Written Answers Nos. 22-45
22. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport if a station at Ballybough to service Ballybough, Croke Park, East Point and north Docklands will be considered in the DART extension programme. [25694/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ programme (until recently referred to as the DART Expansion programme).
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.
23. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the financial penalties that will be applied to companies by the NTA as a result of the bus services provided by them not meeting the targets set out in its contract. [25848/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public services obligation (PSO) contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. The issue raised, therefore, is a matter for the 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.
24. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the costs incurred to date in developing the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. [25705/20]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the draft Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) was developed and published by the National Transport Authority (NTA), in association with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland at the beginning of this month, and is currently subject to a public consultation period.
The implementation of LSMATS will facilitate the sustainable development of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area and the delivery of associated transport investment priorities, as informed by the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. The metropolitan area transport strategies are also integral to greater integration of land use planning and transport planning as set out in Project Ireland 2040.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply in relation to the costs incurred to date in developing the Strategy . Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
25. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the status of an application for a taxi licence by a person (details supplied); and when they can expect a decision on the application. [25725/20]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, 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
26. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the unsatisfactory delays in the processing of driver licences; the efforts being made to improve the processing of times for new driver licences and in the renewal of driver licences; if consideration will be given to developing an online system for the renewal of driver licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25764/20]
View answerAs you are aware the NDLS has now resumed services however, they are unable to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. Therefore, all appointments must be booked in advance. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is working with their providers to see how they can increase capacity while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options under consideration include extended opening hours, overtime and protective segregation barriers between booths.
Currently, people under the age of 70 and those that do not need to provide any supporting documentation, can apply for a learner permit and/or a driving licence online provided they have a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is working to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types in a manner that does not undermine the existing legal framework or the effective operations of the stakeholders involved.
27. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will intervene in cases in which Irish persons who booked package holidays before the Covid-19 lockdown that were cancelled cannot get a cash refund on this holiday or despite booking via a tour operator are being referred to the airline to claim the refund on this portion of the package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25770/20]
View answerConsumer protections for airline passengers and for holiday-makers who book trips through travel agents and tour operators are enshrined in EU law. EU Regulation 261/2004 requires airlines to provide a full cash refund within 7 days in the event that a flight is cancelled by the airline. EU Directive 2302/2015 on Package Travel applies to travel agents and tour operators, and it requires them to provide a full cash refund within 14 days in the event that a package holiday is cancelled, by either the customer or the holiday provider, due to "unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances." In cases where a package holiday has been booked with an Irish licensed travel agent, the person should seek advice and resolution through the travel agent, in the first instance. If that avenue proves problematic then the matter should be referred to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission at www.ccpc.ie.
28. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the status of a roads project (details supplied); the timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25808/20]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Project Ireland 2040 identifies a programme of regional and local road improvement projects to be progressed with grant support and the Athy Southern Distributor Road is one of those projects. Implementation of the programme of projects is on a phased basis and progression of each project is subject to the profile of annual capital allocations available to the Department.
Implementation of the Athy scheme is the responsibility of Kildare County Council. Grant funding of €3.5 million has been allocated to the Council for this project in 2020. My Department has approved this project to proceed to tender for the main construction contract.
29. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the legal provisions that regulate the purchase, ownership and use of scrambler bikes; his plans to legislate to provide for a minimum age of ownership and registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25829/20]
View answerThe legislation to which the Deputy refers already exists. Under section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, it is illegal to supply a mechanically propelled vehicle to a minor. Supply in this sense includes sale, rent, loan, gift, or any other means of making the vehicle available to the person.
The legislation makes it an offence to supply any type of mechanically propelled vehicle to a person under 16, and to supply to a person under 17 with a mechanically propelled vehicle unless it is of a type which may legally be driver at 16.
30. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many persons, in complying with public health advice to refrain from travelling to particular countries during the Covid-19 pandemic, have incurred substantial losses as a result of airline companies’ refusal to refund them by stating that their flights are still departing; if he has had meetings with airlines to address the matter; his plans to compel airlines and or hotels to refund customers that cannot travel as a result of public health advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25832/20]
View answer52. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if persons with flights booked to countries not on the green list will be entitled to a refund for their flights under the new regulations; if the matter will be discussed with the airlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18464/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 52 together.
In cases where a package holiday to a non-Green list country has been booked with an Irish licensed travel agent, the consumer can seek refund under the EU Package Travel Directive 2302 due to "unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances." That should be sought from the travel agent, in the first instance. Such a refund must be made within 14 days. Where a flight has been booked directly with an airline, the relevant legal protections are different and fall under EU Regulation 261, which covers the rights of airline passengers in instances of flight cancellations. Under that Regulation, an airline has 7 days to make a cash refund to its customers when it cancels a flight. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law, irrespective of the circumstances. That said, I understand that the main Irish airlines have waived flight change fees in circumstances where a flight occurs and people are not able to present because of Government advice, although fare differences and date restrictions may apply.
Evidently, the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions for countries that are not on the 'Green' list. That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses.
I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be workable for customers in all instances. My colleague the Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton continues to engage with the airlines in respect to consumer rights issues, with calls for the airlines to offer fair and reasonable alternatives to passengers who wish not to travel at this time.
The Deputies will appreciate that there is no mechanism to compel airlines to cancel planned flights or to provide refunds or specific alternatives to refunds when there is no legal requirement to do so.
31. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount of subvention payment granted to Irish Rail, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Luas in 2018, 2019 and 2020; if he or his predecessor granted supplementary funds to these companies in 2020; if these companies requested additional funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25835/20]
View answerSince 2010, there has been no subvention paid directly by my Department for public transport services.The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts and the allocation of PSO funding to operators falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has direct responsibility for this area and, therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
32. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has conducted assessment and or evaluation of the levels of subvention public transport operators will require for the remainder of 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25836/20]
View answerThe Deputy has asked about the 2020 Public Service Obligation (PSO) allocations to public transport operators. As is normal, the precise allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contractual arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers. The total PSO and Local Link budget originally allocated for 2020 was approximately €300 million and assumed at the very least a 2-3% increase in passenger revenue over the year. However, the Covid-19 health emergency has had a profound and swift shock to the public transport sector.
Public transport’s designation as an essential service throughout the pandemic means that, although fare revenues have collapsed, most of the cost of operations remains and must continue to be met in order to fulfil Government’s broader policy objectives. My Department began consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform from the beginning of April and, with their agreement, were able to draw down PSO funding ahead of what was profiled.
Estimates in early June suggested that continuing to fund the existing PSO system, including the cost of additional cleaning measures and adding extra services where possible, could require up to an additional €460m to year end, depending on the level of easement of social distancing measures as the phases of the Roadmap progressed. Government approval in June to enable considerable additional expenditure on PSO has provided much needed financial assurance that enables continuation of the normal and essential PSO services.
For future years, as the Deputy is aware the Exchequer allocation for PSO public transport services is subject to the annual Budgetary process. I am engaging regularly with Ministerial colleagues as Budget 2021 is prepared, and PSO subvention is one relevant area of expenditure which forms part of this engagement. Discussions on Budget 2022 will take place next year. I am sure the Deputy will agree that the PSO is a large expenditure area, and one which requires careful scrutiny to ensure the taxpayer receives value for money in respect of the services delivered given the considerable expenditure incurred.
33. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the electrification of the Maynooth rail line will continue as announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25837/20]
View answerI was very pleased to offically launch the non-statutory consultation period on DART+ West (the Maynooth and M3 Parkway/Dunboyne lines) recently and welcome the online publication of a significant amount of material related to that consultation.
DART+ is a multi-billion euro programme to upgrade rail services in the Greater Dublin Area and will effectively double the capacity of the network as compared to today. The programme will see DART level services and infrastructure extended to Drogheda on the Northern Line, Maynooth and M3 Parkway on the Maynooth/Dunboyne Line and Hazelhatch on the Kildare Line.
The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future prioritises delivery of the DART+ programme and, as required by the Public Spending Code , preparation of a preliminary business case is well underway which, when completed, I will bring to Government for its decision.
I very much look forward to seeing the DART+ programme, including DART+ West, progress and I look forward to the Deputy's support in that regard.
34. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when the range of route options for the proposed new motorway between Limerick and Cork will be whittled down; when the planning freeze applied to the townland of Derryknockane, Rosbrien, Limerick is likely to be lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25855/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport 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 this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
35. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the status of the review of the Shannon Group; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25909/20]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his question in relation to the review of Shannon Group. I can confirm that work on the review is continuing in my Department and I will be bringing recommendations to Government shortly in this regard.
It is my intention that the Company, including Shannon Airport, will be well positioned for the future particularly given the importance of Shannon Airport to the economy of the Midwest region and indeed nationally.
36. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the formulation of a new national aviation policy; if there will be a public and or stakeholder consultation as part of this much needed review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25914/20]
View answerIreland’s current National Aviation Policy was published in 2015.
Clearly however much has changed since 2015 in terms of the overall challenges for the aviation sector in Ireland with a renewed focus on environmental performance, Brexit and most recently of course the Covid-crisis.
Before the covid outbreak, officials at the Department of Transport had commenced scoping work on a revised version of the full National Aviation Policy. The covid crisis has changed the picture fundamentally however. There is still a huge amount of uncertainty on how long the pandemic will last and when aviation might be able to make a meaningful recovery- most industry analysts do not expect a return to pre-covid traffic level until 2023/4.
In this context, it seems more appropriate to take a shorter term view - to examine how the aviation sector and regional connectivity can be supported while travel remains restricted and how we can assist the sector to recover once restrictions are eased. This is the approach which was advocated by the Aviation Recovery Task Force. The recommendations of the Task Force are being examined by Government and relevant Departments who consult regularly with sectoral stakeholders via standing bodies such as the National Civil Aviation Development Forum, as well as via informal channels. This examination of the Task Force recommendations includes work on further targeted financial supports to help reinstate connectivity. Work is underway to develop these recommendations into effective interventions and this will feed in to Government’s further plans to aid broader economic recovery, including in the aviation sector, when conditions allow.
37. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the measures he will introduce to address the lengthening waiting lists for driver tests in County Wexford; the number waiting nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25916/20]
View answerThe driver testing service restarted on a gradual basis during Phase 3 of the Government’s road map for easing of Covid19 restrictions.
On Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles (except for trucks in C1 and buses in D1 categories). Driving tests for cars, minibuses and vans resumed from the 16 July.
Due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity is considerably reduced. This means that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended. The public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.
Those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Initially, only those who are frontline healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.
My Department is in close contact with the RSA about the backlog and how best it can be addressed.
As the information requested in the second part of the Deputy's question is held by the Road Safety Authority, I have forwarded the question to the Authority for direct response. Please contact my office if no reply is received within 10 working days.
38. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to improve Primatestown junction, Kilmoon Cross to Rath roundabout, County Meath. [25919/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport 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 operation and upgrading 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 this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
39. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of Slane bypass. [25920/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport 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 this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
40. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of mobility plans and the expansion of cycling and pedestrian networks nationwide. [25921/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I am very much committed to improving and developing active travel infrastructure. The new Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to walking and cycling, supported by an increased multi-annual budgetary allocation amounting to some €1.8 billion over the lifetime of the Government to provide improved active travel infrastructure in our major cities.
As the Deputy is aware, in response to the COVID-19 Emergency the National Transport Authority ( NTA ) wrote to all 31 local authorities offering its financial and technical support for the development of mobility plans and importantly to also support the local authorities in their delivery of required infrastructure improvements. This support is being funded through my Department's sustainable mobility investment programme.
The approach taken was to engage with all local authorities to see what their requirements were and to grant aid in full various temporary intervention proposals, subject to those proposals being agreed with the NTA in advance of implementation. I am delighted to say that a number of local authorities have availed of this funding and measures have been implemented right across the country.
Building on that work, the Government announced a stimulus package in July of this year and as part of that package I was delighted to announce additional funding to support active travel. All local authorities were again invited to apply for this funding.
In addition local authorities funded under my Department’s regional and local road maintenance and renewal grant programme were able to apply for funding in relation to climate change adaptation measures. Following consideration of applications received, allocations were announced and are available to view at:
https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/nta-allocates-e55m-to-councils-for-cycling-and-walking-projects-under-july-jobs-stimulus-plan/
and
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/c99a2-jobs-stimulus-funding-for-active-travel-and-climate-change-adaptation-measures/
I look forward to building on this work in 2021 and beyond and working with all stakeholders as we seek to bring about a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland.
41. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to increase the number of children taking active travel to and from school. [25922/20]
View answerThe Deputy can be assured that I am very much committed to increasing the number of children choosing active travel modes to/from school.
There are a number of existing supports already available, such as An Taisce’s Green Schools Travel programme and the Cycle Right training programme, both of which are funded through my Department’s sustainable mobility programme.
Complementing those existing supports, this year’s July Stimulus sought to fund the rapid roll-out of active travel infrastructure across the country and I know that a number of local authorities have sought to develop new infrastructure which supports active travel to/from schools in their areas.
In line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future I am very keen to bring these various strands of supports together and develop a Safe Routes to School Programme. I know that Minister of State Naughton met with relevant stakeholders in recent weeks as we look to progress that commitment and I look forward to working with stakeholders in the months ahead.
42. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand the park and ride network. [25923/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of park and ride facilities.
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 42A
43. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Luas extension. [25924/20]
View answerI am unsure as regards which particular Luas extension is referred to by the Deputy's question; however, during the summer I was pleased to be able to launch a public consultation on the proposed Luas Finglas extension.
As the Deputy may be aware, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of light rail in the Greater Dublin Area.
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
44. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the roads that will not be progressed in view of the programme for Government plan to divert spending away from roads to public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25925/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport 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. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the NDP.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the planned review of the NDP and use the review to set out an updated NDP for the period to 2031. Work is underway within my Department to contribute to this planned review.
The Programme for Government states that the process of review of the NDP and updating of the NPF will not frustrate or delay existing projects.
45. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of his plans to support the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25926/20]
View answerI recognise that COVID-19 has had a profound impact on public transport and the small public service vehicle industry. Passenger demand for taxis and other small public service vehicle (SPSV) services has fallen considerably and many operators stopped working temporarily. I understand that at present demand for taxis is about 30% of normal levels and my Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) will continue to engage with the Advisory Committee on SPSVs as to how to best support the industry though this difficult time.
SPSV operators have benefited from the actions taken by the statutory regulator, the NTA, to reduce the immediate financial burden on SPSV operators and to make it easier for them to return to the industry when circumstances change. These actions included licence extensions, the waiver of late licence renewal fees and, in conjunction with the motor insurance industry, the suspension of SPSV insurance for those operators who decided to temporarily stop working and suspend their licences. Since the onset of the pandemic, the NTA has communicated regularly with individual SPSV operators in relation to the impact of COVID-19 on the SPSV industry. It has also published information on its website for the SPSV industry, including guidance on the installation of screens and guidelines on how to keep vehicles clean to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Government’s July Stimulus Package, co-ordinated by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, built on the extensive enterprise and employment supports already deployed by Government in response to COVID-19 with the aim of helping to get Ireland’s businesses, including SPSV businesses, back on their feet. The Department of Transport and the NTA have been working together alongside other Government Departments to ensure that SPSV operators, many of whom are self-employed, can avail of the range of COVID-19 financial support measures to the greatest extent possible.
Self-employed operators can avail of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), which remains open to new applicants until the end of the year and is available until April 2021. On exiting the PUP, operators can avail of the COVID-19 Enterprise Support Grant. A once-off grant of up to €1,000, this grant can be used towards the costs associated with reopening a business, including the purchase of cleaning materials and personal protective equipment.
Self-employed SPSV operators, who were profitable in 2019 but not in 2020 due to COVID-19, may be able to avail of an income tax relief allowing for up to €25,000 of losses from this year to be offset against profits from 2019. They can also avail of liquidity and investment measures such as the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme and the COVID-19 Business Loans Scheme, both of which fall within the aegis of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
