Written Answers Nos. 498-515
498. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the fees paid and services rendered to a person (details supplied) in each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49419/18]
View answerA contract was awarded to appoint an independent process auditor to the National Broadband Plan procurement process in May 2016 following an open procurement process. The fees paid to date in respect of these services are set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Payments Made (including VAT) |
Services |
|
2017 |
€1,968 |
Process auditor services |
|
2018 (to date) |
€7,872 |
Process auditor services |
|
TOTAL |
€9,840 |
|
499. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if charge points for electric vehicles will be installed in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49429/18]
View answerThe majority of the existing network of publicly accessible charge points was rolled out by the ESB through its eCars programme. This network includes 77 fast chargers, mainly on national routes. An interactive map showing the locations of charging points throughout Ireland is available at www.esb.ie/our-businesses/ecars/charge-point-map.
There are currently charging posts at a number of locations in or near Castleknock including a fast charger in Blanchardstown Centre. Fast chargers are vital to overcome ‘range anxiety’ and are generally focused around the national road network.
A key aspect of the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, involved examining how best to support the development of the electric vehicle charging. The first phase of the Taskforce's work, which focused on electric vehicles, is now complete and the progress report is available on my Department’s website. Arising out of the work of the Taskforce a support scheme is in place to support electric vehicle charging at home, the primary method of charging for the majority of electric vehicles both internationally and in Ireland. My Department, in conjunction with the SEAI, is working on how best to support the provision of greater levels of on-street public charging. It is also important to note the role of the Climate Action Fund. The first Call for Applications, which was launched in July, includes provision for supporting electric vehicle charging networks along with a range of other project types. The deadline for applications has now passed and I can confirm that 97 applications have been received. An assessment process of these applications is currently underway.
500. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of used cooking oil, UCO, used in the production of biodiesel here in each of the years since 2010; the volume of the UCO that was collected here in each of the years; and the volumes of UCO that were imported (details supplied). [49550/18]
View answerUsed cooking oil (or UCO) is the most widely used feedstock for biofuel used in Ireland. In 2017, over 141 million litres of biodiesel produced from UCO was placed on the market here, of which 4.7 million litres was from feedstock sourced in Ireland.
There is one biofuel manufacturer of scale in Ireland which has the facility to produce up to 34 million litres of biodiesel annually. The principal feedstocks used for the manufacture of biodiesel at the company's plant are tallow, which is a waste from the meat processing industry, and UCO.
The Biofuels Obligation Scheme Annual Reports which are available on the website of the National Oil Reserves Agency at www.nora.ie/biofuels-obligation-scheme/bos-annual-reports.225.html lists the breakdown of biofuel feedstocks used by country of origin since July 2012, when biofuel sustainability regulations came into force. Data is not available prior to July 2012.
Taken from these annual reports, the following table lists the amount of biodiesel from UCO placed on the Irish transport fuel market in the past six years broken down by feedstock sourced in Ireland and outside Ireland.
|
Year |
Sourced in Ireland (litres) |
Sourced outside Ireland (litres) |
Total (litres) |
|
2012 (Jul – Dec) |
5,968,874 |
21,686,407 |
27,655,281 |
|
2013 |
9,492,820 |
64,360,758 |
73,853,578 |
|
2014 |
3,720,163 |
66,905,212 |
70,625,375 |
|
2015 |
4,448,453 |
88,053,550 |
92,502,003 |
|
2016 |
9,287,455 |
72,617,563 |
81,905,018 |
|
2017 |
4,670,403 |
136,396,527 |
141,066,930 |
The table provides estimates of the collection figures for waste code 20 01 25 (which closely corresponds to UCO). It should be noted that this excludes household waste and a portion of the figures will refer to grease trap waste. These figures have been provided by the National Waste Collection Permit Office.
|
Year |
Quantity (tonnes) |
|
2012 |
25,343 |
|
2013 |
25,053 |
|
2014 |
31,010 |
|
2015 |
28,780 |
|
2016 |
40,419 |
|
2017 |
39,856 |
The table lists the available information by tonnage of imported UCO. A breakdown of countries and similar data in relation to exports is not currently available. The figures shown below have been provided by the National Transfrontier Shipment Office .
|
Year |
Tonnes |
|
2011 |
3,674 |
|
2012 |
11,026 |
|
2013 |
5,600 |
|
2014 |
1,694 |
|
2015 |
4,828 |
|
2016 |
9,119 |
|
2017 |
6,058 |
501. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide a timeline for the development of his Department's specific climate change targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49563/18]
View answerI have secured Government approval to prepare an All of Government Plan which will set out the actions which must be taken in every Government Department and Body to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. I will work with colleagues across Government to develop new initiatives across electricity, transport, heat, agriculture and other relevant sectors. The new plan will have a strong focus on implementation, including actions with clear timelines and steps needed to achieve each action, assigning clear lines of responsibility for delivery. The new plan will also be informed by successful approaches in other countries, where such approaches could be adapted for implementation in Ireland. This Plan will build on the previous actions taken by Government, including in the National Mitigation Plan and the National Development Plan, and is to be completed by the end of February 2019.
Ireland's National Mitigation Plan, published in 2017, sets out the sectoral policy measures required in order to manage Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions at a level appropriate for making progress towards our long-term national transition objective, as well as taking into account our EU and international obligations. Although this first Plan does not provide a complete roadmap to achieve our national transition objective to 2050, it begins the process of development of medium- to long-term options to ensure that we are well positioned to take the necessary actions in the next and future decades.
Building on the National Mitigation Plan, the publication in February of the National Development Plan reaffirms the Government’s commitment to transitioning Ireland to a low carbon, climate resilient economy and society. Reflecting the strong commitment of Government on this issue, almost €22 billion will be directed, between Exchequer and non-Exchequer resources, to addressing the transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient society. This means that about €1 in €5 spent under the National Development Plan will be on climate action and this capital investment will enable us to deliver a significant reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions over the period to 2030.
502. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of abolishing the surcharge on non-annual payments of motor tax. [48969/18]
View answerBased on the number of motor tax transactions in 2017, the estimated cost to the Exchequer of extending the discount for yearly payments of motor tax to the half-yearly and quarterly payment options is €52.7m.
503. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for new properties at a location (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48850/18]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann, as Rosslare Europort is a division of the company. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
504. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that CIÉ superannuated pensions have not increased in eight years; his views on whether this should be addressed; and if so, the way in which and when this deficiency will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48927/18]
View answer512. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure the CIÉ superannuation fund is adequate to cater for pension increases for former CIÉ employees; and his views on the fact that these former employees have not received a pension increase since 2008 despite an €18 increase in the rate of State pension in the same period. [49163/18]
View answerThe negotiations on both the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and political declaration on the framework for the EU-UK future relationship, both of which we were endorsed by the European Council on 25 November, were conducted on behalf of the EU27 by the EU's Chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, and the Commission's Article 50 Taskforce. Brexit is a priority issue for this Government, and the Taoiseach, my cabinet colleagues and I have taken every opportunity to engage with EU partners and the UK to advance Ireland’s priorities. Recently, I have had a number of engagements with UK ministers on the issue of Brexit. On 31 October, I met with Jeremy Hunt in London for a second time that month, a day after I met Dominic Raab, then the UK Secretary of State for Exiting the EU. I also met with David Lidington, the UK Minister of the Cabinet Office in September in Dublin, and have remained in regular phone contact. On 23 November, I spoke on the phone with the newly appointed UK Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, Steve Barclay. I conveyed to Mr Barclay my hope that agreement on the Withdrawal Agreement and the political declaration on the framework for the future relationship at the upcoming European Council will enable the EU and the UK to focus more intently on the future relationship and on the considerable work that lies ahead. I stressed Ireland's wish to have the closest possible relationship between the EU and the UK.
505. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a company (details supplied) or TII and-or NTA will be the beneficiaries of revenue from advertising onboard and on the sides of buses; if TII or the company negotiates its advertising revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48941/18]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
506. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to extending the M50 to form a complete ring around Dublin city. [48987/18]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, 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 operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.
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.
507. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount collected by Dublin Bus from advertising revenue from advertisements onboard its fleet; the revenue from full bus wraps and side-of-bus advertisements and from bus shelter locations for the past three years to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49000/18]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus with the exception of the ad revenue from bus shelters which is collected by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus and the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
508. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount collected by Irish Rail from advertising revenue from advertisements onboard DART and commuter stock; the revenue from in-station postering and-or billboard locations for the past three years to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49001/18]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
509. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of driver licences issued to 16 to 24 year olds in each of the years 2011 to 2017. [49070/18]
View answerThe operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply and ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
510. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the amended bus network redesign following submissions for BusConnects will be published; and if there will be an opportunity for further submissions on this matter. [49072/18]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities on 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.
511. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the increase or decrease in transport greenhouse gas emissions compared with current levels expected to result from the implementation of the greater Dublin area transport strategy. [49073/18]
View answer513. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the increase or decrease in greenhouse gas emissions compared to current levels expected to result from the implementation of the greater Dublin area transport strategy. [49167/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 511 and 513 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy and associated assessment and modelling. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
514. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rationale for the decrease in PSO support to Dublin Bus since 2011 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49237/18]
View answer516. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the reduction in Dublin Bus's PSO contribution from the State in view of the surge in passenger numbers from 119 million in 2014 to 139 million in 2017. [49292/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 516 together.
Since 2010 my Department no longer pays subvention for public transport services directly to operators. The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers. I have therefore referred the Deputy’s questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
515. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the net increase in the Dublin Bus fleet since 2016. [49291/18]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) have statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area, including the procurement of bus fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to this matter, I have forwarded your query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.
