Written Answers Nos. 183-202
183. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a fibre broadband service will be provided to an area (details supplied) as part of the current roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21998/21]
View answerThe premises referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard. Complaints about service provision are a matter between the consumer and the service provider in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
My Department has, however, raised a query regarding the premises in question with the network operator to obtain the current status for the premises. As soon as a reply is received my Department will revert to the Deputy with an update.
184. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions he is taking in response to privacy concerns around ESB smart meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22017/21]
View answerThe installation of smart meters is a key enabler for the energy transition to a decarbonised system as outlined in the Climate Action Plan. In addition the move to upgraded digital meters will bring many benefits for energy customers by enhancing competition, making bills more accurate, providing customers with better information on their energy consumption and empowering them with new tools to make more informed choices about their energy needs. The better information provided by smart meters will enable consumers to reduce consumption and utilise higher amounts of electricity – increasingly from renewable sources - at off peak times. Smart meters will also facilitate the development of microgeneration, smart grids and the increasing electrification of transport and heating.
The National Smart Metering Programme is co-ordinated by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) with ESB Networks delivering the electricity meter rollout. Over 250,000 meters have been installed to the end of March 2021 since the rollout of over 2 million electricity meters commenced in September 2019. Customer satisfaction with the rollout remains very high with the vast majority of customers accepting the meter exchange.
My Department is very cognisant of the need for security in relation to smart metering data, including appropriate access to data and data privacy rights. In that regard, ESB Networks has submitted a comprehensive Data Protection Impact Assessment on the Smart Metering Programme to the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) and CRU have had extensive engagements with DPC officials in the development of the programme. In addition, my officials continue to engage with the DPC and also with the Office of the Attorney General as we work through the transposition process of the EU Internal Market for Electricity Directive, which contains smart metering provisions, including some pertaining to data.
185. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the cost of each contract entered into by his Department and the agencies under his remit to deal with Covid-19 management and reaction; and the name of the contractor in each case. [22137/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department is outlined in the table below.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
|
Contractor |
Cost |
Additional Details (purpose of contract) |
|
Bid & Tender Management Services |
€850 |
Procurement Training - training course delivered under existing contract in May 2020 on Managing Contracts during Covid |
|
Quadro Consulting |
€4550 |
Health & Safety, specifically revised field procedures for COVID19 compliant operations. |
|
Datapac |
€33,503 |
IT equipment/services |
|
Datapac |
€2,007 |
IT equipment/services |
|
Integrity 360 |
€47,242 |
IT equipment/services |
|
Integrity 360 |
€27,607 |
IT equipment/services |
|
BECHTLE DIRECT LTD |
€4,130 |
IT equipment/services |
|
MJ Flood |
€24,600 |
IT equipment/services |
|
PFH |
€34,315 |
IT equipment/services |
|
Zoom |
€12,332 |
Zoom Licenses etc |
186. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount that his Department spent on public relations advice, and media advice, between January 2020 and to date in 2021; and the companies engaged for this advice, in tabular form. [22272/21]
View answerThe information which the Deputy requested in relation to my Department is outlined in the table below.
|
Consultant/Company |
Purpose |
Cost Jan 2020 to Date in 2021 |
|
RPS |
PR support to help with Tellus survey outreach/info line |
€79,274 |
|
OSD Digital Agency |
Social media campaign advice |
€3,176 |
187. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount spent by his Department on advertising and public messaging in print, broadcast and online between January 2020 and to date in 2021; and the companies engaged to assist with placing the advertisements and the companies advertised with, in tabular form. [22290/21]
View answerMy Departmental remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy, as well as regulation of sectors such as mining and hydrocarbon exploration. Given the technical complexity, economic significance and community interest in these areas, there is a requirement to disseminate information and to address specific issues as they arise. My Department therefore necessarily incurs expenditure on advertising from time to time. In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and the keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary.
The information requested is outlined in tabular format below:
|
Campaign / Relevant Programme |
Where Advertised |
Company Engaged |
Cost Jan 2020 to date in 2021 |
|
Publication of Statutory Instruments |
Iris Oifigiúil |
N/A |
€424 |
|
Public Consultation on National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP) |
Irish Times |
Mediavest |
€1,937 |
|
Public Consultation on NAPCP |
Irish Independent |
Mediavest |
€2,192 |
|
Public Consultation on Solid Fuel Regulations |
Media Central |
Mediavest |
€3,458 |
|
Public Consultation on Solid Fuel Regulations |
Today FM |
Mediavest |
€4,525 |
|
Public Consultation on Solid Fuel Regulations |
IRS |
Mediavest |
€7,175 |
|
Public Consultation on Solid Fuel Regulations |
Lyric FM |
Mediavest |
€649 |
|
Public Consultation on Solid Fuel Regulations |
RTÉ Radio |
Mediavest |
€12,498 |
|
Public Consultation on Solid Fuel Regulations |
Red FM |
Mediavest |
€636 |
|
Public Consultation on Solid Fuel Regulations |
UTV Urban Access |
Mediavest |
€6,769 |
|
Clean Air – “Be the Difference, Breathe the Difference” |
Design costs for print advert sent to local authorities for use in regional press |
Focus Advertising |
€3,630 |
|
Public Consultation on Solid Fuel Regulation |
Production costs for radio advert |
Radio Room |
€1,028 |
|
Board Appointments |
Iris Oifigiúil |
N/A |
€234 |
|
Ocean Energy Week 2020 |
Irish Examiner |
N/A |
€6,500 |
|
Various Environmental Assessments - Public Notices |
Irish Independent |
Mediavest |
€24,123 |
|
Geoscience Ireland Programme |
Newspaper special feature on the Geoscience Ireland business cluster in Sunday Business Post |
N/A |
€17,691 |
|
Geoscience Ireland Programme |
IMQS Annual Report/ Extractive Industry Ireland advertising |
4 Square media |
€919 |
|
Geoscience Ireland Programme |
Advertising Geoscience Ireland business cluster in Construction Magazine Ireland |
N/A |
€1,809 |
|
Tellus Airborne Survey Programme |
The placement of Public Information Notices in national and regional newspapers to advertise the A8 airborne survey. |
Mediavest T/A Spark Foundry |
€14, 555 |
|
Publishing of notices informing the public of the Minister's intention to grant Prospecting Licences |
Regional Newspapers |
Mediavest |
€40,120 |
|
Mining Public Notices |
Connaught Tribune |
Mediavest T/A Spark Foundry |
€925 |
|
Petroleum Public Notices |
Irish Independent, Anglo Celt, Irish Examiner (Regional newspapers) |
Mediavest T/A Spark Foundry |
€26,600 |
|
Enactment of Fisheries Legislation |
Advertising/Printing |
Propylon Ltd |
€1,013 |
|
Enactment of Fisheries Legislation |
Advertising |
Mediavest |
€11,332 |
|
Enactment of Fisheries Legislation & IFI Board appointments |
Iris Oifigiúil |
N/A |
€4,294 |
|
Trading Online Voucher Scheme |
Online Advertising |
Google ad words |
€8,431 |
|
Launch of the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy |
Hot Press |
N/A |
€5,445 |
|
Climate Conversation - Public Consultation |
Online Advertising Campaign |
Mediavest T/A Spark Foundry |
€ 2,314 |
|
Climate Conversation - Public Consultation |
Radio Advertising Campaign |
Mediavest T/A Spark Foundry |
€ 24,820 |
|
Advertising changes in respect of a Ministerial Order to allow the EPA hold its Oral Hearings remotely in response to Covid restrictions |
Iris Oifigiúil |
N/A |
€106 |
|
Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill |
Video production x 2 videos to support online public messaging |
Individual Contractor |
€975 |
188. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) who has renovated a new home but cannot get an Eircode; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22351/21]
View answerCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, assigns Eircodes to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licensed businesses for their use. Once the Eircode database is updated on a quarterly basis it is then a matter for individual Eircode database providers to release updates to commercial businesses in accordance with the terms of their licence agreements.
Eircode has advised my officials that they have raised a case with An Post GeoDirectory in relation to this address and my officials have requested Eircode to liaise directly with the individual in question regarding the assignment of an Eircode for this property address.
Early assignment of Eircodes is contingent on An Post facilitating the increased frequency of new and changed addresses in the GeoDirectory database from quarterly to monthly to Eircode through their subsidiary An Post GeoDirectory. My officials are working with An Post, Ordnance Survey Ireland, An Post GeoDirectory and Eircode to expedite the process of assigning Eircodes for new properties with postal addresses and geo-locations.
189. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost of replacing the State vehicles that are owned by his Department or agencies under his remit with hybrid or electric models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22564/21]
View answerAs set out in the reply to Question No.15118/21 , the current policy of Geological Survey Ireland is to seek to replace vehicles with electric or hybrid alternatives when those vehicles are at end of use stage. As this varies according to, for example, vehicle age, type etc., the cost of replacing the entire vehicle fleet of 35 vehicles supporting fieldwork and operations is therefore not available.
To support the supply of long and medium range battery electric passenger cars and vans to public sector bodies, the Office of Public Works has drawn up fixed-price procurement frameworks. Full details on how to use the framework as well as pricing and supplier contact details can be found on the Office of Government Procurement website (www.ogp.gov.ie).
The information requested in relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for each body and should be sought directly from them.
190. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the latest breakdown of the greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, by road transport, aviation and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21220/21]
View answerResponsibility for monitoring Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions falls to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who prepare our national emissions inventories and projections. These publications allow Government to assess progress towards decarbonisation targets across a range of sectors. The transport sector, for its part, accounts for about 12 MtCO2 or 20% of Ireland’s emissions; transport emissions will need to be at least halved by 2030 in line with Programme for Government commitments.
The National Energy Balance, which is produced by SEAI, presents detailed information on how and where energy is used in Ireland for a given year—including showing the flow of energy from production and transformation to total final consumption. This information is useful in ascertaining the emission profile of the various segments in the transport sector. Using information from the 2019 National Energy Balance, breakdown of transport emissions in 2019 is estimated to be as shown in the table below.
Breakdown of Transport Emissions (2019)
|
|
ktoe |
|
|
Transport |
5,228 |
% |
|
Road Private Car |
2,075 |
39.69 |
|
International Aviation |
1,110 |
21.24 |
|
Road Freight |
787 |
15.05 |
|
Unspecified |
463 |
8.86 |
|
Road Light Goods Vehicle |
271 |
5.18 |
|
Fuel Tourism |
245 |
4.68 |
|
Public Passenger Services |
137 |
2.63 |
|
Navigation |
89 |
1.71 |
|
Rail |
44 |
0.85 |
|
Domestic Aviation |
6 |
0.11 |
Source: SEAI
191. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with a company (details supplied) on funding needed for Shannon Airport and its share of the connectivity fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21696/21]
View answerMy Department engages extensively with its stakeholders and I am acutely aware of the funding shortages being faced by Shannon Airport as a result of Covid. In recognition of this, the Government established a Covid19 Regional State Airports Programme. The specific intent of this programme is to put Shannon and Cork airports in funds while they navigate the Covid crisis. Accordingly, a budget of €32.1 million in capital and operational supports has been being made available to these airports in 2021
In this regard, I was pleased to recently announce a specific capital allocation for Shannon Airport of €6.3 million. This funding, which will support the delivery of a broad range of projects at the airport, is in addition to €6.1m already approved for a significant Hold Baggage Screening project in 2020. Later in the year, Shannon Airport will also be invited to apply for operational supports from a programme budget of €15.6m.
Furthermore, on 24 February 2021, my Department secured European Commission approval for a €26 million funding package for Irish Airports consisting of a €20 million damages measure for State airports, including Shannon. The aim of this measure is to provide airports with the flexibility to roll out route incentives and charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity when circumstances allow. It is anticipated that this funding will be provided on a proportionate basis relative to the number of passengers at each State airport in 2019.
All eligible airports, including Shannon Airport, were invited to apply for aid under this measure on 26 March. The closing date for receipt of applications was 16 April. My Department is currently evaluating these applications and I anticipate that associated aid will be distributed to airports under this measure in the coming weeks.
192. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with a company (details supplied) on the future of the Shannon heritage sites in County Clare and their ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21697/21]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for her question in relation to Shannon Heritage sites in County Clare.
I can confirm to the Deputy that there is ongoing engagement between my Department and Shannon Group and that options to secure the future of Shannon Heritage are currently being considered by Shannon Group but no decision has yet been taken in this regard.
193. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when additional electrical vehicle charging points will be installed in Monaghan town (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22417/21]
View answer217. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the number of electronic car charging points in County Monaghan; the locations of same; his plans to deliver new charging points in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21382/21]
View answer224. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle charging points in each county; the number of electric vehicle charging points that have been installed in each county since the formation of the 33rd Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21461/21]
View answer234. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if additional charging electric vehicles will be facilitated in Monaghan town and county (details supplied); the number of charging points in Monaghan town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21673/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 193, 217, 224 and 234 together.
The Deputies will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years.
€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund (CAF) to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB. This intervention alone will result in:
- 90 additional high power chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles;
- 52 additional fast chargers, which may replace existing standard chargers; and
- 264 replacement standard chargers with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points.
The project is due to be completed in 2022. Further details on ESB charge points nationwide can be found at https://esb.ie/ecars/charge-point-map
In light of the ESB eCars responsibility in the matter of the number of charge points provided by county, I have forwarded the Deputies' questions to the ESB for direct response. Please contact my Office if no reply is received within 10 working days.
While several private operators such as Tesla, Ionity & EasyGO are involved in providing charging infrastructure, my Department does not hold information on the location of charging infrastructure which has been installed without government support. I am aware, however, that ESB has partnered with Tesco Ireland to install 22kW Standard AC Chargers at 33 Tesco locations around the country in the last number of months. More than 50 of these are planned in total. My Department is also making €2 million available this year through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as hotels and shopping centres. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
In addition to the ESB project, the Public Charge Point Scheme has been in place since September 2019 and will continue to be available during 2021 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of this scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles (EVs), who do
not have access to a private parking space but rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes, to charge their EVs. To date no chargers have been installed by local authorities under the scheme. The SEAI has, however, received requests from 13 local authorities for applications
under the scheme and two completed applications from Louth County Council and Dublin City Council to install a total of 29 charge points within their administrative areas. These applications are currently being assessed for approval.
Combined with an effective public charging network, Ireland's home charging policy will help sustain and service the expected growth of electric vehicles on Irish roads. Charging while at home accounts for around 80% of electric vehicle charging in Ireland and it is best practice, internationally, to promote home charging as the most common and cheapest form of charging. To support home charging, the SEAI, on behalf of my Department, administers an EV Home Charger Grant of up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an EV home charger unit.
Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. However, there are a number of complex planning issues to address before we can expand the grant in an appropriate manner so as to include the required categories of shared parking. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address the issues.
On new builds, it should be noted that the EU energy performance and buildings directive requires member states to ensure that appropriate infrastructure is installed in all new residential and non-residential buildings as well as those buildings with more than ten car parking spaces for the purpose of enabling the installation of a larger stage of charging points for electric vehicles. This is currently being transposed into Irish law.
194. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if an application for funding has been received from Dublin City Council or Fingal County Council for the pedestrian crossing or flyover at the roundabout located at the M1-R104 intersection in Santry, Dublin 9. [21175/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public and sustainable transport infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
195. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has conducted an evaluation of the active travel funding stream; if his attention has been drawn to instances in which funding is being used for routine maintenance projects; and if so, the actions he has taken in respect of this use of funds. [21191/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development and implementation of public and sustainable transport infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
The individual projects and programmes are subject to compliance with the Public Spending Code, including its requirements in relation to appraisal and Sanctioning Authority approval points.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
196. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite the BusConnects Galway to Dublin roads project; and if his attention has been drawn to the inadequacy of public transport options in and to Galway city and its surrounding townlands. [21192/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. At a policy level I am firmly committed toward the timely improvement of sustainable mobility infrastructure and services in the Galway area and my Department is supporting that improvement through the funding being provided to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to bring about those improvements.
I think it important to recognise that progress is now being made with a number of significant projects currently being advanced. Late last year non-statutory public consultation took place on two of the Core Bus Corridors in the BusConnects Galway programme, including the Dublin Road Corridor as referred to by the Deputy. I understand however that there is a sequencing planned in relation to moving to construction, with the Cross-City Link proposed to be advanced ahead of the Dublin Road Corridor.
As well as these improvements to the city’s bus system, funding has also been secured to support the city’s rail system with development of an integrated transport hub at Ceannt Station and upgrade works to the station and track infrastructure at Oranmore announced recently under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. My Department, through the NTA, is also funding a feasibility study into options for the Athenry-Galway Corridor generally.
As the NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Galway I have referred the specific query about the Dublin Road Corridor to it for consideration and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
197. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he will lift the restrictions on driver tests to facilitate young farmers who need to have a tractor to drive on public roads during the summer months to draw silage and other farming activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21201/21]
View answerThe current public health emergency has had a profoundly disruptive effect on the driver learning and testing system in this country. I recognise that young farmers are one of many cohorts across all areas of society who have been impacted by the restrictions.
To obtain a category W licence for work vehicles and land tractors, a person must first pass the BW category driver theory test. However, while Covid19 level 5 restrictions remain in place, the Driver Theory Test is suspended and driving tests are available only to essential workers.
I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses, but I must emphasise that this decision has been taken in line with official public health recommendations that everyone in Ireland work to limit the spread of the virus by staying at home in so far as is possible and minimising social contacts.
Any decision regarding the reopening of the service will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
Officials both in my Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that services can resume as soon as it is safe to do so. The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
198. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the funding that has been drawn down in 2019 and 2020, from available European Union funds and mechanisms, to support the transport sector in Ireland to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21203/21]
View answerThe Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is the EU's funding instrument to support projects on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) for the programming period 2014-2020. Funding under CEF is delivered in the form of grants allocated following competitive calls for proposals. Funding rates vary depending on the call for proposals and the type of project, generally ranging from 20% to 50% of eligible costs.
With regard to projects that support the transport sector to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, in the programming period 2014 – 2020, Gas Networks Ireland has been awarded in excess of €18 million towards two projects focussed on developing a network of CNG stations on Ireland’s TEN-T core road network. There are currently a number of stations in operation, including in Dublin Port and in Cashel. The projects also involve vehicle grant schemes for Heavy Duty Vehicles to incentivise uptake in the sector and the building of renewable gas injection facilities around the country.
While the drawdown of EU funding provided under the CEF programme is not readily available by year, further details on these projects and all Irish CEF transport projects are available on the website of the EU's Innovation and Networks Executive Agency at the following link:
https://ec.europa.eu/inea/sites/inea/files/cefpub/eu_investment_in_transport_in_ireland.pdf
A new CEF programme will be implemented in the period 2021 - 2027 with an anticipated budget of €11.3 billion for transport under the general envelope, open to all Member States. It will support the goals of the Commission’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy (December 2020) laying the foundation for how the EU transport system can achieve its green and digital transformation and become more resilient to future crises. As outlined in the European Green Deal, the result will be a 90% cut in emissions by 2050, delivered by a smart, competitive, safe, accessible and affordable transport system. It will also prioritise environmentally friendly modes such as rail and the development of charging points for vehicles using alternative fuels.
A three-year CEF work programme covering calls for proposals from 2021 - 2023 is currently being finalised, which will set out the indicative budgets and types of eligible projects that can apply for grants. Final details will confirmed in the coming weeks once discussions at EU level conclude. It is expected that the first call for proposals will be launched in Q3 of 2021.
In addition, there are a number further potential options for utilising EU funding opportunities in support of the decarbonisation of transport. My Department is reviewing the potential for sustainable public transport projects, as part of the wider Government plans for availing of funding under the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility in line with the European Green Deal and the concept of competitive sustainability.
The new PEACE PLUS Programme 2021-2027, which will build upon previous PEACE and INTERREG Programmes, will provide opportunities under the EU policy objective of “a more connected Europe”, contributing to the cross-border economic and territorial development of the region. In this regard, there has been significant bilateral engagement between my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, in consultation with the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform, to examine potential sustainable transport projects that fit the PEACE PLUS criteria.
Finally, my Department continues to examine all funding opportunities and mechanisms to support the transport sector in Ireland to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to review how we can leverage European Investment Bank funding and other opportunities for external funding to the maximum extent possible to support our recovery and transition to a low carbon future.
199. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost, per phase, of reopening the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21204/21]
View answerEarlier this year, a financial and economic appraisal in relation to the potential re-opening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann and conducted by EY economic consultants, was published and is available to view at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1174d-review-of-western-rail-corridor-phases-2-and-3-athenry-to-claremorris/
The proposed re-opening of Phases 2 and 3 was also subject to a short independent review commissioned by my Department and conducted by JASPERS, an agency of the EU / EIB, and that review is also available to view through the above link.
Finally, the Deputy will be interested to know that, in co-operation with my colleague Minister Nichola Mallon MLA from the Northern Ireland Executive, I have recently launched a tender competition in relation to a Strategic Rail Review of the rail network on the island of Ireland. This Strategic Rail Review will consider all aspects of inter-urban and inter-regional rail, including the potential for increased rail freight and I look forward to its commencement and completion in due course.
200. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the latest estimated cost for reopening the rail line to Navan, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21205/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the issue of a potential extension of the existing Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan was considered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) during its development of the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035. This issue remains under review and will be specifically considered again as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy, which the NTA has commenced.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
201. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the investment in walking and cycling projects in 2020; if the target of €1 million per day was met; the allocation for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21206/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government committed that €360 million in cross-Government funding will be spent on walking and cycling per annum over the lifetime of the Government. This investment will help support the delivery of almost 1,000 kilometres of improved walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025 as well as additional investment in Greenways.
In Budget 2020 my Department was allocated €130 million to support walking and cycling projects. This year, we have seen a significant increase in funding, in line with the Government’s prioritisation of Active Travel and Greenways. I was delighted to announce earlier this year an allocation of €240 million to Active Travel projects in the Greater Dublin Area, along with an additional €72.8 million to projects in the other local authorities. The latter funding stream constitutes the first ever major Active Travel investment programme for rural Ireland. An additional €50 million has been allocated to the Department’s Greenways programme. This increase in funding will not only support the construction and improvement of walking and cycling infrastructure but also the deployment of almost 250 Active Travel staff in local authorities around the country.
The Deputy should also be aware that local authorities can also access funding sources through other Departments to support walking and cycling infrastructure development. The two most significant are the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which falls under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The latter Department also supports leisure orientated walking and cycling through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
The Government remains committed to the delivery of safe and connected active travel infrastructure in order to encourage behavioural change and increase the number of those who choose to walk and cycle regularly as part of their daily routine. The step-change in funding committed in Budget 2021 is proof of this commitment and I look forward to the delivery of the numerous projects around the country which will be in receipt of the increased funding allocation.
202. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated investment needed in the transport sector to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by one percentage point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21207/21]
View answerTo help tackle our climate challenge, I am strongly committed to achieving substantial carbon abatement within the transport sector. Accounting for a little over one fifth of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions, there can be no question, but that transport must feature strongly in contributing towards the national decarbonisation effort.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Development Plan (NDP) underpins all State investments. The NDP is currently undergoing review, as such, the scale of investment in the transport sector is also being reassessed. Meanwhile, my Department recently launched the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland for public consultation, seeking views on investment priorities and ensuring transport investment is aligned with the Government’s overarching objectives. In addition, through the development of the forthcoming Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2021, significant analytical and modelling work is underway to identify the cost of delivery of the various measures required to achieve a 51% reduction in national emissions by 2030, as has been committed to in the Programme for Government.
In advance of finalising CAP 2021 it is difficult to attribute meaningful costs to sectoral emission savings. Nevertheless, what is clear is there will be significant costs, and the extent of these and the question of where they fall, will be strongly determined by precise type of mitigation action taken, the scale of the action and the timing of its deployment. Analysis previously undertaken by my Department suggests that there are a variety of different ways of achieving an indicative 1% reduction in transport emissions, each with significantly different corresponding cost. For example, it was estimated that replacing c.57,000 older combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles could yield approximately a 1% emission savings at a cost to the State of c.€630m if there were continuation of current subsidy levels. A 100% increase in rail passenger kilometres or a 300% increase in bus passenger kilometres could also respectively mitigate 1% of transport emissions. Both of those potential measures would require significant capital investment in the region of €3-5 billion as well as additional annual current funding for operating costs. This analysis is indicative only and the corresponding costs are approximations, and it should be noted that the costs of potential measures would vary over time, often in line with changes in technological development and market forces.
My Department and its agencies are continuing to work with colleagues across Government in preparing the forthcoming CAP 2021, and I expect that the agreement of that Plan and of the direction of future measures will provide greater clarity on the expected costs associated with reducing transport emissions in line with the national climate objective.
