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Tuesday, 6 Oct 2020

Written Answers Nos. 223-237

Road Projects

Questions (223)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

223. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the status and timeline of the N11-M11 interchange; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28581/20]

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Written answers

As 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.

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

Driver Licences

Questions (224)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

224. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the basis of NDLS requiring a physical copy of Irish residency permit cards in circumstances in which PSC cards cannot be produced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28582/20]

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Written answers

This is 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

Fines Data

Questions (225)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

225. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the cost to his Department to date of all fines paid by Ireland for non-transposition of EU directives into Irish law; the breakdown, by directive of the lump sum cost and the daily cost of each fine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28619/20]

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Written answers

My Department has, to date, not paid any fines for non-transposition of EU Directives into Irish law.

Road Safety

Questions (226)

Neale Richmond

Question:

226. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the measures are being taken to clear glass from cycle lanes, particularly on the N11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28623/20]

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Written answers

As 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 maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on this issue.

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.

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

Brexit Issues

Questions (227)

Gerald Nash

Question:

227. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport his views on the potential negative impact on the movement of Irish freight within and outside the EU due to a disorderly Brexit; and his plans to address the matter. [28635/20]

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Written answers

Regardless of the outcome of the EU-UK negotiations, the end of the transition period will see the UK no longer applying the rules of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. This will have immediate implications for trade flows, particularly to UK markets but also to wider EU markets via the UK Landbridge.

The UK landbridge is an important means of access to the single market, one that is favoured by traders in high value or time sensitive goods because it offers significantly faster transit times than alternative routes. As such we continue to work positively with our EU partners on addressing challenges in EU ports for traffic in transit via the landbridge. However, the Government has pointed out for some time now including in our 2019 and 2020 readiness plans that there will likely be delays at ports immediately after the end of the transition period, with Dover-Calais identified as a particular likely bottleneck. This is outside of our control.

The process for moving goods by direct ferry routes between Ireland and other EU Member States will not be subject to new procedures. Following ongoing consultation with the shipping sector, and given the responsiveness of the shipping companies during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is my Department’s assessment that sufficient capacity should be available on direct routes to continental ports following the end of the UK’s transition period.

The performance of the shipping industry in responding to the challenges of Covid-19 has been impressive, including with a number of new direct services to Continental Europe having been established between Irish and continental ports, during the pandemic. This indicates a high level of resilience, adaptability and commitment by shipping companies in serving Irish customer needs and the Irish market.

My Department is confident that the shipping industry serving Ireland is open and competitive, is responsive to market demand and capable of responding to any increase in demand for direct connectivity to Continental Europe at the end of the transition period. I encourage engagement between traders, hauliers and ferry companies to align capacity with needs and I would encourage traders, where it is feasible to do so, to avoid the risk of disruption by moving to direct services now and not wait until after 1 January 2021.

As regards air freight, Department officials have been working closely with stakeholders in the aviation sector to prepare them for the changes to come at the end of the Brexit Transition period. The Government’s Brexit Readiness Action Plan has a section on air travel with advice to businesses on what steps to take in order to be Brexit ready. This would apply to those involved in air freight, as well as passenger transport. Similar readiness preparations have been made at European level. It is not anticipated that the changed regulatory regime for aviation between the EU and the UK will have any direct impact on the movement of freight by air.

Brexit Preparations

Questions (228, 229, 230)

Gerald Nash

Question:

228. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the capacity on direct routes to continental ports and the contingency capacity should additional support be needed due to a disorderly Brexit; his plans for sourcing additional capacity if required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28636/20]

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Gerald Nash

Question:

229. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport his views relating to the sole reliance on the privately run and owned shipping sector in the case of a disorderly Brexit; his views on whether the Government should intervene to create a semi-State shipping sector in view of the fact this is a vital link in the supply chain here that is not in public hands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28637/20]

View answer

Gerald Nash

Question:

230. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the creation of a semi-State shipping sector as opposed to the current private monopoly will help guarantee the delivery of goods and services and safeguard the economic viability of Ireland, which is dependent on the ability to trade effectively. [28638/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 to 230, inclusive, together.

As has been signalled since the publication of the report ‘The Implications of Brexit on the Use of the landbridge’ by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) in 2018, there is likely to be disruption to the UK landbridge when customs and border controls between the EU and the UK are introduced, which is now due to happen from January 2021. Since the publication of the 2018 report, my Department, in conjunction with the IMDO, has been keeping the issue of direct shipping routes to the Continent under close review, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shipping companies have assured the IMDO and my officials that they will respond to any increases in demand for direct connectivity at the end of the transition period and shipping companies have been adding capacity even during the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2020.

At present, there is more than sufficient capacity on existing services in the RoRo network between Ireland and mainland Europe to cater, if required, for the landbridge traffic currently estimated at around 150,000 trucks per annum. It is also considered that the shipping industry is resilient, responsive and capable, without State intervention, of adjusting to and satisfying market demand.

The Government considers that State intervention to establish a semi-State shipping sector or to establish State shipping links, in the current circumstances and in the context of the end of the UK’s transition period, would be likely to undermine a market response resulting in an insufficient, inadequate and costly intervention being put in place. Such an intervention would be likely to result in legal challenges from incumbent shipping providers, create difficulties for the State in extricating itself from the shipping market, would result in breaches of EU state aid rules and consequent requirements for repayment of the state aids with interest, with resulting adverse impacts on the viability of any companies receiving such aid.

My Department, together with the IMDO, is continuing to closely monitor and keep under review the evolving situation regarding maritime connectivity to continental ports, and will remain in close consultation with the maritime sector and other relevant stakeholders on this issue. We will also continue to engage with ports, hauliers, shipping companies and other stakeholders regarding the processes and facilities at Dublin and Rosslare Europort to deal with traffic post the end of the UK’s transition period.

In that context, the IMDO is specifically reviewing the conclusions and recommendations in the 2018 Landbridge Study and, in particular, the issue of direct maritime connectivity to Continental Europe at the end of the transition period. That re-assessment is expected to be completed shortly.

As set out in the Government’s updated Brexit Readiness Action Plan, published on 9th September 2020, businesses are being asked to consider moving, in advance of the end of the transition period, to direct route options for the movement of goods from Ireland to the Continent, to avoid potential delays and the new procedures that will be introduced associated with using the UK landbridge. Shipping companies should also continue to assess expected future demand requirements and remain ready to respond to increased capacity demands, and all the indications are that this is happening. My Department, together with the IMDO and other relevant Government Departments and Agencies, is also engaging in a communications campaign with stakeholders in this regard over the remaining weeks up to the year end.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (231)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

231. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 319 of 29 September 2020, the total amount of additional Covid-related Exchequer expenditure for 2021 for his Department; if he will provide a breakdown by line items of this additional expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28701/20]

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Written answers

The Minister for Finance and the Minister for PER have set out the broad parameters for Budget 2021. However, Estimates discussions are still ongoing and I am not in a position to give any breakdown of 2021 expenditure at this time as it would pre-empt Government decisions on the final Estimates and Budgetary measures for 2021.

Driver Licences

Questions (232)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

232. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to deal with the long delays in getting appointments for driver licences in Dublin; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many people are left with no choice but to travel out of Dublin to other test centres in order to get an appointment, which results in them breaking Covid-19 emergency period restrictions and also wasting fuel; if he will consider a postal service for driver licence renewals such as the process in place for passport renewals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28746/20]

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Written answers

The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), resumed services in June, following the closure of the centres due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. However, it is not possible 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 create the additional capacity needed as quickly as possible, while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options being introduced include a combination of additional staff, extended and additional operating hours (i.e. Sundays where needed), and the provision of overtime.

The NDLS booking system is undergoing software changes to cater for the expanded booking window associated with the additional NDLS appointment slots, with testing commencing this week.

The introduction of these steps may help ease some of the pressure on the NDLS, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres. The RSA is continuing work with my Department to expand the current online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types. Once the necessary legal amendments are in place, this should greatly reduce appointment delays.

Currently, applications by post can be made by persons over the age of 70 with one year licences, but the RSA is examining how the postal system might be expanded to handle greater numbers of postal applications.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (233)

Dara Calleary

Question:

233. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport if he will increase supports to designated regional airports to cover all core activity costs for 2020 in view of the travel restrictions, which have seriously impacted on income and revenue streams for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28749/20]

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Written answers

As a result of Covid-19, the challenge facing the aviation industry is unprecedented. All Irish airports, including the smaller regionals, have been fully exposed to the dramatic downturn in activity.

In order to assist business and protect employment, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of generalised supports for all companies such as wage subsidy schemes, grants, low-cost loans, commercial rates waivers and deferred tax liabilities. Like all aviation enterprises, regional airports are eligible for, and can avail of, such supports in 2020.

Also this year, and in line with priorities for regional development, €6m in Exchequer grants is being provided to Ireland's smallest airports under the Government's Regional Airports Programme. Three airports are eligible for capital and operational support under the related grant schemes; Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West Airport Knock.

In addition to the grant aid, regional connectivity continues to be subsidised through Government funded PSO air services between Dublin and the airports of Donegal and Kerry. Over €7m is being provided to support this service in 2020.

A new Regional Airports Programme for a five year period starting in 2021 is also being finalised. This will help eligible airports remain viable as they adapt to the ongoing presence of Covid.

This Government is fully committed to doing what it can to support the airport sector and recognises the important role that aviation plays in the economic well-being of Ireland. However, the Government’s priority must be to protect the health and safety of those living in Ireland while having regard to the best use of resources and the many other demands on the Exchequer.

In relation to any additional support mechanisms for regional airports, my Department will continue to work closely with key stakeholders and will continue to review options in the context of the Government’s plans for international travel and the recommendations of the Aviation Taskforce.

Aviation Policy

Questions (234)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

234. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that the City of Derry Airport is included in the forthcoming regional airports programme to reflect that 40% of the passengers, that is, 200,000 per year, are from County Donegal; if he will restore the PSO for the Derry-Dublin air route to reflect the reality that there is no rail or motorway connecting the north west region of 500,000 persons to the capital city. [28755/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy may know, my Department is currently finalising a new Regional Airports Programme for the period 2021 to 2025. Last year, as part of a public consultation process on the policy, 63 submissions were received, including one from City of Derry Airport.

All input to that process, including more recent submissions, have been examined by my Department and put forward for consideration by Minister of State Naughton. Once approved, it is anticipated that the new Programme will be published by end 2020.

With regard to re-establishing a PSO air service between Derry and Dublin Airports, and as part of new power-sharing arrangements in Northern Ireland, the Irish Government has committed to review options for supporting renewed viable services on two air routes; Derry/Dublin and Belfast/Cork. This is reflected in the published deal, New Decade, New Approach.

My Department has commenced this review and is engaging with key stakeholders including City of Derry Airport.

Rail Network

Questions (235)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

235. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport his vision for the way in which the communities from the south west, the west and on to counties Sligo, Donegal and Derry can be connected by rail and his plans to advance this vision. [28756/20]

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Written answers

I think the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out a very clear vision to fundamentally change the nature of transport in Ireland. To make that change, we need a whole of system perspective across all modes of transport, whether that is active travel, bus or rail. Getting that whole-of-system perspective requires evidence-based and plan-led transport infrastructure development, as well as transport infrastructure development that integrates with and acts as a catalyst for improved land-use planning.

In relation to inter-urban rail, I have recently agreed with my Northern colleague Minister Nicola Mallon, MLA, the need to develop further existing draft terms of reference for a proposed study of rail speeds on the Belfast-Dublin-Limerick Junction-Cork corridor, designated at EU level as a TEN-T Core Corridor. Our intention is to ensure the finalised terms of reference take sufficient cognisance of the need for balanced regional development, particularly in relation to connectivity with the North-West.

Our Departments will work together with other relevant stakeholders in finalising the terms of reference and moving forward with the procurement of consultants.

I look forward to the commencement of this important study in due course.

Rail Network

Questions (236)

Marian Harkin

Question:

236. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question 664 of 30 June 2020, if he will provide an expected timeline for the release of the latest rail review report on the western rail corridor commissioned in 2019 in view of the fact the publication of the report is already delayed by more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28768/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware Iarnród Éireann commissioned a financial and economic appraisal of a proposed reopening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor, and, I can confirm that on 1st July my Department received from Iarnród Éireann a copy of the final report on the proposal. That report had been prepared in accordance with the commitment given in the current National Development Plan.

An independent review is currently being conducted by JASPERS, an agency established by the European Union and the European Investment Bank. JASPERS has vast experience in advising Member States and public authorities on regional development proposals, such as the proposed reopening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Corridor. Their analysis will provide a broader perspective on issues such as the potential wider economic impact, freight services, climate impact and a view on the potential for securing EU funds if it were to go ahead. I expect to receive their report very shortly.

I intend to publish these analyses as soon as is practical, however, in line with the Programme for Government commitment I will first bring the matter to Government.

Fines Data

Questions (237)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

237. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount collected in fare evasion fines from 1 March to 29 September 2020 by Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Luas operators. [28777/20]

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Written answers

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

The issues raised are operational matters for the transport companies and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive responses within ten working days.

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