Tuesday, 8 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 182-201

Coast Guard Service

Questions (182)

Dara Calleary

Question:

182. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the status of previous correspondence on the provision of Coast Guard services at Killala, County Mayo. [22232/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As I have set out in reply to the correspondence from the Deputy of 2 September 2020 on this matter, the Killala Coast Guard unit is operational and is currently available in the event of a callout.

The Killala Coast Guard Unit has been available for Search Function since July 3 2020 having completed their Return to Training Protocols as required under our Covid-19 procedures. The unit remains ‘off-the-board’ for Boat Search and Rescue while they carry out requisite exercising / training on their boats. In the event of an incident arising in the area whilst they are afloat and training, they may be tasked to assist. A plan is in place to expedite the unit to full operational status as soon as possible.

Aer Lingus

Questions (183, 184, 214)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

183. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if financial assistance from the State has been sought by airlines due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22442/20]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

184. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to providing financial assistance in exchange for equity in Aer Lingus in view of the financial difficulties at the airline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22443/20]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

214. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his views on providing state aid to Aer Lingus due to the economic impact of Covid-19; the details of State aid provided to date or planned; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21793/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 183, 184 and 214 together.

My Department is monitoring the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis, in consultation with all key stakeholders and relevant Government Departments.

The Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in aviation. The supports include the extended wage subsidy scheme, which will now run to April 2021, alleviation of commercial rates, tax clawback, and liquidity support available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund.

It remains open to airlines to engage directly with the relevant agencies concerned with a view to drawing down such supports. The amount of any funding sought by each airline would be a commercial matter for the airlines concerned.

The report of the Aviation Recovery Taskforce contains a number of recommendations relating to the provision of further support to the sector including through stimulus funding to aid recovery, and these recommendations are being considered, as appropriate, in the context of the ongoing work to manage the impact of COVID-19 on aviation and the wider economy.

Cycling Facilities

Questions (185, 186)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

185. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of installing a bicycle rack on the front of a public bus; his plans for the introduction of such modifications for cyclists who also rely on buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22444/20]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

186. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of increasing capacity on train services for passengers to bring bicycles on board with them; his plans for the introduction of same for cyclists who also rely on trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22445/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure. This includes the procurement of the PSO bus fleet and, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the procurement and requirements of additional rail fleet.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the specific issue raised. 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 51

Question No. 187 answered with Question No. 175.

Public Service Obligation Services

Questions (188, 189)

David Cullinane

Question:

188. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the public service obligation contract in place for the 607, 617 and 627 bus routes in Waterford city operated by a company (details supplied); when the contract will expire and will be due for tender again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21112/20]

David Cullinane

Question:

189. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a city service (details supplied) ceases at 20:20 on a Monday to Thursday basis and does not operate a Sunday service; if the NTA will consider requesting the company to expand the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21113/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.

Both the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators to help inform policy decisions in relation to the public transport sector as we continue to deal with the impact of Covid-19.

From the Department's engagement with industry representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, we understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial operators have been facing. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for many business sectors.

It is critical for the public transport sector to be functioning so that it can carry the passengers that we need to return to work and to other activities as they re-open. Many of these commercial operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery.

For that reason, on 25 June the Government approved temporary funding supports, in accordance with EU and national legislation, for the licensed bus sector. These supports are aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months. The package is restricted to operators where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention and is targeted at compensating the gap between specified costs and the revenues generated on the services.

The NTA, as the public transport licensing agency, is responsible for administering funding support through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators, including the operator referred to by the Deputy. Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's 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 51

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (190)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the airline industry is likely to benefit from current or any further proposed Covid-19 related rescue packages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21186/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

My Department is monitoring the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis, in consultation with all key stakeholders and relevant Government Departments.

The Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in aviation. The supports include the extended wage subsidy scheme, which will now run to April 2021, alleviation of commercial rates, tax clawback, and liquidity support available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund.

It remains open to airlines to engage directly with the relevant agencies concerned with a view to drawing down such supports. The amount of any funding sought by each airline would be a commercial matter for the airlines concerned.

The report of the Aviation Recovery Taskforce contains a number of recommendations relating to the provision of further support to the sector including through stimulus funding to aid recovery, and these recommendations are being considered, as appropriate, in the context of the ongoing work to manage the impact of COVID-19 on aviation and the wider economy.

Road Safety Authority

Questions (191)

Brian Stanley

Question:

191. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport the sources of funding for the Road Safety Authority; and if the annual fee paid by HDV drivers for the CPC course will be reviewed. [21204/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Since 2016, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and its functions have been largely funded by the revenue it retains from the charges for the functions it carries out under the Road Safety Authority Act. It also receives a small amount of Exchequer funding for residual pension commitments.

The charges are levied in accordance with legislation across the range of the RSA’s functions, including, for example, driver licensing and testing, and vehicle services.

Continued Professional Certification (CPC) is required under European law for professional drivers to maintain standards in this critical profession, including in relation to road safety. As with any other form of continuing professional standards or development, drivers attend courses to maintain their CPC which are provided by individual training providers, who set and charge the relevant fees. Neither my Department or the RSA has any role in this.

Rail Network

Questions (192)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

192. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the status of metro north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21208/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In terms of status, I can assure the Deputy that the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future prioritises plans for the delivery of MetroLink and I look forward to seeing the project progress during the lifetime of the Government.

As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the MetroLink project. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Rail Network

Questions (193)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

193. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the steps he and Irish Rail are taking to improve onboard WiFi and mobile phone connectivity on its DART lines and commuter lines; if his attention has been drawn to connectivity problems on the southern portion of the DART network in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21231/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Licences

Questions (194)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

194. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21265/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

An Irish driving licence can be renewed up to 10 years after the date of expiry of the licence.

Road Safety

Questions (195)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

195. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider promoting an advertising campaign to raise awareness of the safety importance and the legal requirement for drivers to indicate when turning in view of the added threat that failure to indicate poses to cyclists and pedestrians. [21277/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Public information campaigns on road safety are a matter for the Road Safety Authority. 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 51

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (196)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

196. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his views on the use of on-bus cameras to detect drivers illegally using bus lanes; and his plans to introduce the practice. [21316/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

My Department is aware of the introduction in a number of other jurisdictions of both on-board bus cameras and fixed cameras as an automated means of enforcing bus lane restrictions.

Legislative provision for such enforcement in Ireland was put place with Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 provides for the use of cameras by the Gardaí to assist in the detection of certain traffic offences under the Road Traffic Acts. The offences specified include those created under Section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 which is the basis for the current Traffic and Parking Regulations covering, among other things, bus lane restrictions. This provision is currently being used, for example in enforcing speed limits in the Dublin Port Tunnel, by means of administrative arrangements put in place by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Gardaí.

My Department recognises, however, that the success of bus priority measures is an essential component in people moving from cars to more sustainable modes of transport, thereby reducing emissions and congestion. It is therefore necessary to ensure that we have the best possible system for enforcement of the rules on bus lanes, particularly in the context of BusConnects.

We are aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has raised some issues with the current legislative provisions and officials in my Department are currently engaging with the NTA on how these may be resolved, including through additional legislation, improved administrative arrangements or otherwise, taking account of the wider legal framework.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (197)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

197. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of legislation regularising e-scooters on roads. [21321/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Electric scooters are a type of powered personal transporter (PPT). PPTs are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of which requires a valid licence, tax and appropriate insurance in accordance with Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. As PPTs do not fall under any existing vehicle category, it is not currently possible to tax and insure them and there is no licence category for them. Therefore they may not be used on public roads and in public places. However, their use is permitted on private land with the permission of the landowner.

I intend to legislate for the regulation of e-scooters in accordance with the Programme for Government. This will involve identifying and developing appropriate amendments to primary road traffic legislation across a range of areas, which will be complex and must also be done in a way that does not undermine the overall framework of road traffic law or road safety in general.

The Government's current legislative priorities are the necessary measures essential to manage the ongoing COVID-19 emergency and to address the economic and social consequences of the pandemic. Consequently, it is not possible to provide a detailed timeframe for legislation at this time.

Public Transport

Questions (198)

David Cullinane

Question:

198. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the cost for investment in public transport to make it accessible for persons with disabilities in 2018 and 2019; the funding for this purpose allocated for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21375/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.

Accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and audio/visual aids, are built into all new public transport infrastructure from the design stage. Newer systems such as LUAS are fully accessible. However, there are legacy issues in relation to older infrastructure and facilities, for example our Victorian era railway stations.

To address these infrastructural legacy issues, my Department funds the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme which is managed by the NTA. The four year capital envelope for public transport announced in Budget 2018 included a multi-annual allocation of almost €28 million for the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme for the period 2018 to 2021. This ring-fenced €28m in funding is a trebling of the previous allocation for accessibility under the Capital Plan.

The annual allocations under this four year Plan are €4m in 2018, €7m in 2019, €7m in 2020 and €9.8m in 2021. This funding facilitates the continued roll-out of the programmes outlined above to progressively make public transport accessible. This includes the installation of accessible bus stops, the upgrading of train stations to make them accessible to wheelchair users and the provision of grant support for the introduction of more WAVs into the taxi fleet.

In addition to funding under the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme, in 2020 a ring-fenced rail lift refurbishment / replacement programme was established by the NTA under the Capital Programme, with funding of €3.3 million in 2020. The programme is to renew and replace life-expired lifts and lifts in poor condition, to ensure that the reliability and availability of lift access. Similar funding is envisioned for next year.

Driver Test

Questions (199)

James Browne

Question:

199. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport if there is a reason a motorbike and a car theory tests could not be combined instead of having two separate theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21443/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The provisions for the theory test are set out in EU law.

EU law requires that the theory test for categories A1, A2 and A, (the motorcycle licence categories), must examine specific areas which are only applicable to motorcycle users. This includes, for example, compulsory check of general knowledge on the use of protective outfit such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet, the visibility of motorcycle riders for other road users and mechanical aspects with additional attention to the emergency stop switch, the oil levels and the chain.

Therefore, a separate theory test for car and motorbike applicants ensures the above mentioned specifications are examined in circumstances where it is applicable.

Driver Licences

Questions (200)

Francis Noel Duffy

Question:

200. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport if his officials have engaged with the European Commission to seek an agreement regarding extending driver licences expiring after 1 July 2020 in view of the backlog in appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21453/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

In order to deal with the difficulties that arose due to the Covid-19 pandemic and to ensure consistency across EU Member States, the European Commission introduced a regulation in July 2020 to provide for an extension of 7 months to the validity of driving licences that expired or would expire from 1 February to 31 August 2020. Member States could opt out of the regulation if they had already provided nationally for an extension. Ireland opted out as we had already introduced legislation to apply a four month extension to the validity of driver licences that expired between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020.

As the situation in relation to Covid 19 remains extremely challenging and to ease pressure on services,, I have now introduced new legislation to further extend the validity period and the provision of the extension to the end of August 2020. Driving licences that expired or will expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 are now extended for 7 months. This means that licences that expired between 1 March and 30 June will have an additional 3 months added to the initial 4 month extension, and licences that expired or will expire between 1 July and 31 August will be extended by 7 months. This brings our national legislation in line with the EU regulations.

Motor Tax

Questions (201)

Gerald Nash

Question:

201. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reform the calculation method for quarterly, half-yearly and annual charging for motor car tax; his views on whether the system unfairly and excessively overcharges those motorists in the lower income brackets that avail of the quarterly or half-yearly charge; his plans to reform the motor car tax system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21543/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Motor tax is payable on an annual, half-yearly or quarterly basis. The rates applicable to the half-yearly and quarterly options are 55.5% and 28.25% of the annual charge, respectively. These relativities have remained generally consistent since the 1960's.

The loss of income that would arise from changing these arrangements would have a negative impact on the total collected via motor tax and would have to be borne elsewhere in the motor tax system or through the taxation system generally. The loss to the Exchequer arising from the elimination of the additional charge for these options has been estimated at just under €45.7m, based on the volume of transactions in 2019.

Each half-yearly or quarterly renewal of motor tax requires the same administrative procedures as the annual renewal process. Accordingly, aside from the loss in receipts, any consideration of re-balancing of the charges for non-annual discs must take account of the fact that overheads, both direct and indirect, would increase exponentially if the change were to result in increased volumes of transactions. I am not aware of any evidence that the use of quarterly or half-yearly renewals is related to the income of the registered vehicle owner.

There are no plans currently to amend motor tax legislation to provide for pro-rata rates for half-yearly and quarterly motor tax.