Robert Troy
Question:529. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of his Department’s capital expenditure to the end of December 2018 under the heading of B.8 sustainable transport. [2308/19]
View answerDepartmental Expenditure
Questions (529)
Written answers
The Deputy will appreciate that end year outturn figures for the Vote for 2018 are currently being finalised; however, the provisional breakdown of expenditure under Subhead B8: Public & Sustainable Transport is as follows:
|
- |
Amount |
|
Smarter Travel / Sustainable Urban Transport |
€19.3m* |
|
Heavy Rail Safety / Development |
€173.1m |
|
Public Transport Infrastructure |
€195.6m |
|
Cycling and Walking |
€18.1m* |
*Subject to finalisation
The bulk of funding provided under the various programmes is allocated to the National Transport
Authority (NTA) which in turn allocates the monies toward specific projects and programmes; however, Iarnród Éireann is also allocated money directly by my Department under the heavy rail safety / development programme in line with the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) which funds maintenance and renewal of the heavy rail network.
The Deputy will no doubt welcome the increased allocations I have secured in Budget 2019 which represent an increase of 18% in capital expenditure under B8 Public & Sustainable Transport as compared to last year's allocation.
Transport Policy
Questions (530)
Robert Troy
Question:530. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the review by the Irish Maritime Development Office into the use of the UK landbridge by exporters and importers here. [2336/19]
View answerWritten answers
I refer the Deputy to my answer to PQ number 2337/19, copied below.
The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) report was published in November 2018 and is available on the publications section of the IMDO website (www.imdo.ie ).
The report estimates that the annual volume of Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) traffic using the landbridge to transport goods to and from the continent is approximately 3 million tonnes, which equates to approximately 150,000 Heavy Goods Vehicles. The total value of trade with the EU using the landbridge is estimated to be €21 billion, and may well be higher. This is a significant proportion of Ireland’s trade and a significant aspect of Ireland’s international road haulage sector.
The study concludes that the landbridge is a strategically important route to market for many Irish importers and exporters and that certain sectors of the economy will be adversely affected, mainly those that trade in time sensitive goods, e.g. Agri-food, seafood etc. The study recommends that Ireland’s continued access to the UK landbridge is protected in the ongoing EU-UK negotiations.
There is ongoing liaison between Ireland, the European Commission and other similar affected Member States on matters relating to the land bridge. However, I have also assessed the maritime capacity for direct sailings between Ireland and continental EU ports as a potential alternative route for trade currently using the Landbridge. I recognise that the longer journey time on these direct routes may not offer a viable alternative and some trade will continue to use the Landbridge or, in the event of significant delays, may become unviable.
Based on consultations with the shipping sector and wider, I have advised Government that sufficient capacity should be available on direct routes to continental ports from end March 2019, and if demand for further capacity arises, the shipping sector can respond quickly. I am keeping this matter under review and will update Government again before end-February 2019.
Brexit Issues
Questions (531)
Robert Troy
Question:531. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the review by the Irish Maritime Development Office into the way in which Brexit may affect importers and exporters here; the details of his engagement with the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2337/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) report was published in November 2018 and is available on the publications section of the IMDO website (www.imdo.ie).
The report estimates that the annual volume of Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) traffic using the landbridge to transport goods to and from the continent is approximately 3 million tonnes, which equates to approximately 150,000 Heavy Goods Vehicles. The total value of trade with the EU using the landbridge is estimated to be €21 billion, and may well be higher. This is a significant proportion of Ireland’s trade and a significant aspect of Ireland’s international road haulage sector.
The study concludes that the landbridge is a strategically important route to market for many Irish importers and exporters and that certain sectors of the economy will be adversely affected, mainly those that trade in time sensitive goods, e.g. Agri-food, seafood etc. The study recommends that Ireland’s continued access to the UK landbridge is protected in the ongoing EU-UK negotiations.
There is ongoing liaison between Ireland, the European Commission and other similar affected Member States on matters relating to the land bridge. However, I have also assessed the maritime capacity for direct sailings between Ireland and continental EU ports as a potential alternative route for trade currently using the Landbridge. I recognise that the longer journey time on these direct routes may not offer a viable alternative and some trade will continue to use the Landbridge or, in the event of significant delays, may become unviable.
Based on consultations with the shipping sector and wider, I have advised Government that sufficient capacity should be available on direct routes to continental ports from end March 2019, and if demand for further capacity arises, the shipping sector can respond quickly. I am keeping this matter under review and will update Government again before end-February 2019.
Question No. 532 answered with Question No. 526.
Transport Policy
Questions (533)
Robert Troy
Question:533. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether there should be an extraordinary review of Ireland’s TEN-T infrastructure; and if so, if he has made representations in this regard. [2339/19]
View answerWritten answers
The TEN-T Regulations (EU) No 1315/2013 stipulate that a review of the TEN-T network will take place no later than the end of 2023. As I have stated previously, my Department will be making a submission to the European Commission calling for an early review of the TEN-T Network, taking into account our National Development Plan, our National Planning Framework, and the implications of Brexit.
Separately, there are nine multimodal EU Trans European Transport Network (TEN-T) Core Network Corridors, which aim to streamline the coordinated development of the overall TEN-T Core Network. Of these nine Corridors, the “North Sea Mediterranean Corridor” or “NSMED Corridor” is the only corridor that includes the UK and Ireland. This Corridor map outlines a link from Ireland to the UK, through the UK land bridge, and on to continental Europe.
In the context of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the European Commission has proposed an Amendment to Regulation (EU) No. 1316/2013 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which would realign the NSMED Core Network Corridor given that the UK will no longer form part of the Corridor or the TEN-T network. This proposal seeks to ensure that the NSMED Corridor does not become fragmented as a result of Brexit, and will take effect only when the CEF Regulation no longer applies to the UK.
Ireland welcomes the Commission’s proposal to revise the current alignment of the NSMED Corridor with linkages between Ireland (Cork and Dublin) and the ports of Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Antwerp. Ireland also echoed calls from France for further TEN-T links to French ports and Ireland has also made clear to the European Commission that it would support any further proposals from the Commission or other Member States to facilitate enhanced maritime connections between Member States that will mitigate the impact of the UK departure.
A proposal for a new Regulation for CEF - the funding mechanism for TEN-T from 2021 - is also currently under consideration. In the latest draft, the Commission has accepted Ireland's proposal, made jointly with Malta and Cyprus, that funding be provided for infrastructure on the Comprehensive Network in Member States where there is no land border with another EU Member State. If this is maintained as part of the final agreed Regulation, it will mean that organisations will continue to be eligible to apply for funding for projects coming within the application criteria after 2020.
My Department continues to liaise with the European Commission in relation to the TEN-T network in the context of Brexit, including in relation to the EU’s proposal outlined above, and my Department has raised Ireland’s concerns about the implications for connectivity and trade in light of the UK's decision to leave the EU.
Ferry Services Provision
Questions (534)
Robert Troy
Question:534. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the recent announcement of a company (details supplied) that it would be unlikely to operate Rosslare to Cherbourg and Rosslare to Roscoff services in 2019, particularly in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2341/19]
View answerWritten answers
Irish Ferries announced in December that it is unlikely to operate a ferry service from Rosslare to France in 2019 but that it intends to substantially increase capacity on its Dublin to Cherbourg route. Irish Ferries is a private commercial company and any decision taken by the company to change services is a commercial decision for the company.
In 2018, Irish Ferries had three weekly sailings from Rosslare to Cherbourg/Roscoff during the Summer months. Currently, Stena Line operates three weekly sailings from Rosslare to Cherbourg.
There is on-going engagement between the Department, ports and shipping companies in relation to Brexit. The new Irish Ferries vessel, the WB Yeats, will result in a year round freight capacity on a direct service from Dublin to France, significantly increasing capacity for both freight and tourism on a direct route to Europe.
Public Transport Expenditure
Questions (535, 536)
Catherine Murphy
Question:535. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding available in 2019 for the improvement and provision of new cycling lanes by county in the context of allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2353/19]
View answerCatherine Murphy
Question:536. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated under the sustainable transport measures grants programme for 2018, in tabular form; the forecasted allocations for 2019; the way in which funding was allocated to projects and or beneficiaries of funding under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2355/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 535 and 536 together.
As 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, including cycling infrastructure.
Funding for cycling is provided under a number of different programmes, of which the two principal ones are the Smarter Travel/Sustainable Urban Transport programme and the Cycling & Walking programme.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I have secured a significant improvement in funding allocations over the period 2018-2021 which will benefit both cyclists and walkers. These improved allocations over this period include:
- €110 million specifically dedicated to cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;
- €135 million for sustainable urban transport measures;
- €750 million approximately towards the BusConnects programme in Dublin which will include the delivery of around 200 kilometres of segregated cycling lanes, where possible; and
- €53 million to support the development of new Greenways.
In addition to the above, Government has also made additional money available for cycling projects through both the Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds under the National Development Plan.
End year figures for 2018 are currently being finalised; in the meantime, the provisional expenditure outturn for the Smarter Travel/Sustainable Urban Transport programme and the Cycling & Walking programme is €37.4m while funding under these two programmes will increase again in 2019 with approximately €48 million allocated toward the programmes.
To clarify the figures referred to above relate only to my Department's Cycling & Walking programme and its Smarter Travel/Sustainable Urban Transport programme and exclude expenditure under other programmes such as BusConnects or the Greenways Strategy.
As previously stated, as Minister I have responsibility for overall funding; however, the NTA allocates the funding at a project level and I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to the Authority for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Question No. 537 answered with Question No. 525.
Cycling Policy
Questions (538)
Mary Butler
Question:538. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the barriers which prevented the completion in 2018 of the review of the national cycling policy framework which was included in the 2017 climate mitigation plan; the revised completion date for same; if intermediate goals are being put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2413/19]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware my Department has committed toward undertaking a review of public transport policy “to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy”. This is line with a commitment given in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
This review is a significant and substantial resource commitment and my Department has commenced and substantially completed the research and analysis required to inform the proposed period of public consultation which I expect to launch in the near future.
The review is premised on the concept of integrated and sustainable transport, in keeping with the objectives of Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future which formed the overarching policy backdrop to the development of the National Cycling Policy Framework. As part of the overall review therefore, analysis of the National Cycling Policy Framework, its implementation and impact is being conducted and will be published as part of the overall review.
Last year, as part of this review I hosted a Public Transport Stakeholder Forum in the Mansion House at which representatives from a broad spectrum of interest groups in the wider public and sustainable transport sector attended, including those representing cyclists .
As stated I expect to initiate a public consultation process in the coming months and I look forward to engaging with the public on this important work.
Transport Policy
Questions (539)
Lisa Chambers
Question:539. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps which have been taken to address Ireland’s current link on the European TEN-T network to mainland Europe via the UK landbridge; if he has sought changes to the European TEN-T network; and his views on whether Brexit will significantly disrupt this and the functioning of the landbridge, which will have consequences for Ireland’s connectivity to the single market. [2414/19]
View answerWritten answers
There are nine multimodal EU Trans European Transport Network (TEN-T) Core Network Corridors, which aim to streamline the coordinated development of the overall TEN-T Core Network. Of these nine Corridors, the “North Sea Mediterranean Corridor” or “NSMED Corridor” is the only corridor that includes the UK and Ireland. This Corridor map outlines a link from Ireland to the UK, through the UK land bridge, and on to continental Europe.
In the context of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the European Commission has proposed an Amendment to Regulation (EU) No. 1316/2013 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which would realign the NSMED Core Network Corridor given that the UK will no longer form part of the Corridor or the TEN-T network. This proposal seeks to ensure that the NSMED Corridor does not become fragmented as a result of Brexit, and will take effect only when the CEF Regulation no longer applies to the UK.
Ireland welcomes the Commission’s proposal to revise the current alignment of the NSMED Corridor with linkages between Ireland (Cork and Dublin) and the ports of Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Antwerp. Ireland also echoed calls from France for further TEN-T links to French ports and Ireland has also made clear to the European Commission that it would support any further proposals from the Commission or other Member States to facilitate enhanced maritime connections between Member States that will mitigate the impact of the UK departure.
My Department continues to liaise with the European Commission in relation to the TEN-T network in the context of Brexit, including in relation to the EU’s proposal outlined above, and my Department has raised Ireland’s concerns about the implications for connectivity and trade in light of the UK's decision to leave the EU.
Ireland is very concerned about the impact of Brexit on the landbridge route to continental markets. The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) report, published in November 2018, estimates that the annual volume of Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) traffic using the landbridge to transport goods to and from the continent is approximately 3 million tonnes, which equates to approximately 150,000 Heavy Goods Vehicles. The total value of trade with the EU using the landbridge is estimated to be €21 billion, and may well be higher. This is a significant proportion of Ireland’s trade and a significant aspect of Ireland’s international road haulage sector.
As outlined in the study, the landbridge is a strategically important route to market for many Irish importers and exporters and certain sectors of the economy will be adversely affected by Brexit, mainly those that trade in time sensitive goods, e.g. Agri-food, seafood etc. The study recommends that Ireland’s continued access to the UK landbridge is protected in the ongoing EU-UK negotiations.
There is ongoing liaison between Ireland, the European Commission and other similar affected Member States on matters relating to the land bridge.
However, I have also assessed the maritime capacity for direct sailings between Ireland and continental EU ports as a potential alternative route for trade currently using the Landbridge. I recognise that the longer journey time on these direct routes may not offer a viable alternative and some trade will continue to use the Landbridge or, in the event of significant delays, may become unviable.
Based on consultations with the shipping sector and wider, I have advised Government that sufficient capacity should be available on direct routes to continental ports from end March 2019, and if demand for further capacity arises, the shipping sector can respond quickly. I am keeping this matter under review and will update Government again before end-February 2019.
Public Transport Expenditure
Questions (540)
Seán Sherlock
Question:540. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department to the end of December 2018 under BusConnects. [2438/19]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 in relation to public transport infrastructure projects and programmes in the Greater Dublin Area, including expenditure in relation to the BusConnects programme.
Noting their responsibility in relation to this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please notify my office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Roads Maintenance Funding
Questions (541)
Tony McLoughlin
Question:541. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the allocations under the non-national safety improvement scheme to Sligo County Council to fund local projects (details supplied) will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2488/19]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) in Sligo is the statutory responsibility of Sligo County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
On 7t September 2018 my Department sought applications for funding of safety improvement works on regional and local roads to be carried out by local authorities during 2019. The schemes for inclusion in the application are decided by the local authorities. Sligo County Council applied for funding for 10 schemes, including a pedestrian crossing at the Ursuline Convent on the L9017.
Local authorities are informed of allocations under the Safety Improvement Scheme as part of the annual grant award process. The 2019 allocations will be announced shortly.
It is also open to Councils to develop pedestrian crossings from their Discretionary grant or from their own resources.
Road Traffic Legislation
Questions (542)
Robert Troy
Question:542. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if allowances can be made under the Clancy amendment which would allow learner drivers who have been waiting for a driver test date for an extended time to continue driving until an appointment date is issued. [2510/19]
View answerWritten answers
The purpose of the driving test is to set out the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licensed driver. Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test he or she is not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision. Driving a car is complex and challenging and it is imperative to the safety of all road users that the learning process not be rushed. There can be no exceptions to this principle.
The demand for driving tests is currently high and I accept that waiting times are often too long. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is addressing this by increasing its capacity to deliver extra tests and my Department recently sanctioned the recruitment of a large number of additional driver testers to this end.
Driver Licence Renewals
Questions (543)
Darragh O'Brien
Question:543. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is provision to reactivate a driver licence; if so, if it can be done via retaking a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2558/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) delivers the driving licence service through the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS). As such, I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Public Transport Expenditure
Questions (544)
Catherine Martin
Question:544. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding made available and drawn down for cycling measures in 2017, 2018 and projected for 2019 under programmes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2569/19]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware I have secured significant improved funding allocations over the period 2018-2021 which will benefit both cyclists and walkers.
These improved allocations over this period include:
- €110 million specifically dedicated to cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;
- €135 million for sustainable urban transport measures;
- €750 million approximately towards the BusConnects programme in Dublin which will include the delivery of around 200 kilometres of segregated cycling lanes, where possible; and
- €53 million to support the development of new Greenways.
In addition to the above, Government has also made additional money available for cycling projects through both the Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds under the National Development Plan.
End year figures for 2018 are currently being finalised; in the meantime, the provisional expenditure outturn for sustainable transport measures that benefit walking and cycling are as follows:
- €18.1 million spent specifically on cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;
- €19.3 million spent on smarter travel and sustainable transport measures, which will benefit both cyclists and walkers.
Funding under these two programmes will increase again in 2019 with approximately €48 million being allocated.
The Deputy may be aware that investment in cycling infrastructure before 2018 was delivered under a number of different programmes and schemes, namely the Smarter Transport Measures Grant (STMG) Programme and the Regional Cities Programme. The capital expenditure on these programmes along with the Smarter Travel programme in 2017 was €20.5 million.
Notwithstanding the different programmes in place over the period, the following table shows the comparable relevant expenditure for 2017 and 2018 and the allocation for 2019 -
|
Year |
2017 Expenditure |
2018 Expenditure* |
2019 Allocation |
|
Total Expenditure / Allocation |
€20.5m |
€37.4m |
€48m |
*2018 figures subject to finalisation
I believe that the improved multi-annual capital expenditure figures outlined above will positively assist with the better development and provision of cycling infrastructure across the State, while improving the safety for all road users.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (545)
Catherine Martin
Question:545. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to recognise the role of electric and electrically assisted vehicles in providing for sustainable transport and travel; his further plans to regulate for the increase in pedal assisted electric bikes, electric scooters and electric unicycles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2570/19]
View answerWritten answers
A switch to alternatively powered vehicles is a necessary step-change for Ireland to effect substantial reductions in transport emissions. However, it is equally important that the regulation of vehicles and their use protects the lives and safety of all road users and is not simply driven by the market.
In the 'National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland' I outlined my ambition that by 2030 all new cars and vans sold in Ireland would be zero-emission capable. To support this ambition and a Programme for Partnership Government commitment, an interdepartmental Low-Emitting Vehicles (LEV) Taskforce was jointly convened by my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Phase 1 of the Taskforce considered a range of measures and options available to Government to accelerate the deployment of EVs. Following on from their recommendations a number of generous incentives for EVs were announced as part of Budgets 2018 and 2019 aimed at assisting drivers in purchasing hybrid or electric cars. Phase 1 is now complete; for your information I have included this link to the recently published LEV Taskforce Progress Report.
Before giving consideration to the need to regulate the other vehicles that the Deputy has referred to, I will be asking the Road Safety Authority to conduct an international study into the safe and appropriate use of such vehicles.
Cycling Facilities Provision
Questions (546)
Catherine Martin
Question:546. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to better regulate for the provision of contraflow cycle lanes on one-way roads as is common in Belgium and other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2571/19]
View answerWritten answers
There are already a number of contraflow cycle lanes in operation across Dublin City and elsewhere in the country. There are currently no plans to change the legal basis for these lanes as laid out in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (as amended) and underpinned by the appropriate Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations, The provision of such infrastructure, in accordance with that legislation, remains the responsibility of the local authorities.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Questions (547)
Catherine Martin
Question:547. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the recommendations of the Department of Finance on internalisation of GHG emissions in cost-benefit analysis are being used in the revision of the common appraisal framework guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2572/19]
View answerWritten answers
The cost of Greenhouse Gas emissions in the Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects and Programmes are based on those set out in the Public Spending Code, which are based on the 2008 findings and recommendations of an interdepartmental Working Group reporting to the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security. An updated version of the Public Spending Code is currently under development by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is planned to include revisions to a number of parameters, including the valuation of Greenhouse Gas emissions. Officials from my Department have engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as part of this process of revisions and updates to the Public Spending Code and its associated parameters.
It is the intention of my Department to update the Common Appraisal Framework in 2019. As part of this update, any changes in relevant parameters of the Public Spending Code will be reflected. This will include any updates which are made to the cost of additional Greenhouse Gas emissions which are considered as part of the Cost Benefit Analysis process for transport projects.
Public Transport Initiatives
Questions (548)
Catherine Martin
Question:548. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has sought a plan from the Office of Public Works to reduce car parking spaces at public offices in which alternative travel options are possible and require other public sector organisations to do likewise as part of their workplace travel plans as provided for under action 8 of the Smarter Travel Transport Policy for Ireland 2009 – 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2573/19]
View answerWritten answers
In line with Action 8 of Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future my Department funds the development of workforce travel plans through a programme administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The Smarter Travel Workplace and Smarter Travel Campus programmes work with employers and third level institutions to encourage more sustainable travel choices among employees and students as appropriate. I am delighted to say that the funding has enabled the NTA to support 138 large workplaces and third level institutions across the country, including 29 public sector workplaces, in developing their workforce travel plans.
I recognise that a key driver in ensuring more people choose a sustainable travel option is the improvement and expansion of public and sustainable transport infrastructure and services and that is why I have been working to increase investment in areas such as – Funding for PSO bus and rail services across the State
- Funding for the development of new and improved cycling and walking infrastructure
- Funding for the planning and development of BusConnects in all major cities
- Funding for the planning and development of MetroLink
- Funding for the planning and development of DART Expansion.
I believe these positive developments will greatly enhance the sustainable transport options open to people and increase the numbers of people choosing to travel to work in a sustainable manner.
I understand from the Office of Public Works that the issue of proximity to public transport links is an important criterion in its consideration of accommodation options for public sector bodies within urban areas and that it no longer provides “stand-alone” car parking spaces for Departments and Offices (i.e. spaces which are not provided by a landlord as part of the building itself).
In relation to supporting sustainable transport choices, the Deputy will be aware that my Department has been working to review public and sustainable transport policy generally and I expect to initiate a public consultation on that review work in the coming months.