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Tuesday, 24 Sep 2019

Written Answers Nos. 440-478

Electric Vehicles

Questions (442)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

442. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to regulate the use of e-scooters including through taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter [38392/19]

View answer

Written answers

I have launched a public consultation on the use of e-scooters and other forms of personal powered transporters. This consultation will run from 1st September 2019 to 1st November 2019 inclusive. The consultation document is available on my Department's website.

I will not be making any decisions on legislating or regulating the use of personal powered transporters during the consultation period and their use on public roads and in public places will remain illegal.

Brexit Issues

Questions (443)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

443. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made in discussions with the European Commission on agreeing under Article 8(2) of the motor insurance directive a mechanism to avoid the need for green cards for cross-Border drivers in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38393/19]

View answer

Written answers

The UK Government has confirmed that, in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Green Cards will not be necessary for Irish motorists entering the UK. Valid Irish insurance discs will be accepted as proof of insurance cover.

A number of small exceptions apply. In relation to Irish registered motorcycles or agricultural tractor vehicles, some of these vehicles display insurance discs and some do not. In these cases, no additional documentation is required if the vehicle displays a valid Irish insurance disc. However, if the vehicle does not display a valid Irish insurance disc, it is recommended that a motor insurance certificate or a Green Card is carried in the vehicle. Any policyholder with an Irish registered vehicle who requests a Green Card from their insurance provider will be issued with one.

EU law governs vehicles registered in non-EU countries travelling to the EU. Under the EU Motor Insurance Directive (2009/103/EC), the default position is that Green Cards will be required as proof of motor insurance for UK-registered vehicles entering the EU, including Ireland, post Brexit. This means that UK and Northern Ireland registered vehicles will require a Green Card if driving to Ireland.

My Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have made a number of requests to the European Commission regarding its intentions to fix a date under Article 8(2) of the Motor Insurance Directive from which the carrying of Green Cards would not be required after the UK has exited the EU. While the Commission has confirmed that such a measure is not part of its published Contingency Plan, my officials are continuing to pursue this matter with the Commission.

Brexit Issues

Questions (444)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

444. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the audit carried out of the ferry and freight train capacity here in the context of Brexit and the possibility of tariffs applying on goods passing through Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38394/19]

View answer

Written answers

Brexit has been identified as my Department’s highest strategic risk and my Department along with other Government Departments and key Agencies, has been preparing for Brexit for three years. My Department participates in the co-ordination structures established to facilitate a whole-of-Government response to the issues raised by Brexit, including participation in the interdepartmental group on the EU and Brexit and the Brexit co-ordinators' group.

Consultations by my Department regarding Brexit with key maritime stakeholders including ports has included a Transport and Logistics All Island Sectorial meeting in Dundalk in January 2017, three Brexit Maritime Transport Workshops/Seminars (in April 2017, March 2018, and in January 2019) with a further Maritime Transport Workshop/Seminar took place earlier this month (September 2019) focussed on Maritime Connectivity and Brexit preparedness.

I do not believe that tariffs will apply on goods passing through the UK or using the UK landbridge for transit to access the Continental EU market to and from Ireland, as such product is going from one EU market to another and tariffs do not apply between EU countries. Some tariffs could, of course, apply to goods exported to and imported from the UK.

There is potential for the use of the UK landbridge to become disrupted for Irish exporters and importers in a scenario where the Dover - Calais route in particular may become heavily congested in a no-deal Brexit to the extent that significant numbers of Irish businesses may seek alternatives including direct routes to and from France. My Department together with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) has examined the maritime capacity for direct sailings between Ireland and continental EU ports as a potential alternative route for trade currently using the Landbridge. Based on extensive consultations with the shipping sector and wider, I believe that sufficient capacity should be available on direct routes to continental ports following a ‘No Deal’ Brexit and should demand for further capacity arise, because of disruption to the UK landbridge, the shipping sector have assured my Department and the IMDO that they can and will respond quickly to meet such demands. In the context of Brexit, there has already been an additional increased capacity over the past two years on direct routes with more planned for 2020. My Department has also established that there is capacity in ports other than the two main ports dealing with Roll-on / Roll-off traffic (RoRo) traffic, Dublin and Rosslare, that could be of some assistance in the event of a hard Brexit. The main spare capacity available in 2019 is in relation to Lift-on/ Lift -off (LO-LO), in particular at the ports of Waterford, Shannon Foynes, and Cork, and for bulk traffic. However, shipping services are market driven and I believe that ferry operators will respond to economic developments and increase or decrease capacity from particular ports in response to market developments. There have already been responses from the shipping companies adding additional freight capacity on direct sailings to the continent. To take one example, the Port of Cork saw the addition of a new route in May 2018 with Brittany Ferries’ commencing the service to Santander and Roscoff with the Connemara, whose capacity is 27,414 GT.

As regards freight train or rail freight capacity, Irish Rail is actively engaging with a number of parties regarding emerging rail freight opportunities within the container and bulk markets and will focus on the commercial, environmental and wider economic value that rail freight offers within these markets.

National Transport Authority Funding

Questions (445)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

445. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided to the NTA for an oversight delivery office in Cork for the delivery of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38403/19]

View answer

Written answers

I am not aware of any proposal by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to establish an oversight delivery office in Cork for the delivery of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040 and any such proposal would be a matter in the first instance for the NTA. I am aware that the NTA, in conjunction with Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructue Ireland, has continued to work on the development of the Strategy, which I understand is in the process of finalisation.

Public Transport

Questions (446)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

446. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the commuter zone in Cork will be extended to include Mallow; if so, the estimated cost of such a measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38404/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. 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

Railway Stations

Questions (447)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

447. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the development at Kilbarry train station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38405/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation of the rail network and stations on the network including the development of any new stations, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Road Network

Questions (448)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

448. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the body that has responsibility for the Tivoli dual carriageway including the N8, Lower Glanmire Road. [38437/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the maintenance and improvement of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. The section of road referred to by the Deputy is a national road and Cork City Council is the relevant Road Authority and TII is the relevant Oversight Authority.

Road Traffic Legislation

Questions (449)

James Browne

Question:

449. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the agency responsible for the issuing of licences for the operation of horse-drawn carriages in Dublin city; the body responsible with enforcement of legislation regarding the practice; the position regarding vetting, insurances and inspections of carriage drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38446/19]

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Written answers

In February 2011, Dublin City Council (DCC) took over responsibility for the licensing of horse-drawn carriage operators and drivers from the Garda Carriage Office. DCC made bye-laws in the same year for the licensing of horse-drawn carriages under the Local Government Act, 2001.

Part 19 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides a general power to a local authority to make bye-laws in relation to its own property or services or to regulate matters of local concern. It is under this Act that local authorities can choose to regulate horse-drawn carriages that operate for hire or reward. Some local authorities develop bye-laws to licence horse-drawn carriages operating commercially. Through bye-laws, these local authorities set their own rules and stipulations to govern such operations.

In 2018 DCC became aware that - specifically in relation to Dublin - this legal basis for making such bye-laws could be uncertain, as the Dublin Carriage Acts 1853-55 had vested the power to regulate horse-drawn carriages in Dublin with the Dublin Metropolitan Police Commissioners, to whom An Garda Síochána is the successor.

My Department examined this issue and, following legal advice, is now of the view that the Dublin Carriage Acts 1853-55 remain in force and preclude DCC from enacting the relevant bye-laws. Also, it seems that a simple repeal of the Victorian legislation alone may not be sufficient to enable DCC to enact bye-laws for horse-drawn carriages. Therefore, my Department is now working with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government to identify how best to empower DCC to regulate this area.

Rail Services Provision

Questions (450)

Pat Casey

Question:

450. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to upgrade and increase the train service in Arklow and Wicklow in view of the severe overcrowding being experienced by commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38514/19]

View answer

Written answers

The increased demand across the rail network is a sign of continued economic growth and is very welcome but it does bring challenges and there are pressures on the network in terms of matching current demand with available capacity, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area. Currently, with the existing rail fleet fully deployed at peak times, the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Irish Rail are examining options in the short, medium and longer term for additional train capacity to meet the increased commuter services demand across the network.

I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to train service in Arklow and Wicklow 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

Tourism Data

Questions (451)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

451. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated yield of a bed night tax or levy of one euro per night in a hotel or bed and breakfast in a full year for each local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38524/19]

View answer

Written answers

No calculations have been made by my Department in relation to a bed night tax or levy. Fáilte Ireland compile a range of accommodation statistics and I have asked the agency to reply directly to the Deputy with any available statistics they have in relation to the number of bed nights in question. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Trans European Transport Network Programme

Questions (452)

James Browne

Question:

452. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the need to amend the TEN-T core network regulated requirements; if the need for further investment in transport projects, namely Rosslare Europort, the Dublin to Rosslare Europort railway line and the national roadways, which lead to Rosslare Europort, will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38556/19]

View answer

Written answers

The TEN-T core network is a subset of the comprehensive network and represents the strategically most important nodes and links of the trans-European transport networks.

On the Island of Ireland, the TEN-T core network links the main urban centres of Belfast-Dublin and Cork and encompasses the road, rail and other transport modes on this route. There is also an offshoot to the core Port of Shannon Foynes. The Dublin-Rosslare Europort rail line, and roadways, link to Rosslare Harbour, a harbour which is on the TEN-T comprehensive Network but which does not meet the threshold for TEN-T core port status.

Rosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports, as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts, but is instead operated on a commercial basis as a division of Iarnród Éireann. While State investment in relation to the port is not permitted under EU Regulations on State Aid, Project 2040 sets out the Government's plans in relation to roads projects such as the recently opened Gorey to Enniscorthy stretch of the M11 and the planned Oilgate to Rosslare stretch of the N11/N25.

In relation to the Port, I am satisfied that Rosslare Europort as a division of Iarnród Éireann is effectively managing operations at the port and looking at the potential of the Port to develop further and take advantage of any new opportunities. The port is targeting growth and new business opportunities, and received the approval of the Iarnród Éireann Board for a strategic plan to grow the port’s business. This includes investment plans for up to €25 million in customer facilities and port infrastructure, port assets, and new technology. The Port is engaging with a number of potential new shipping customers to supplement existing operators and offer greater choice to freight and passenger business.

As regards the potential for EU funding for the development of Rosslare Europort going forward, the Deputy will be aware that Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) co-funding is available to projects on both the comprehensive and the core parts of the TEN-T Network, subject to such projects satisfying the eligibility criteria of a given call for proposals, and being selected in the evaluation process.

While the current CEF programme finishes at end 2020, a proposal for a new CEF Regulation for the period 2021 –2027 was published by the European Commission in May 2018. Ireland has advocated at EU level for projects on our comprehensive network to continue to be eligible for co-funding during the period 2021 - 2027.

Ireland submitted written comments to the European Commission in conjunction with two other island Member States, Cyprus and Malta, calling for projects on the comprehensive network in Member States which have no land border with another Member State to be included as eligible actions. This position was accepted by the Commission during negotiations, and as a result the latest text of the proposal retains this amendment. Subject to the proposed Regulation being adopted, this means that during the period 2021 – 2027, projects on Ireland’s comprehensive TEN-T network, including the rail and road network, will be eligible to apply for CEF co-funding through relevant calls for proposals.

With regard to the amending the TEN-T network, the EU Transport Commissioner, Violeta Bulc, wrote to EU Transport Ministers in February 2019, announcing that the European Commission is advancing the review of the TEN-T Network, which was due to take place no later than December 2023. This review process will include: an evaluation study, due to be completed in spring 2020; a public stakeholder consultation, which was open for contributions from April to July 2019; and targeted consultations with Member States and a wide range of stakeholders later this year. Following the conclusion of the Commission’s review, a legislative proposal to amend the TEN-T Regulation may follow.

The Deputy may also wish to note that, in August 2019, honouring a Programme for a Partnership Government commitment, I made a submission to Commissioner Bulc on the matter of reviewing the TEN-T network. A copy of that submission is available on my Department’s website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3c921e-submission-to-commissioner-bulc-for-a-revision-of-the-core-ten-t-net/

Road Projects Status

Questions (453)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

453. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the construction of the Cork to Limerick M20 motorway project; the timeline for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38577/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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 construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above, 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Road Projects Status

Questions (454)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

454. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the construction of the Cork city north ring road project; the timeline for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38578/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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 construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Driver Licensing Exchange Agreements

Questions (455)

Dara Calleary

Question:

455. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person can hold a UK driver licence and a European and-or Irish licence simultaneously; and if not, if there are force majeure circumstances in which dual application can be considered. [38604/19]

View answer

Written answers

Irish driving licensing law operates within a framework of EU law. Under the EU Directive on driving licences and the relevant Irish regulations, driving licences issued by Member States are mutually recognised. The Directive stipulates that a person may not hold more than one driving licence, thus requiring that a person must surrender their UK licence when exchanging it for an Irish one.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Questions (456)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

456. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the next steps regarding consultation and decision-making in relation to a recent scoping report prepared by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (details supplied); and if funding will be provided for road developments which emerge as the preferred option of this scoping exercise. [38606/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing capital funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Given that scoping report, referred to by the Deputy, was prepared at the request of TII I believe that TII is best placed to set out the context for the report and the intended purpose.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Public Transport Data

Questions (457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489)

David Cullinane

Question:

457. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel on the Luas. [38649/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

458. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel on the DART. [38650/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

459. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel on Dublin Bus. [38651/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

460. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel on Bus Éireann. [38652/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

461. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel on Irish Rail. [38653/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

462. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel on all privately operated public transport buses. [38654/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

463. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for five to15 year old children on the Luas. [38655/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

464. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for five to15 year old children on the DART. [38656/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

465. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for five to15 year old children on Dublin Bus. [38657/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

466. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for five to15 year old children on Bus Éireann. [38658/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

467. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for five to15 year old children on Irish Rail. [38659/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

468. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for five to15 year old children on all privately operated public transport buses. [38660/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

469. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for 16 to18 year olds on the DART. [38661/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

470. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for 16 to18 year olds on Dublin Bus. [38662/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

471. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for 16 to18 year olds on Bus Éireann. [38663/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

472. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for 16 to18 year olds on Irish Rail. [38664/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

473. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for 16 to18 year olds on all privately operated public transport buses. [38665/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

474. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for third-level students on the DART. [38666/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

475. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for third-level students on Dublin Bus. [38667/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

476. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for third-level students on Bus Éireann. [38668/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

477. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for third-level students on Irish Rail. [38669/19]

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David Cullinane

Question:

478. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of universal free travel for third-level students on all privately operated public transport buses. [38670/19]

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Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

485. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of reducing all public transport fares by 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 100%, respectively, in tabular form. [38860/19]

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Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

486. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of reducing all Dublin Bus fares by 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 100%, respectively, in tabular form. [38861/19]

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Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

487. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of reducing Iarnród Éireann fares by 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 100%, respectively, in tabular form. [38862/19]

View answer

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

488. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of reducing Luas fares by 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 100%, respectively, in tabular form. [38863/19]

View answer

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

489. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of reducing Bus Éireann fares by 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 100%, respectively, in tabular form. [38864/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 457 to 478, inclusive, and 485 to 489, inclusive, 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 the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services.

As the Deputy is aware, in Budget 2019 I secured an increase in the overall Exchequer funding available for Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport services and €287 million is available this year to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for this purpose.

The overall PSO amount is set each year as part of the annual Estimates and Budget processes, and the 2019 allocation for the Vote was voted on and approved by this House as part of the "Further Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019". It is the statutory remit of the NTA to make PSO payments to the public transport operators who provide PSO services, and the payments are made in accordance with the PSO contracts that the NTA has in put place with each of those operators.

I have therefore forwarded the Deputies questions 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
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