Written Answers Nos. 131-140
131. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an individual update on the ongoing investment in port access for each route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18427/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the national roads projects listed.
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.
In relation to the Carlow Southern Relief Road and the Tralee Northern Relief Road, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
Regional and local road funding grants are used predominantly for road pavement resealing and strengthening works, bridge rehabilitation projects, climate adaptation, safety measures, drainage works and community involvement schemes on less trafficked roads.
In addition to maintaining the road network, targeted improvements are also prioritised, including 12 strategic schemes identified in the National Development Plan. To date 7 of the NDP schemes have been completed including the Athy Southern Distributor Road (opened Oct 2023) along with the Portlaoise Southern Relief Road, Sallins Bypass and the Sligo Western Distributor Road and a further three projects are at construction stage, including the Tralee Northern Relief Road and the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade schemes.
The planning and implementation of the projects is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
|
Name of Project |
Current Status of Project (as per IG) |
|
Tralee Northern Relief Road |
2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy. |
|
Carlow Southern Relief Road |
2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy. |
132. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on additional electric charging infrastructure for targeted growth in electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18429/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government, through Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), is investing €100 million between 2023-2025 in EV infrastructure as we look to accelerate the delivery of EV charging across our national road network and local and regional networks.
Home charging is still and will be the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners given the Irish landscape, with between 80-90% of EV owners expected to charge at home. However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
Since late 2022 the number of publicly available charge points has increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to 2,400. In order to achieve our targets, it is expected that we will require between 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers nationally depending on need.
The EV Charging infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Arising from this strategy, the National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan, due to be published in May 2024, makes provision for banks of EV chargers every 60 KM on the TEN-T motorway and national primary road network – which will support the connectivity of remote areas. This plan also includes provision of high-power charge points every 30KM on the national secondary roads by 2025.
Next month, we will also launch a public consultation on the Regional and Local Plan and roll out of EV Infrastructure for destination and neighbourhood locations through Local Authorities. This is a critical step in our EV transition that will see us move from the current business led model to a planned approach which leverages private funding and resourcing while allowing Government funding to flow to the areas it is needed.
To facilitate this, ZEVI have been engaging extensively with Local Authorities and agreed in principle a regional set up to deliver EV Infrastructure Strategies and Implementation Plans which will result in a planned and phased roll out of infrastructure over the next 5 years.
A crucial element of this approach is to ensure we deliver a cohesive, resilient network and adequate planning is essential to ensure any infrastructure delivered is installed in the right location for the right purpose to meet user needs.
133. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the comprehensive urban cycling and walking network for metropolitan areas, including 200km of cycle lanes under BusConnects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18455/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel and Public Transport. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area, including the development of Active Travel networks as well as BusConnects and its associated walking and cycling infrastructure.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
134. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the expanded greenways, including the north-west greenways, Carlingford Lough greenway and Ulster Canal greenway outlined in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18459/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently committed to progressing four cross border Greenway projects specifically the Ulster Canal Greenway, the Sligo to Enniskillen Greenway, the North West Greenway network and the Carlingford Lough Greenway. Funding has been provided by my Department to support the delivery of these projects.
I am pleased to advise that Minister Chambers will be attending a local event on 26th April organised by Donegal County Council to make the formal opening of the Donegal sections of the North West Greenway network (NWGN) constituting two separate Greenway routes connecting County Donegal to Derry and Strabane respectively. A cross border event is planned to be held in Q3/Q4 2024 to mark the completion of the NWGN programme and successful greenway delivery.
I have been advised that the remaining sections of the Carlingford Lough Greenway located in Ireland will be completed shortly and that it is envisaged that the Northern section of the Greenway will be completed by September 2024. An official cross border opening is planned to be held in Q4 2024 to mark the successful delivery of this Greenway.
Progress is being made on the Sligo-Enniskillen Greenway, this project is currently at currently at Phase 2 (Options Selection) of a defined eight stage process. It is expected that a preferred route corridor will be published in Q3 2024; a third public consultation will then be held to allow for feedback to be provided on the preferred route. It is currently anticipated that application(s) for separate Statutory Consent(s) (in both jurisdictions) will be made in 2025.
The Ulster Canal Greenway is being progressed in 12 separate sections which at various stages of development. I understand that good progress is being made on Section 2 (Castle Saunderson to Clones) with a section opening from Clonfad to Clones expected shortly. This project is being advanced by Waterways Ireland as part of the canal restoration project being funded by the Shared Island fund and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. My Department is committed to advancing Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 (located in Ireland) through the design and feasibility stages. I understand that a decision on planning is expected shortly from An Bord Pleanála in relation to Section 7: Monaghan to the Border. My Departmental officials work closely with their counterparts in the Department for Infrastructure to ensure regular updates are shared relating to this greenway project.
My Department is committed to progressing these cross border projects.
135. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the second parallel runway for Dublin Airport, as outlined in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18462/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the National Aviation Policy (2015) the Government confirmed its support for the new parallel runway at Dublin Airport – the North Runway - and the development of the Airport as a hub airport with the necessary capacity to connect key existing and emerging global markets.
The North Runway is an investment by daa in a key piece of strategic national infrastructure for current and future generations in Ireland which will ensure that Dublin Airport can meet expected future demand. The project was delivered on time and on budget at €320m with no recourse to exchequer funding.
The new North Runway officially opened on 24 August 2022. daa advise that the North Runway will be capable of delivering a 31% gain in connectivity by 2034, underpinning Dublin Airport’s position as a leading European Airport, a key European gateway to North America and a driver of economic growth.
136. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the new visual control tower at Dublin Airport, as outlined in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18464/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of a new control tower at Dublin Airport was identified as a strategic investment priority in the National Development Plan, aligning with the goals of the National Aviation Policy (2015).
Construction of the control tower began in 2017 and was completed at a cost of €50m with no recourse to exchequer funding. The tower is fully operational, with air traffic services having commenced on 9 November 2021.
Standing at 87m high, it is one of the country’s tallest occupied structures and was integral to the introduction of the parallel runway (the North Runway) which opened at Dublin airport in August 2022.
137. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the investment in the National Aviation Policy which provides support for Cork and Shannon Airports to develop as regional tourism and business gateways as outlined in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18465/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on investment in the Regional Airports Programme, which provides financial support towards safety and security projects at the smaller regional airports, including Ireland West Airport Knock, Waterford, Donegal and Kerry Airports as outlined in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18466/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAviation plays a crucial role in our economy and society. The National Aviation Policy, published in August 2015, established a policy framework for the development of the aviation sector. It was designed to create an environment that would encourage the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity, foster the growth of aviation enterprise and maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development.
The roles of Cork and Shannon Airports, as key tourism and business gateways for their regions, and particularly with regard to the development of key niche markets, continue to be supported by Government.
Both airports are expected to operate on a commercial basis without recourse to Exchequer funding. However, in light of the impacts of Covid-19 and taking account of the recommendations of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, Government provided Shannon and Cork airports with over €28 million in capital and operational supports in 2021 under a COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021. This funding was in addition to over €5.3 million in emergency Exchequer funding paid in 2021 to support Shannon Airport for a Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) project and an Embankments project.
In relation to the Regional Airports Programme, a new Programme for the period 2021-2025 was published by my Department in 2021. This Programme aligns with the National Strategic Outcome - NSO 6 High-Quality International Connectivity of our National Development Plan. This strategic outcome sets out that investment will continue to support international connectivity and competitiveness, whilst targeting the ‘greening’ of airports.
In line with this, the Regional Airports Programme seeks to optimise conditions for connectivity and regional development, both for the social and economic benefits that can be derived from facilitating access to and from the associated regions. Since 2021, almost €65 million in capital and operational supports have been provided to eligible airports, with a further €13 million available for allocation under the Programme this year. This funding has supported a range of essential safety and security related activities and operations required to maintain airports’ compliance with regulatory requirements in those areas. Projects with a sustainability focus have also been supported, assisting airports meet their carbon reduction targets and build climate resilience.
Eligible airports are those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than one million annual passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). The regional airports at Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal are currently eligible for funding under the Programme. In the absence of scheduled passenger services, Waterford Airport has not been eligible since 2016.
In addition, by virtue of their size and passenger numbers, neither Cork nor Shannon had been eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme. However, in 2022 both became eligible due to suppressed passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Shannon Airport remained eligible for supports in 2023, neither of these State airports are eligible for supports in 2024.
The Programme also provides for Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services to isolated areas – those not adequately served by alternative transport services to administrative, business, education, and medical centres. Currently one PSO route, providing twice daily two-way air services, is supported between Donegal and Dublin airports.
This targeted Exchequer funding has supported the strong rebound in passenger traffic witnessed across Irish regional airports, with overall passenger traffic in 2023, 9% above 2019 levels (the last comparable period prior to COVID-19).
To consider how this Programme is delivering on its objectives, primarily in the context of how international connectivity and services to and from the regions can be maintained and enhanced, the Programme provides that a mid-term review be undertaken in 2023. My Department carried out a public consultation last year to inform this review, which was finalised in late December. I am currently engaging with colleagues across Government in reaching a conclusion on this review.
139. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the circa €90 million redevelopment of existing port facilities at Ringaskiddy to accommodate larger sea-going vessels and increase capacity at the Port of Cork as outlined in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18478/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Port of Cork Company’s Ringaskiddy Redevelopment Project was completed in 2021 and became operational in April 2022. This €90 million Cork Container Terminal (CCT) was officially opened by my predecessor, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, in September 2022.
The new 360m-long quay has a 12.4m depth of water, meaning it is capable of handling large container ships up to 300m long and 16 containers wide. The development will enable the Port to increase capacity and throughput, accommodate larger vessels and further develop it as an international gateway for trade.
The completion of the project represents the first phase of the Port’s Strategic Development Plan and capital investment program which will see new cargo handling equipment, an extension of the deep-water berth, and a further extension of Ringaskiddy over the coming years.
The project was part-funded by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) which is European grant funding along with finance from the European Investment Bank, AIB and Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.
140. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the €27 million towards capacity extension works at Shannon Foynes Port (Shannon Foynes Port Company) as outlined in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18479/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2023, Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) substantially completed three major capacity extension works projects as outlined in the National Development Plan. These projects consisted of (i) 117m of new quay joining the East and West Jetties and (2) forming a 700m uninterrupted quay, 12,000m ² of adjoining quay set down area and (3) the completion of Phase 1 (12 acres) of the Durnish Land Developments reclamation. These works enable the port to handle increased freight volumes thereby providing incremental national port capacity, support future rail integration at Foynes Port enhancing national multi-modal freight connectivity and providing marshalling areas for the offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector.
Separately, exchequer funding has been provided to Iarnród Éireann to undertake rehabilitation works on the Foynes – Limerick freight line. It is anticipated that the route will open for freight services in 2025.
