Written Answers Nos. 159-181
159. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) can have the BE driving qualification added to the person's driving licence by the NDLS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31065/20]
View answerThis is an operational matter within the remit of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 days please contact my office directly.
160. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driver test will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31086/20]
View answerThe scheduling of candidates’ driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA as they deal with the increased demand for their driver testing service since operations resumed following its temporary closure due to the COVID emergency. In addition to this, 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.
It is my understanding that those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Priority then will be given in order of application date. While there is some capacity for urgent test slots, the Road Safety Authority (RSA)'s capacity to make these available in all cases will be limited. Therefore, initially 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.
161. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the extension of the validity of NCT certificates in view of the backlog situation that currently exists at NCT centres (details supplied); if in the interim, no driver will get a fine and-or incur penalty points in a case in which the person has confirmation that he or she has booked an NCT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31092/20]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No.477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the vehicle testing arrangements. In relation to the details provided for the person concerned, I am referring this question to the Authority for direct reply and would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
As the Deputy will be aware, on the 20 April 2020, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport at that time, Shane Ross TD, signed the Road Traffic (National Car Test) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 into law. These Regulations amended the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415 of 2017) to provide that a 4 month extension was 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.
It is not planned to amend the testing regulations further and please note that the enforcement of road traffic legislation is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
162. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered introducing scooter sharing here; if he will consider a series of trials in urban areas that have been successfully used in other jurisdictions to clarify the optimal regulatory, safety, technical and commercial regimes to protect the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31126/20]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, 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 separate 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 e-scooters in accordance with the Programme for Government in 2021. This will involve identifying and developing appropriate amendments to primary legislation across a range of complex areas. The work must be carried out in such a way that it does not undermine the overall framework of Road Traffic Law or Road Safety in general. My officials have commenced work on drafting the necessary changes to primary legislation.
Experience overseas has shown that a change of regime may have consequences for road safety, the management of roads and footpaths, the movement of traffic, public transport and goods, public health and the environment. These are all factors which must be taken into consideration when legislating.
As for the approach of localised "trials", the legal framework in Ireland does not allow for such approaches here without undermining the overall legal framework that protects road users. I would note that such localised trials have not consistently been either successful or useful, particularly in jurisdictions with similar legal frameworks. It is important that we observe the overall outcomes and not just selected samples when we learn from international experience.
Until new legislation is in place, the use of electric scooters, whether privately owned or rented as part of a sharing scheme, will remain illegal. Therefore it would not be prudent to allow sharing schemes at this point in time.
163. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide grant aid to support and stimulate the growth of rail freight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31128/20]
View answer164. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce the current track access charges for rail freight, which are currently the highest in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31129/20]
View answer165. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at the end of August 2020 the French Prime Minister announced that France would waive track access charges for rail freight for the remainder of 2020 and cut them in half for all of 2021, EU regulations permitting; his plans to support the regulation to reduce, waive or defer track access charges and ask the railway undertaking to follow the regulation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31130/20]
View answer166. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if financial supports are planned to allow Iarnród Éireann to modernise and expand its rail freight rolling stock fleet as the current limited stock will not allow for business expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31131/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 163 to 166, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have a strong interest in this area and I see potential for the development of rail freight in Ireland.
I recently met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of Irish Rail and we discussed a number of issues, including the company's plans for the development of rail freight.
Irish Rail is preparing a Rail Freight Strategy with the support of outside consultants to guide actions to 2040. The company hopes to have this report complete in the coming months and I have asked that the company also submit the report to me.
The issue of access charges to the rail network for freight is a matter in the first instance for the company and, I would expect, will be reviewed in the Rail Freight Strategy.
167. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will increase the penalties that are available for offences under section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004. [31177/20]
View answerA person guilty of supplying a mechanically propelled vehicle to a minor under section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 will receive a fine of up to €5,000 and/or up to 6 months in prison. I have no plans to change this penalty at this time.
168. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) who is over the age of 70 years cannot renew his or her driver licence online in view of advice to stay at home. [31225/20]
View answerThe current driving licence online application system does not facilitate the uploading of supporting documentation. Although the requirement for persons over 70 years of age, who do not have an identified or specified illness, to provide a medical report has been removed until 31 December 2020, the online system has not yet been amended to accommodate this change.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is continuing work to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types.
Persons over the age of 70 will be invited to renew their licence or permit by post. The process of contacting drivers 70 years and over will begin this coming week and will initially target renewals due in October 2020. You do not need to contact the NDLS directly about your application. All those 70 years and over who have previously presented at an NDLS centre in the last 5 years and whose licence or permit is due to expire will receive a renewal pack in the post and be invited to apply by post.
For those who have to apply in person, the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres have been assessed and measures have been put in place to align with the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocols. Appropriate signage, sanitation and hand washing, and social distancing measures such as reduced seating in waiting areas and customer touch-point cleansing, have been introduced. Customers will be accompanied into and out of centres and will be required to adhere to necessary health and safety guidelines.
169. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the way in which a person (details supplied) is expected to renew his or her driver licence when he or she cannot get an appointment in time at the Ennis National Driver Licence Service, NDLS, centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31226/20]
View answerThe 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. All appointments must be booked in advance as 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. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.
The 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.
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.
Persons over the age of 70 will be invited to renew their licence or permit by post. The process of contacting drivers 70 years and over will begin this coming week and will initially target renewals due in October 2020. All those 70 years and over who have previously presented at an NDLS centre in the last 5 years and whose licence or permit is due to expire will receive a renewal pack in the post and be invited to apply by post.
Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 076 108 7880 or by emailing info@ndls.ie.
170. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the additional funding allocated to Shannon and Cork airports; the conditions of the funding; the timeline of payment of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31273/20]
View answerIn recognition of the devastating effects of Covid-19, Budget 2021 has provided capital funding of €10m for Shannon and Cork airports in 2021. This is the first time that these airports will be eligible for State funding under an Exchequer Funding Scheme.
Historically, funding has only been provided to Ireland's smallest airports - those with less than 1 million passengers - under the Government's Regional Airport Programme.
Next year, in addition to the Regional Airports Programme, a new Scheme will be established for airports that handle between 1 and 3 million annual passengers in line with State Aid rules. Only Cork and Shannon airports will meet the eligibility criteria for this particular Scheme in 2021.
The Programme will be designed along the same lines as the capital grant schemes under the Regional Airports Programme with funding primarily targeted at safety and security related projects. If projects are approved in line with the associated eligibility criteria, payments will be made during the course of the year once the appropriate evidence of expenditure has been received by the Department.
171. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the regional airport scheme; the areas to which the extra funding will be allocated; if his attention has been drawn to the pressure that regional airports are under as a result of Covid-19; and if operational expenses will be given greater supports in 2020 and 2021. [31274/20]
View answerAs a result of Covid-19, the challenge facing the aviation industry is unprecedented. I am acutely aware of the exposure to airports as a result of the dramatic downturn in activity and I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the airports throughout this crisis.
This year, funding for Ireland's smallest regional airports has been maintained through the Government's Regional Airports Programme. To date, Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West (Knock) have been allocated capital supports of almost €2.5 million. In recent weeks, the Department has also issued invitations to these airports to apply for funding under an operational grant scheme with an available budget in 2020 of close to €3.5 million. Donegal and Kerry airports are also benefitting from annual support of more than €7 million for the PSO air services between these airports and Dublin.
Regional connectivity and development remains a critical priority of this Government and that is evident from the level of support being provided in 2021 – more than €31 million.
Despite the unprecedented demands on the Exchequer, I have secured the continuation of vital Exchequer supports for the Regional Airports Programme next year. €21.3 million is being provided in 2021 to support capital and operational aid in the areas of safety and security as well as ongoing funding support for the PSO air services. This funding will be administered through a new Regional Airports Programme for the period 2021 to 2025.
By virtue of their size, Shannon and Cork airports have never been eligible for supports under the Regional Airports Programme. However, for the first time, in recognition of the devastating effects of Covid-19, Budget 2021 has also secured the provision of a capital funding budget of €10 million for Shannon and Cork. This will contribute to the costs of safety and security related projects at these airports.
In addition to these targeted supports, airports will continue to be eligible for the economy wide support measures that are open to all sectors, notably wage supports and tax deferrals. In relation to any additional support mechanisms for the wider aviation sector, it is intended that these will be developed within the context of the forthcoming National Economic Plan.
172. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if the expiry date on all driving licences for a period of six months will be extended in view of the long waiting times for appointments for renewals; and if the online facility to truck licence holders will be extended (details supplied). [31275/20]
View answerThere is no plan to further extend the validity of driving licences. Irish driving licence law is based on a framework of EU law, and the current extensions brings us into line with the EU legislation.
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. All appointments must be booked in advance as 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. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.
The 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. 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.
Applications can be made online to renew a driving licence or learner permit if no supporting documents are required with the application. The current driving licence online application system does not facilitate the uploading of such supporting documentation. The RSA is continuing work to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types.
Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 0761087880 or by emailing info@ndls.ie.
I am also referring the Deputy's question to the RSA for further reply in relation to this specific case, noting that the Deputy has indicated that it appears to relate to an essential worker. Please advise if a reply has not been received within 10 days. I would also advise the Deputy to advise the person concerned to contact his insurance provider, as a number of insurance providers have indicated that the expiry of a person's driving licence may not necessarily invalidate their insurance, depending on circumstances.
173. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 27 November 2019, the current status of the project (details supplied). [31291/20]
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 bus shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
174. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if the speed limit on the M7 from the Naas Johnstown junction into the Red Cow will now be upgraded from 100 km per hour to 120 km per hour in view of three lanes along that stretch in order to regularise it as motorway. [31437/20]
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 management 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 final steps and closeout 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
175. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the training, seamanship and experience undertaken by the Irish Coast Guard that equates to that of the Naval Service; and if there are plans to bring both in line, as they provide equally important services to the State. [31467/20]
View answerThe volunteers of the Irish Coast Guard are tasked to respond to emergencies at boat stations around the coast. The boats are typically between 4.8 metres and 9 metres and provide an in-shore rescue capability. While there may be similarities and equivalences in their training, the organisations serve very different but vital purposes for the State, operate different equipment and the IRCG boat units are made up of volunteers. In that context, there is no evident rationale to bring the training requirements and associated programmes of both organisations into line.
176. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to address the long wait times for driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31504/20]
View answerI fully appreciate the difficulty that many learner drivers are experiencing since the driving test for cars, vans and minibuses resumed on a gradual basis from 16 July last. As you are aware, tests were temporarily suspended due to the Covid 19 emergency and since resuming operations, there has been an increased level of demand. Unfortunately, due to social distancing requirements, normal capacity is considerably reduced and this means that some customers will experience longer waiting times for a test than was the case before the service was suspended.
Those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Initially, those who are essential workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot.
The Road Safety Authority is examining ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints and is working in close consultation with my Department on this matter. My Department has already given approval to the RSA to retain 18 driver testers on temporary contracts due to expire in October and November, and to rehire up to 19 testers whose contracts expired in May. The authority is also examining the recruitment and training of new driver testers. However, I would like to stress that many of the issues impacting on the delivery of service are concerned with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff.
While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure that the system returns to normal as soon as possible to allow learner drivers complete their training and, hopefully, pass their test.
177. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be called for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31554/20]
View answer178. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be called for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31555/20]
View answer179. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when will a person (details supplied) will be called for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31556/20]
View answer180. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be called for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31557/20]
View answer181. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) can be called for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31568/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 181, inclusive, together.
The scheduling of candidates’ driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA as they deal with the increased demand for their driver testing service since operations resumed following its temporary closure due to the COVID emergency. In addition to this, 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.
It is my understanding that those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Priority then will be given in order of application date. While there is some capacity for urgent test slots, the Road Safety Authority (RSA)'s capacity to make these available in all cases will be limited. Therefore, initially those who are frontline 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.
