Written Answers Nos. 112-124
112. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the status of the construction of a coastguard station in an area (details supplied); if a contract has been signed as a result of the tendering process; when building will commence; the timeline for the building to be constructed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21745/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for the Irish Coast Coast Guard building programme – essentially aimed at ensuring Coast Guard Units along the coast are fit for purpose. The programme is managed through The Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) from planning design to build and on-going maintenance, with legal assistance as necessary from the Chief State Solicitor’s Office.
The Greystones project has been a priority build on the Building Programme for the IRCG for a number of years. It has been the subject of a number of significant revisions in terms of plans primarily owing to excessive cost and affordability. The location of the site identified for the new Coast Guard station has also presented challenges particularly in terms of the requirement to ensure adequate storm resilience.
The OPW are actively engaged with Wicklow County Council in relation to the formal transfer of the site. Agreement has been reached with Wicklow County Council on site layout and parking requirements within the Harbour area subject to final approval and the formal site transfer is now progressing.
Final technical assessments of the agreed site and areas to be used by Coast Guard vehicles have been completed.
Planning Permission has been granted and once the site if formally transferred, the Department, the Irish Coast Guard and the Office of Public Works will progress the procurement process for a Contractor to complete the construction.
113. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport when the scheme will be launched for electric vehicle chargers for those who live in apartment blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21760/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan 2021 set a target of 945,000 EVs by 2030. The Deputy 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, to facilitate the expansion of EVs in the Irish car fleet. A draft National Charging Infrastructure Strategy has been published for public consultation which sets out a pathway for the provision of charging infrastructure to stay ahead of demand.
The EV Home Charger Grant Scheme has been in operation since January 2018 to support the installation of home chargers for purchasers of new and second-hand BEVs and PHEVs. The grant provides generous support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger up to a maximum of €600.
Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include multi-unit developments. The final legal checks are being completed and this scheme will be launched shortly.
114. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if he will establish the destination and the number of troops that were on board an aircraft (details supplied) which landed in Shannon Airport on 17 March 2019. [21770/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn exemption, pursuant to Article 5 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989, permitting the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft was issued for the aircraft detailed for the date specified by the Deputy.
The application for this exemption detailed the destination point as OKBK Kuwait International Airport.
My department has no statutory function with regard to the number of military personnel that are onboard such flights. The air operator's application for an exemption did indicate, however, that there were to be 135 troops carried. This number should be treated as provisional, as the actual number may have changed by the time of the flight.
115. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the current failure rates in each of the operational driver test centres nationally; the standardised training and reassessment procedure that the driver testers undertake to ensure regularisation of testing across all areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21797/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
116. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the signing of a statutory instrument to give effect to the changes agreed in the CIÉ regular wages scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21824/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.That being said, in relation to the Regular Wage Scheme (RWS), CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes as agreed by vote at the Labour Court. These changes have been agreed by the trustees of the Scheme, the employees and the CIÉ Group following extensive and prolonged engagement between all parties.
There are a number of steps before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process. In accordance with the provisions of Section 44(3) of the Transport Act 1950, I directed CIÉ to publish a statutory notice of the draft SIs in Iris Oifigiúil, which was advertised on the 14th of January 2022. Within 45 days from the publication of this notice, any person may make objections and representations in relation to the Scheme to me. I must consider any objections or representations which have been made during this period, prior to confirming a Scheme or any amendments to such Scheme.
The consultation period ended on the 28 February 2022. Officials in my Department examined the submissions received and submitted a report to me for consideration, which I have now approved. My Department will now consult with the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the S.I.s.
I expect to be in a position to confirm the SIs in the next number of weeks.
117. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will request Iarnród Éireann to increase the number of trains between Dublin Heuston to Roscommon from four times daily to five times daily from Mondays to Saturdays. [21837/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the possibility of increasing the number of trains between Dublin Heuston to Roscommon from four times daily to five times daily from Mondays to Saturdays, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
118. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport the steps that his Department is taking to review the current regulations regarding Ukrainian HGV licences which are not currently recognised by the RSA (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21848/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra119. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if further clarification will be given regarding recognition of Ukrainian HGV licences considering recent decision on recognition of Ukrainian driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21850/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 119 together.
The Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences) (Ukraine) Order 2022, which came into effect on 22 April 2022, allows Ukrainians admitted to Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive to exchange their Ukrainian licences for Irish licences. Such licences are valid for 12 months and will only apply to cars and light vehicles. This measure was taken in response to the immediate and extraordinary humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict in Ukraine.
The Road Safety Authority, as the licensing authority in Ireland, does not recommend the exchange of Ukrainian HGV licences at this stage. Anyone with an EU car licence, which a Ukrainian will have once they exchange their licence, can apply for an HGV licence in the normal way (theory test, learner permit and driving test). The underlying principle in resolving the issue of Ukrainian driving licences is the safety of Irish road users.
120. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider including commercial bus operators that operate scheduled services under licence from the National Transport Authority in the 20% fare reduction scheme for public service obligation routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21869/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he will review correspondence from a company (details supplied); the reason that the company has been excluded from accessing Exchequer funding or financial subsidies in order that it can also introduce a reduction in passenger fares similar to the scheme which was announced on public service obligation serviced routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21977/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 125 together.
Licensed bus and coach operators are an integral part of the overall public transport system particularly in areas which are not covered by existing public service bus and rail services. In recognition of this, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Government have provided temporary financial supports for certain licensed commercial services with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis.
In acknowledgement of the continuing difficulties facing the sector, these supports have been extended up to 30 June 2022 and to date, over €60 million has been provided to support the commercial bus operators.
The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, as part of the suite of new measures being introduced, a 20% average fare reduction on all PSO public transport services is being made available nationwide until the end of 2022.
These discounted fares will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use PSO public transport every day. The Government allocated €54m in Exchequer funding to provide this measure; however, this funding does not include an extension of the scheme to commercial operators. As the Deputies will be aware, unlike with PSO services, the National Transport Authority (NTA) do not set, monitor or regulate fares on services run by commercial operators.
However, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) on both PSO and commercial services. This exciting initiative will entitle anyone between the ages of 19 and 23 to discounted travel costs and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount level to an average of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services.
The discount will initially be made available on all subsidised PSO bus, rail and Luas services next month. It will then be broadened to include commercial operators later this year. Intensive work is underway with representatives from the commercial bus sector, the NTA and the Department to devise a mechanism to implement and expedite the deployment of the Young Adult Card in the commercial bus sector.
121. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the status of the new Shannon crossing at Ballina, Killaloe; the reason that this key infrastructure project has not yet commenced; when works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21941/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and the R494 improvement scheme is one of the limited number of strategic regional and local road improvement schemes being undertaken under the National Development Plan. Clare County Council is the contracting authority for the scheme.
Ministerial approval to award the public works contract for the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and the R494 improvement scheme was given in December 2021 and following the conclusion of the due diligence process Clare County Council issued the Letter of Acceptance to the successful tenderer in February 2022 with an expected start date in March 2022.
As the Deputy is aware the construction industry is currently experiencing significant inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints. These factors have implications for progress on construction projects, including the Shannon Crossing/Killaloe Bypass/R494 upgrade scheme, while the industry takes stock of the options available to them and the consequences of any decisions taken. In this context the scheme Project Team are actively engaged with the contractor regarding the issues affecting the commencement of the scheme.
As regards the overall position regarding the impact of construction inflation on public works contracts, as the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), which operates as an office of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, is responsible for implementing national policy on public procurement, particularly in relation to construction procurement. I understand that the Minister for Public Expenditure is considering options at present with regard to the impact of construction inflation on public works contracts.
122. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the 20% reduction in public transport fares, the 50% youth Leap card reduction and the 50% youth travel card reduction measures to include services operated by commercial bus operators that has been requested by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21947/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services.
It is envisaged that the YAC will initially be made available on PSO services, and then broadened to include commercial operators at a later date. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.
However, it is important to note that it is technically more challenging to roll-out fare initiatives such as the Young Adult Card on the commercial bus network than it is on the LEAP enabled PSO network. As such, it will take longer to make this fare discount available to Commercial Bus Operators. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is in detailed discussions with transport operators and the Department of Transport regarding the range of issues that need to be addressed. To assist with this process, the NTA has established a joint working group with commercial bus operators to consider options and develop a plan to implement the Young Adult Card on Commercial Bus Operators in as timely a manner as possible, taking account of current ticketing capabilities to ensure a viable scheme is implemented
As the Deputy will be aware a 20% average reduction is being introduced on PSO services as part of a suite of Government measures to help combat the rising cost of living. This fare reduction was applied to all services outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) from the 11th of April and it is intended to roll-out the next stage of the reductions on GDA services from the 9th of May. The fare reduction will be in place until the end of the year. The Government decision did not include broadening this initiative to include commercial bus operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the possible extension of the fare discount schemes to commercial bus operators, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
123. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the future plans for the National Driver Licence Service Office in New Antrim Street, Castlebar, County Mayo given that prior to Covid-19 the office had a walk-in and appointment service; if both of these services will continue long-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21956/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAttendance at the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) office in Castlebar will continue to be available by prior appointment. Having an appointment gives certainty to customers and prevents overcrowding, queueing and long waits. In fact, the non-appointment service previously available at NDLS front offices generated complaints from members of the public due to waiting times and delays.
Appointments to attend at the Castlebar office can be booked online at www.ndls.ie or by telephone on 0818 919 090.
124. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will request Irish Rail to include the Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh railway line on the manual level crossing upgrade project and to ringfence the required funding to automate the manual level crossings in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21968/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure, including the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line.
This is the third year of the current five-year IMMAC programme, as approved by Government in 2020, and over the five years of the programme in excess of €1.1billion in Exchequer funding will be made available to support its delivery. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services. Usage of level crossings is reviewed on an annual basis through an on-going programme of inspections.
The Deputy may wish to note that funding for the upgrade of aged track on the route has been provided in 2022 which will see the full length of the Ballybrophy line upgraded to continuous welded rail by the end of the year, bringing journey time improvements for passengers.
The Infrastructure Manager in Iarnród Éireann drafts an annual work programme in October each year under the IMMAC. Funding allocations for 2023 will therefore not be finalised until later this year.
