Micheál Martin
Question:419. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on his announcement of the national broadband plan on 7 May 2019. [20563/19]
View answerNational Broadband Plan
Questions (419)
Written answers
Every home, farm, school and business in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband - no matter where they are located - following the Government’s decision to approve the appointment of a preferred bidder to the National Broadband Plan.
Under this plan, Ireland will becomes one of the first countries in the world to ensure that those in rural areas have the same digital opportunities as those in urban areas.
This plan will ensure that rural Ireland will have the same opportunities as urban areas. It will:
- Provide broadband to 540K homes, farms and businesses involving laying of 146,000km of fibre
- High speeds of 150mbs per second increasing to 500mbs from year 10
- Same customer charges as in urban Ireland
- Operate for 25 years in a future proofed way.
The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. In 2012, less than 700,000, or 30% of all 2.4 million Irish premises had access to high speed broadband. Today, 74% of premises can access high speed broadband.
The State intervention is the subject of the procurement process to engage a company to build, operate and maintain the NBP State intervention network. I recently brought a recommendation to Government to confer Preferred Bidder status on Granahan McCourt, the remaining bidder in the NBP procurement process and Government agreed to this. The company established to deliver the NBP is called National Broadband Ireland (NBI)
The Government Decision of 7 May 2019 means that it is intended to award the State Intervention contract to NBI. This award is subject to the contract close, including finalisation of financial and legal documents. Deployment of the NBP State Intervention network will commence shortly after that.
In the first year of roll out, the Bidder will deploy approximately 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) across all counties. It is anticipated that between 7 and 23 BCPs will be deployed in each county. BCPs will provide a community based high speed broadband service, enhancing online participation and allowing for the establishment of digital work hubs in these locations. The Bidder is aiming to pass 133,000 premises at the end of the second year, with 70-100,000 passed each year thereafter until roll out is completed.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Questions (420)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:420. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if research has been carried out into the improved lower carbon emissions that would result from lower speed limits on roads here; if data are available on the issue in other EU jurisdictions, the United States of America, Canada and Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20389/19]
View answerWritten answers
Research in this area does suggest that energy use increases at higher travelling speeds; some studies suggest that moving from 100km/h to 120km/h increases fuel consumption by up to 20% and reducing speed limits, particularly on the motorway network, is often suggested as potentially having a role to play in reducing transport emissions. Co-benefits for road safety may also arise. However, negative economic impacts, reduced fuel tax revenue, and longer travel times are noteworthy concerns. It is also possible that a proportion of the motorway traffic would divert on to secondary networks as a result of a reduced speed limit. Reviews to the design speed for existing infrastructure and speed enforcement procedures would be required in light of any proposal to lower speed limits.
The Deputy may be aware that reducing speed limits on motorways has been identified as a possible longer term transport mitigation measure in the National Mitigation Plan (Measure T24). My Department officials estimated the impact of reducing maximum speed limits on motorways from 120km/h to 110km/h for cars/vans and from 90km/h to 80km/h for heavy goods vehicles compared to current speed limits and estimated that cumulative total greenhouse gas emission reduction savings of 1,881 tkCO2 were possible over the period 2017-2030.
Implementing such a mitigation measure would require a full detailed review of the potential economic, safety and societal implications as well as an assessment of the likely environmental impact. Concerns also exist regarding the potential erosion of the considerable economic benefit derived from substantial motorway investments made to date. It should also be highlighted that National Strategic Outcome 2 (Enhanced Regional Accessibility) in the National Planning Framework commits to improving average journey times for connectivity reasons. The Framework targets an average inter-urban speed of 90kph. A reduced motorway speed limit may be in conflict with to this aim.
I would draw the Deputy’s attention to the fact that actual fuel consumption benefits of lower speed limits for motorway drivers is dependent on a number of external factors such as vehicle types; driving patterns; the frequency of speeding; road load patterns; and congestion levels. I am given to understand that carbon savings from lower speeds can also vary markedly depending on engine characteristics; vehicle weight; distances travelled; and supplementary equipment such as rear mounted storage racks or even taxi signs.
While some limited research has been conducted at EU level and in other jurisdictions, there continues to be a lack of official and scientifically robust data on this issue. I am, however, committed to the ongoing exploration of all mechanisms available to reduce emissions and encourage more individuals to move towards decarbonising the transport sector.
It is also noteworthy that the vehicles we drive and the fuels that power them are themselves steadily becoming less carbon intensive. The penetration of renewable biofuels as a share of road transport energy has increased significantly over recent years. In 2017 alone, biofuels blended in fuel reduced CO2 emissions from vehicles by an estimated 457 kilotonnes. A further important role is played by ever more stringent efficient standards for vehicles. Such developments will erode emissions reduction benefits of reducing speed limits. Through better technology, improved efficiency and higher biofuel use vehicle emissions are being decoupled from increased economic activity and population growth.
Bus Éireann Services
Questions (421, 434)
Robert Troy
Question:421. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of scheduled services that use private contractors on each route of the Bus Éireann network. [21062/19]
View answerRobert Troy
Question:434. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of scheduled services that use private contractors on each route of the Bus Éireann network. [20719/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 434 together.
The issue raised is a matter for Bus 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Bus Éireann Services
Questions (422, 435)
Robert Troy
Question:422. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of scheduled services on each route on the Bus Éireann network. [21063/19]
View answerRobert Troy
Question:435. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of scheduled services on each route on the Bus Éireann network. [20720/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 422 and 435 together.
The issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Bus Services
Questions (423)
Clare Daly
Question:423. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a service (details supplied) that ran from Swords to Portrane between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. has been cancelled; when the service will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20344/19]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Olympic Games Ticketing Arrangements
Questions (424)
Seán Fleming
Question:424. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if moneys were paid by the State or an agency on behalf of the State in respect of a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20376/19]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to confirm that the person whose details have been supplied by the Deputy is not, and has not been, in receipt of any payment or financial support or other supports from either my Department or Sport Ireland.
The funding provided by Sport Ireland to the Olympic Federation of Ireland is utilised for a number of specified programmes and activities which in 2019 include: participation at the European Games; participation at the European Youth Olympic Festival; Olympic Games Site Visits in Tokyo, Japan; anti-doping & media training workshops for athletes; sport science and medical site visit in Tokyo, Japan. Sport Ireland makes a clear delineation of the purpose of funding to the Olympic Federation of Ireland and is explicit in the requirement that funding is not used towards any legacy issues.
The total cost of the Moran Inquiry into the receipt, distribution and sale of tickets and ancillary matters relating to the Rio Olympic Games amounted to €312,765. A breakdown of these costs is set out in the following Table:
Moran Inquiry Costs:
|
Moran Inquiry |
Costs |
|
Legal Fees |
€249,719 |
|
Forensic Accountancy |
€40,744 |
|
Stenography |
€12,455 |
|
Other Incidental Expenses |
€9,847 |
|
Total |
€312,765 |
Taxi Regulations
Questions (425)
Paul Murphy
Question:425. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to differentiating between minor faults and major faults in the taxi suitability test such as with the NCT in circumstances in which a minor fault such as a blown bulb would not require a full retest and associated charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20377/19]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including setting the regulations for vehicle standards and suitability, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the Authority's role in this regard, and in order to be of assistance, I have referred your question to the NTA for their direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Rail Services Provision
Questions (426)
Alan Farrell
Question:426. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of the electrification project of the northern commuter line to extend DART services to Donabate, Rush, Lusk, Skerries and Balbriggan; the work completed on the project to date; the way in which the progression of the project relates to the introduction of hybrid vehicles; the status of the completion dates for each stage of the DART extension project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20387/19]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, 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) have a statutory function to develop public transport infrastructure and services in the Greater Dublin Area, including implementation of the DART Expansion Programme.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Road Safety
Questions (427)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:427. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if research has been carried out into improved road safety outcomes that would result from lower speed limits on roads here; if data are available on the issue in other EU jurisdictions, the United States of America, Canada and Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20388/19]
View answerWritten answers
While the Road Traffic Act 2004 sets default speed limits for various categories of roads, elected members of local authorities have statutory responsibility for deciding on and making appropriate Special Speed Limit bye-laws for roads within their administrative area and, in the case of national roads, subject to the consent of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The making of such bye-laws is a reserved function of the elected members of the council.
To assist local authorities in the application of Special Speed Limits, my Department's updated Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland, which is available on my Department’s website, reiterate the statutory responsibilities of elected members in relation to the making of such Special Speed Limit bye-laws, while providing Guidelines which take account of relevant national policy and local circumstances - including road safety. These guidelines also draw on Irish and international research.
In general much research has been carried out into speeding and its effects. This also includes research carried out in Ireland and in partnership with international organisations and includes work carried out by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Noting this, I am referring your question to the RSA for further comment on the matter.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Electric Vehicles
Questions (428, 429)
Noel Rock
Question:428. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received the Road Safety Authority report on electric scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20458/19]
View answerNoel Rock
Question:429. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the report he recently commissioned from the Road Safety Authority on electric scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20459/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 428 and 429 together.
I have requested the Road Safety Authority to research how escooters and other such vehicles are regulated in other countries, particularly other Member States. I am keen to understand the road safety implications of the use of such vehicles on public roads, especially when interacting with other vehicles. I cannot say if the outcome of the research will be presented in report format.
I will make a decision on whether or not to amend existing legislation when I have received and considered the outcome of the Authority’s research, and not before then. I will need to be satisfied that permitting such vehicles on our roads will not give rise to safety concerns, whether for the users of such machines or for other road users including cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.
As I said I have asked the RSA to research this matter. The results may not be in form of a formal report designed for publication. However, I have no objection to sharing the contents of the research in due course, and no objection to asking the RSA to publish it if it is in a publishable form.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (430)
Noel Rock
Question:430. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on recent confiscations of electric scooters; his plans to legislate to resolve this anomaly within the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20460/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Traffic Act 1961 defines a mechanically propelled vehicle as a vehicle intended or adapted for propulsion by mechanical means, including a bicycle or tricycle with an attachment for propelling it by mechanical power, whether or not the attachment is being used. It also includes a vehicle the means of propulsion of which is electrical, or partly electrical and partly mechanical.
Escooters and powered skateboards fall into this category, and are therefore considered to be mechanically propelled vehicles. Any users of such vehicles in a public place (as defined in the Road Traffic Act 1961) must have insurance, road tax and a driving licence, with penalties under road traffic laws (including fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizure of the vehicle) for not being in compliance with these requirements.
As it is currently not possible to tax or insure escooters or electric skateboards, they are not considered suitable for use in a public place. There is no anomaly within the law.
I have requested the Road Safety Authority to research how escooters and other such vehicles are regulated in other countries, particularly other Member States. I am keen to understand the road safety implications of the use of such vehicles on public roads, especially when interacting with other vehicles.
I will make a decision on whether or not to amend existing legislation when I have received and considered the outcome of the Authority’s research, and not before then. I will need to be satisfied that permitting such vehicles on our roads will not give rise to safety concerns, whether for the users of such machines or for other road users including cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.
Enforcement of road traffic laws is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
Road Signage
Questions (431)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:431. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter regarding weight restrictive road signage (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20483/19]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to roads. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects and measures on national roads are a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority. For regional and local roads it is a matter for each respective local authority.
In addition, my Department publishes the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM), which is a Direction in accordance with Section 95(16) of the Road Traffic Act (1961), as amended. This, in conjunction with regulatory signs (in accordance with Statutory Instruments) set out what are permitted on the road network. Local authorities are obligated to adhere to the requirements of the Traffic Signs Manual and relevant traffic regulations when providing traffic signs.
The decision to provide a weight restriction sign is the responsibility of the relevant road authority which in this case is Kerry County Council. The making of changes to such signs would also be a matter for Kerry County Council.