Written Answers Nos. 135-154
136. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter regarding the validity date of the NCT certificate of a driver (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18008/20]
View answerOn the 20 April 2020, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport at that time, Shane Ross, signed the Road Traffic (National Car Test) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 into law.
These Regulations amend the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.1. No. 415 of 2017) to provide that a 4 month extension is given to test due dates for vehicles under two specific circumstances:
- vehicles that had an NCT certificate in force on 28 March 2020, and
- vehicles with a first test due falling during the period beginning on 28 March 2020 and ending on 31 July 2020.
If a vehicle does not meet the conditions listed above, i.e. it was due for testing prior to 28 March 2020 (when the NCT service was suspended) or is a new vehicle with a first test due date after 31 July 2021, it is not eligible for the 4-month extension to the vehicle's test due dates.
Based on the information provided, the vehicle in question was originally due to be presented for a roadworthiness test on 17 March 2020, and accordingly, the next test date for that vehicle falls on 17 March 2021.
137. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address matters (details supplied) regarding the ten-year replacement rule for taxis and the transfer of taxi plates which directly impact on taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18009/20]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including age limits for vehicles used as SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
The transfer of small public service vehicle licences, as suggested by the Deputy, is prohibited under section 14(1) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. There are no plans to adjust this provision at this time, the rationale being that a licence should indicate a person’s suitability to carry out a function and should not have, by association, a monetary value or be tradeable on the open market.
138. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce mandatory testing of learner drivers competency on a more frequent timeline than is currently in place; if he has engaged with the Road Safety Authority in relation to the number of learner permits a person may avail of over the course of their learning period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18108/20]
View answer139. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Road Safety Authority lodged submissions to him and or his predecessor in relation to reform of the learner driver licencing process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18109/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.
I am aware that there are a large number of people driving on our roads on their 4th, 5th, 6th or subsequent learner permit. While it is legal for a learner permit holder to drive on our roads as long as they are accompanied by a qualified person, I agree there is a need to reduce the number of people driving on recurring learner permits without clear reasons.
In late 2019, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) forwarded proposals to this Department setting out possible measures that could be introduced to encourage learner drivers to sit a driving test. Such measures included, for a fifth or subsequent permit, an increase in the cost of the permit; a decrease in the duration of a permit; a requirement to take mandatory lessons with an approved driving instructor and a requirement to take a driving test before another permit can be issued. The objective is to make it a disincentive to rely long term on a learner permit. These measures took account of the shorter wait times for tests and the increased tester resources that were available to the RSA at the end of 2019.
The RSA proposals were examined, but due to the caretaker Government in place earlier this year, it was not possible to make policy changes. Since then, urgent measures introduced to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic have taken precedence.
The proposals will need to be re-examined in light of current conditions. The cessation of services in March 2020 and recent resumption of car driver testing services from 16 July, has led to a backlog of people awaiting driving tests. The RSA is currently dealing with people in order of priority i.e. essential workers and those who had tests cancelled. Therefore, it would be prudent to delay any changes to regulations to make it mandatory for long term permit holders to sit a test until the driving test service has stabilised. The position will be kept under review.
140. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address the backlog of driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18126/20]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that this is essentially an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
In line with the Government's plans for resumption of services, driving tests for cars, minibuses and vans resumed on 16 July. Tests in other categories had already resumed. The suspension of the service during the pandemic inevitably led to backlogs. At the same time, the need for compliance with health protocols inevitably reduces the throughput of test candidates at the different test centres.
The RSA is managing the situation by prioritizing those who had a test booked before the closure of the service which was cancelled due to the pandemic, and those in essential services. One option which may be considered is the employment of additional testers, something which has been done in the past to address backlogs. However it would be premature to make a decision on staffing at this stage, as many of the issues to be addressed deal with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA, which is exploring how further to manage backlogs while prioritizing public health, and this process is being informed by lessons learned as centres operate under the new health restrictions.
141. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18130/20]
View answer147. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered proposals by an organisation (details supplied); the steps which will be taken to protect this sector; if he will meet with the representative body [18247/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 147 together.
My Department has been engaging directly with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland on a regular basis in relation to the impact of Covid-19.
Minister Martin and I are acutely aware of how badly impacted the coach tourism sector has been by the crisis. These businesses are a vital part of Irish tourism and we will need them when our overseas visitors return. That is why, as part of the July Stimulus Package, Minister Martin has asked Fáilte Ireland to develop a Business Continuity Scheme to help these businesses through this very difficult period. Fáilte Ireland will now engage with the sector to develop this scheme which has been allocated €10m in funding.
The July Stimulus package supplements the Government supports already in place. The overall package of direct employment supports, cash grants, demand stimulation measures and tax reliefs will help ensure that Ireland’s tourism businesses, such as those involved in Coach Tourism, can survive and get back on their feet, when the tourism recovery begins.
142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date in respect of the allocation of funding for the completion of the Grand Canal greenway with particular reference to the section of greenway between Dublin and County Kildare near Celbridge which remains outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18135/20]
View answerIn 2019 funding was allocated to Kildare County Council for the section from Hazelhatch to Sallins and to Offaly County Council for the section from Daingean to Lough Boora. The section of Greenway referred to by the Deputy will be considered for funding when the next round of construction funding is made available.
143. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislation sources necessitating the timely arrangement of public consultations before large-scale motorway bypass projects can commence development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18160/20]
View answer144. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the criteria laid down by the EU when funding large-scale motorway bypass projects in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18161/20]
View answer145. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific legislation necessitating the revisiting of route selection process for the Wexford town bypass; and the criteria for the EU funding of the project. [18162/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 to 145, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications and Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
In relation to the N11/N25 Oilgate-Rosslare Project, the project is being funded through the Exchequer and there is no EU funding involved.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the need for outer and inner relief roads at Naas, County Kildare; if such provision will take account of the concerns expressed by local residents who feel that the outer relief road to the south and east of the town should be the priority; if his further attention has been drawn to the urgent necessity for the provision of the road in view of the extent of development and proposed development in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18177/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Before the post 2008 financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for grants for Specific and Strategic Improvement Grants to improve roads. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during that period meant these grant schemes had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance and renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
The main focus of grant funding under the National Development Plan (NDP) continues to be the maintenance and renewal of the regional and local road network with some limited investment in road improvement projects. The NDP makes specific provision for the implementation of 12 RLR road improvement projects subject to necessary planning and project consents. The Sallins By-Pass and the Athy Southern Distributor Road in Kildare are two of these projects.
My Department's records in relation to the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme indicate that no project funding application has been received in relation to an outer or inner relief road in Naas, Co. Kildare.
I understand that in October 2017, Kildare County Council received exchequer grant funding approval of €4,500,000 from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) to support its completion of the Naas Inner Relief Road and that following the rejection of a Part 8 planning application by the Council in 2019, the Council’s Executive has confirmed to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government that this LIHAF project will not now proceed.
148. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the procedures being put in place to ensure the backlog of those waiting to book driver theory tests is cleared quickly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18255/20]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that this is essentially an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
In line with the Government's plans for resumption of services, the driver theory testing service resumed from 8 June. The suspension of the service during the pandemic inevitably led to backlogs. At the same time, the need for compliance with health protocols inevitably reduces the throughput of test candidates at the different test centres.
The RSA is managing the situation through extended open hours and additional opening days. My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA, which is continuing to monitor the operation of the service and will make adjustments to assist throughput as and when necessary.
149. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to deal with the shortage of driver theory test appointments available in a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18263/20]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority is responsible for the operation of the Driver Theory Test. I have forwarded this query to the RSA for direct reply, and I would ask that the Deputy contact my office directly if a response has not been received within 10 days.
150. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to deal with the backlog of those waiting to for driving tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18265/20]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that this is essentially an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
In line with the Government's plans for resumption of services, driving tests for cars, minibuses and vans resumed on 16 July. Tests in other categories had already resumed. The suspension of the service during the pandemic inevitably led to backlogs. At the same time, the need for compliance with health protocols inevitably reduces the throughput of test candidates at the different test centres.
The RSA is managing the situation by prioritizing those who had a test booked before the closure of the service which was cancelled due to the pandemic, and those in essential services. One option which may be considered is the employment of additional testers, something which has been done in the past to address backlogs. However it would be premature to make a decision on staffing at this stage, as many of the issues to be addressed deal with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA, which is exploring how further to manage backlogs while prioritizing public health, and this process is being informed by lessons learned as centres operate under the new health restrictions.
151. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if clarification will be provided for a person (details supplied) regarding an extension of the 12-month ability to drive on an American driver licence. [18290/20]
View answerIt is possible to drive in Ireland on a foreign licence for up to 12 months under the Geneva Convention, but this only applies to visitors. A person resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU learner permit, or, a driving licence to drive here. Ireland cannot extend the validity of a driving licence issued by another licensing authority, nor can we unilaterally alter the provisions of an international convention.
As Ireland does not have a driving licence exchange agreement with the United States, there is no option but to go through the process of obtaining an Irish licence. Driver licensing law exists to ensure that people licensed to drive on our roads meet high standards of safety. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level.
While a person who has a full but non-exchangeable licence will have to go through the normal driver learning process, they can avail of the shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons instead of the usual 12, and they do not have to wait the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
152. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the cost of re-routing 800 metres of the Great Southern Trail Greenway at Coolybrown, Ardagh, County Limerick (details supplied). [18297/20]
View answerMy Department is not funding this route and therefore I have no role with regard to the Deputy's question.
153. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will investigate whether the stipulations that the disused railway corridor from Limerick to Tralee be protected from encroachments was undermined by the granting of permission (details supplied). [18298/20]
View answerThe matter as described by the Deputy would appear to be a matter for the relevant planning authorities and not one in which I as Minister have any statutory function.
154. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will assist taxi drivers by lifting the blanket four month extension on the NCT or by ensuring that the NTA extend taxi licences by four months in line with NCT tests; and his plans to ensure that taxi drivers have 60 days to carry out any necessary changes or repairs as was the case before the NCT extension. [18328/20]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including regulatory measures in response to the present COVID-19 pandemic, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. I am aware that the NTA has made arrangements with the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) to put a priority system in place for SPSVs. I also understand that no late renewal fees will be charged as a result of any delays experienced by licence holders due to a delay in securing an NCT appointment.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
