar fad. Tá an-dul chun cinn
comhoibríoch déanta ag an ngrúpa maidir le cur i bhfeidhm Threoirlínte na Roinne,
lena n-áirítear creat caighdeánaithe do luchtú, do shlándáil agus do hamlínte a
shocrú i dtaca le hoiliúint agus le fógraí oibreacha bóthair ó na páirtithe leasmhara.
Tá na feidhmchláir fóntais/theileachumarsáide ar fad ar líne anois seachas ar
pháipéar. Tá MapRoad á úsáid ag Uisce Éireann do na hiarratias ar cheadúnais
oibreacha caipitiúla agus chuir siad tús le cur i bhfeidhm MRL do na hoibreacha ar
fad atá fágtha.
Tá feabhsuithe fós á ndéanamh ar agaí slánúcháin agus ar chaighdeánú ceadúnais.
Bainistíocht Cosán
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Tá an Roinn fós i gceannas ar chur i bhfeidhm na gcóras bainistíochta cosáin agus tá ar
údaráis áitiúla feidhmíocht a ngréasán bóithre a mhonatóiriú agus a leanúint. Úsáidtear
sonraí a bhailítear chun tús áite a thabhairt d’oibreacha agus chun iad a mhaoiniú agus a
bhainistiú. Bíonn gnéithe de na sonraí feidhmíochta ag teastáil do thuarascálacha an
Choimisiúin Náisiúnta Mhaoirseachta agus Iniúchóireachta (NOAC).
Seo a leanas cuid den obair atá curtha i gcrích:
Rinneadh suirbhéanna iomlána ar mheaisíní agus ar bhail amhairc don ghréasán
bóithre náisiúnta ar fad.
Foilsíodh caighdeán suirbhé ar bhail na gcosán neamhnáisiúnach.
Cuireadh tacaíochtaí reatha mapála agus bogearraí OSI in áit chóras bogearraí
MapRoad le gur féidir le hudaráis aonair a sceidil bhóithre a uasdátú agus bail na
mbóithre a anailísiú ag leibhéal tionscadail.
Tuairiscíonn údaráis áitiúla baill agus oibreacha atá déanta acu. Tá figiúirí
sealadacha d’aschuir in 2018 le feiceáil thíos:
Aicme an Bhóthair Go
Dona
Measartha Go Maith Go
hIontach
Ní
dhearnadh
suirbhé
orthu
Réigiúnach 8% 25% 32% 35% 0%
Príomhbhóthar Áitiúil 12% 26% 39% 20% 3%
Bóthar Áitiúil den Dara
Grád
19% 29% 35% 13% 5%
Bóthar Áitiúil den Tríú
Grád
25% 21% 23% 12% 19%
Leanadh ar aghaidh le hobair ar chórais a chur chun cinn agus ar réitigh ar réimsí
eile, cosáin, soilsiú poiblí, droichid, sábháilteacht tráchta agus imbhuailtí san
áireamh.
Tá dul chun cinn á dhéanamh ar obair chun dul i ngleic le ceisteanna
éifeachtúlachta agus inbhuanaitheachta a bhaineann le soilsiú poiblí. Déanfar
tuilleadh dul chun cinn air seo in 2019. Tá soilsiú poiblí ar cheann de na húsáidí is
mó a bhaintear as fuinneamh in údaráis áitiúla.
Leanadh ar aghaidh le hobair ar chórais a chur chun cinn agus ar réitigh ar réimsí
eile, cosáin, soilsiú poiblí, droichid, sábháilteacht tráchta agus imbhuailtí san
áireamh.
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Rinneadh tuilleadh oibre in 2018 chun nósanna imeachta, treoirlínte, bogearraí agus
oiliúint nua a fhorbairt maidir le droichid agus déanmhais. Déanfar tuilleadh dul
chun cinn ar an obair seo in 2019 chun cabhrú le bainistíocht níos fearr ar 30,000
déanmhas dá leithéid ar fud na tíre.
Cuireadh tús le hobair i dtaca le sonraí ar imbhuailtí ar bhóithe chun dul i ngleic le
saincheisteanna sábháilteachta ar bhóithre a thagann chun cinn. Déanfar tuilleadh
dul chun cinn air seo in 2019.
Rinneadh athbhreithniú agus uasdátú ar Lámhleabhar na gComharthaí Tráchta.
Forbraíodh treoracha maidir le bainistíocht tráchta sealadaí chun tacú le Caibidil 8
de Lámhleabhar na gComharthaí Tráchta.
Rinneadh athbhreithniú agus uasdátú ar an Lámhleabhair Deartha do Bhóithre agus
do Shráideanna Uirbeacha (DMURS).
Ghlac an Roinn páirt in ROADEX, comhoibriú teicniúil idir eagraíochtaí bóthair ar fud
thuaisceart na hEorpa a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aige eolas agus taighde a bhaineann le bóithre
a roinnt idir na comhpháirtithe, go háirithe eolas agus taighde a bhaineann le tógáil agus le
cothabháil bhóithre tuaithe. Beidh Comhdháil Roadex á hóstáil ag an Roinn in 2019 roimh
Chomhdháil na nÚdarás Áitiúil.
Ceadúnú um Oibreoirí Iompair Bóthair
Bainistíonn an tAonad Ceadúnaithe um Oibreoirí Iompair Bóthair (RTOL) próiseas na
gceadúnas d’oibreoirí tarlaithe bóthair agus d’oibreoirí iompair phaisinéirí bhóthair. Ag
deireadh 2018, bhí ceadúnas tarlaithe ag 3,875 duine le 18,882 feithicil údaraithe agus bhí
ceadúnas paisinéirí ag 1,719 duine le 11,257 feithicil údaraithe. Le linn 2018, eisíodh 748
Ceadúnas Oibreora Tarlaithe Bóthair agus 344 Ceadúnas Oibreora um Iompar Paisinéirí
Bóthair.
In 2018, rinneadh thart ar 69% de na hiarratais ar cheadúnais agus ar cheadúnais reatha a
leasú trí sheirbhís iarratais ar líne na Roinne. Is méadú 7% é seo ar an úsáid a baineadh as
an tseirbhís ar líne an bhliain roimhe sin agus tugann sé seo le fios go bhfuil an earnáil ag
glacadh níos mó le córais leictreonacha iarratais. Fuarthas €878,000 ó tháillí ceadúnais in
2018.
Maidir le Pacáiste Luaineachta an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh agus na moltaí a foilsíodh i mí
Bealtaine 2017, chuaigh RTOL i dteagmháil leis an gCoimisiún agus le páirtithe leasmhara i
rith 2018 le cinntiú go gcuirtear leasanna na hÉireann san áireamh i gcónaí in aon athrú
molta ar reachtaíocht iompair bhóthair.
Cuspóir: Sábháilteacht ar ár ngréasán iompair a chur chun cinn
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Straitéis um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre
Tá sé mar aidhm ag an gceathrú Straitéis um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre 2013-2020 de
chuid na Roinne go mbeadh Éire ar cheann de tíortha is sábháilte san AE ó thaobh
básanna ar bhóithe de. Maraíodh 147 duine ar bhóithre na hÉireann in 2018 agus bhí sé
seo ar an bhfigiúr is ísle ó cuireadh tús leis na taifid. Cé go bhfuair 10 nduine níos lú bás ar
na bóithre in 2018 i gcomparáid le 2017, tá dul chun cinn suntasach ag teastáil sa dá
bhliain amach romhainn le go mbainfear an sprioc shonrach a leagadh amach sa Straitéis
amach chun básanna ar bhóithre a laghdú go dtí 124 gach bliain go dtí 2020.
Le linn 2018, leanadh an Roinn ar aghaidh le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise agus na moltaí ón
Athbhreithniú lár téarma ar an Straitéis um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre a rinneadh in 2017
, inar aithníodh roinnt beart breise. Tá an Roinn fós ag dul i dteagmháil leis na
príomhpháirtithe leasmhara ar fad chun sábháilteacht ar bhóithre a fheabhsú, lena n-
áirítear an tÚdarás um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre, an Roinn, an Roinn Dlí agus Cirt, an
Garda Síochána, an Lia-Bhiúró um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre, Bonneagar Iompair
Éireann, an tÚdarás Sláinte agus Sábháilteachta agus páirtithe leasmhara eile.
Reachtaíocht
Tugadh 16 phíosa de reachtaíocht thánaisteach isteach in 2018 ar fud réimsí éagsúla a
bhaineann le sábháilteacht ar bhóithre.
An Grúpa Oibre um Chostas Árachais
Ghlac an Roinn páirt sa Ghrúpa Oibre um Chostas Árachais (CIWG), grúpa a bunaíodh in
2016 faoi chathaoirleacht Aire Stáit ón Roinn Airgeadais. Bhí ar an ngrúpa scrúdú a
dhéanamh ar na fáthanna a bhfuil ardú tagtha ar chostas an mhótarárachais le déanaí, agus
moltaí a dhéanamh maidir le conas a d’fhéadfaí na costais seo a laghdú. Tá 23 moladh
déanta ag an CIWG agus cuirfear 71 gníomh gaolmhar i bhfeidhm laistigh de thréimhsí
comhaontaithe.
Baineann príomh-mholtaí na Roinne Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt leis na nithe seo a
leanas:
Níos mó béime (i gcomhar leis an RSA) ar thuilleadh beart chun sábháilteacht ar
bhóithre a fheabhsú agus iad ag díriú ar thiománaithe faoi oiliúint agus ar
thiománaithe nuacheadúnaithe.
Bunachar sonraí árachais a chruthú a bheidh á choinneáil ag earnáil an árachais.
Le linn 2018, lean an Roinn ar aghaidh le hobair ar cuireadh tús léi in 2017 i gcomhar leis
an Údarás um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre, le hÁrachas Éireann agus le hionadaithe ó
chomhlachtaí árachais chun cabhrú leis an bhforbairt atá á déanamh ar fheachtas um
shábháilteacht ar bhóithre. Úsáidfidh earnáil an árachais na meáin shóisialta go príomha
san fheachtas agus iad ag díriú ar thiománaithe faoi oiliúint agus ar thiománaithe
nuacheadúnaithe.
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Cuirfidh an chéad chéim de thionscadal an bhunachair sonraí árachais a bhaineann le
mótarfheithiclí príobháideacha liostaí d’fheithiclí faoi árachas agus gan árachas ar fáil don
Gharda Síochána bunaithe ar an uimhirphláta agus ar ainm an árachóra. Áirítear leo seo
liosta d’fheithiclí gan árachas a chur ar fáil a d’fhéadfaí a chur i gCóras Uaithaitheanta
Uimhirphlátaí (ANPR) an Gharda Síochána.
Rinne an Garda Síochána tuilleadh tástála ar an gcéad chéim den bhunachar sonraí chun
feithiclí gan árachas a aithint, agus tá an chuid is mó den chéad chéim críochnaithe anois.
Tugadh faoi réamhobair don dara céim den tionscadal in 2018 freisin, lena n-áirítear
uimhreacha feithiclí a fháil.
Tiomáint faoi Thionchar an Óil
Ceadaíodh an tAcht um Thrácht ar Bhóithre (Leasú) 2018 agus cuireadh tús leis na bearta
a luaitear ann. Tá an tAcht dírithe ar dhul i ngleic le dhá shaincheist thábhachtacha i dtaca
le sábháilteacht ar bhóithre. Ar an gcéad dul síos, cinntíonn sé go ndícháileofar
tiománaithe ólta ach aimhrialtacht a bhaint a lig do roinnt tiománaithe ólta pointí pionóis a
fháil seachas dícháiliú. Gheobhaidh na daoine seo dícháiliú trí mhí anois. Ina theannta sin,
téann sé i ngleic le tiománaithe faoi oiliúint ag tiomáint ina n-aonar. Déanann sé é seo ar
dhá bhealach. Ar an gcéad dul síos, Is cion é d’úinéir feithicle cead a thabhairt
d’fhoghlaimeoir (nó do thiománaí gan cheadúnas) a fheithicil a thiomáint. Ina theannta sin,
cuireann sé leis an gcumhacht atá ag na Gardaí faoi láthair feithicil a choinneáil faoi alt 41
den Acht um Thrácht ar Bhóithre 1994 le go bhféadfaí feithicil a choinneáil má tá sé á
thiomáint ag foghlaimeoir leis féin.
Tiomáint faoi Thionchar Drugaí
Leanadh ar aghaidh le hobair ar thabhairt isteach na mbeart chun dul i ngleic le tiomáint
faoi thionchar drugaí mar gur údar imní atá ag dul i méid í seo.
Ritheadh an tAcht um Thrácht ar Bhóithre le bheith ina dhlí i mí na Nollag 2016 agus tá
bearta ann chun dul i ngleic le tiomáint faoi thionchar drugaí ar dhá bhealach. Ar an gcéad
dul síos, cruthaíodh cion nua a bhaineann le bheith ag tiomáint thar theorainn shonraithe.
Cuireadh drugaí ar an leibhéal céanna le halcól ar mbealach seo den chéad uair riamh.
Lena chois sin, tá cumhacht ag na Gardaí faoin Acht réamhthástálacha drugaí a dhéanamh,
sna cúinsí céanna ina ndéanann siad tástálacha anála ar thaobh an bhóthair faoi láthair.
Fógraí Muirir Sheasta agus Pointí Pionóis
Tugadh córas na bpointí pionóis isteach do chionta áirithe tiomána in Éirinn ar an 31
Deireadh Fómhair 2002. Baineann na cionta a roghnaíodh le bheith sa chóras go díreach
nó go hindíreach le sábháilteacht ar bhóithre agus is é príomhfhócas an chórais ná
tionchar a bheith acu ar iompraíocht tiománaithe agus í a fheabhsú, agus líon na ndaoine a
fhaigheann bás nó gortú trom ar na bóithre a laghdú.
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D’fhéadfadh deacrachtaí a bheith ann maidir leis an gcaoi a leithdháiltear cionta na bpointí
pionóis ar na taifid ábhartha tiománaí sna Cúirteanna, go háirithe na tiománaithe a théann
chuig an gcúirt chun cur in aghaidh a bpointí pionóis ach ní thugann siad a gceadúnas leo.
Tá moladh i dTuarascáil Chigireachta an Gharda Síochána dar teideal ‘an Córas Próiseála
Muirear Seasta (FCPS), Straitéis an 21ú hAoise’ go dtabharfar córas isteach le cinntiú go
ndroimscríobhfar gach pointe pionóis ar cheadúnais tiomána. Tá feithiclí agus tiománaithe
ar bhunachair sonraí ar leith faoi láthair, rud a léiríonn an bealach stairiúil inar cuireadh
seirbhísí feithicle agus tiománaí ar fáil.
Tá foráil sa Chlár Athruithe do Chuntas Máistircheadúnais nua a chruthú. Cruthóidh sé seo
nasc idir úinéirí feithicle agus daoine a bhfuil ceadúnais tiomána acu chun droimscríobh
barrmhaith pointí pionóisa bhaint amach. Ní fhreastalóidh an MLR ar chásanna nuair nach
bhfuil baint dhíreach ag an gciontóir leis an bhfeithicil, áfach.
Tá dul chun cinn á dhéanamh ar an tionscadal agus chun fadhbanna reachtacha agus
riaracháin a mhaolú, chuaigh foireann an tionscadail i ngleic le hoifig an Ard-Aighne, Oifig
an Choimisinéara Chosanta Sonraí, na Gardaí agus príomhpháirtithe leasmhara chun na
riachtanais a thabhairt chun críche. Tá an chéad chéim de thionscadal meaitseála MLP
críochnaithe anois. Sa chéim seo, rinneadh ceangal idir taifid úinéirí feithiclí agus taifid
tiománaithe ach an t-ainm agus an seoladh a mheaitseáil. Tar éis gach taifead dúblach
úinéara agus tiománaí a bhaint chun mímheaitseáilithe a laghdú, meaitseáladh thart ar 18%
de thaifid ghníomhacha feithicle le taifid tiománaithe. Bíonn an próiseas meaitseála seo ar
siúl gach seachtain agus cuirtear comhad ina bhfuil na gaoil idir feithiclí agus tiománaithe
chuig an nGarda Síochána le gur féidir é a úsáid sa Chóras Próiseála Muirear Seasta. Beidh
reachtaíocht nua ag teastáil chun modhanna meaitseála eile MLR a chumasú. Chuir an
Roinn bearta san áireamh a chabhróidh le bonn agus taca a chur faoin MLR mar chuid den
Bhille um Thrácht ar Bhóithre (Forálacha Ilghnéitheacha) a cuireadh faoi bhráid an Rialtais i
mí na Nollag 2018.
Rialáil Iarnróid
Ghlac an tAE leis an gCeathrú Pacáiste Iarnróid in 2016 ina bhfuil foráil do dhátaí náisiúnta
feidhmithe idir mí na Nollag 2017 agus mí an Mheithimh 2020. Tá 3 Threoir agus 3
Rialachán sna bearta a chuimsíonn:
Rialú bonneagair agus oibriúcháin iarnróid
Próisis agus córais do shábháilteacht agus d’idir-inoibritheacht iarnróid a uasdátú
agus a chuíchóiriú
Oscailt mhargaidh d’iompar intíre paisinéirí iarnróid
Tairiscintí éigeantacha iomaíocha a thabhairt isteach do chonarthaí seirbhísí
paisinéirí Oibleagáide Seirbhíse Poiblí (PSO) ó 2019 don chuid is mó de sheirbhísí
iarnróid ach conarthaí dírdhámhachtana PSO a cheadú i gcúinsí áirithe
Ról níos mó a thabhairt don Ghníomhaireacht Eorpach Iarnróid (a athainmníodh
Gníomhaireacht Iarnróid an Aontais Eorpaigh – EUAR).
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Is féidir na sé mholadh ó Phacáiste Iarnróid an AE a rangú in dhá ghrúpa – colún Margaidh
agus colún Teicniúil.
Tugtar athruithe isteach sa cholún Margaidh ar bhainistíocht ar bhonneagar iarnróid chun
tacú le hoscailt sa mhargadh intíre paisinéirí agus le hathruithe ar an rialachán maidir le
conarthaí seirbhísí poiblí a bhronnadh. Ullmhaíodh dréachtrialacháin náisiúnta in 2018
agus táthar ag súil go dtabharfar chun críche agus go cuirfear i bhfeidhm iad in 2019.
Athraíonn an colún Teicniúil na Treoracha Idir-inoibritheachta Iarnróid agus na Treoracha
Sábháilteachta Iarnróid ó bhonn agus uasdátaíonn sé iad. Cuireann Rialachán nua AE leis
an ról atá ag EUAR mar ‘ionad ilfhreastail’ do dheimhniú slándála cúraimí iarnróid. An
cuspóir atá aige ná feidhmiú an limistéir Eorpaigh Aonair Iarnróid a fheabhsú ach baic a
bhaint agus comhchuibhiú idir-inoibritheachta agus socruithe sábháilteachta a threisiú.
Bhí an rogha ar Ballstáit bliain a chur le dáta forfheidhmithe an Cholúin Theicniúil go dtí mí
an Mheithimh 2020. Bhain Éire leas as an síneadh seo chun dul i ngleic go hiomlán le
forálacha a bhaineann le tríú tíortha agus le haon tionchar eile a thagann chun cinn i
bpróiseas an Bhreatimeachta.
In 2018, chuaigh an Roinn i dteagmháil leis an gCoimisiún Eorpach, i gcomhar lena
hoifigigh bhuanionadaíocht sa Bhruiséil, agus chuaigh siad i dteagmháil le páirtithe
leasmhara náisiúnta in idirbheartaíocht maidir le moltaí an AE chun Rialchán an AE ar
Chearta agus Oibleagáidí Paisinéirí Iarnróid a athrú ó bhonn.
Foilsíodh Scéim Ghinearálta do Bhille Leasaithe um Shábháilteacht Iarnróid i mí Bealtaine
2018. Cuimsíonn na bearta uasdátú ar fhorálacha tástála Alcóil agus Drugaí (ábhair
mheisciúla) d’oibrithe criticiúla sábháilteachta iarnróid. Mar a chonacthas san Iniúchadh
Réamhreachtach, moltar, tar éis teagmháil a dhéanamh le hOifig na Comhairle Parlaimintí,
go ndéanfar athstruchtúrú ar na forálacha sa Scéim Ghinearálta a bhaineann le cionta
coiriúla. Táthar ag siúl go bhfoilseofar an Bille in 2019.
An tAonad um Imscrúdú Tionóiscí Iarnróid
Tá sé mar aidhm ag an Aonad um Imscrúdú Tionóiscí Iarnróid (RAIU) imscrúdú
neamhspleách a dhéanamh ar theagmhais ar iarnróid na hÉireann chun an chúis a fháil
amach agus chun moltaí a dhéanamh ionas nach dtarlóidh siad arís agus chun
sábháilteacht iarnróid a fheabhsú.
Rinneadh 49 réamhscrúdú in 2018. Cuireadh tús le ceithre imscrúdú in 2018, bhain siad
leis na nithe seo a leanas:
Stad maolaire imbhuailte ag Iosta Cúraim Traenach Laoise;
Imbhualadh idir traein agus mótarfheithicil ag crosaire comhréidh, XM 220, Co.
Mhaigh Eo;
Theip ar dhoras ar an taobh mícheart ag Stáisiún Bhaile an Ásaigh, Baile Átha
Cliath;
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Imscrúdú Treochta: - timpistí ar bhóithre agus ar iarnróid ar Ghréasán IÉ –
neastimpiste.
D’fhoilsigh an RAIU tuarascáil imscrúdaithe amháin in 2018 a bhain le teagmhas a tharla in
2017. Seo a leanas mar a bhí an t-imscrúdú:
Díráilliú de sheirbhís phaisinéirí DART ag Pointí DL115, Dún Laoghaire.
Eisíodh seacht moladh slándála nua in 2018 mar gheall ar an imscrúdú seo.
Dhírigh na moltaí slándála ar na nithe seo a leanas:
o Bainistíocht oiliúna agus inniúlachta ar dhaoine a bhfuil orthu dualgais
oibriúcháin an Bhainisteora Bhonneagair a dhéanamh agus athbhreithniú a
dhéanamh ar cháipéisí gaolmhara;
o Monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar chomhlíonadh na cumarsáide ríthábhachtaí
slándála;
o Bainistíocht a dhéanamh ar chur isteach ar chustaiméirí, go háirithe maidir le
haslonnaithe neamhrialaithe ar an toirt;
o Cosaint chomharthaíochta, a nglacann tiománaithe léi i gcás éigeandála.
Ricseánna
Foilsíodh Scéim Ghinearálta den Bhille um Rialáil Tacsaithe (Leasú) (Ricseá) 2018 ar an 13
Samhain agus cuireadh faoi bhráid an Chomhchoiste Oireachtas um Iompar, Turasóireacht
agus Spórt le haghaidh imscrúdaithe réamhreachtaigh ar an 28 Samhain 2018 í. Tugann an
Scéim Ghinearálta cumhachtaí don Údarás Náisiúnta Iompair réimeas ceadúnaithe a
thabhairt isteach do ricseánna gan inneall amháin, cosúil leis an réimeas atá i bhfeidhm do
thacsaithe.
Tá foráil sa Scéim Ghinearálta do roinnt forálacha ceadúnaithe agus forfheidhmithe a
théann i ngleic le téama leathana lena n-áirítear: seiceáil agus clárú feithiclí;
grinnfhiosrúchán agus clárú tiománaithe; riachtanais maidir le rialú árachais agus táillí.
Gné ríthábhachtach den chreat nua ná cinntiú go gcuirfear cosc ar ricseánna innealta
paisinéirí a iompar i bhfeidhm go héifeachtach agus tabharfar cumhachtaí cuimsitheacha
coinneála isteach. Tabharfaidh na cumhachtaí seo cead d’oifigigh ceadaithe feithicil a
thógáil chun imscrúdú breise a dhéanamh uirthi.
Tá an Roinn ag dul i dteagmháil le hOifig na Comhairle Parlaimintí chun dréachtú an bhille
a chur chun cinn agus táthar ag súil go bhfoilseofar in 2019 é.
Rialachán na bhFeithiclí Beaga Seirbhíse Poiblí
Tá an NTA freagrach as rialáil na hearnála feithicle bige seirbhíse poiblí (SPSV) faoi
fhorálacha an Achta um Rialáil Tacsaithe, 2013.
Riar an NTA Scéim Deontais 2018 d’fheithiclí atá oiriúnach do chathaoireacha rotha
(WAV) chun tacú le méadú feithiclí WAV sa bhflít SPSV. Faoin scéim, chabhraigh maoiniú
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€3.336 milliún le 679 WAV nua a chur leis an bhflít agus le 82 WAV a uasghrádú. Faoin 31
Nollaig 2018, bhí 2,220 WAV sa bhflít, i gcomparáid le 1,555 WAV ag tús na bliana, agus
is ionann é seo agus méadú foriomlán de 43%.
Thug an NTA athruithe isteach ar an scrúdú iontrála do thiománaithe SPSV i mí Dheireadh
Fómhair chun cead a thabhairt d’iarrthóirí pas i modúl amháin a thabhairt ar aghaidh, ar
feadh tréimhse 12 mhí, agus iarracht á déanamh acu pas a fháil sa dara modúl. Laghdaíodh
pasmharc an scrúdaithe ó 80% go dtí 75%. Bhí na chéad torthaí do scrúduithe a
críochnaíodh agus do phasrátaí faoi dheireadh na bliana dearfach. In 2018, tháinig méadú
2% ar líon na gceadúnas tiomána SPSV.
Bhí toradh iarmhartach ag athscrúduithe d’aon mhodúl amháin a thabhairt isteach agus ag
an laghdú ar an bpasráta ar líon na dtiománaithe nua atá ag teacht isteach san earnáil in
2018. Tháinig méadú 49% ar mheánlíon na gceadúnas tiomána nua SPSV a eisíodh gach
mí le bliain anuas.
Rothaíocht
D’éirigh go han-mhaith le Seachtain na Rothar (9 Meitheamh – 17 Meitheamh 2018) arís
agus ghlac breis is 50,000 duine páirt i 600 imeacht a bhí á n-eagrú ag údaráis áitiúla,
comhpháirtíochtaí áitiúla spóirt agus pobail áitiúla ar fud na tíre. Spreagann an imeacht seo
sean agus óg dul ar rothar den chéad uair nó chun na hoibre agus na scoile nó mar
chaitheamh aimsire.
Tar éis rath 2017 nuair a cuireadh oiliúint rothaíochta ar 15,000 páiste scoile faoin gclár
oiliúna maidir le rothaíocht i gceart agus cuireadh oiliúint ar níos mó ná 20,000 páiste
scoile faoin gclár seo in 2018. Chun tógáil ar an rath seo, méadóidh an Roinn an
infheistíocht a dhéantar sa chlár seo agus tiocfaidh méadú 25% ar líon na ndaoine a
chuirfear oiliúint orthu in 2019 dá bharr.
An Creat Náisiúnta Pleanála
Le linn 2017, d’oibrigh an Roinn go dlúth lenár gcomhghleacaithe sa Roinn Tithíochta,
Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil ar fhorbairt an Chreat Náisiúnta Phleanála nua chun
smaoineamh ar bhealaí chun an gá atá le taisteal agus na hachair a thaistealaítear a laghdú
ach pleanáil talún agus iompair a chomhtháthú. Foilsíodh an Creat nua i mí Feabhra 2018.
Clár Iompair Inbhuanaithe
Leanadh ar aghaidh le hobair ar phríomhcláir in 2018 agus infheistíocht déanta i gcláir a
bhaineann le bonneagar agus le hathrú iompraíochta chun aistriú córa iompair i dtreo
cineálacha inbhuanaithe iompair a éascú agus a spreagadh. Ó thaobh infheistíochta de,
Cuspóir: Inbhuanaitheacht fheabhsaithe san iompar ar tír a chur chun cinn
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maoiníodh roinnt tionscadal ar fud na tíre, lena n-áirítear feabhsúcháin iompair phoiblí i lár
Chathair Chorcaí agus droichead rothaíochta agus siúil san Uaimh, Co. na Mí.
Bhí gné an taistil de Chlár na Scoileanna Glasa agus Clár na gCampas agus na nIonad Oibre
Níos Cliste i measc na gclár um athrú iompraíochta a fuair tacaíocht airgeadais chun
taisteal níos cliste a spreagadh. Ar an meán, glacann breis is 400 scoil páirt i gClár Taistil na
Scoileanna Glasa gach bliain agus bíonn réimse gníomhaíochtaí ar siúl i rith na bliana a
chuireann taisteal inbhuanaithe agus rannpháirtíocht daltaí chun cinn.
In 2018, bhí Campais um Thaisteal Níos Cliste gníomhach i 23 institiúid tríú leibhéal agus
an clár ag freastal ar níos mó ná 200,000 mac léinn agus 25,000 fostaí. Leanadh ar aghaidh
le clár na nIonad Oibre Níos Cliste in 2018 agus d’fhéadfadh sé freastal ar níos mó ná
100,000 fostaí, lena n-áirítear 116 fostóir mór agus scataí fostóirí níos lú.
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Eitlíocht
Íomhá: Shannon Group
Sprioc ardleibhéil Cur a mhéid is féidir le nascacht iompair aeir, le hearnáil eitlíochta
atá sábháilte, iomaíoch, éifeachtach ó thaobh costais agus
inbhuanaithe
Tá sé mar aidhm ag ár straitéis eitlíochta aersheirbhísí sábháilte, cost-éifeachtúla agus
iomaíocha a chur chun cinn a nascnn an tír seo le príomh-mhargaí gnó agus turasóireachta.
Leagtar amach na beartais agus na gníomhartha chun an sprioc seo a bhaint amach inár
mBeartas Náisiúnta Eitlíochta.
Beartas Náisiúnta Eitlíochta d’Éirinn
Foilsíodh an Beartas Náisiúnta Eitlíochta (NAP) i mí Lúnasa 2015. Rinneadh dul chun cinn
in 2018 ar ghníomhartha an bheartais ar fud a chaibidlí ar fad. Cuireadh tús le hobair in
2018 ar an dara tuarascáil ar dhul chun cinn faoi phlean gníomhaíochta an Bheartais
Náisiúnta Eitlíochta, atá foilsithe anois.
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Rialachán um Shábháilteacht Eitlíochta
Ar aon dul lena dtiomantais i mBeartas Náisiúnta Eitlíochta 2015, bhí ról gníomhach ag an
Roinn i bhforbairt an Rialacháin Eorpaigh 2018/1139 maidir le rialacha coiteanna i réimse
na heitlíochta sibhialta agus i mbunú Ghníomhaireacht Sábháilteachta Eitlíochta an
Aontais Eorpaigh (EASA), a dhéanann uasdátú ar reachtaíocht AE i dtaca le sábháilteacht
eitlíochta.
Cuimsíonn an Rialachán AE na riachtanais riachtanacha ar fad do shábháilteacht eitlíochta,
agus tá forálacha nua rialála ann maidir le dróin shibhialta. Leathnaíonn sé scóip EASA go
dtí gnéithe den tslándáil a bhaineann le sábháilteacht. Bunaíonn sé meicníocht freisin chun
cigirí eitlíochta a chur le chéile agus a roinnt, agus cúnamh teicniúil eile chun tacú le
tíortha AE le tascanna deimhnithe, maoirseachta agus forfheidhmithe.
Tríd an ionstraim reachtúil 557 de 2018, chinntigh an tAire go gceaptar Údarás Eitlíochta
na hÉireann mar an údarás náisiúnta inniúil i dtaca le rialachán um shábháilteacht
eitlíochta sa tír ar mhaithe leis an rialachán nua Eorpach seo um shábháilteacht eitlíochta.
An tAonad um Imscrúdú Aerthionóiscí
Is é an aidhm atá le himscrúdú slándála cosc a chur le tionóiscí agus le teagmhais amach
anseo gan locht nó dliteanas a chur ar aon duine. Chonacthas go dtarlaíonn teagmhais
agus easnaimh shlándála roimh thionóiscí go minic óna dtagann guais sábhála chun solais.
Is acmhainn thábhachtach é eolas slándála chun guaiseanna féideartha sábhála a aimsiú.
Fuarthas agus rinneadh measúnú ar 24,560 Tuarascáil Éigeantach ar Tharluithe (MOR),
agus tháinig 72 díobh ó shainchúram imscrúdaitheach an Aonaid um Imscrúdú
Aerthionóiscí (AAIU). Agus tús áite á thabhairt d’imscrúdú agus do thuairisciú tionóiscí
agus teagmhas tromchúiseach, rinneadh imscrúdú ar 34 teagmhas in 2018. Tharla 16 de
na teagmhas seo in Éirinn agus imscrúduithe eachtracha ar aerárthach atá cláraithe in
Éirinn nó a bhíonn á oibriú in Éirinn a bhí i 16 theagmhas eile.
Feictear sa tábla seo a leanas miondealú ar na teagmhais agus na básanna náisiúnta agus
idirnáisiúnta ar fad a thaifead an AAIU in 2018.
Timpistí Teagmhais
Thromchúiseacha
Teagmhais Iomlán Básanna
Náisiúnta 12 4 22 38 3
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go mbaineann eitlíocht na hÉireann na caighdeáin is airde sábháilteachta agus slándála amach
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Idirnáisiúnta 3 13 18 34 0
Iomlán 15 17 40 72 3
Fuair triúr bás de bharr tionóiscí eitlíochta in Éirinn in 2018. Maraíodh píolóta agus
paisinéir (mionaoiseach) i dtionóisc aerárthaigh pharaisiútála gar do Chluain Bolg, Co. Chill
Dara ar an 13 Bealtaine 2018 agus maraíodh píolóta i dtionóisc ghinearálta eitlíochta gar
do Bhéal an Átha ar an 4 Bealtaine 2018.
Tá an tImscrúdú ar thubaiste Héileacaptar R116 de chuid Gharda Chósta na hÉireann ag
an Tor, Co. Mhaigh Eo ar an 14 Márta 2017 fós ar siúl agus é mar ábhar tosaíochta agus tá
sé i gceist go dtabharfar an Tuarascáil Imscrúdaithe chun críche in 2019.
Maidir le teagmhais thar lear, chuir an AAIU cúnamh ar fáil do na himscrúduithe seo ach
17 Ionadaí Creidiúnaithe a cheapadh. Tacaíonn an AAIU le húdaráis na hÉigipte agus
imscrúdú á dhéanamh acu ar thionóisc ina raibh Aerbhus A321, EI-ETJ, a bhí cláraithe in
Éirinn, a tharla ar Leithinis Shíonáí, an Éigipt ar an 31 Deireadh Fómhair 2015 agus
cailleadh 224 duine.
Foilsíodh 24 Tuarascáil, 21 tuarascáil náisiúnta agus trí thuarascáil idirnáisiúnta, ar
shuíomh gréasáin an Aonaid www.aaiu.ie agus d’eisigh an AAIU 11 mholadh slándála chuig
eintitis éagsúla eitlíochta in 2018.
Clár agus Coiste Slándála na hEitlíochta Náisiúnta Sibhialta
Leagtar amach i gClár Slándála na hEitlíochta Náisiúnta Sibhialta riachtanais náisiúnta agus
idirnáisiúnta sábháilteachta d’eitlíocht shibhialta sa Stát. Rinne an Roinn an t-athbhreithniú
bliantúil ar an gClár in 2018 i gcomhar le Coiste Slándála na hEitlíochta Náisiúnta Sibhialta.
Comhordaíonn Coiste Slándála na hEitlíochta Náisiúnta Sibhialta, a bhfuil an Roinn ina
cathaoirleach air, cur i bhfeidhm an Chláir Náisiúnta do shlándáil na heitlíochta sibhialta
agus tugann sé comhairle don Rialtas maidir le ceisteanna a bhaineann le slándáil
eitlíochta. Tá ionadaithe ó phríomhranna Rialtais, An Garda Síochána, Oifig na
gCoimisinéirí Ioncaim, Óglaigh na hÉireann, Údarás Eitlíochta na hÉireann agus earnálacha
tionscail eitlíochta. Bhuail an Coiste le chéile in dhá shéisiún iomlánacha in 2018 agus
reáchtáladh cruinnithe grúpa oibre dírithe ar ábhar chun obair an Choiste a chur chun cinn.
An Coiste um Eitlíocht Náisiúnta a Éascú
Cuireann an Coiste um Eitlíocht Náisiúnta a Éascú (FAL) fóram ar fáil don earnáil eitlíochta
chun saincheisteanna a chur in iúl agus chun teacht ar bhealaí le dul i ngleic leo chun
eispéireas an phaisinéara a fheabhsú, chomh maith le comhlíonadh le hIarscríbhinn 9 de
Chomhdháil Chicago, atá mhonatóiriú ag ICAO, a chinntiú.
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Reáchtáladh dhá chruinniú de Choiste FAL in 2018 ag a ndearnadh ionadaíocht d’údaráis
ábhartha aerfort, aerlínte, Ranna Rialtais agus gníomhaireachtaí. Faomhadh an Clár
Náisiúnta nua Éascaithe do 2018 - 2021 ag cruinniú de chuid an Choiste FAL i mí
Dheireadh Fómhair.
Grúpa Oibre ECAC FAL
D’óstáil an Roinn Ceardlann na Comhdhála Eorpaí um Eitlíocht Shibhialta maidir le Cúrsaí
Sláinte san Eitlíocht Shibhialta agus an 56ú cruinniú de chuid Ghrúpa Oibre Éascaithe
ECAC i gCaisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath ar an 23 agus ar an 24 Deireadh Fómhair 2018.
D’fhreastail na daoine seo a leanas ar fad ar an gCeardlann Sláinte: ionadaithe ó údaráis
náisiúnta, bainisteoirí ar aerlínte agus oibreoirí aerfort atá freagrach as beartas a fhorbairt
nó forálacha a bhaineann le saincheisteanna sláinte san eitlíocht shibhialta a chur i
bhfeidhm.
Tá baill agus breathnóirí ón nGrúpa Oibre Éascaithe ó earnáil na heitlíochta sibhialta, lena
n-áirítear úsáideoirí, custaim, inimirce, lastas agus speisialtóirí sláinte poiblí ó na 44 Ballstát
ECAC. Buaileann an grúpa le chéile dhá uair sa bhliain agus oibríonn sé chun eispéireas na
bpaisinéirí a fheabhsú agus chu trádáil agus taisteal trí aerfoirt a éascú.
An Eagraíocht Eitlíochta Sibhialta Idirnáisiúnta
Tá ról fós ag Éirinn mar bhall deChomhairle na hEagraíochta Eitlíochta Sibhialta
Idirnáisiúnta (ICAO) don tréimhse 2016-2019.
Tá Comhairle ICAO ar cheann de dhá bhord rialaithe de chuid ICAO agus is iad na
príomhdhualgais atá uirthi ná glacadh le caighdeáin agus cleachtais mholta idirnáisiúnta
(SARP) agus iad seo a chuimsiú mar iarscríbhinní do Chomhairle Chicago. Ar an 27
Meitheamh, ghlac Comhairle ICAO le príomhrialacha na Scéime Fritháirithe agus
Laghdaithe Carbóin don Eitlíocht Idirnáisiúnta, ar a dtugtar CORSIA uirthi. Ba chéim
thábhachtach chun cinn é an glacadh leis an gcéad chuid a cuireadh le hIarscríbhinn 16 Im
IV ar CORSIA chun tiomantas comhroinnte domhanda a léiriú don chéad scéim
dhomhanda riamh maidir le hastaíochtaí eitlíochta a chur i bhfeidhm. Leagtar amach sa
Chomhaontú na rialacha atá ag teastáil ó aerlínte chun a gcuid astaíochtaí a mhonatóiriú
agus a thuairisciú agus comhaontaíodh go mion an obair atá le déanamh agus cé a
dhéanfaidh an obair seo. Tosóidh na haerlínte le heolas ar astaíochtaí CO2 idirnáisiúnta
eitlíochta a bhailiú ón 1 Eanáir 2019.
An Fóram Náisiúnta um Fhorbairt Eitlíochta Sibhialta
Cuspóir: Forbairt, iomaíochas agus fás inbhuanaithe earnáil eitlíochta na hÉireann a chur chun cinn in Éirinn agus ar fud an domhain
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Ar aon dul le tiomantas an NAP do naisc níos comhoibríche a bhunú leis an earnáil, lean an
Fóram Náisiúnta um Fhorbairt Eitlíochta Sibhialta (NCADF) ina bhfuil páirtithe sinsearacha
leasmhara eitlíochta ar aghaidh lena chuid oibre in 2018. Daingníodh struchtúir NCADF
go luath in 2018 agus chríochnaigh na Grúpaí Oibre Leasaithe agus Oiliúna, Scileana agus
Oideachais Aerárthaigh a gcuid oibre go héifeachtach. Bhuail Grúpa Oibre an Chreat
Rialála (RFWG) le chéile sé uair in 2018 agus iad ag plé réimse ceisteanna rialála agus
beartais, go háirithe an Breatimeacht. Maidir leis an mBreatimeacht, d’éascaigh an Roinn
dhá chruinniú den Choiste Stiúrtha an NCADF le Tánaiste Coveney agus leis an Aire Ross
in 2018 agus cruinniú RFWG le toscaireacht ón gCoiste um Iompar agus um
Thurasóireacht Pharlaimint na hEorpa (TRAN) i mBaile Átha Cliath.
Maidir le forbairtí seachtracha a bhfuil tionchar acu ar an mbeartas, tá cinneadh na Ríochta
Aontaithe an tAontas Eorpach a fhágáil (Breatimeacht) ar an eachtra is suntasaí ó fhoilsiú
an bheartais, agus d’fhéadfadh tionchair dhiúltacha a bheith aige ar earnáil eitlíochta na
hÉireann agus le geilleagar an hÉireann. Tá na dlíthiúlachtaí a bhaineann leis an
mBreatimeacht sách casta mar gheall ar an réimeas uathúil dlí a rialaíonn eitlíocht
idirnáisiúnta shibhialta. Murab ionann is earnálacha eile, ní chuirtear trádáil i seirbhísí
eitlíochta san áireamh i gcomhaontuithe ginearálta idirnáisiúnta trádála agus infheistíochta
de ghnáth agus ina ionad sin, rialann gréasán comhaontuithe déthaobhacha idir stáit é.
Tá an eitlíocht ar an bpríomh-mhodh taistil do chuairteoirí ar/ó Éirinn, agus tá an Ríocht
Aontaithe ar an mbunús agus ar an gceann scríbe is tábhachtaí do phaisinéirí idirnáisiúnta
go agus ó Éirinn. Maidir le haerthrácht idir an Ríocht Aontaithe agus Éire, téann 12.8
milliún paisinéir nó 39% de phaisinéirí ar an iomlán trí aerfoirt na hÉireann. Tá an t-
aerbhealach idir Baile Átha Cliath agus Londain ar an dara haerbhealach idirnáisiúnta is
gnóthaí ó thaobh líon na bpaisinéirí de agus beagnach 4.5 milliún paisinéir á úsáid gach
bliain.
Tá an Roinn ag obair ar cheisteanna ríthábhachtacha trí choiste inmheánach a bunaíodh
laistigh de Chreat Teagmhasachta Breatimeachta an Rialtais agus i gcomhar leis an earnáil.
I measc na gceisteanna seo, tá impleachtaí do bheartas agus do nascacht an aerspáis
oscailte, sábháilteacht eitlíochta, slándáil eitlíochta agus todhchaí bhloc feidhme aerspáis
na hÉireann-na Ríochta Aontaithe. Ar an 19 Nollaig 2018, d’fhoilsigh an Coimisiún
Eorpach dréachtmholadh do Rialacháin de chuid Pharlaimint na hEorpa agus de chuid na
Comhairle ar rialacha coiteanna a chinntíonn nascacht bhunúsach maidir le haistarraingt
Ríocht Aontaithe na Breataine Móire agus Thuaisceart Éireann ón Aontas. Is é is cuspóir
leis an mbeart aontaobhach seo ná socruithe a leagan síos chun aeriompar idir an tAontas
Eorpach agus an Ríocht Aontaithe a rialú tar éis na haistarraingthe ón AE. Tá na bearta ag
brath ar chómhalartacht leis an Ríocht Aontaithe agus ní bheadh siad i bhfeidhm ach ar
feadh tréimhse 12 mhí nó go dtí go dtugtar comhaontú cuimsitheach aeriompair idir an
tAontas Eorpach agus an Ríocht Aontaithe chun críche, faoin gcéim a bhaineann le
“caidreamh amach anseo” den Bhreatimeacht.
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Acmhainn na nAerfort
Ar aon dul leis an aidhm chun nascacht na hÉireann a fheabhsú agus céimeanna
straitéiseacha a thógáil chun acmhainn dhóthanach a chinntiú d’éileamh an aeriompair atá
ag méadú, leanadh ar aghaidh le hobair in 2018 ar an tionscadal do rúidbhealach eile in
Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath. Críochnaíodh na réamhoibreacha faoin gcéad chéim den
phacáiste tógála, ullmhúchán an tsuímh, draenáil, oibreacha fóntais, fálú, tírdhreachú,
athailíniú bóithre san áireamh. Tar éis próisis iomaíoch tairiscina, bhronn daa conradh ar
chomhfhiontar ina bhfuil an gnólacht Éireannach Roadbridge agus an comhlacht
bonneagair Spáinneach FCC Construcción (FCC) don dara céim (tógáil an rúidbhealaigh).
Tá obair ar siúl faoi láthair agus táthar ag súil go mbeidh an rúidbhealach á úsáid in 2021.
Chun forbairt fhadtréimhseach na dtrí Aerfort Stáit (Baile Átha Cliath, Corcaigh agus an
tSionainn) a chinntiú, cheap an Roinn comhairleoirí le tabhairt faoi athbhreithniú
ardleibhéil straitéiseach ar riachtanais acmhainne in Aerfoirt Stáit na hÉireann amach
anseo. Rinne Oxford Economics agus Cambridge Economics Policy Associates (CEPA) an
t-athbhreithniú agus pléitear forbairt na dtrí Aerfort Stáit go dtí 2050 ann. Foilsíodh an
tAthbhreithniú ar an 24 Deireadh Fómhair 2018. Aithnítear ann tosaíochtaí do sholáthar
bonneagair ag na trí aerfort. I gcás Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath amháin, déantar measúnú sa
staidéar ar na buntáistí agus na míbhuntáistí gaolmhara a bhaineann le hoibriú críochfoirt
nua ag oibritheoir aerfoirt reatha i gcomparáid le hoibriú ar bhonn neamhspleách.
Tugadh cuireadh do pháirtithe leasmhara a gcuid tuairimí a roinnt ar thorthaí an
Athbhreithnithe trí próiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí. Tá na haighneachtaí ar fad á bplé sula
bhfilleann an tAire ar an Rialtas le moltaí maidir le forbairt Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath
amach anseo.
Réamh-imréiteach na Stát Aontaithe
Tháinig an Roinn agus Oifigigh SAM ar réiteach ar leasuithe ar Chomhaontú Réamh-
imréitigh na hÉireann-na Stát Aontaithe tar éis idirbheartaíochta chun cinntiú go bhfuil
dóthain acmhainní ag Réamh-imréiteach na Stát Aontaithe le freastal ar an méadú atá ag
teacht ar ghnó trasatlantach in Aerfoirt Bhaile Átha Cliath agus na Sionainne. Tá socruithe
á ndéanamh do theacht i bhfeidhm an Chomhaontaithe Athbhreithnithe.
Staitisticí Eitlíochta
Ar aon dul le tiomantais a leagadh amach sa NAP, d’fhoilsigh an Roinn eolas staidrimh
ráithiúil eitlíochta ar a suíomh gréasáin i rith 2018 maidir le hAerfoirt Stáit agus
Réigiúnacha, lena n-áirítear líon na bpaisinéirí, lastas agus gluaiseachtaí tráchtála aerfoirt.
Torann ó Aerárthaigh
D’ullmhaigh agus d’fhoilsigh an Roinn Bille Rialacháin nua um Thorann ó Aerárthaigh
(Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath) in 2018, a cuireadh le chéile chun Rialachán AE 598/2014 a
chur i bhfeidhm in Éirinn. Moltar réimeas nua rialála do thorann ag Aerfort Bhaile Átha
Cliath sa Bhille. Cuireadh an Bille i láthair Dháil Éireann i mí na Samhna 2018.
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Táillí Aerfoirt
In 2019, déanfaidh an Coimisiún um Rialáil Eitlíochta (CAR) Cinneadh nua maidir leis an
uasleibhéal do tháillí aerfoirt in Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath, ar feadh tréimhse ceithre
bliana, agus cuirfear tús leis ar an 1 Eanáir 2020.
Scríobh an Roinn chuig an CAR i mí Iúil 2018 agus beartas rialtais ar athruithe aerfoirt á
dheimhniú acu. Táthar ag súil le cinneadh deiridh an CAR ar Chinneadh 2019 i mí Mheán
Fómhair 2019 agus cuirfear an Cinneadh i bhfeidhm ar an 1 Eanáir 2020.
Comhaontuithe Aeriompair
Is gné ríthábhachtach de bheartas seachtrach eitlíochta an AE é cur le Comhlimistéar
Eitlíochta na hEorpa ach tíortha in aice láimhe a chur san áireamh. Chuige sin, rinneadh
idirbheartaíocht idir an tAE agus roinnt tíortha agus réigiún in aice láimhe ar
chomhaontuithe aeriompair le blianta beaga anuas.
Le linn 2016, tugadh údarás do Choimisiún an AE tús a chur le hidirbheartaíocht le
Comhlachas Náisiúin na hÁise Thoir Theas (ASEAN), an Tuirc, Catar agus Aontas na
nÉimíríochtaí Arabacha (UAE) maidir le comhaontuithe cuimsitheacha aeriompair de chuid
an AE. Tacaíonn Éire go hiomlán le hiarrachtaí an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh sa réimse seo. Le
linn 2018, ghlac an Roinn páirt san idirbheartaíocht seo le roinnt tríú tíortha tríd an
gCoiste Speisialta Eitlíochta agus tríd an nGrúpa Oibre Eitlíochta na Comhairle Eorpaí.
I dteannta Comhaontuithe AE, táimid fós ag tabhairt faoi bhearta chun caidreamh
déthaobhach eitlíochta na hÉireann le margaí atá ag teacht chun cinn a fheabhsú. I mí an
Mheithimh 2018, tháinig oifigigh na Roinne agus oifigigh ó Aireacht Iompair Hong Cong ar
Chomhaontú Déthaobhach nua maidir le hAersheirbhísí. D’éascaigh an comhaontú nua
déthaobhach seo aersheirbhísí díreacha idir Baile Átha Cliath agus Hong Cong atá á gcur
ar fáil ag Cathay Pacific i mí an Mheithimh 2018. Chuir Hainan Airlines tús le seirbhísí
sceidealaithe aeir idir Baile Átha Cliath agus Béising i samhradh 2018. Bhí na heitiltí seo ar
na chéad seirbhísí sceidealaithe paisinéirí idir Éire agus réigiún an Aigéin Chiúin agus na
hÁise.
Léasú Eitlíochta
Tá sé i gceist ag an NAP fás fhiontar na heitlíochtaí a chothú mar phríomhrannpháirtí i
bhfás agus i bhforbairt eacnamaíoch na hÉireann. Is ionstraim ríthábhachtach idirnáisiúnta
í Comhdháil Cape Town 2001 agus an Prótacal Aerthárthaigh gaolmhar a thacaíonn le
léasú eitlíochta. D’éirigh le hiarratas na hEireann le bheith ar “Liosta Cape Town”, agus
cuireadh go hofigiúil leis ar an 30 Lúnasa 2018. Is féidir le Stáit a chuireann
príomhfhorálacha Chomhdháil Cape Town i bhfeidhm lascaine a fháil ar an ardráta íosta
forordaithe, faoi théarmaí an Chomhaontaithe Earnála Aerthárthaigh ECFE maidir le
Creidmheasanna Onnmhairiúcháin.
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Is comhfhiontar idir Rialtas na hÉireann agus Société Internationale de
Télécommunications Aéronautiques (SITA) é Aviareto atá i mbun na Clárlainne
Idirnáisiúnta maidir le Sócmhainní Aerárthaigh ó seoladh in 2006 é, ar conradh le agus faoi
threoir ICAO. Ceadaíonn an Chlárlann Idirnáisiúnta leasanna airgeadais i sócmhainní
ardluacha aerárthaigh a chlárú go sábháilte. D’éirigh le hÉirinn, trí ionadaíocht ar
Chomhairle ICAO, síneadh a chur le conradh Aviareto le bheith i mbun na Clárlainne
Idirnáisiúnta go dtí 2026 ar a laghad. Is moladh láidir é seo don obair iontach atá déanta ag
an gcomhlacht agus é i mbun na Clárlainne Idirnáisiúnta go dtí seo.
An earnáil cothabhála, deisiúcháin agus ollchóiriúcháin aerárthaí (MRO)
In 2018, choimisiúnaigh an Roinn comhairleoirí neamhspleácha chun forléargas
cuimsitheach a thabhairt ar an earnáil MRO in Éirinn. Áirítear leis seo anailís ar threochtaí
idirnáisiúnta in MRO agus in aeriompar i gcoitinne chun measúnú a dhéanamh ar
acmhainn MRO le go mbainfear fás réamh-mheasta an éilimh amach. Foilsíodh an
tuarascáil i mí Bealtaine 2019.
Aerfoirt Réigiúnacha
Clúdaíonn Clár na nAerfort Réigiúnach atá ann an tréimhse idir 2015 agus 2019 agus
cuireann sé tacaíochtaí spriocdhírithe Státchiste ar fáil do cheithre aerfort réigiúnacha:
Dún na nGall, Ciarraí, Aerfort Iarthar Éireann Chnoc Mhuire (IWAK) agus Port Láirge.
Cuirtear na tacaíochtaí seo ar fáil trí scéimeanna deontais agus ní bhaineann siad ach le
hinfheistíochtaí caipitil sábháilteachta agus slándála agus le costais oibríochtúla.
Fuair aerfoirt réigiúnacha Dhún na nGall, Chiarraí agus IWAK thart ar €7.45 milliún i
dtacaíocht deontais in 2018. Cuireadh €3.77 milliún den airgead seo ar fail i dtacaíochtaí
oibríochtúla agus cuireadh €3.68 milliún de ar fáil i gcúnamh deontas caipitil. Ós rud é gur
cuireadh stop leis na haersheirbhísí sceidealaithe ar fad ag Aerfort Phort Láirge i mí an
Mheithimh 2016, cuireadh tús le próiseas in 2018 chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar
roghanna don aerfort amach anseo. Go dtí go bhfaighfear toradh an athbhreithnite seo,
agus mar bheart eisceachtúil, rinneadh dhá íocaíocht ar fiú €750,000 iad le hAerfort Phort
Láirge in 2018. Chinntigh na híocaíochtaí nár cuireadh isteach ar sheirbhís Cuardaigh agus
Tarrthála Gharda Cósta na hÉireann agus bhí treo an aerfoirt amach anseo á mheas freisin.
Riarann an Roinn Scéim Aersheirbhísí Oibleagáide Seirbhíse Poiblí (PSO) chomh maith.
Tar éis próisis phoiblí tairisceana de chuid an AE de réir Rialachán 1008/2008 an CE,
bronnadh conradh nua ar Stobart Air do na haersheirbhísí Oibleagáide Seirbhíse Poiblí idir
Ciarraí agus Baile Átha Cliath agus idir Dún na nGall agus Baile Átha Cliath agus cuireadh
tús leis ar an 1 Feabhra 2018. Mairfidh an conradh nua ceithre bliana agus beidh sé i
bhfeidhm go dtí 31 Eanáir 2022. Is é €29 milliún luach iomlán an chonartha agus íocadh
€7.5 milliún le Stobart Air maidir leis na seirbhísí thuas in 2018.
50
Rialachán Eitlíochta a Athstruchtúrú
Faoin NAP, thiomnaigh an Roinn do réimeas rialála eitlíochta na hÉireann a athstruchtúrú
chun dea-chleachtas agus forbairtí ag leibhéal AE a léiriú. Ina dhiaidh sin, d’fhaomh an
Rialtas moladh na Roinne an réimeas seo a chur i bhfeidhm ach Rannán Rialála
Sábháilteachta (SRD) de chuid IAA a chumasc leis an CAR chun údarás rialála
neamhspleách a chruthú. Coinneofar feidhmeanna iarmharacha tráchtála an IAA, Seirbhísí
Aerloingseoireachta den chuid is mó, mar fhiontar rialaithe faoi úinéireacht an Stáit.
Tá dul chun cinn á dhéanamh ag an Roinn ar an tionscadal seo in 2018 ach struchtúr
rialaithe tionscadail a bhunú ina bhfuil grúpa stiúrtha ardleibhéil agus grúpaí oibre aonair.
Tá ionadaithe ó na trí eintiteas a bhfuil tionchar ag an athrú orthu sna grúpaí seo – SRD an
IAA, Rannáin ANSP agus an CAR. Tá freagracht ar gach grúpa oibre as gné den tionscadal,
lena n-áirítear airgeadas agus maoiniú, acmhainní daonna, struchtúr eagraíochtúil,
cumarsáid agus reachtaíocht. Bhí an grúpa stiúrtha ag treorú agus ag maoirsiú na hoibre
seo. Tá baill d’ardbhainistíocht an dá rialtóir agus oifigigh Rannacha sa ghrúpa stiúrtha seo.
Táthar ag súil go gcríochnófar an tionscadal foriomlán, achtú na reachtaíochta chun an
cumasc a chur i gcrích san áireamh, ag deireadh 2019.
—— 51
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Muirí
Íomhá: An Roinn Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt
Sprioc ardleibhéil Iompar muirí atá sábháilte agus inbhuanaithe a éascú agus seirbhísí
bainistíochta éigeandála a chur ar fáil
Ós rud é go bhfuil geilleagar beag oscailte ag Éirinn, is tairseach ríthábhachtach í an earnáil
mhuirí le go bhféadfaí earraí a ghluaiseacht idir Éire agus a páirtithe trádála. Tá ról
suntasach ag an earnáil maidir le gluaiseacht daoine go agus ó Éirinn freisin agus tá sí
ríthábhachtach ó thaobh fhorbairt earnáil na turasóireachta de dá bharr. Cuimsíonn an ról
atá againn i dtaca le hiompar muirí forbairt iompair mhuirí a éascú agus cur i bhfeidhm na
gcaighdeán agus na nósanna imeachta sábháilteachta, teicniúla, saothair agus
forfheidhmithe a chuireann árachas ar fáil do gach duine atá ag brath ar an bhfarraige.
Cuspóir: Margadh éifeachtach agus iomaíoch do sheirbhísí iompair mhuirí a éascú chun freastal ar riachtanais ár ngeilleagair trádála
—— 52
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
An Beartas um Chalafoirt Náisiúnta
I mí an Mhárta 2013, d’fhaomh an Rialtas foilsiú beartais nua, an Beartas um Chalafoirt
Náisiúnta, agus thacaigh achtú an Achta Cuanta, 2015 le cur i bhfeidhm an bheartais seo.
Tá roinnt leasuithe tábhachtacha á dtabhairt isteach ag an mbeartas agus rangaíonn sé
cuideachtaí tráchtála calafoirt ina dtrí leibhéal:
Calafoirt a bhfuil Tábhacht Náisiúnta leo - Leibhéal 1 (Baile Átha Cliath, Corcaigh
agus an tSionainn/Faing)
Calafoirt a bhfuil Tábhacht Náisiúnta leo - Leibhéal 2 (Port Láirge agus Ros Láir)
Calafoirt a bhfuil Tábhacht Réigiúnach leo (Droichead Átha, Dún Laoghaire,
Gaillimh, Ros Mhic Thriúin agus Cill Mhantáin).
Le linn 2018, lean an Roinn ar aghaidh agus an beartas nua á chur i bhfeidhm aici ar aon
dul le tiomantais a foilsíodh.
Cheadaigh an tOireachtas an tAcht Cuanta, 2015 agus rith an tUachtarán ina dhlí é i mí na
Nollag 2015.
Is é príomhchuspóir an Achta ná na cúig chalafort a bhfuil tábhacht réigiúnach leo,
Droichead Átha, Dún Laoghaire, Gaillimh, Ros Mhic Thriúin agus Cill Mhantáin, a chur faoi
cheannas na n-údarás áitiúil. Luaitear roinnt feabhsuithe san Acht maidir leis an bpróiseas
ceapacháin bhoird do chuideachtaí calafoirt.
Tá foráil san Acht do dhá rogha fhéideartha athruithe:
Cumhacht aire chun scairshealbhú na gcuideachtaí a thabhairt d’Údarás Áitiúil
ábhartha agus foráil do cheisteanna áirithe a bhaineann le riarachán comhlachta dá
leithéid amach anseo.
Cumhacht aire chun comhlachtaí a dhíscaoileadh agus na sócmhainní, na dliteanais
agus na fostaithe ar fad a chur faoi údarás áitiúil ábhartha.
Cuireadh Cuideachta Poirt Chill Mhantáin faoi cheannas Chomhairle Contae Chill
Mhantáin ar an 30 Lúnasa 2016. Cuireadh Cuideachta Poirt Dhroichead Átha faoi
cheannas Chomhairle Contae Lú ar an 2 Deireadh Fómhair 2017. Díscaoileadh Cuideachta
Cuain Dhún Laoghaire agus cuireadh an cuan faoi cheannas Chomhairle Contae Dhún
Laoghaire-Ráth an Dúin ar an 3 Deireadh Fómhair 2018. Chuir na húdaráis áitiúla eile tús
le próiseas dícheallachta cuí leis an dá chalafoirt eile atá le haistriú. Leanaimid orainn ag
dul i gcomhairle leis na húdaráis áitiúla agus na calafoirt maidir leis an bpróiseas athraithe
agus an múnla athraithe.
Árthaí Éireannacha a bhfuil bratach leo
Tháinig méadú ar fhlít na long thrádála de chuid na hÉireann agus bhí 41 árthach ann (níos
mó ná olltonnáiste 500) ag deireadh 2018. Choinnigh Éire a stádas ar an “ngeal-liosta” de
—— 53
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
chuid Mheabhrán Comhthuisceana Pháras um Rialú Stáit ar Chalafoirt. Choinnigh bratach
na hÉireann a stádas “íseal-riosca” chomh maith.
Straitéis Sábháilteachta Muirí
D’fhoilsigh Údarás Muirí na hÉireann Straitéis Sábháilteachta Muirí nua in 2015. Tá 33
gníomh sa Straitéis agus dírítear ar líon na ndaoine, úsáideoirí áineasa, iascairí, paisinéirí
agus maraithe san áireamh, a fhaigheann bás agus a ghortaítear idir 2015 agus 2019 agus
moltar freagracht phearsanta agus feasacht ar rioscaí níos mó inti.
Tá eagrán nua den Chód Cleachtais um Oibriú Sábháilte Bád Áineasa ar fáil ó mhí na
Samhna 2017. Dáileadh an Cód Cleachtais go forleathan ar dhaoine agus ar eagraíochtaí
leasmhara le linn 2018 agus úsáideadh fógraí i bhfoilseacháin, i bpóstaeir agus i bhfógráin
fóillíochta muirí chun a infhaighteacht agus a theachtaireacht sábháilteachta a phoibliú.
Faightear eolas, comhairle agus treoir dea-chleachtais oibríochtúla luachmhar sa Chód
d’úinéirí, d’oibritheoirí agus d’úsáideoirí bád áineasa in uiscí cósta agus intíre na hÉireann,
lena n-áirítear báid seoil agus innill, báidíní seoltóireachta, árthaí uisce pearsanta (m.sh
scairdscíonna), mótarbháid, canúnna, cadhcanna, báid rámhaíochta, báid chhairtfhostaithe,
clársheoltóirí, cláir sheaschéaslóireachta agus árthaí eile gan chumhacht.
Reachtaíocht maidir le Sábháilteacht agus le Timpeallacht Mhuirí
Rinneadh roinnt ionstraimí reachtúla le linn 2018:
I.R Uimh. 236 de 2018 – Rialacháin um Thruailliú Mara (Truailliú Ola a Chosc)
(Leasú) 2018 a leasaíonn foirm Fhorlíonadh an Teastais Idirnáisiúnta um Thruailliú
Ola a Chosc
I.R Uimh. 312 de 2018 – Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh (Trealamh Muirí) (Leasú)
2018 a leasaíonn Rialacháin an Aontais Eopaigh (Trealamh Muirí) 2017 (I.R. Uimh.
177 de 2017) chun Rialachán Cur Chun Feidhme an Choimisiúin (AE) 2018/773 ar
riachtanais deartha, tógála agus feidhmíochta agus caighdeáin tástála do threalamh
muirí a chur san áireamh
I.R. Uimh 400 de 2018 – Rialacháin na mBád Áineasa (Gairis Snámhachta
Phearsanta agus Oibriúchán) (Slándáil) (Leasú) 2018 a leasaíonn Rialacháin na mBád
Áineasa (Gairis Snámhachta Phearsanta agus Oibriúchán) (Slándáil) 2005 (I.R. Uimh.
921 de 2005) ach an sainmhíniú “gaireas snámhachta pearsanta oiriúnach” a
uasdátú
I.R. Uimh 401 de 2018 – Rialacháin na nÁrthaí Iascaireachta (Gairis Snámhachta
Phearsanta) (Leasú) 2018 a leasaíonn Rialacháin na nÁrthaí Iascaireachta (Gairis
Snámhachta Phearsanta) 2001 (I.R. Uimh. 586 de 2001) ach an sainmhíniú “gaireas
snámhachta pearsanta oiriúnach” a uasdátú
Cuspóir: Reachtaíocht agus gníomhaíochtaí gaolmhara a uasdátú agus a fhorbairt i ndáil le nithe a bhaineann le sábháilteacht, slándáil, dálaí maireachtála agus oibre, agus truailliú ó longa
—— 54
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
I.R. Uimh. 55 de 2018 – Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh (Athchúrsáil Loinge) 2018 a
thugann éifeacht do Rialachán (AE) Uimh 1257/2013 maidir le hathchúrsáil loinge
Cumadh dhá ionstraim reachtúla eile chun cloí le riachtanais na hEagraíochta Muirí
Idirnáisiúnta (IMO) faoi Chaibidlí III (Fearais agus Riachtanais Tarrthála) agis IV
(Radachumarsáid) d’Iarscríbhinn an an Choinbhinsiúin Idirnáisiúnta um Shábháilteacht
Anama ar Muir, 1974 (SOLAS):
I.R. Uimh. 438 de 2018 – Rialacha Loingseoireachta Trádála (Fearais Tarrthála)
2018
I.R. Uimh. 452 de 2018 - Rialacha Loingseoireachta Trádála (Raidió) 2018
Tá Údarás Muirí na hÉireann fós an-ghníomhach maidir le cur chun cinn spriocanna
uaillmhianacha le hastaíochtaí gás ceaptha teasa muirí a laghdú laistigh de Choiste IMO
um Chaomhnú an Chomhshaoil Mhuirí (MEPC), agus maidir le comhoibriú lenár bpáirtithe
AE.
Dálaí Maireachtála agus Oibre san Earnáil Iascaireachta
Ar an 31 Eanáir 2017, foilsíodh Treoir (AE) 2017/159 ón gComhairle in Iris Oifigiúil an
Aontais Eorpaigh Tá comhaontú comhpháirtíochta sóisialta sa Treoir, a cuireadh i gcrích ar
an 21 Bealtaine 2012, a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aige an Coinbhinsiún um Obair Iascaireachta
a chur i bhfeidhm. Trasuífear an Treoir sa dlí in Éirinn faoin 15 Samhain 2019. Foilsíodh
comhairliúcháin páirtithe leasmhara trí Fhógra Muirí 42 de 2018 inar lorgaíodh tuairimí
iascairí agus fostaithe ar an gCoinbhinsiún agus ar an Treoir. Tar éis aighneachtaí a fháil i
mí na Nollag 2018, tá dul chun cinn á dhéanamh ar obair ar an reachtaíocht atá ag teastáil
chun an Treoir a thrasuí sa dlí.
Fógraí Muirí
Eisíodh 43 fógra muirí in 2018. Eisíonn an Roinn na fógraí seo chun eolas tábhachtach
sábháilteachta, rialála agus eolas ábhartha eile a bhaineann le cúrsaí muirí in Éirinn a
phoibliú agus is féidir iad a roinnt ina dtrí chatagóir:
Eolas: m.sh. nósanna imeachta agus scrúduithe Oifig na Suirbhéireachta Muirí,
foilseacháin, aistarraingtí táirgí & foláirimh shábháilteachta, agus fógraí tionscail
eile;
Oibreacha: m.sh. comhairle ar thógáil, ar oibreacha nó ar shuirbhéanna a
d’fhéadfadh cur isteach ar loingseoireacht; agus
Reachtúil: Aird a tharraingt ar rialachán nó ar riachtanas dlí eile.
Cuspóir: Tabhairt faoi ghníomhaíochtaí rialála agus forfheidhmithe a bhaineann le sábháilteacht, slándáil, dálaí maireachtála agus oibre, agus an comhshaol maidir le hárthaí, le maraithe agus le calafoirt
—— 55
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Iompar Inrochtana Muirí
Tá an Roinn fós ag tabhairt faoi thionscnaimh chun feabhsuithe maidir le rochtain iompair
mhuirí do phaisinéirí a chur chun cinn. Le linn 2018, dáileadh fógrán chun tuilleadh
feabhsuithe rochtana a spreagadh ar sheirbhísí loinge agus báid phaisinéirí bunaithe ar
chúig rogha feabhsaithe ísealchostais.
Dlúthfheachtas Iniúchta
Ó mhí Mheán Fómhair go dtí deireadh mhí na Samhna 2018, ghlac Éire páirt i
ndlúthfheachtas iniúchta (CIC) a bhí dírithe ar na riachtanais i dtaca le truailliú aeir ó longa
a chosc. Cuirfear na torthaí ar fail trí Mheabhrán Comhthuisceana Pháras um Rialú Stáit ar
Chalafoirt.
Rinne an MSO iniúchadh ar 266 long a raibh bratach leo faoi chomhaontú Cion Cothroim
MOU Pháras, agus sáraíodh an sprioc de 260 long a bhí leagtha amach. Tugadh faoi 1,293
suirbhé agus iniúchadh a bhí bainteach le longa in 2018.
Scéim um Oideachas agus Oiliúint Mhuirí
Deimhníonn an Roinn Scéim um Oideachas agus Oiliúint Mhuirí (MET) de réir na
hEagraiochta Idirnáisiúnta Muirí agus de réir riachtanais an AE maidir le hoiliúint agus
oideachas maraithe.
Chuir Éire leasuithe Manilla 2010 de chuid an Choinbhinsiúin Idirnáisiúnta maidir le
Caighdeáin Oiliúna, Deimhniúcháin agus Faire do Mharaithe (STCW) i bhfeidhm, agus
choinnigh an tír a stádas ar “liosta geal” an IMO a thugann éifeacht iomlán do Chomhdháil
STCW. Ciallaíonn sé seo go mbaineann Teastais Éireannacha na caighdeáin is airde go
hidirnáisiúnta amach agus aithnítear mar sin iad ar fud an AE agus an EEA agus trí
chomhaontuithe déthaobhacha leis na príomhbhratstáit ar fud an domhain.
Tá tuilleadh forbairtí á ndéanamh ar Chóras Faisnéise na Maraithe agus ar an suíomh
gréasáin, www.seafarers.ie a ghabhann leis le go mbeidh rochtain níos fearr ag
soláthraithe seirbhíse agus maraithe orthu. D’eisigh an Oifig Mharsantach Mhuirí 1,779
teastas in 2018 agus is méadú de 330 teastas é seo ar an sprioc a bhí leagtha amach.
Slándáil Mhuirí
Leanadh ar aghaidh in 2018 le cur i bhfeidhm beart slándála muirí, maoirseacht do longa,
áiseanna calafoirt agus calafoirt san áireamh, le cinntiú go gcomhlíontar Rialachán
725/2004/EC an AE agus an Treoir 2005/65/EC ar shlándáil chalafort. Rinne an
Coimisiún Eorpach iniúchadh i mí Aibreáin 2018 maidir le cur i bhfeidhm leanúnach
reachtaíocht shlándála muirí an AE in Éirinn. Rinneadh 12 iniúchadh ar áiseanna calafóirt in
2018.
Cuspóir: Bearta sábháilteachta muirí, bearta práinnfhreagartha agus bearta maidir le cosc ar thruailliú a bhainistiú
—— 56
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
In 2018, tharla 2,647 teagmhas (2017: 2,502). Tháinig laghdú beag ar líon na dteagmhas ar
freagraíodh dóibh ar árthaí trádála agus tháinig laghdú ar líon na dteagmhas ar freagraíodh
dóibh in earnáil na mbád áineasa. Tháinig ardú ar líon iomlán na dteagmhas ón mbliain
roimhe mar gheall ar chúnamh a cuireadh ar fáil d’eagraíochtaí eile, an tSeirbhís Náisiúnta
Otharcharranna san áireamh.
In 2018, mar fhreagra ar na 2,647 teagmhas, is mar seo a leanas atá táscáil d’aonaid
chuardaigh agus freagartha – cuireadh héileacaptair de chuid an Gharda Chósta amach
669 uair, d’fhreastail INRBT ar 843 teagmhas agus cuireadh aonaid an Gharda Chósta
amach 1,192 uair.
Beatha Daoine a Sábháladh
Cuireann an Garda Cósta béim ar leith ar an gcatagóir “beatha daoine a sábháladh”. Mura
raibh an cúnamh a dtagraíonn sé seo dó ar fáil, chaillfí daoine nó chuirfí daoine san
ospidéal go fadtréimhseach. In 2018, thaifead an Garda Cósta go raibh níos mó ná 400
duine sa chatagóir “beatha daoine a sábháladh”.
Aonaid Dheonacha de chuid an Gharda Cósta – Nua-Aoisiú
Tugadh feithiclí do gach tír-raon isteach i mbliana agus leanadh ar aghaidh leis an gclár
athraithe feithiclí i rith na bliana.
Cuireadh tús le foirgnimh de chuid an Gharda Chósta a thógáil sna Clocha Liatha, i
gCathair na Mart agus i gCé na Cille Móire agus tá clár tógála agus cothabhála i gcomhar
leis an OPW fós ar siúl.
Tosaíodh ar chumas dróin a fhorbairt laistigh de Gharda Cósta na hÉireann agus táthar ag
súil go gcuirfear i bhfeidhm in 2019 é.
Tugadh tuilleadh acmhainní agus ball foirne isteach le linn 2019 chun feabhas a chur ar
bhainistíocht agus ar mhaoirseacht na Aonad Deonach de chuid an Gharda Chósta.
Rinneadh infheistíochtaí suntasacha sa Gharda Cósta chun córas bainistíochta
sábháilteachta a chur i bhfeidhm chun ISO 45001 a bhaint amach.
Tá dul chun cinn fós á dhéanamh ar Chóras Bainistíochta na
Faisnéise d’Oibrithe Deonacha (VIMS), a thacaíonn le hobair oibrithe deonacha an Gharda
Chósta, agus foilsíodh iarraidh ar thairiscint do dhearadh, forbairt, cur i bhfeidhm agus
tacaíocht d’ardán nua an chórais bhainistíochta d’oibrithe deonacha don Gharda Cósta i mí
na Samhna 2018.
—— 57
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Turasóireacht
Íomhá: Turasóireacht Éireann. Tom Archer a ghlac an grianghraf.
Sprioc ardleibhéil: Tacú le tionscal na turasóireachta chun forbairt ar bhealach
inbhuanaithe
Tá tionscal na turasóireachta fréamhaithe go domhain i gcreatlach shaolré eacnamaíoch na
hÉireann, idir uirbeach agus tuaithe. Tá an-obair déanta ag an earnáil ar son dul chun cinn
eacnamaíoch na hÉireann le blianta beaga anuas. Is earnáil í a chuireann poist agus ioncam
ríthábhachtach ar fáil do phobail ar fud na tíre, agus measann Fáilte Éireann gur thacaigh
an turasóireacht le 260,000 post in 2018.
Bhí tréimhse an-ráthúil ag earnáil na turasóireachta le blianta beaga anuas agus tháinig
méadú mór ar ioncam ó chuairteoirí ó thíortha thar lear. Tugadh breis is €5 billiún isteach
in 2018.
Bhí margaíocht éifeachtach spriocdhírithe mar bhonn agus thaca ag an léiriú láidir seo, go
háirithe na brandaí eispéiris turasóireachta (Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin, Sean-Oirthear na
hÉireann, Baile Átha Cliath agus an branda réigiúnach is nuaí, Croíthailte Folaithe na
hÉireann, a seoladh in 2018) agus cuireadh leis an rochtan aeir ar Éirinn freisin. Ar an
iomlán, nuair a chuirtear turasóireacht intíre agus táillí carraeirí san áireamh, meastar
gurbh fhiú níos mó ná €5 billiún an earnáil seo don gheilleagar in 2018.
—— 58
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Beartas Turasóireachta
Seoladh Ráiteas Beartais Turasóireachta an Rialtais "Daoine, Áit agus Beartas –
Turasóireacht a Fhorbairt go dtí 2025" i mí an Mhárta 2015. Is é an aidhm atá leis an
Ráiteas Beartais Turasóireachta ná earnáil bhríomhar, tharraingteach thurasóireachta a
bheith againn a chuireann le fostaíocht ar fud na tíre, atá inbhuanaithe ó thaobh an
gheilleagair agus an chomhshaoil de agus go sóisialta, a chuireann íomhá dhearfach
d’Éirinn chun cinn thar lear agus is earnáil í a bhfuil daoine ag iarraidh obair inti.
Baineann ról na Roinne go príomha le beartas náisiúnta turasóireachta a fhorbairt agus le
gníomhartha agus cláir inmheánacha agus seachtracha bheartas a fhorbairt agus tionchar a
imirt orthu, i gcomhar le comhpháirtithe tionscail. Pléann an dá ghníomhaireacht
turasóireachta faoinár gcoimirce, Fáilte Éireann (an tÚdarás Náisiúnta Forbartha
Turasóireachta) agus Turasóireacht Éireann, le cur i bhfeidhm an bheartais seo agus dá réir
sin, cuirtear ár mbuiséad turasóireachta go príomha tríd an dá ghníomhaireacht
turasóireachta.
Cuirtear an creat ar fáil sa Ráiteas Beartais chun uaillmhian an Rialtais a sholáthar trí
chomhoibriú idir páirtithe leasmhara, lena n-áirítear gníomhaireachtaí turasóireachta, an
tionscal turasóireachta, údaráis áitiúla, ranna Rialtais agus comhlachtaí eile a bhfuil leas
dílsithe acu i dturasóireacht na hÉireann.
Plean Gníomhaíochta Turasóireachta
I mí Iúil 2015, bunaíodh Grúpa Ceannaireachta Turasóireachta chun Plean Gníomhaíochta
Turasóireachta a chur i bhfeidhm ina leagtar amach na gníomhartha atá ag teastáil sa
tréimhse go dtí 2018 chun na cuspóirí foriomlána sa Ráiteas Beartais Turasóireachta de
chuid an Rialtais a bhaint amach. Luadh 23 gníomh sa phlean agus cuireadh an chuid is mó
de na gníomhartha seo i gcrích roimh an sprioc.
Tar éis dul i gcomhairle le príomhpháirtithe leasmhara, forbraíodh Plean Gníomhaíochta
Turasóireachta 2019-2021 agus é ag cloí leis an gcur chuige téamach atá sa ráiteas
beartas turasóireachta. Foilsíodh an Plean ar an 19 Nollaig 2018 agus leagtar amach ann
na gníomhartha a sainaithníodh mar thosaíochtaí atá le cur chun cinn le linn tréimhse seo
chun fás inbhuanaithe a dheimhniú in ioncam agus i bhfostaíocht turasóireachta thar lear.
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go bhfuil creat beartais i bhfeidhm chun tacú le hearnáil na turasóireachta agus dul i gcion ar pháirtithe leasmhara ábhartha eile
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go bhfuil táirge turasóireachta tarraingteach, iomaíoch agus inbhuanaithe ag Éirinn
—— 59
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Brandaí Eispéiris Turasóireachta
Rinne Fáilte Éireann tuilleadh forbartha ar na brandaí eispéiris turasóireachta bunaithe, trí
infheistíocht spriocdhírithe chaipitil i nithe is díol spéise agus i mbonneagar eile
turasóireachta agus trí thacaíochtaí cláir atá dírithe ar na brandaí seo a fheabhsú, a
bheochan agus a chur chun cinn, lena n-áirítear tacaíochtaí gnó, oiliúint, féilte agus
imeachtaí.
I mí Aibreáin 2018, seoladh Croíthailte Folaithe na hÉireann agus é ar an mbranda eispéiris
turasóireachta is déanaí – do réigiún Láir Tíre/na Lochanna. Dearadh an branda seo chun
borradh a chur faoin turasóireacht agus fás cuairteoirí a chur chun cinn ar fud an réigiúin.
Spreagann sé seo cuairteoirí le bheith ‘gníomhach sa dúlra’ agus sócmhainní nádúrtha an
réigiúin a thaiscéaladh, lochanna, siúlbhealaí agus gormbhealaí san áireamh. Bhí an
infheistíocht tosaigh dírithe ar eispéiris chuairteoirí a fhorbairt agus a fheabhsú, ar
thacaíocht a thabhairt do fhorbairt tionscail agus ar fheachtais mhargaíochta a fhorbairt
don réigiún.
Tionscadal Éireann 2040: Infheistíocht Chaipitil sa Turasóireacht
De réir chuspóirí Thionscadal Éireann 2040, tá maoiniú caipitil ag cabhrú le tacaíocht a
thabhairt do agus borradh a chur faoi thurasóireacht i gceantair thuaithe ar aon dul le
forbairt agus cur chun cinn na mbrandaí eispéiris turasóireachta. Tá na nithe seo a leanas i
measc réimsí tosaíochtaí na hinfheistíochta caipitil turasóireachta: nithe is díol spéise do
thurasóirí agus turasóireacht bunaithe ar ghníomhaíocht a fhorbairt agus a fheabhsú chun
cineál agus caighdeán an eispéiris a theastaíonn ó chuairteoirí a sholáthar.
In 2018, ar aon dul le Straitéis Infheistíochta Turasóireachta 2016-2022, leithdháil Fáilte
Éireann maoiniú caipitil ar fhorbairt táirgí turasóireachta trí infheistíocht dhíreach i
mbonneagar na mbrandaí eispéiris, trí chomhpháirtíochtaí straitéiseacha le comhlachtaí
Stáit agus trína scéimeanna móra agus beaga deontais. Maidir leis na scéimeanna a luadh
thuas, bhronn Fáilte Éireann deontais faoi thrí scéim spriocdhírithe in 2018 – Scéim
Deontais Shean-Oirthear na hÉireann do Léiriú Seanchais; Scéim Deontais do Léaslínte Nua ar
Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin (atá dírithe ar thíreolaíochtaí sainithe Chósta Chonamara agus
Oileáin Árann agus Chósta na Sceilge) agus Scéim Deontais do Scéalta Iontais Bhaile Átha
Cliath 2018 (chun feabhas a chur ar léiriú agus eispéireas cuairteoirí ag nithe is díol spéise i
mBaile Átha Cliath).
Glasbhealaí
Seoladh an Straitéis um Fhorbairt na nGlasbhealaí Náisiúnta agus Réigiúnacha Amach
Anseo i mí Iúil 2018 sa Mhóta, Co. na hIarmhí. Is straitéis fhadtréimhseach seo a bhfuil sé
mar aidhm aici líon, fad agus leathadh réigiúnach na nglasbhealaí ar fud na tíre a mhéadú.
Leagtar amach sa Straitéis treoir do thionscnóirí tionscadail ar chúrsaí a bhaineann leis na
nithe seo a leanas: nádúr straitéiseach, fad, caighdeáin deartha, oibreacha lóistín agus
comhairliúchán luath le pobail agus le húinéirí talún sna bealaí molta. Leagtar amach sa
—— 60
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Straitéis na critéir ghinearálta ard-leibhéil a bhaineann le Glasbhealach maith, dar linn:
glasbhealach atá sciamhach, a sholáthraíonn rochtain ar rudaí atá le déanamh agus le
feiceáil, atá inbhuanaithe, atá leithscartha agus comhroinnte, agus/nó atá sraitéiseach. Tá
sé seo bunaithe ar thaighde Fháilte Éireann agus ar thaithí ar an talamh ar rudaí ar éirigh
leo agus nár éirigh leo maidir le hinfheistíocht roimhe seo.
Tar éis sheoladh na Straitéise, d’fhógair an Rialtas glao maoinithe ar Ghlasbhealaigh.
Cuireadh €53 milliún ar fáil don tréimhse 2019-2021. Dúnadh an glao maoinithe ar an 30
Samhain 2018. Chuir cúig Údarás Áitiúla déag agus Gníomhaireacht Stáit amháin dhá
iarratas is fiche isteach. Déanfar measúnú ar na hiarratais seo go luath in 2019 agus tá sé i
gceist go dtabharfar maoiniú do na hiarrthóirí rathúla i Ráithe a Dó 2019.
Tacaíochtaí i leith Fiontraíochta
Maidir le hoiliúint agus le forbairt don tionscal, chuir Fáilte Éireann tacaíochtaí forbartha
agus oiliúna gnó ar fáil chun cur le hinniúlacht idirnáisiúnta díolachán agus feabhas a chur
ar éifeachtúlachtaí agus ar ábaltachtaí fiontraíochta. Seo a leanas cuid de na tionscnaimh
nua ar cuireadh tús leo in 2018: an Clár Straitéiseach Bainistíochta de chuid Fhoras
Bainistíochta na hÉireann agus Fháilte Éireann, tionscnamh dar teideal ‘Get China Ready’ a
ullmhaíonn earnáil na tionsclaíochta d’fháilte a chur roimh chuairteoirí ón Áise agus an Clár
Náisiúnta Seirbhíse um Barr Feabhais a ardaíonn caighdeán agus seirbhís, rud a chinntíonn
barr feabhais san fháilte a chuirtear roimh chuairteoirí agus san eispéireas ar an iomlán.
Le linn 2018, chuir Fáilte Éireann an clár nua dar teideal ‘Get Brexit Ready’ ar fáil chun
tacaíochtaí spriocdhírithe, saincheaptha a sholáthar a chabhraíonn le fiontair
thurasóireachta na hÉireann dul i ngleic le dúsháil a bhaineann leis an mBreatimeacht.
Tugann an Clár cead do ghnólachtaí aonair féinmheasúnú a dhéanamh ar a neamhchosaint
agus a rioscaí agus cuireann sé réimse idirghabhálacha le bheith ag teacht lena riachtanais
thar éagsúlaithe margaidh; margadh na Breataine a choinneáil, feidhmíocht ghnó agus
scileanna iomaíocha. Chruthaigh an tionscnamh ‘Get Brexit Ready’ tairseach aonair agus
d’úsáid níos mó ná 26,000 gnólacht an suíomh chun an t-eolas is déanaí agus léargas ar an
mBreatimeact a fháil agus chun an gnólacht a fháil réidh don Bhreatimeacht.
Rialacháin maidir le Clárú agus Clárú a Athnuachan do Champaí Saoire 2018
Le linn 2018, d’fhaomh an tAire Rialacháin a théann i ngleic leis na riachtanais bhunúsacha
a chaithfear a bhaint amach le go bhféadfaí a bheith cláraithe mar champa saoire le Fáilte
Éireann. Thug Fáilte Éireann na Rialacháin maidir le Campaí Saoire isteach agus d’fhaomh
a hÚdarás iad de réir fhorálacha na nAchtanna Tráchta Turasóireachta. Tá na rialacháin
athbhreithnithe, a cuireadh i bhfeidhm ar an 1 Nollaig 2018, ar aon dul le tiomantas an
Phlean Ghníomhaíochta Turasóireachta d’athbhreithniú agus d’uasdátú a dhéanamh ar na
Rialacháin a rialaíonn lóistíon do chuairteoirí. Tá Campa Saoire amháin (Trá Bholgan) in
Éirinn faoi láthair atá cláraithe. Tá campa á fhorbairt ag Centre Parcs i gCoill an Longfoirt
agus táthar ag súil go n-osclófar i mí Iúil 2019 é.
—— 61
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Grúpa Maoirseachta um Ghairmeacha Turasóireachta agus Fáilteachais
Bunaíodh Grúpa nua Maoirseachta um Ghairmeacha Turasóireachta agus Fáilteachais
chun cur leis an obair atá déanta ag an nGrúpa Maoirseachta um Scileanna Fáilteachais, a
d’fhoilsigh a thuarascáil dheiridh ar an 19 Meán Fómhair 2018.
Is príomhpháirtí leasmhar í an Roinn sa ghrúpa seo, a bhfuil Fáilte Éireann ina
cathaoirleach air agus a reáchtáil dhá chruinniú in 2018 agus rinneadh ionadaíocht don
Roinn iontu. Tá comhlachtaí ionadaíocha tionscail, soláthróirí oideachais agus
gníomhaireachtáí stáit sa ghrúpa seo. Rachaidh an grúpa i ngleic le ceisteanna maidir le
soláthar saothair agus forbairt scileanna atá ag cur isteach ar fhás ghnó na turasóireachta
faoi láthair.
Ceapacháin Bhoird de chuid Fháilte Éireann
D’fhaomh an tAire ceapachán seacht mball nua ar Bhord Fháilte Éireann (an tÚdarás
Náisiúnta Forbartha Turasóireachta) in 2018. D’fhaomh an tAire athcheapachán baill eile
den Bhord don dara téarma oifige freisin.
Féilte & Imeachtaí Rannpháirtíocha
In 2018, thacaigh Fáilte Éireann le féilte ar fud réimse clár chun cur le fás na
turasóireachta sna réigiúin agus chun cuairteoirí ó Éirinn agus ó thíortha thar lear a
spreagadh le cuairt a thabhairt ar áiteanna eile sa tír. Mhaoinigh sí 24 féile náisiúnta agus
imeacht rannpháirtíochta go díreach agus, faoi chonradh a tugadh chun críche in 2017
agus atá i bhfeidhm ó 2018 ar aghaidh, d’aistrigh sí maoiniú go dtí na húdaráis áitiúla.
Úsáideadh iad chun tacú le níos mó ná 200 féile agus imeacht áitiúil níos lú.
Faoina Clár Féilte a chomhchruthaigh siad, thacaigh Fáilte Éireann le Féile Bram Stocker
agus le Féile na Bliana Nuaí; seoladh “Féile May the 4th”, a thógann ar rath domhanda na
scannán Star Wars; reáchtáladh féilte píolótacha i Luimneach agus i nDún na nGall faoi
Shraith Dhomhanda na Féilte Éireannach a seoladh in 2018 agus a forbraíodh mar
chomhpháirtíocht idir Fáilte Éireann agus an Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtacha agus Trádála chun
ár ndiaspóra a spreagadh le teacht abhaile chun cuairt a thabhairt ar Éirinn.
Tá infheistíocht fós á déanamh ag Fáilte Éireann i staidéir indéantachta agus sa chéad
chéim eile den fhorbairt d’fhéilte nua, nuálacha. San fhómhar, sheol Fáilte Éireann Clár
Nuálaíochta Féilte a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aige féilte agus imeachtaí móra, iontacha a aithint
agus a fhorbairt a seasfaidh amach go hidirnáisiúnta, a spreagfaidh líon mór cuairteoirí le
teacht go hÉireann ag tréimhsí seachbhuaice agus cuairt a thabhairt ar phríomhcheantair
thíreolaíochta ar fud na tíre.
Turasóireacht Ghnó agus Príomhimeachtaí
Thacaigh an Roinn le Fáilte Éireann agus lena gníomhaíochtaí chun comhdhálacha móra
gnó agus imeachtaí idirnáisiúnta eile a thabhairt go hÉirinn – agus iad ag díriú, go háirithe,
ar na himeachtaí a mheallann líon mór cuairteoirí idirnáisiúnta agus a chuireann éileamh
mór ar óstáin. Faoin mbranda turasóireachta gnó ‘Meet in Ireland’, a bhíonn ag cur na tíre
—— 62
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
chun cinn mar an áit is fearr do chomhdhálacha agus do chruinnithe, oibríonn Fáilte
Éireann i gcomhar le príomhpháirtithe leasmhara chun comhdhálacha idirnáisiúnta,
cruinnithe agus taisteal dreasachta a fháil d’Éirinn. IIn 2018, d’éirigh le Fáilte Éireann 385
comhdháil a mhealladh go hÉirinn agus b’fhiú €204 milliún iad do na blianta reatha agus
amach anseo, lena n-áirítear €32 milliún d’Éire réigiúnach.
Craobhchomórtas Sacair na hEorpa 2020
In 2014, bhuaigh Baile Átha Cliath agus 12 chathair eile tairiscint chun ceithre chluiche a
óstáil mar chuid de Chraobhchomórtas Sacair na hEorpa 2020. B’iarracht chomhoibríoch í
seo idir FAI, Comhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath agus an Roinn.
Le linn 2018, lean an Roinn ar aghaigh le hullmhúchán chun an craobhchomórtas a óstáil i
mBaile Átha Cliath i gcomhar le Comhairle Cathrach Baile Átha Cliath agus leis an FAI.
Mar chuid den ullmhúchán seo, glacann an Roinn páirt i gcruinnithe míosúla de chuid an
Ghrúpa Oibre Thionscadail agus comhordaíonn sí ionchur agus tacaíocht na gcomhlachtaí
earnála poiblí don chomórtas.
Sa chomórtas seo, beidh na grúpaí cáilithe sna cluichí ceannais ar siúl i “gcathracha
péireáilte”. Peireáladh Baile Átha Cliath le Bilbao. Imreoidh gach tír óstach dhá chluiche ar
a laghad sa bhaile sna cluichí grúpa. In 2018, mar chuid de chlár náisiúnta promóisin don
chomórtas, mhaoinigh an Roinn Taispeántas Náisiúnta Peile a seoladh ar an 30 Samhain i
gCaisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath agus tá sé i gceist go rachaidh sé chuig ionaid eile ar fud na
tíre in 2019. Bhí an tarraingt do Chomórtas Cáilithe EURO 2020 ar siúl san Ionad
Comhdhála, Baile Átha Cliath ar an 2 Nollaig 2018. D’fhreastail níos mó ná 650 aoi ar an
imeacht, na meáin agus ionadaithe peile ó na 55 cumann comhaltaí de chuid UEFE san
áireamh, agus craoladh beo do 140 milliún duine ar fud an domhain í.
Feidhmíocht 2018
Ba bhliain iontach eile í 2018 ó thaobh na turasóireachta thar lear de in Éirinn – ba é an t-
ochtú bliain as a chéile d’fhás. Léiríonn sonraí Taistil & Turasóireachta CSO gur mhéadaigh
ioncam ó chuairteoirí ó thíortha thar lear 5.6% in 2018 go dtí níos mó ná €5 billiún. Bhí
fás ar leith ó Mheiriceá Thuaidh agus ón Eoraip, go háirithe an Ghearmáin, taobh thiar den
fheidhmíocht láidir seo. Ní nach ionadh, bhí margadh na Breataine cothrom don bhliain
ach is margadh tábhachtach é fós do thurasóireacht na hÉireann. Rinne margaí cianaistir
agus éiritheacha brabúis mhaithe freisin, cé nach raibh an leibhéal chomh hard leis na
margaí thuas. Nuair a chuirtear admhálacha intíre agus táillí carraeirí san áireamh, meastar
gurbh fhiú níos mó ná €9 billiún don gheilleagar in 2018 an earnáil seo agus thacaigh sí le
thart ar 260,000 post.
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go gcuirtear Éire chun cinn go héifeachtach mar áit turasóireachta i margaí thar lear agus i margaí intíre
—— 63
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Poiblíocht Thar Lear
Tá Turasóireacht Éireann freagrach as an tír seo a chur chun cinn mar áit turasóireachta i
margaí thar lear. Agus iad ag obair le taisteal thar lear, is gné thábhachtach den chlár
promóisin thar lear iad stíl mhaireachtála agus na meáin sainspéise. In 2018, cruthaíodh
na mílte deis do chuairteoirí féideartha ar fud an domhain teachtaireachtaí dearfacha faoi
Éirinn a léamh nó éisteacht leo nó breathnú orthu. Measann Turasóireacht Éireann gur fiú
€330 milliún an nochtadh seo ó thaobh an luacha choibhéisigh mhargaíochta de.
Seo cuid de bhuaicphointí an chláir phromóisin de chuid Thurasóireacht Éireann in 2018:
feachtais do Shean-Oirthear na hÉireann, Baile Átha Cliath, Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin,
Tuaisceart Éireann, chomh maith le tionscnamh bliantúil an Ghlasaithe Dhomhanda de
chuid Thurasóireacht Éireann ar Lá Fhéile Pádraig, agus bhí sé ní ba mhó ná riamh in 2018.
Thug Turasóireacht Éireann faoi shraith gníomhartha i margadh na Breataine chun dul i
ngleic le tionchair láithreacha vóta an Ríochta Aontaithe chun an tAontas Eorpach a
fhágáil. Mar shampla, cuireadh níos mó béime ar chuairteoirí atá fiosrach ó thaobh cultúir
de, nach bhfuil tionchar chomh mór sin ag luaineachtaí airgeadra orthu, agus tarraingíodh
aird ar shaoirí as séasúr agus ar thairiscintí luacha. D’éascaigh Turasóireacht Éireann
cruinniú i mí Dheireadh Fómhair idir an tAire Stáit Griffin agus ionadaithe ó ghnó an taistil
sa Bhreatain.
Seo roinnt buaicphointí eile:
I mí Eanáir, chuir Turasóireacht Éireann dhá phlean nua i láthair, a leagann
spriocanna dúshlánacha agus uaillmhianacha amach ina gcuirfidh Éire fáilte roimh
800,000 cuairteoir ón nGermáin agus 2 mhilliún cuairteoir ó na Stáit Aontaithe in
aghaidh na bliana faoi 2021 – léiríonn sé seo fás 20% don Ghearmáin agus fás 23%
do na Stáit Aontaithe.
Chuir Turasóireacht Éireann feachtas dar teideal ‘Iontais Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin’
sa Bhreatain in dhá chéim – Feabhra/Márta agus Meán Fómhair/Deireadh Fómhair
– chun lucht saoire na Breataine a mhealladh go dtí Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin sna
míonna as séasúr. Tarraingíodh aird ar chomh héasca agus atá sé taisteal ó shé
chathair thairsí sa Bhreatain go dtí Corcaigh, Ciarraí, an tSionainn, Cnoc Mhuire,
Dún na nGall agus Doire.
Bhí tionscnamh bliantúil an Ghlasaithe Dhomhanda de chuid Thurasóireacht
Éireann ar Lá Fhéile Pádraig ní ba mhó ná riamh agus ghin sé poiblíocht dhearfach
ar fiú €10 milliún d’Éirinn ar fud an domhainí. Ghlac 304 suíomh i 50 tír páirt sa
tionscnamh glas seo.
Chonacthas an feachtas ba mhó díolacháin de chuid Thurasóireacht Éireann go dtí
an tSín i mí Bealtaine le 29 ionadaí sinsearach ó cheantair ar fud na hÉireann. Bhí
imeachtaí ar siúl i mBéising, Shang-hai, Guangzhou agus Hong Cong agus
reáchtáladh cruinnithe le hionadaithe ó Hainan Airlines i mBéising agus Cathay
Pacific i Hong Cong maidir le bealaí chun cur chun cinn an dá sheirbhís seo a
—— 64
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
uasmhéadú. Tá sé mar aidhm ag Turasóireacht Éireann líon na gcuairteoirí ón tSín a
mhéadú go dtí 175,00 in aghaidh na bliana faoi 2025 (+150% ar 2017).
Bhí feachtas díolacháin Thurasóireacht Éireann 2018 san Astráil agus sa Nua-Shéalainn ar
siúl i mí Dheireadh Fómhair. Bhuail toscaireacht de 11 chuideachta thurasóireachta – lena
n-áirítear óstlannaithe, nithe is díol spéise do chuairteoirí agus cuideachtaí seirbhísí fáilte –
le chéile agus chuir siad margaí i gcrích le thart ar 500 tionscnóir turas agus gníomhaire
taistil de chuid na hAstráile agus na Nua-Shéalainne in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney agus
Auckland.
Seoladh an feachtas domhanda promóisin ar na meáin shóisialta dar teideal ‘Scairt an
Dúchais’ i mí Dheireadh Fómhair agus tá sé mar aidhm aige deis a thabhairt do dhaoine a
bhfuil cónaí orthu ar Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin aird a tharraingt ar a gceantar mar áit saoire.
Láidreacht Dhigiteach
Threisigh Turasóireacht Éireann tionchar a láidreachta sna meáin dhigiteacha agus
shóisialta a thuilleadh – rud atá an-tábhachtach chun bealaí nua a fhorbairt le go
bhfreastalófar ar agus go ndéanfar ceangal níos minice le spriocphobail. Tá Turasóireacht
Éireann ar an gceathrú bord turasóireachta is mó a bhfuil tóir air ar Facebook (tá beagnach
4.3 milliún leantóir ag an leathanach), ar Twitter (504,000 leantóir) agus ar Youtube (49.3
milliún amharc). In 2018, thug níos mó ná 20 milliún duine cuairt ar shuíomh gréasáin
Thurasóireacht Éireann www.Ireland.com.
Rochtain Níos Fearr
Bhí roinnt fógraí dearfacha ó thaobh na rochtana de ann in 2018, lena n-áirítear bealaí nua
atá tugtha isteach ag réimse carraeirí. Mar shampla, cuireadh tús leis na chéad eitiltí
díreacha idir an tSín agus Éire le seirbhísí de chuid Cathay Pacific agus Hainan Airlines ó
Hong Cong agus Béising faoi seach. I measc na seirbhísí nua eile bhí eitiltí de chuid Aer
Lingus ó Seattle agus Philadelphia agus seirbhísí Air Canada ó Toronto go dtí an tSionainn
agus ó Montreal go dtí Baile Átha Cliath. Bhí níos mó ná 591,000 suíochán díreach aerlíne
ar fáil i samhradh 2018 go hÉirinn; ba churiarracht é seo agus ba mhéadú 7% ar acmhainn
shamhradh 2017 é.
—— 65
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Spórt
Íomhá: Spórt Éireann
Sprioc ardleibhéil Cur le sochaí atá níos folláine agus níos gníomhaí trí
rannpháirtíocht sa spórt a chur chun cinn agus trí thacú le
hardfheidhmíocht agus saoráidí spóirt a sholáthar
Is iomaí buntáiste sláinte, shóisialta agus eacnamaíoch a bhaineann le rannpháirtíocht i
spórt agus i ngníomhaíocht choirp do mhuintir na hÉireann. Tá na buntáistí sláinte a
bhaineann le rannpháirtíocht i spórt suntasach, ní hamháin do shláinte choirp agus
mheabhrach an duine, ach dár gcóras sláinte freisin mar go dtiocfadh laghdú ar an éileamh
atá ar sheirbhísí sláinte dá bharr. Is féidir le spórt scileanna tábhachtacha saoil a
mhúineadh do rannpháirtithe, obair foirne, smacht agus ceannaireacht san áireamh, agus
d’fhéadfadh ról tábhachtach a bheith aige i dtaca le dul i ngleic le cuid de na dúshláin
shóisialta atá roimh an tsochaí, lena n-áirítear eisiamh sóisialta agus iompraíocht
fhrithshóisialta. Meastar go bhfuil luach eacnamaíoch €2.4 billiún ar spórt in Éirinn.
Cuspóir: A chinntiú go bhfuil creat beartais i bhfeidhm a aithníonn an ról eacnamaíoch, sláinte agus sóisialta atá ag spórt agus a chuireann rannpháirtíocht sa spórt agus i ngníomhaíocht choirp ag gach leibhéal agus deiseanna barr feabhais ag na leibhéil éilíte go náisiúnta agus go hidirnáisiúnta chun cinn
—— 66
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Beartas Náisiúnta Spóirt
Seoladh Beartas Náisiúnta Spóirt 2018-2027 i mí Iúil 2018. Agus an Beartas á sheoladh
aige, d’athdhearbhaigh Airí na Roinne go bhfuil sé i gceist ag an Roinn maoiniú do chúrsaí
spóirt a dhúbailt, ó €112 milliún in 2018 go dtí €220 milliún in 2027, agus thug siad le fios
go raibh siad chun tús a chur le cur i bhfeidhm Bheartas Náisiúnta Spóirt 2018-2027 gan
mhoill.
Tá trí Sprioc Ardleibhéil sa Bheartas Náisiúnta Spóirt:
Tuilleadh Rannpháirtíochta i ngach spórt in Éirinn (ó 43% go dtí 50% faoi 2027).
Níos Mó Barr Feabhais i dtaca le rialú agus san airéine ardfheidhmíochta spóirt.
Acmhainn Níos Fearr le ligean do níos mó daoine a bheith páirteach i gcúrsaí spóirt,
agus le caighdeáin a fheabhsú do dhaoine atá páirteach i spórt cheana féin.
I mí na Nollag 2018, bhunaigh an tAire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt agus an tAire
Stáit don Turasóireacht agus don Spórt Grúpa Ceannaireachta Spóirt chun cur i bhfeidhm
an Bheartais Náisiúnta Spóirt a mhaoirsiú agus a chur chun cinn. Cuireadh de chúram ar an
nGrúpa seo plean gníomhaíochta tosaíochta do spórt a fhorbairt agus é mar aidhm aige na
spriocanna ardleibhéil a leagadh amach faoin mBeartas Náisiúnta Spóirt a chur i gcrích
láithreach. Beidh an plean gníomhaíochta tosaíochta seo á chur faoi bhráid an Rialtais le
haghaidh faofa ag an nGrúpa Ceannaireachta Spóirt le linn R3 2019.
An Plean Náisiúnta um Ghníomhaíocht Choirp
Is tionscnamh trasearnála é an Plean Náisiúnta um Ghníomhaíocht Choirp (NPAP) a bhfuil
sé mar aidhm aige leibhéil na gníomhaíochta coirp a mhéadú, rud a chruthódh buntáistí
sláinte, eacnamaíocha agus sóisialta do dhaoine. Is é sprioc uileghabhálach an phlean ná
an chuid den daonra ar fud gach tréimhse den saol a dhéanann gníomhaíocht rialta choirp
a mhéadú 1% gach bliain go dtí 2020.
Seoladh an plean ar an 14 Eanáir 2016. Ina dhiaidh sin, bunaíodh grúpa feidhmiúcháin
agus tá an Roinn ina comhchathaoirleach ar chruinnithe de chuid an ghrúpa seo leis an
Roinn Sláinte. Tá ionadaithe ó na Ranna ábhartha Rialtais, gníomhaireachtaí agus
comhlachtaí ina mbaill den ghrúpa feidhmiúcháin agus tagann sé le chéile go ráithiúil.
Bunaíodh dhá fhoghrúpa in 2017 chun fócas níos mine a fháil ar ghnéithe áirithe den
phlean. Tá an Roinn seo ina cathaoirleach ar Fhoghrúpa NPAP um Leanaí agus Dhaoine
Óga, agus tá sí ina bhall d’Fhoghrúpa NPAP um Thaighde.
In 2018, chuireamar 1.86 milliún ar fáil i Maoiniú na gCuntas Díomhaoin (ó leithdháil
iomlán Chuntais Dhíomhaoin de €5 milliún don Roinn don bhliain 2018) chun réimse beart
spóirt sa Phlean Náisiúnta um Ghníomhaíocht Choirp a chur chun cinn i bpobail faoi
mhíbhuntáiste ar fud na hÉireann.
Spórt Éireann
—— 67
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Tacaíonn an Roinn le gníomhaíochtaí Spórt Éireann agus déanann sí teagmháil rialta leis
maidir le forbairt, maoiniú agus cur i bhfeidhm éifeachtach na gclár, de réir riachtanais
agus beartas airgeadais an Rialtais. Ba é €54.2 milliún an buiséad reatha caiteachais do
spórt in 2018.
Chuir an maoiniú seo ar chumas Spórt Éireann a thosaíochtaí straitéiseacha a chur i
bhfeidhm mar a leagtar amach i Plean Straitéiseach Eatramhach 2016. Faomhadh síneadh
le Straitéis Eatramhach 2016 i mí Bealtaine 2017, ag brath ar chríochnú an Bheartais
Náisiúnta Spóirt in 2018, agus ullmhófar ráiteas nua straitéise cúig bliana ina dhiaidh sin.
Sa straitéis eatramhach, tugtar tús áite do chéithre phríomhréimse ó straitéisí roimhe seo
agus leagtar amach na heochairtháscairí fadtréamhsacha feidhmíochta do gach tosaíocht.
Seo a leanas na príomhréimsí:
1. Straitéis Rannpháirtíochta Spórt Éireann a Chur Chun Cinn
2. Acmhainn agus cumas na hearnála spóirt a fhorbairt
3. Campas Náisiúnta Spóirt den scoth a fhorbairt, a chur ar fáil agus a chur chun cinn
mar thacaíocht do spórt na hÉireann ag gach leibhéal
4. Córas Ardfheidhmíochta na hÉireann a fhorbairt agus a chothú.
Tá achoimre ar an dul chun cinn a rinneadh in 2018 faoi gach réimse tosaíochta le feiceáil
thíos –
1. Straitéis Rannpháirtíochta Spórt Éireann a Chur Chun Cinn
Maoiniú na gCuntas Díomhaoin
In 2018, leithdháileadh beagnach €1 milliún i maoiniú ó Chiste na gCuntas Díomhaoin
chun tacú le moil Spóirt Phobail agus Gníomhaíochta Coirp i gceantair faoi
mhíbhuntáiste ar fud na tíre. Leithdháileadh €1.2 milliún eile ar chláir chóitseála
phobail agus cheannaireachta óige trí mhoil a bhaineann le hOideachas agus le
hOiliúint Náisiúnta Spóirt. Infheistíodh thart ar €400,000 i dTionscnaimh um
Eachtraíochtaí Uirbeacha a chuireann deiseanna áineasa ar fáil i bpobail uirbeacha atá
faoi mhíbhuntáiste.
Tá an infheistíocht á riar ag Spórt Éireann agus tá sé mar aidhm aici dul i dteagmháil le
pobail áitiúila agus díriú ar dhaoine faoi mhíchumas, ar dhaoine atá faoi mhíbhuntáiste
oideachasúil agus ar phobail faoi mhíbhuntáiste.
Seo cuid de na tionscadail a cuireadh le chéile chun tacú le daoine faoi mhíchumas
agus a fuair tacaíocht i bPlean Gníomhaíochta 2018: €50,000 chun daoine faoi
mhíchumas a chóitseáil, €170,000 chun an Creat Oiliúna Spóirt do Dhaoine faoi
Mhíchumas atá ann a neartú, €200,000 i dtacaíocht chaipitil do thionscadail
rannpháirtíochta spóirt do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas (SIDP), €25,000 d’oiliúint maidir le
bonneagar inrochtana aeraíochta (CARA) agus €637,000 do thionscadail spóirt do
dhaoine faoi mhíchumas de chuid an bhoird náisiúnta rialaithe.
—— 68
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Cuireadh maoiniú €30,000 ar fáil in 2018 do Chlár Lárchathair Thoir Thuaidh Bhaile
Átha Cliath agus leithdháileadh €35,000 ar an dara céim de thionscadal Gharraí Eoin,
laistigh de chathair Luimnigh. Cabhróidh na tionscadail seo le hacmhainn clubanna
agus eagraíochtaí spóirt áitiúla a thóáil i gceantar ACPIF (Athbheochan Ceantar trí
Phleanáil, Infheistíocht agus Forbairt) atá faoi mhíbhuntáiste agus tá sé mar aidhm acu
níos mó deiseanna a thabhairt do dhaoine óga agus don phobal níos leithne le bheith
gníomhach go fisiciúil.
Comhpháirtíochtaí Áitiúla Spóirt
In 2018, chuir comhpháirtíochtaí áitiúla spóirt clúdach náisiúnta do chláir agus do
sheirbhísí rannpháirtíochta spóirt ar fáil. D’infheistigh Spórt Éireann níos mó ná €6
milliún sa ghréasán LSP i rith na bliana. D’fhostaigh gréasán na gcomhpháirtíochtaí
Oifigigh Forbartha i Spóirt Phobail i 21 comhpháirt áitiúil spóirt agus Oifigigh
Rannpháirtíochta do Dhaoine Faoi Mhíchumas i 25 comhpháirt áitiúil spóirt.
In 2018, ghlac níos mó ná 17,500 duine páirt i siúlóidí agus rití mar chuid de Operation
Transformation. Ar an iomlán, eagraíodh 80 siúlóid do Operation Transformation ar
fud na tíre. Cuireadh na himeachtaí seo ar siúl i gcomhar le gréasán na
gcomhpháirtíochtaí áitiúla spóirt.
Rannpháirtíocht i Spórt a Mhéadú
Cuireadh beagnach €1 milliún ar fáil in 2018 don chlár ‘Mná i Spórt.’ D’infheistigh an
Rialtas níos mó ná €20 milliún tríd an tionscnamh ‘Mná i Spórt’ ó 2005 ar aghaidh
chun dul i ngleic leis an gceist a bhaineann le rannpháirtíocht na mban i spórt in
Éirinn. Tá Spórt Éireann tiomanta d’infheistíocht a dhéanamh sa chlár ‘Mná i Spórt’
mar thosaíocht straitéiseach agus cuirfidh sé acmhainní agus treoir ar fáil chun an
dealú inscne i rannpháirtíocht spóirt a laghdú. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an Straitéis
Náisiúnta do Mhná agus do Chailíní 2017-2020 níos mó ban a spreagadh le bheith
rannpháirteach i spórt agus níos mó gníomhaíochta coirp a spreagadh agus cabhróidh
na bearta seo leis an toradh seo a bhaint amach.
Chuir Spórt Éireann tús le tionscadal taighe ar mhná i spórt in 2018. An aidhm
fhoriomlán a bhí leis an tionscadal seo ná taighde a dhéanamh chun eolas a thabhairt
do Spórt Éireann maidir leis an mbealach is fearr chun rannpháirtíocht ban a mhéadú
mar thacadóirí, mar cheannairí agus mar rannpháirtithe ó spórt áineasa go dtí an
póidiam. Mar chuid den tionscadal seo, rinneadh scrúdú ar an tírdhreach reatha maidir
le mná i spórt in Éirinn agus aithníodh bac ar bith ar a rannpháirtíocht i ngach réimse
den spórt. Mar chuid den tionscadal, óstáladh grúpaí fócais ar fud na tíre; bailíodh
agus anailísíodh taighde cáilíochtúil agus cainníochtúil ar rannpháirtíocht ban i spórt;
aithníodh na samplaí is fearr de dhea-chleachtas idirnáisúnta maidir le rannpháirtíoht
spóirt a chur chun cinn; agus chuathas i gcomhairle le príomhpháirtithe leasmhara
maidir le baic agus deiseanna. Foilseofar beartas ar Mhná i Spórt go luath in 2019. Tar
—— 69
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
éis an fhoilsithe, tabharfar cuireadh d’iarratais ar mhaoiniú faoin gclár ‘Mná i Spórt’ ó
bhoird náisiúnta aitheanta rialaithe a bhaineann le cúrsaí spóirt.
In 2018, fuarthas €600,000 i maoiniú ó Spórt Éireann faoin gclár ‘Go for Life’, a bhfuil
sé mar aidhm aige cabhrú le clubanna agus le heagraíochtaí níos mó deiseanna a
thabhairt dá mbaill níos sine a bheith rannpháirteach i spórt áineasa agus i réimse
gníomhaíochtaí coirp.
Ceann de na gníomhartha sa Straitéis maidir le hImeascadh Imirceach ná go
bhfiosrófar poitéinseal an spóirt maidir le himeascadh imirceach ach rannpháirtíocht
ghníomhach, obair dheonach agus rannpháirtíocht i rialú a spreagadh. Tá ionadaíocht
á déanamh do Spórt Éireann faoi láthair ar an bhFochoiste um Shaoránacht
Ghníomhach de chuid an Choiste um an Straitéis maidir le hImeascadh Imirceach a
Mhonatóiriú agus a Chomhordú.
Spóirt Pháirce don Óige
Cuireadh €8.3 milliún ar fáil chun tacú le hobair Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Chumann
Peile na hÉireann agus Chumann Rugbaí na hÉireann maidir le rannpháirtíocht i spórt
a mhéadú i measc daoine óga (áiríodh maoiniú a thug an clár ‘Mná i Spóirt’ don FAI
agus IRFU leis seo).
Conairí Spórt Éireann
Tacaíonn Spórt Éireann le forbairt ghréasán conairí na hÉireann. In 2018, tugadh faoi
107 iniúchadh agus meastóireacht chomhairleach ar chonairí siúil agus rothaíochta in
Éirinn.
Thug Conairí Spórt Éireann córas nua iniúchta do chonairí i R4 2018 in áit an chórais
iniúchta a bhí i bhfeidhm le deich mbliana. Díríonn an córas nua níos mó ar mheasúnú
a dhéanamh ar conas a bhainistítear conair (lena n-áirítear na córais atá i bhfeidhm
maidir leis an gconair a chothabháil agus a mhonatóiriú) agus é fós ag breathnú ar an
gconair féin. Feabhsaíonn an córas nua seo éifeachtúlacht agus cabhráíonn sé le sláine
Chóras Cailíochta na gConairí a choinneáil, agus measúnú á dhéanamh aige ar chonairí
go leanúnach agus oiriúnacht na gconairí don Chlár Náisiúnta Conairí á dearbhú aige.
Seachtain Spóirt na hEorpa
Ba é Spórt Éireann ina chomhordaitheoir náisiúnta do Seachtain Spóirt na hEorpa
2018. Is tionscnamh de chuid an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh é seo a bhí ar siúl idir an 22
agus an 30 Meán Fómhair agus bhí níos mó ná 500 imeacht spóirt ar siúl ar fud na tíre.
Ba é 2018 an chéad bhliain de na hOícheanta #BeActive nuair a d’óstáil cúig
chomhpháirtíocht áitiúla imeachtaí taitneamhacha agus nuálacha ina gcontaetha féin.
D’oibrigh Spórt Éireann le comhpháirtíochtaí éagsúla agus chomhordaigh siad feachtas
—— 70
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
náisiúnta promóisin don tseachtain ach ardáin phromóisin ar líne a úsáid. Bhí an-áthas
ar Spórt Éireann ainmniúchán a chur chun cinn do Ghradam Oideachais #BeActive
don dara bliain as a chéile agus bhí áthas orthu freisin gur roghnaigh an Coimisiún
Eorpach Mainistir Naomh Muire, bunscoil cáilíní, mar chraobhiomaitheoir.
Bhí Mórthuras Rothair Bhaile Átha Cliath ar siúl ar an 23 Meán Fómhair 2018 agus
b’imeacht shuaitheanta é do Sheachtain Spóirt na hEorpa in Éirinn agus ghlac 7,000
duine páirt ann.
Acmhainn agus cumas na hearnála spóirt a fhorbairt
Cuireadh maoiniú €11 milliún ar fáil do 58 NGB chun cur ar a gcumas a
bpríomhghníomhaíochtaí a chur i gcrích chun spórt ardchaighdeáin a chur ar fáil in
Éirinn, lena n-áirítear riarachán, oideachas cóitseála agus óstáil agus rannpháirtíocht ag
imeachtaí idirnáisiúnta.
Leithdháileadh €0.6 milliún breise ar 26 bord rialaithe náisiúnta (NGB) tríd an gclár dar
teideal Mná i Spórt. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an gclár leibhéil ghniomhaíochta i mná a ardú
agus tacú le róil na mban in eagraíochtaí spóirt.
2. Campas Náisiúnta Spóirt den scoth a fhorbairt, a chur ar fáil agus a chur chun cinn
chun tacú le spórt na hÉireann ag gach leibhéal
Le linn 2018, bá é an príomhfhócas ná céima a dhó den Airéine Náisiúnta Laistigh
(NIA) a chur i gcrích. Tá an NIA ar cheann de na forbairtí suaitheanta ar an gCampas
Náisiúnta Spóirt de chuid Spórt Éireann. Cuireadh tús le céim a dó den tógáil i mí Iúil
2017 agus tiocfaidh sí chun críche i mí an Mhárta 2019. Is féidir teacht ar thuilleadh
eolais ar leathanach 65.
3. Córas Ardfheidhmíochta na hÉireann a fhorbairt agus a chothú
Infheistíodh níos mó ná €11 milliún i spórt ardfheidhmíochta in 2018, lena n-áirítear
deontais ar fiú €1.9 milliún iad do scoth-lúthchleasaithe Éireannach faoin gClár
Idirnáisiunta Cardála de chuid Spórt Éireann, agus tugadh deontais ar fiú €7.2 milliún
iad do bhoird rialaithe náisiúnta (NGB) chun cláir ardfheidhmíochta a chur ar fáil.
Cuireadh €2 milliún ar fáil d’Institiúid Spóirt na hÉireann le haghaidh seirbhísí
tacaíochta ardfheidhmíochta.
I spóirt a fhaigheann tacaíocht dhíreach ó Spórt Éireann, bhuaigh Éire 77 bonn ag
comórtais Eorpacha agus Dhomhanda i spóirt Oilimpeacha agus Parailimpeacha
éagsúla.
Cuspóir: Forbairt áiseanna spóirt a éascú ag leibhéal náisiúnta, réigiúnach agus áitiúil le cinntiú go gcuirtear tacaíochtaí ar fáil ar bhealach atá cothrom ó thaobh an réigiúin de agus atá dírithe ar limistéir faoi mhíbhuntáiste
—— 71
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
An Clár Caipitiúil Spóirt
Is é an Clár Caipitiúil Spóirt an príomhbhealach do thacaíocht Rialtais chun áiseanna spóirt
a fhorbairt agus trealamh spóirt a cheannach do chlubanna agus d’eagraíochtaí spóirt ar
fud na hÉireann. Bhí an dáta deiridh le haghaidh iarratas do bhabhta 2018 den Chlár
Caipitiúil Spóirt i mí Dheireadh Fómhair agus cuireadh 2,337 iarratas isteach ina raibh
€162 milliún i maoiniú á lorg acu. Fógrófar leithdháiltí in 2019.
Ina theannta sin, íocadh €34 milliún le 856 deontaí in 2018 faoi na babhtaí roimhe seo den
chlár.
Leanadh ar aghaidh le hobair ag Acadamh Spóirt Chiarraí ag Institiúid Teicneolaíochta, Trá
Lí agus tugadh thart ar €6.5 milliún don tionscadal i rith na bliana. Táthar ag súil go n-
osclófar an áis in 2019.
Clár na Linnte Snámha de chuid na nÚdarás Áitiúil
Cuireann Clár na Linnte Snámha de chuid na nÚdarás Áitiúil deontais ar fáil chun linn
snámha nua nó ionaid a fháil nó chun linn snámha atá ann a athchóiriú. In 2018, leanadh ar
aghaidh le hobair ar an linn snámha nua i gCaisleán an Bharraigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo.
Ciste do Bhonneagar Spóirt ar Mhórscála
Foilsíodh an Beartas Náisiúnta Spóirt ar an 25 Iúil 2018 ina raibh foráil do Chiste do
Bhonneagar Spóirt ar Mhórscála agus €100 milliún ar a laghad ar fáil sna blianta amach
romhainn. Seoladh an ciste i mí na Samhna 2018 agus is féidir iarratais a chur isteach go
dtí an 17 Aibreán 2019. Díreoidh an ciste ar dtús ar riachtanais agus ar phleananna
forbartha na mbord náisiúnta rialaithe de chuid na n-údarás spóirt agus áitiúil, agus fuair
siad ar fad litreacha inar tugadh cuireadh dóibh iarratais a chur isteach.
Is féidir teacht ar shonraí iomlána an chláir agus ar fhoirmeacha iarratias ar shuíomh
gréasáin na Roinne ag http://www.dttas.gov.ie/sport/english/large-scale-sport-
infrastructure-fund-lssif.
Le linn 2018, ba é an príomhfhócas ná céima a dhó den Airéine Náisiúnta Laistigh (NIA) a
chur i gcrích. Tá an NIA ar cheann de na forbairtí suaitheanta ar an gCampas Náisiúnta
Spóirt de chuid Spórt Éireann. Forbraíodh thar dhá chéim é agus cuireann sé réimse
áiseanna laistigh ar fáil dár bpríomhspóirt. Cuireadh tús leis an dara céim i mí Iúil 2017
agus críochnófar i mí an Mhárta 2019 í. Mar chuid den tionscadal, tógfar páirceanna
clúdaithe sintéiseacha, don sacar agus don rugbaí go príomha ach beidh siad in ann
Cuspóir: Forbairt an Champais Náisiúnta Spóirt a éascú agus a mhaoirsiú
—— 72
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
freastal ar gach spórt páirce, mar aon le háiseanna coimhdeacha feistis agus nirt agus
aclaithe srl.
Mar chuid de straitéis níos leithne chomhpháirtíochta le go bhféadfadh comhlachtaí
náisiúnta rialaithe áiseanna traenála do spóirt pháirce a fhorbairt, d’fhaomh Spórt Éireann
pleananna don fhorbairt chéimneach d’áis ardfheidhmíochta uile-aimsire chruicéid de
chuid Cruicéad Éireann. Tá eangaigh shintéiseacha agus mhóna bhabhlála agus páirc
mhóna amuigh san áis seo. Cuireadh tús leis an obair ar an áis i mí na Nollag 2017 agus
osclaíodh go hoifigiúil i mí Lúnasa 2018 í.
Críochnaíodh athchóiriú an Chlóis Chúirte i mí Iúil, 2018 freisin. Is deanmhas cosanta é an
Clóse Cúirte ina bhfuil Spórt Éireann lonnaithe agus cuireann sé cóiríocht oifige ar fáil do
Rothaíocht Éireann freisin.
Agus na príomhthionscadail seo curtha i gcrích, bhí Spórt Éireann in ann díriú ar roinnt
tionscadal nua ag deireadh 2018. Tabharfaidh gach ceann acu an Campas Náisiúnta Spóirt
go dtí leibhéal nua, go náisiúnta agus go hidirnáisiúnta, mar phríomh-áis spóirt na hÉireann
do na scoth-lúthchleasaithe agus don phobal i gcoitinne. Uasdátófar an máistirphlean
foriomlán don Champas in 2019. Cuireadh tús le hobair deartha ar pháirc haca nua
uiscebhunach dár bhfoirne rathúla haca, chomh maith le hathbhreithniú ar an Ionad
Náisiúnta Veileadróm agus Badmantain a bhfuair Spórt Éireann cead pleanála dó in 2015.
Cuireadh tús le staidéir indéantachta freisin ar roinnt tionscadal eile, lena n-áirítear
athlonnú Leadóg Éireann go dtí an Campas Náisiúnta, ubhchruth nua cricéid agus óstán
tráchtála.
NSCDA (Operations), Cuideachta Gníomhaíochta Ainmnithe (DAC)
Is fochuideachta de chuid Spórt Éireann é NSCDA (Operations) DAC agus tá sé freagrach
as bainistíocht agus oibriú laethúil áiseanna an Champais Náisiúnta Spóirt, lena n-áirítear
an tIonad Náisiúnta Uisce, an Airéine Náisiúnta Laistigh, an tIonad Comhdhála Náisiúnta
agus páirceanna sintéiseacha agus móna an Champais Náisiúnta Spóirt, chomh maith le
háiseanna tiomnaithe d’eachaíocht, tiomáint, nuapheantatlan agus reathaíocht trastíre. Tá
an chuideachta freagrach as oibriú laethúil Staid Morton, Seantrabh, freisin agus as
cothabháil na cóiríochta oifige ar an gcampas do na comhlachtaí spóirt.
Le linn 2018, tugadh 1,149,491 cuairt ar an Ionad Náisiúnta Uisce (suas ó 1,095,555 in
2017). Ciallaíonn sé seo gurbh é an bhliain ba ghnóthaí ó cuireadh an tIonad faoi
bhainistíocht dhíreach an Champais agus dhaingnigh sé a stádas mar cheann de na nithe is
mó díol spéise do chuairteoirí sa tír. Is é seo an dara bliain as a chéile inar sháraigh an
tIonad milliún cuairteoirí.
Tháinig méadú 4.6% ar an bpeil a imríodh ar na páirceanna sintéiseacha go dtí 102,515
agus tháinig thug 444,974 duine cuairt ar an Airéine Náisiúnta Laistigh agus is méadú 62%
é seo i gcomparáid le 2017.
—— 73
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
D’óstáil an tIonad Náisiúnta Uisce Chraobhchomórtais Eorpach Allianz de Chomórtas
Domhanda Snámh Parailimpeach i mí Lúnasa agus ba é seo an chéad imeacht
parailimpeacha a reáchtáladh in Éirinn riamh.
I mí na Samhna 2018, fógraíodh an Campas Náisiúnta Spóirt mar an ionad do Chomórtais
Eorpach Reatha Trastíre 2020 mar gur éirigh le hiarratas Lúthchleasaíocht Éireann na
Craobhchomórtais a reáchtáil.
Frithdhópáil
Tá Spórt Eireann i mbun Chlár Frithdhópála na hÉireann agus tá dul chun cinn fós á
dhéanamh acu i réimsí na tástála, an oideachais agus an taighde. Tá an Clár mar chuid de
chóras idirnáisiúnta agus tá clú náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta feabhais air, rud atá an-
tábhachtach do spóirt agus do lúthchleasaithe na hÉireann a bhíonn san iomaíocht ag na
leibhéil is airde spóirt, in Éirinn agus ar fud an domhain.
Chuir Aonad Frithdhópála Spórt Éireann oiliúint ar 33 teagascóir ó na boird náisiúnta
rialaithe seo a leanas: CLG, Cumann Badmantain na hÉireann, FAI, Tógáil Meáchan
Éireann, Eachspórt Éireann agus Cónaidhm Oilimpeach na hÉireann.
In 2018, chríochnaigh níos mó ná 3,000 úsáideoir an t-ardán ríomhfhoghlama ar líne
maidir le frithdhópáil do lúthchleasaithe agus do phearsanra tacaíochta do lúthchleasaithe.
Tá an clár an-idirghníomhach agus tá codanna ann a bhaineann le Sáruithe Rialacha
Frithdhópála (ADRV), próiseas bailithe sampla, cógais a sheiceáil, díolúintí ar mhaithe le
húsáid theiripeach (TUE), forlíontaí agus bianna spóirt.
Cuspóir: Freagrachtaí na hÉireann a bhaint amach maidir le ceisteanna spóirt ag leibhéal AE agus idirnáisiúnta
—— 74
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Ár dTiomantas d’Fheidhmíocht
Táimid tiomanta don tacaíocht is fearr a thabhairt dár nAirí agus dár bhfoireann, agus dár
bhfís agus dár spriocanna ardleibhéil a bhaint amach.
Tá ár seirbhísí tacaíochta corparáidí ríthábhachtach le cinntiú go mbainfear ár spriocanna
amach, agus áirítear acmhainní daonna agus airgeadais, soláthar inmheánach seirbhíse,
agus seirbhís do chustaiméirí i measc na seirbhísí sin. In 2018, d’atheagraigh an Roinn a
cuid feidhmeanna corparáideacha faoi Rúnaí Cúnta amháin. Moladh sa tuarascáil ar
Athbhreithniú ar Chumas Eagraíochtúil na feidhmeanna corparáideacha ar fad a chur
laistigh de shainchúram an Rúnaí Chúnta. Tugann na socruithe athbhreithnithe seo fócas
níos soiléire do bhaint amach chuspóirí gnó na Roinne agus tá ról lárnach acu ó thaobh
tacaíochtaí riachtanacha a chur ar fáil don Roinn agus don fhoireann le go mbainfear
cuspóirí amach ar na caighdeáin is airde.
Le linn 2018, chuir an Roinn tacaíocht éifeachtach riaracháin, chóras agus chomhairleach
ar fáil do na hAirí i dtaca lena gcuid feidhmeanna reachtúla agus Rialtais a chomhlíonadh.
In 2018, d’fhreagair na hAirí 3,212 ceist pharlaiminteach agus 4,698 píosa comhfhreagrais.
Lóistín
I mBaile Átha Cliath, leanadh ar aghaidh le tabhairt le chéile oifigí na Roinne in 2018 agus
bhog tuilleadh ball foirne go dtí ceanncheathrú nua na Roinne ar Lána Líosain.
Seo a leanas cuid de na bearta coigilte fuinnimh ar tugadh fúthu in 2018: clár leanúnach a
thabharfaidh ár bhfoirgnimh i lár na cathrach le chéile chun na costais fuinnimh a
bhaineann le cothabháil réadmhaoine a laghdú, soilse LED atá coigilteach ar fhuinneamh a
chur isteach san fhoirgneamh ar Lána Líosain, “Lá Feasachta ar Fhuinneamh” a reáchtáil
don fhoireann, líon na bprintéirí a laghdú go mór agus níos mó printéirí atá tíosach ar
fhuinneamh a úsáid.
Cuspóir: Tacaíocht a chur ar fáil do na hAirí chun a gcuid dualgas a chomhlíonadh
Cuspóir: An Roinn agus a cuid córas a bhainistiú, a struchtúrú agus acmhainní a chur ar fáil dóibh chun tacú le baint amach ár spriocanna
—— 75
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Athnuachan na Státseirbhíse
Téann an Roinn i dteagmháil le agus tacaíonn sí le forbairtí/gníomhartha ríthábhachtacha
sa Phlean Athnuachana don Státseirbhís, lena n-áirítear bainistíocht ar chomhaontuithe
leibhéal seirbhíse do sheirbhísí roinnte acmhainní daonna agus párolla.
Chuir an Roinn roinnt gníomhartha a tháinig chun cinn i bproiséas an Athbhreithnithe ar
Chumas Eagraíochtúil (OCR), ar thug an Rialtas faoi in 2017. Áirítear leis seo
athstruchtúrú ar na feidhmeanna corparáideacha mar a léirítear thuas. Ghlac an Roinn
páirt i meitheal thras-rannach freisin maidir le Straitéis Forbartha Acmhainní Daonna.
Rachaidh an Straitéis seo i ngleic le torthaí Shuirbhé 2017 ar Rannpháirtíocht Fostaithe na
Státseirbhíse.
Airgeadas na Roinne
Is é ról na Rannóige Airgeadais ná cinntiú go bhfuil na hacmhainní airgeadais ag an Roinn
chun spriocanna a bhaint amach, monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar na hacmhainní seo agus
iad a rialú agus cinntiú go ndéantar infheistíocht i mbonneagar tábhachtach eacnamaíoch
agus sóisialta nuair is gá.
Téimid i dteagmháil leis an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe maidir le
leithdháileadh maoinithe chun freastal ar riachtanais infheistíochta na Roinne. Cinntíonn
sé seo go bhfuil dóthain maoinithe ag ár réimsí beartais chun infheistíocht a dhéanamh i
mbonneagar agus i seirbhísí a bhfuil géarghá leo ar fud réimsí an Iompair, na
Turasóireachta agus an Spóirt. Tá páirt mhór á glacadh againn freisin i gcur i bhfeidhm
Thionscadal Éireann 2040 atá á chomhordú ag an Roinn.
In 2009, chomhaontaigh an Rialtas gur chóir go n-íocfadh comhlachtaí san earnáil phoiblí
soláthraithe laistigh de 15 lá tar éis dóibh sonraisc a fháil. Le linn 2018, rinne an Roinn
12,013 íocaíocht. Bhí íocaíochtaí ar luach €1.4 billiún faoi réir na gcaighdeán pras
íocaíochta agus rinneadh 97.4% díobh laistigh de 15 lá agus próiseáladh 100% díobh
laistigh den spriocdháta 30 lá. Foilsítear sonraí na n-íocaíochtaí seo go ráithiúil agus is
féidir teacht orthu ar ár suíomh gréasáin faoi Sheirbhísí Corparáideacha .
Tá ról ríthábhachtach ag an Rannóg Airgeadais maidir le seirbhísí Rannacha a sholáthar
agus tá a cuid oibre ar fad ar ardchaighdeán. In 2018, coinníodh creidiúnú ISO do na córais
bainistíochta airgeadais (ISO: 9001:2015).
Seirbhísí Eolais
Is é an cuspóir atá leis an Rannán Seirbhísí Faisnéise (ISD) ná forbairt sheasta a dhéanamh
ar a cuid seirbhísí chun ionchais na gcustaiméirí a bhaint amach agus a shárú agus cur le
rath na Roinne ach tacaíocht thráthúil, ardchaighdeáin agus ghairmiúil TF a sholáthar i
ngach teagmháil le custaiméirí, a bhíonn mar bhonn agus thaca ag plean straitéiseach TF
na Roinne.
—— 76
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Oibríonn ISD i gcomhar le rannáin eile sa Roinn le cinntiú go mbaineann a gcórais ghnó
agus a bhfeidhmchláir thacaíochta a riachtanais féin agus riachtanais a gcustaiméirí amach.
Ar aon dul le Straitéis Teicneolaíocht Faisnéise is Cumarsáide na Seirbhíse Poiblí, nasc ISD
le clár comhchóras Oifig Phríomh-Oifigeach Faisnéise an Rialtais (Build to Share) agus tá
córais fós á gcur i bhfeidhm acu a ligeann don fhoireann comhoibriú le custaiméirí
inmheánacha agus seachtracha ar bhealach níos éifeachtaí agus níos éifeachtúla.
Chuir ISD tús le Clár Athnuachana Teicneolaíochta a chuirfidh leis na seirbhísí a chuirtear
ar fáil, a ligfigh don fhoireann níos mó solúbthachta a bheith acu agus a chuirfidh
ardleibhéal seirbhíse ar fáil maidir le soláthar córas TFC.
Fórsa Saothair a Phleanáil
Chuir an Roinn an próiseas 2018-2021 maidir le Fórsa Saothair a Phleanáil faoi stiúir
DPER i gcrích. D’oibrigh an Roinn laistigh de na socruithe tarmligthe ceadaithe maidir le
híocaíocht agus soláthar foirne don Roinn agus do ghníomhaireachtaí neamhthráchtála
stáit. Éascaíodh dul chun cinn ar chinntí ar shannacháin soláthair foirne le cinntiú gur
baineadh riachtanais ríthábhachtacha ghnó amach.
Ag deireadh 2018, bhí 557 ball foirne á fhostú ag an Roinn agus is ionann sin agus 530 ball
foirne lánaimseartha.
Tuarascáil Achomair ar Nochtuithe Cosanta
Le hAlt 22 den Acht um Nochtadh Cosanta, 2014, ceanglaítear ar chomhlachtaí
poiblí tuarascáil a ullmhú ina ndéantar an líon uaireanta a rinneadh nochtadh cosanta dó i
rith na bliana díreach roimhe sin agus faisnéis áirithe eile a bhaineann le haon nochtadh
cosanta den sórt sin a leagan amach.
Dá bhrí sin, clúdaítear an tréimhse idir an 1 Eanáir 2018 agus an 31 Nollaig 2018 sa
tuarascáil seo.
Fuarthas ocht líomhain/nochtadh a d’agair an tAcht um Nochtadh Cosanta.
Níor bhain dhá cheann de na líomhaintí/nochtuithe leis an Roinn.
Próiseáladh cás amháin go hiomlán agus tá sé dúnta anois.
Measadh nach raibh cás amháin ina nochtadh cosanta. Rinneadh achomharc ar an
gcinneadh agus tá athbhreithniú inmheánach á dhéanamh ar an gcás faoi láthair.
Tá an ceithre chás eile fós idir lámha. Cuirtear aon líomhain/nochtadh a fhaightear a
agraíonn an tAcht in iúl do Cheann na hIniúchóireachta Inmheánaí sa Roinn agus
déanann sé monatóireacht orthu le cinntiú go bpróiseáiltear iad ar bhonn tráthúil.
Cuspóir: An fhoireann a fhorbairt agus a oiliúint lena chur ar a gcumas a gcuid freagrachtaí a chomhlíonadh go héifeachtach
—— 77
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Foghlaim agus Forbairt
Tháinig méadú ar sholáthar deiseanna oiliúna agus forbartha ar fud na Roinne in 2018
maidir leis an ngá atá le hacmhainn agus fócas ar sholáthar Phlean Gníomhaíochta na
Roinne a fhorbairt i ndiaidh an Athbhreithnithe ar an Acmhainn Eagraíochtúil. Cuireadh
réimse leathan cúrsaí oiliúna ar fáil don fhoireann in 2018 a chuaigh i ngleic le forbairt
phearsanta agus le riachtanais ghnó, agus léirigh an ráta oiliúna a cuireadh ar fáil méadú
67% i gcomparáid le 2017.
Ina theannta sin, chuir an Roinn le tacaíocht a chuirtear ar fáil don fhoireann atá ag
tabhairt faoi staidéir tríú leibhéal, nuair a ceapadh go raibh na cúrsaí ábhartha dá ról agus
ina mbuntáiste don Roinn.
Ghlac roinnt ball foirne páirt i gcláir oiliúna cheannaireachta, lena n-áirítear cláir
cheannaireachta faoin Straitéis Forbartha um Cheannaireacht Shinsearach Státseirbhísí
2017-2020 agus modúil forbartha cheannaireachta agus bhainistíochta atá á gcur ar fáil ag
OneLearning, an múnla lárnach nua d’fhoghlaim agus d’fhorbairt a sholáthar sa
Státseirbhís.
Tá Clár Meantóireachta fós á chur ar fáil ag an Roinn don fhoireann agus ghlac na
hOifigigh Riaracháin ar fad a ceapadh le déanaí páirt sa Chlár Forbartha do Chéimithe de
chuid na Roinne Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe.
Dualgas Earnála Poiblí
Cuireann an Dualgas Earnála Poiblí, atá foráilte in Alt 42 den Bhille fá Choimisiún na
hÉireann um Chearta an Duine agus Comhionannas, 2014, oibleagáid dhlíthiúil ar gach
comhlacht poiblí, ranna de chuid an rialtais láir san áireamh, comhionannas a chur chun
cinn, idirdhealú a chosc agus cearta daonna a bhfosaithe agus gach duine a bhfuil tionchar
ag a chuid feidhmeanna agus seirbhísí orthu a chosaint.
Cuireadh tús le hobair ullmhúcháin in 2018 ar chur i bhfeidhm an Dualgais Earnála Poiblí
ag an Roinn agus leanfaidh sé ar aghaigh in 2019.
I mí an Mhárta 2018, ghlac an Roinn le creat nua inmheánach do mhaoirseacht na
ngníomhaireachtaí tráchtála agus neamhthráchtála stáit atá faoina coimirce, maidir le rialú.
Leagtar amach sa doiciméad seo róil agus freagrachtaí na bpáirtithe leasmhara ar fad agus
iad ag teacht le reachtaíocht rialaithe na gcomhlachtaí stáit atá páirteach. Cuireann an
Cuspóir: Maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar rialachas corparáideach ár ngníomhaireachtaí
—— 78
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Creat nua roinnt forbairtí san áireamh freisin, lena n-áirítear an Cód Athbhreithnithe
Cleachtais chun Comhlachtaí Stáit a Rialú agus Athbhreithniú na Roinne ar Chumas
Eagraíochtúil.
—— 79
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Aguisín 1
Airí agus Bainistíocht Shinsearach
Tá tuilleadh eolais ar fáil sna naisc thíos.
An tAire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt
An tAire Stáit don Turasóireacht agus don Spórt
Bord Bainistíochta na Roinne
Aguisín 2
Reachtaíocht na Roinne
Is féidir teacht ar liosta den Reachtaíocht Phríomha agus Thánaisteach arna hachtú ag an
Roinn in 2018 ag an nasc seo a leanas:
Reachtaíocht Phríomha agus Thánaisteach
—— 80
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Aguisín 3
Staitisticí Gharda Cósta na hÉireann – Treocht sé bliana
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Teagmhais 2,627 2,631 2,664 2,582 2,502 2,647
Líon na ndaoine a sábháladh / ar cabhraíodh leo
5,685 4,256 3,899 4,080 3,974 4,990
Teagmhais ina raibh Árthach Pléisiúir páirteach iontu
498 676 600 482 521 411
Teagmhais ina raibh Árthach Trádála páirteach iontu
61 69 52 62 69 67
Teagmhais ina raibh Árthach Iascaireachta páirteach iontu
215 189 185 212 169 162
Tuarascáil ar Thruailliú / Tharrthálas
46 44 32 44 40 77
Aonaid Chósta IRCG a cuireadh amach
1,156 1,272 1,289 1,065 1,072 1,192
Héileacaptair IRCG a cuireadh amach
808 915 1,013 898 755 669
RNLI a cuireadh amach 877 819 836 854 842 843
Báid Fóirithinte Phobail a cuireadh amach
145 211 219 131 88 112
Bréagrabhaidh 91 94 135 245 434 411
—— 81
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
Aguisín 4
Innéacs Acrainmneacha
Acrainm AAIU An tAonad um Imscrúdú Aerthionóiscí
ASEAN Comhlachas Náisiúin na hÁise Thoir Theas
CAF An Comhchreat Breithmheasa
CEF An tSaoráid um Chónascadh na hEorpa
CIC Dlúthfheachtas Iniúchta
C-ITS Comhchórais Iompair Chliste
CIWG An Grúpa Oibre um Chostas Árachais
CORSIA An Scéim Fritháirithe agus Laghdaithe Carbóin don Eitlíocht Idirnáisiúnta
DVCSD Rannán Seirbhísí Ríomhaireachta Tiománaithe agus Feithiclí
EASA Gníomhaireacht Sábháilteachta Eitlíochta an Aontais Eorpaigh
ECAC An Chomhdháil Eorpach um Eitlíocht Shibhialta
EETS Seirbhís Dolaí Leictreonacha na hEorpa
ERA An Ghníomhaireacht Eorpach Iarnróid
ERRU Clár Náisiúnta Eorpach um Ghnóthais Iompair de Bhóthar
EU ETS Scéim AE i ndáil le Trádáil Astaíochtaí FAB Bloc Feidhme Aerspáis
FAL An Coiste um Eitlíocht Náisiúnta a Éascú
FCPS An Córas Próiseála Muirear Seasta
ICAO An Eagraíocht Eitlíochta Sibhialta Idirnáisiúnta
IMO An Eagraíocht Mhuirí Idirnáisiúnta
INADO Institiúid na nEagraíochtaí Náisiúnta Frithdhópála
ITS Córais Iompair Chliste
ITS Córais Iompair Chliste
IWAK Aerfort Iarthar Éireann Chnoc Mhuire
LSP Comhpháirtíocht Áitiúil Spóirt
MET Scéim um Oideachas agus Oiliúint Mhuirí
MLR Cuntas Máistircheadúnais
MOR Tuarascáil Éigeantach ar Tharluithe
MRL Córas Ceadúnaithe Oibreacha Bóthair MapRoad
NAP Beartas Náisiúnta Eitlíochta
NCADF An Fóram Náisiúnta um Fhorbairt Eitlíochta Sibhialta
NGB Bord Rialaithe Náisiúnta
NIA An Airéine Náisiúnta Laistigh
NIR Córas Nua Iniúchta
NJP Pleanálaí Náisiúnta Turais
—— 82
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2018
NSMC An Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas
NTA An tÚdarás Náisiúnta Iompair
NVDF Comhad Náisiúnta Feithiclí agus Tiománaithe
PMoU Meabhrán Comhthuisceana Pháras
PPP Comhpháirtíocht Phríobháideach Phoiblí
PSO Oibleagáid Seirbhíse Poiblí
RAIU An tAonad um Imscrúdú Iarnróid
RSA Údarás um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre
RSC An Coimisiún Sábháilteachta Iarnróid
RTOL An tAonad Ceadúnaithe um Oibreoirí Iompair Bhóthair
RTP Clár Iompair Tuaithe
RTPI Eolas Fíor-ama do Phaisinéirí
SAR Cuardach agus Tarrtháil
SARPanna Caighdeáin agus Cleachtais Mholta
SES Aerspás Eorpach Aonair
SESAR Taighde um Bainistíocht Aerthráchta maidir leis an Aerspás
Eorpach Aonair
SPAD Comhartha Rabhaidh Sáraithe
SRA Rannán um Thaighde agus Anailís Straitéiseach
STCW Caighdeáin Oiliúna, Deimhniúcháin agus Faire do Mharaithe TCU An tAonad um Chomhordú Iompair
WAV Feithicil atá Oiriúnach do Chathaoireacha Rotha
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