Written Answers Nos. 27-46
27. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport the issues that have been brought to his attention by CIÉ regarding the future of the regular wages pension scheme and the 1951 superannuation scheme; if he is aware that retired employees in the regular wages scheme have not received an increase since 2008; if he will intervene with a view to CIÉ approving an increase for these pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55536/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term. As of end December 2022, the Balance Sheet deficit for the two defined benefit pension schemes operated by CIÉ, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), was €396.5m. While the funding position improved during 2022, and the 1951 scheme now meets the MFS, the RWS currently does not meet the MFS and the funding level is marginal and subject to future market volatility. In relation to RWS, I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July 2022. Regarding the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. This is being considered by the Department in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputy may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months. The proceedings are next due for mention on the 24th of January 2024. Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes. Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days
28. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the body that operates profits from the toll bridges on the M50 motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55549/23]
View answer29. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total amount in euro paid by drivers who drove through tolls on the M50 in each of the past ten years. [55550/23]
View answer30. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total amount in euro paid by drivers who drove through tolls on Irish motorways, by toll types, in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [55551/23]
View answer31. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the scale or structure of the late payment penalties applied to persons who fail to pay their toll charge on the M50 before 8 pm the following day; if the penalties increase as time passes; and if so, the rate of this increase. [55552/23]
View answer32. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will list in euro the top twenty largest penalties imposed on any individual driver or vehicle owner who failed or forgot to pay their M50 toll charges by the deadline prescribed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55553/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 to 32, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Therefore, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
33. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons in the State who were killed in road traffic accidents in each of the past ten years. [55554/23]
View answer34. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons in the State who were killed in road traffic accidents in each of the past ten years who were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision or accident. [55555/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
As one of its functions, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) gathers data and conducts research to inform policy in the area of road safety. As such, the RSA holds statistics on fatalities on our road network.I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for a more detailed, direct reply on the specific issues raised. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
35. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of plug-in hybrid buses purchased for the public service obligation fleet in each of the past six years and to date in 2023; and the number of fully electric buses purchased for the fleet in each of the past six years and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [55556/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of the national Public Service Obligation bus fleet.
As part of various actions to address climate change needs, the NTA intends to transition its urban State subsidised bus services to zero-emission bus fleet. The intention is that new zero-emission fleet (battery-electric) will replace the older diesel-powered fleet on an incremental basis, as the existing buses reach the end of their efficient operational life.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
36. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that all lighting on the junctions and exits on the M1 motorway (for example Junction 14) has been removed; if he is conscious of the dangers of this; and if there are plans to put any alternative sources of light for example, solar lights above exit signs. [55568/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
37. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport when he expects phase 6 of the BusConnects programme to come into effect. [55582/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.
BusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the existing bus system providing better bus services to more people. The BusConnects Dublin programme brings together all areas of bus investment identified in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, including enhanced and new bus infrastructure, investment in fleet and service enhancements such as higher frequency and new routes serving a wider catchment.
The Network Redesign for the entire Dublin network is being rolled out by the National Transport Authority (NTA) over 11 phases. The roll out of the Network Redesign began in 2021 with the launch of the first two phases – the H-Spine (Howth/Malahide to City Centre) in June and the C-Spine (Lucan/Celbridge to Ringsend via City Centre), in November 2021. Phase 3 was launched in May 2022. It consisted of two Northern Orbital Routes (N4 Blanchardstown to Point Village and N6 Finglas to Howth Junction). Phase 4, the G-Spine and Route 60 (Ballyfermot/Liffey Valley/Red Cow to the Docklands via city centre) was launched in October 2022. The NTA launched Phase 5a – the Western Orbitals in June 2023 and Phase 5b - the Southern Orbitals launched in November 2023. The roll out of the Network Redesign will continue in the coming years subject to funding and driver availability.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to the specific query mentioned, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
38. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport to set out the list of additional train services on the Dublin to Sligo and the Dublin to Longford lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55610/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to the routes of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The queries raised by the Deputy in relation to the Dublin to Sligo and Dublin to Longford lines are a matter for the NTA in conjunction with Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
39. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the actions taken to support and strengthen the aviation sector since 27 June 2020; the priorities for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55616/23]
View answerI refer the deputy to the previous answer provided under PQ 62817/22 on 14 December 2022 which sets out actions taken from 2020 to 2022. By way of an update since this reply was given, please find further information below.
Throughout 2023 Government has continued to support the aviation sector as it continues its recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic which had a very significant adverse effect on the aviation sector.
That being said, the recovery which has taken place has been at a pace which had not been previously anticipated, it has also occurred at differing rates across all airports in the State. As such there was a need for my Department to engage and support the industry on a number of fronts to address this.
Through the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NATFaC), my Department convened a subgroup and held monthly meetings to discuss preparations at Irish Airports for Summer 2023. The group’s objective was to ensure staffing levels and other necessary preparatory work was in place prior to the start of the summer season and it enabled regular and structured engagement between the Department, airports, air carriers and other stakeholders on preparations.
Irish airports were able to report an overall satisfactory operational performance for Summer 2023 with minimal issues. This was against a backdrop of passenger volumes being at or above 2019 levels.
As a result of the suppressed passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021, both Cork and Shannon regional State Airports became eligible under the Regional Airports Programme in 2022 along with Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry airports. Over 2022 and 2023 an additional €63m has been allocated in support to regional airports. While Shannon Airport remained eligible in 2023, Cork Airport did not, given that passenger numbers exceeded eligibility criteria by the end of 2022. Notwithstanding this, €6m was made available in 2023 to support a security screening project at Cork Airport.
As part of the priorities identified for 2023, my Department is undertaking a Mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme. The purpose of the review is to consider how the Programme is currently delivering on its objectives, primarily in the context of how international connectivity and services, to and from the regions can be maintained and enhanced. An online Public Consultation, to inform this mid-term review, was held in June 2023. The findings of this public consultation are being considered as part of the mid-term review, which is due to be completed by the end of the year.
From the perspective of sustainability, my Department undertook engagement with stakeholders at domestic, EU and international level in relation to the efforts to decarbonise aviation. The past year saw the successful conclusion of negotiations on both aviation specific ‘Fit for 55’ proposals, the revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for aviation and ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. Ireland pushed for environmental ambition in negotiations on both these files.
The ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation was concluded and published on 31 October 2023. The Regulation mandates aviation fuel suppliers to supply aviation fuel containing an increasing minimum level of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to be blended in the aviation fuel supplied at Union airports, commencing from 1 January 2025. It also requires aircraft operators to uplift 90% of their journey fuel requirements from Union airports which aims to restrict the environmentally inefficient practice of fuel tankering and Union airports must take all measures necessary to facilitate aircraft operators access aviation fuels containing the mandated shares of SAF.
The revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for aviation entered into force from 5 June 2023 and among other measures, it phases out free allowances to airlines by 2026 thus encouraging further emissions reductions. It also recognises the importance of SAF in achieving our climate goals by aiming to incentivise its uptake through the inclusion of up to 20 million free allowances which may be granted in relation to SAF uptake, for the period from 2024 to the end of 2030.
In recognition of the need to focus on increasing the sustainability of aviation, I tasked my officials to establish a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Task Force. This Task Force will assist in the devising of a SAF policy roadmap which will help inform policy development and identify the actions necessary to ensure that Ireland can meet its regulatory obligations to decarbonise aviation. The Task Force will provide a forum for stakeholder engagement to evaluate the deployment of SAF within the Irish context.
Finally, to ensure that the structure of our regulation and oversight of aviation reflects international best practice, the Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022 was enacted on 7 December 2022. On the 1st May 2023 the regulatory functions of the Irish Aviation Authority and the Commission for Aviation Regulation were combined to form a single national aviation regulator, the IAA, which is responsible for aviation safety, security, economic and consumer interest regulation. In addition, a new commercial semi-state company, AirNav Ireland, was established to undertake the air navigation services functions of the IAA.
Heading into 2024, several priorities have been identified, some of which are a continuation of work which has commenced in 2023, these include:
• Develop a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, with continued chairing, engagement and input from the Sustainable Aviation Task Force into SAF policy development.
• Complete domestic measures for the implementation of ReFuel EU Aviation Regulation.
• Publish the outcomes of the mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme and commence the implementation of the recommendations and actions.
• Publish a Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Drones). The expectation is to launch a Public Consultation on the National Policy Framework in Q1 of 2024.
• Complete and publish a review of safety and technical standards oversight by the Irish Aviation Authority as set out in section 32 of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 in 2024
• Undertake a review of the National Aviation Policy 2015 to support sustainable development of Ireland’s international connectivity and strategically important aviation sector.
• Continue to progress at EU level on the Single European Sky regulations.
The above, while not exhaustive, clearly shows Government's commitment to the aviation sector, which is a key enabler of our economy. It also serves to highlight that 2024 will be busy in an aviation context.
40. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the Claregalway inner relief road; when this bypass is likely to be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55617/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
41. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding the National Transport Authority has received in 2020, 2021 and 2022; the funding the National Transport Authority will receive in 2023; the funding allocated to the National Transport Authority for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55661/23]
View answerThe Agency Statements as published in the Revised Estimates for the years 2020 to 2023 outline the funding provided to the NTA for its operational budgets and capital and current budgets under its remit as being €810,075, €1,514,245, €1,649,412 and €1,483,480 respectively. The 2024 Revised Estimates are due to be published soon.
I wish to emphasise the importance of investing in the NTA to ensure that it is has the strategic and operational capacity to co-ordinate, in conjunction with Irish Rail, TII and Local Authorities, the design, delivery and maintenance of high quality sustainable, accessible active travel and public transport infrastructure networks and services.
Since 2021, in accordance with the Programme for Government and capital commitments under the National Development Plan, investment funding and funding for service delivery for projects and services within the NTA's remit has increased substantially. I expect the funding to continue to increase to match the scale of ambition and challenges in keeping pace with a steadily growing economy and population, as the Department continues to draw down funding from the €35bn capital allocation committed under the NDP and as major infrastructure projects start to exit the planning system.
42. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport what laws are currently in place to govern the use of e-scooters and electric bikes, including any requirements for high-visibility clothing, reflectors or lights and protective head gear; whether it is permissible for them to use footpaths and-or cycle paths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55664/23]
View answerThe Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 creates a new vehicle category called powered personal transporters (PPTs), which includes e-scooters. The Deputy will be aware that my Department had expected to commence the parts of the Act relating to PPTs, and to introduce regulations for e-scooters, following the EU TRIS process under the Single Market Transparency Directive (EU) 2015/1535. Some technical and legal issues were identified during drafting, in part taking account of comments received from the EU Commission during the TRIS process, which have delayed their introduction. Regulations for e-scooters are now expected to be in place in Q1 2024. E-scooters will not be legal to use in public places until that time. The Regulations will be wide-ranging and will specify the technical requirements for e-scooters and the conditions for their safe use. Among other requirements, e-scooters may not be used on footpaths or in pedestrianised areas. The use of helmets and personal protective equipment (PPE) will not be mandatory, although strongly recommended by my Department and the Road Safety Authority. Separately, new rules, requiring registration, taxation, insurance and a driver’s licence, will shortly also apply to electric mopeds (e-mopeds). E-mopeds are higher-powered electric bikes which may be capable of achieving greater speeds. While these changes will not require regulations, administrative systems are currently being adapted by the relevant State bodies to allow e-moped owners to register and tax their vehicles and to undergo a driving test. These new rules will come into effect alongside the rules for e-scooters when the relevant parts of the Act are commenced in early 2024. As is the case now, neither e-bikes nor e-mopeds will be permitted on footpaths or in pedestrianised areas. Like bicycles, e-bikes may be used in cycle lanes and the use of helmets and PPE will not be mandatory. E-mopeds will require wear appropriate helmets and PPE and will not be permitted to use cycle lanes.
43. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position on driver test waiting times, in tabular form, in Cork, Skibbereen, Mallow, Killarney and Newcastlewest; the number of testers dedicated to each of these centres; the number of new testers allocated to these test centres in 2023; the number of driver testers currently undergoing training; when they will be available to commence tester duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55665/23]
View answer44. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the number of new driver testers undertaking training this year; the number who have started tester duties; the number still in training; when they will be available to commence tester duties; the number of people yet to start training; when they will start training; the duration of the training in weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55666/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 44 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the information requested on specific centres is held by the agency. I have therefore referred relevant parts of the questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
My Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers in March of this year. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to 205, which is more than double the 100 sanctioned testing posts in June 2022. This recruitment is underway and I have been advised that the first tranche of new recruits were deployed in September. It is expected that before the end of the year there will be a net increase of approximately 42 driver testers and they will be allocated across the driver testing service with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests. The RSA estimate that the agreed service level of average wait times of 10 weeks will resume in mid-2024.
45. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to review correspondence (details supplied); if he will address the issues outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55757/23]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority. Exchequer funding is intended to supplement local authorities' own resources.
In February this year I was delighted to announce an Exchequer investment of €626 million in our regional and local road networks which included an increase in funding of €20 million for road pavement and rehabilitation works.
At the start of 2023 Monaghan County Council were allocated over €16.2 million for regional and local road maintenance and improvement works which was to used in conjunction with the councils own resources. In recognition of the fact that inflation is having a significant impact on the cost of delivering annual road programmes, local authorities were notified in July of a supplementary allocation of €22.5 million for their key road strengthening programmes. Monaghan County Council was allocated an additional €579,991 under this supplementary allocation.
Monaghan County Council used the State funding to help support an extensive 2023 programme of maintenance and improvement works alongside additional projects such as the N2 to N12 Link road (Monaghan Business Park) which was funded under the Strategic Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme, as well as four projects funded using the Specific Improvement Grant Scheme (Brackly Bridge Replacement;? R181 Drumillard to Crossduff;? R180/R181 Junction; and? L63101 Drumary Bridge Replacement). Funding has also been provided to support a pilot project that examines and monitors the performance of recycled construction materials in pavement projects.
The main regional and local road grant programmes are focussed on three specific policy objectives: surface sealing to protect against water damage; road strengthening to lengthen the life of roads; and a Discretionary Grant scheme which supports a range of activities including pothole repairs, renewal of signs/lines, and winter maintenance. These three grant programmes account for most of the available funding with allocations being based on the length of the road network within a local authority's area of responsibility with some account taken of traffic. It is envisaged that grants will continue to be made available on this basis as it is the most equitable approach.
Apart from a requirement that 15% of the road strengthening budget is spent on regional roads, the allocation of funding is a matter for each individual local authority, having regard to the funding available to it from local and central sources as well as their own particular priorities. Allocations for the 2024 Regional and Local Roads Grant Programmes will be made early in the new year. Funding will continue to be allocated based on the length of the road network within a local authority's area of responsibility and is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources.
46. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding the N22 road improvement project between Farranfore and Killarney; the estimated total cost and estimated completion date for the project; the estimated number of lives that will be lost, according to TII, if the project does not go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55761/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
I can confirm that €100,000 was allocated for the N22 Farranfore to Killarney scheme in 2023. The funding for this scheme, as with all schemes in the NDP will be kept under review and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII in 2024. The allocations for 2024 are expected to be announced by the end of the year.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
