Neasa Hourigan
Question:29. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Taoiseach the cost of renting office space, including for public bodies, from a company (details supplied) in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [35619/20]
View answerDepartmental Expenditure
Questions (29)
Written answers
Neither my Department nor any public body under the aegis of my Department, rents any office space from this company.
Departmental Properties
Questions (30)
Matt Carthy
Question:30. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach if his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department rent office space from a company (details supplied) or an Irish subsidiary; the number of employees who work out of such office space; the length of time they have been working from the offices; the cost to date of renting such offices; and the tender process by which it was decided to make use of the services of the company. [35722/20]
View answerWritten answers
Neither my Department nor any public body under the aegis of my Department, rents any office space from this company.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (31)
Verona Murphy
Question:31. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Taoiseach the quarantine rules that apply to members of the Government and officials on returning from attending events abroad; if all members of delegations returning from such visits are automatically tested for Covid-19 on arrival; the applicable period of self-isolation that applies; the processes for ensuring compliance with the relevant rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35733/20]
View answerWritten answers
Given the current domestic and international situation regarding Covid19, Government advice remains not to travel abroad unless it is essential to do so.
In order to ensure that Ireland is represented effectively, it is acknowledged that it is sometimes necessary for office-holders to travel overseas to participate in and to represent Ireland at international meetings.
I travelled to meetings of the European Council in Brussels in July and in October. On each occasion, strict protocols applied both throughout the trip and at the meeting. The delegation accompanying me was kept to the absolute minimum necessary, and observed relevant protocols regarding social distancing, face coverings and hygiene at all times.
The organisers of the meetings applied significant restrictions in the Europa Building throughout, limiting numbers with access to the building and monitoring and ensuring social distancing.
Staff who travelled with me received diagnostic testing immediately on return, and a repeat test seven days later. They also restricted their movements to the extent possible given their official duties.
Similar arrangements were in place for other members of the Government when they had to travel to represent Ireland at international meetings.
From Monday 9 November, Ireland is implementing the new EU ‘traffic lights’ approach to travel, which applies to countries in the EU / EEA (+ UK).
In general, passengers arriving into Ireland from another country are requested to restrict their movements for 14 days.
In line with the EU traffic lights approach, travellers from regions designated ‘green’ or those arriving from Northern Ireland, are not asked to restrict their movements.
In addition, the general request to restrict movement for 14 days does not apply to certain defined categories, including travellers with an essential function or need as set out in paragraph 19 of the EU Council Recommendation, while they are carrying out that function or need.
Furthermore, Irish residents who travel overseas for an essential purpose, and restrict their movements apart from that purpose while overseas, will not be advised to restrict their movement on return.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (32)
Niall Collins
Question:32. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the assistance that can be offered to a business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35466/20]
View answerWritten answers
We know the Level 5 restriction is having a significant impact on businesses. In order to reduce transmission of this disease quickly this decision was taken now so we can return to a lower level of the Living with Covid-19 framework.
I am keenly aware that businesses are making a massive sacrifice to protect their communities and I am committed to ensuring that the Government will offer as much assistance and support as possible.
Budget 2021 provides a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. The measures in the Budget are in addition to those announced in the July Stimulus Package, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, cash for businesses, low cost loans, commercial rates waivers and deferred tax liabilities. Details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes are available on my Department’s website.
Due to businesses having had to close, we have made changes to the PUP and the EWSS. The PUP includes an increase in the top rate to €350 for those who were earning in excess of €400 per week. The EWSS has also been aligned with the amendment to PUP, with the top payment increasing to €350 for those earning over €400.
We are providing more and cheaper loan finance through MicroFinance Ireland, SBCI and the new €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme.
A six-month reduction in VAT was introduced, going down from 23% to 21%, and the 13.5% VAT rate down to 9% which will benefit the hospitality sector, together with a range of additional public capital investment measures to support the domestic economy.
Also in Budget 2021, the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme, was launched through Revenue, offering a targeted, timely and temporary sector-specific support to businesses forced to close or trade at significantly reduced levels due to COVID of up to €5,000 per week. The specifics of the CRSS are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance. I am working with my colleagues across Government to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 and we will continue to keep the measures provided under review with the goal of supporting the lives and livelihoods of our people.
Commercial Property
Questions (33, 34)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:33. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he or the IDA has actively worked with a company (details supplied) to find a suitable buyer for its plant in Clarecastle, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35533/20]
View answerViolet-Anne Wynne
Question:34. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he or the IDA has considered buying the factory of a company (details supplied) with a view to leasing it out to another suitable pharma company when the company closes same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35534/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
Roche Ireland established its pharmaceutical operation in Clarecastle, County Clare in 1974. In November 2015, Roche announced that it planned to close its Clarecastle facility after a review of Roche’s worldwide manufacturing network for small molecules.
While the announcement of the closure of the plant was very disappointing, I understand that significant assistance was provided to employees seeking alternative employment, and that the majority of staff have gained alternative employment in the Life Sciences sector, which is particularly strong in the Mid-West.
While the site is not in IDA Ireland ownership, IDA Ireland has actively marketed the site as a going concern through its extensive overseas network, to both existing and new investors. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, this process has yielded no offers.
Roche is now focusing on remediation and decommissioning of the site and has commenced a programme of works in this regard.
My Department and the enterprise agencies will continue to work to drive new investment and job creation in County Clare and the broader Mid-West region. There are currently 67 IDA client companies in County Clare employing over 7,100 people with over 220 net new jobs added by foreign direct investment (FDI) firms in 2019.
While we are facing a challenging period, it is clear that FDI will have an important role to play – both in Clare and across Ireland – as we seek to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Balanced regional development will continue to be a priority for Government in the months and years ahead.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (35)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:35. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the advice provided to the Government by NPHET on the operation of acupuncture services under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35545/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is currently at Level 5 of Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021 - the Plan for Living with COVID-19. At Level 5, only essential retail outlets and essential services are allowed to open to the public.
The list of essential services that can remain open during Level 5 includes therapy services provided by a member of a designated profession within the meaning of section 3 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (No. 27 of 2005). There are seventeen professions designated under the 2005 Act, which are encompassed in the list of essential services. These are: Dietitians, Dispensing Opticians, Medical Scientists, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Physiotherapists (which includes Physical Therapists), Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, Social Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Biochemists, Counsellors, Orthoptists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Social Care Workers.
I fully recognise the challenges business are facing right now but would emphasise that the purpose of these restrictions are to ensure that we reduce the spread of the virus so that we can, in the future, reopen business safely.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (36)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:36. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost of renting office space, including for public bodies, from a company (details supplied) in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [35608/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) manages and oversees the State's property portfolio. Accordingly accommodation for my Department and its Offices is provided by the OPW in buildings which are either State owned or leased by the OPW on our behalf. The information being sought by the Deputy is therefore a matter for the OPW.
Programme for Government
Questions (37)
Steven Matthews
Question:37. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the timeline for the proposed universal basic income pilot that was set out in the programme for Government; and if there is further information on this pilot. [35631/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments under the “A New Social Contract” Mission.
This Mission includes initiatives that pertain to the work of the Low Pay Commission:
- Progress to a living wage over the lifetime of the Government
- Request the Low Pay Commission to examine Universal Basic Income, informed by a review of previous international pilots, and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has recently assumed responsibility for the national minimum wage and will act as secretariat to the Low Pay Commission.
Consideration is now being given to how best to progress the minimum wage and universal basic income initiatives.
I recently confirmed that consideration is being given to transforming the Low Pay Commission into a Living Wage Commission.
An early meeting of the Low Pay Commission is being arranged to discuss options for progressing the relevant commitments in the Programme for Government and to agree a workplan for the Commission.
The Programme for Government recognises the importance of the Low Pay Commission in ensuring that those who are in low-paid employment are valued. While the universal basic income and living wage initiatives are being considered, the Government will continue to be guided by the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission with regard to any future changes in the minimum wage.
Departmental Properties
Questions (38)
Matt Carthy
Question:38. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department rent office space from a company (details supplied) or an Irish subsidiary; the number of employees who work out of such office space; the length of time they have been working from the offices; the cost to date of renting such offices; the tender process by which it was decided to make use of the services of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35711/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) manages and oversees the State's property portfolio. Accordingly accommodation for my Department and its Offices is provided by the OPW in buildings which are either State owned or leased by the OPW on our behalf.
Typically, the Department and its Offices are in shared accommodation, either with other Government Departments, public bodies or the private sector. The Department and its Offices are located in 11 locations across the country and in the buildings which are not State owned, none of the existing lease arrangements involve the company referred to by the Deputy.
Departmental Funding
Questions (39)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:39. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of the funding allocation for his Department for 2021, by project in tabular form. [35502/20]
View answerWritten answers
The 2021 allocation for my Department is €770.9 million, which represents a 50% or €256.7m increase over the 2020 allocation of €514m. Allocations by individual programme area for 2021 are set out in the table below:
|
Programme Area |
€m |
|
Communications |
236.167 |
|
Energy |
349.897 |
|
Natural Resources |
26.187 |
|
Inland Fisheries |
34.595 |
|
Environment & Waste Management |
124.031 |
|
Total |
770.877 |
Detailed allocations are being finalised and will be published in the Revised Estimates Volume in December.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (40)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:40. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage of homes and businesses in each county and city that currently have access to high-speed fibre broadband in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35530/20]
View answerWritten answers
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the areas which will be included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led intervention as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode.
Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high speed broadband through the State led Intervention under the contract with National Broadband Ireland (NBI). BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so.
My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. This represents an increase from the 150Mbps committed to under the Contract. The following table provides a breakdown of premises per county in the BLUE area and is based on the latest information available to my Department.
|
COUNTY |
Number of premises in the BLUE area |
% number of premises |
|
Carlow |
20,133 |
71% |
|
Cavan |
26,008 |
62% |
|
Clare |
46,633 |
67% |
|
Cork |
194,124 |
71% |
|
Donegal |
70,191 |
68% |
|
Dublin |
602,253 |
98% |
|
Galway |
98,313 |
72% |
|
Kerry |
63,288 |
70% |
|
Kildare |
81,329 |
85% |
|
Kilkenny |
30,316 |
62% |
|
Laois |
27,211 |
69% |
|
Leitrim |
10,848 |
48% |
|
Limerick |
77,163 |
78% |
|
Longford |
13,842 |
61% |
|
Louth |
53,705 |
87% |
|
Mayo |
47,597 |
57% |
|
Meath |
68,727 |
78% |
|
Monaghan |
18,122 |
54% |
|
Offaly |
25,061 |
67% |
|
Roscommon |
20,219 |
51% |
|
Sligo |
25,480 |
63% |
|
Tipperary |
54,526 |
65% |
|
Waterford |
47,470 |
76% |
|
Westmeath |
33,038 |
74% |
|
Wexford |
61,126 |
73% |
|
Wicklow |
51,196 |
77% |
|
TOTAL |
1,867,919 |
77% |
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (41)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:41. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the cost of renting office space, including for public bodies, from a company (details supplied) in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [35609/20]
View answerWritten answers
All of my Department's office accommodation needs are provided for by the Office of Public Works and therefore no rents are paid directly to landlords by the Department. The information regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (42)
Niall Collins
Question:42. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications when the national broadband plan will provide a property (details supplied) with service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35659/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Questions refer to a premises which is located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.
The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI). The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. This represents an increase from the 150Mbps committed to under the Contract. The deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 4 November 2020, almost 122,000 premises across 25 counties have been surveyed which is ahead of the full year survey target of 120,000 that had been projected by the company. Surveys have commenced in Co Clare in the areas of Cratloe, Ballycannan, Ballyglas and Cloghrea and further surveys are due to commence in the areas of Kilkishen before the end of this year. This activity involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This is informing design solutions for provision of the fibre network. This detailed design is then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with eir for the area, where eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose. It is also used to initiate works with the subcontractors deploying the actual fibre in the area.
The first fibre to the home connections are expected next month in Carrigaline, Co Cork and they will be subject to technical testing and validation prior to a wider release of the area. I am advised that from the end of January retailers will be able to resell the service and householders in this area will be able to order high speed broadband provided via the NBI network.
Further details are available on specific areas within Clare through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises when works are due to commence. Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 30 October, 187 sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly available sites and by the Department of Education and Skills for schools. Some 59 publically accessible BCPs across the country are now live. Cree Community Centre, Loop Head Lighthouse, and Michael Cusack Visitor Centre are BCPs which are now connected in Co. Clare. A number of schools including Shragh, Ennistymon and Stonehall National Schools are also now connected. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/. My Department will work with Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP.
Departmental Properties
Questions (43)
Matt Carthy
Question:43. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department rent office space from a company (details supplied) or an Irish subsidiary; the number of employees who work out of such office space; the length of time they have been working from the offices; the cost to date of renting such offices; the tender process by which it was decided to make use of the services of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35712/20]
View answerWritten answers
All of my Department's office accommodation needs are provided for by the Office of Public Works and therefore no rents are paid directly to landlords by the Department. The information regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
Wind Energy Generation
Questions (44)
Holly Cairns
Question:44. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to ensure that fishing communities are consulted on the development of any offshore wind energy projects and the way the principles of a just transition will be applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35748/20]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has some of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world and realising this potential will be vital to the achievement of our 2030 and 2050 climate and energy ambitions. To realise the enormous potential of the offshore energy sector while ensuring a just transition will require fully coordinated support across civic society and government, from public acceptance, research and development, through supply chain development, to commercial deployment. The environmental and other impacts of offshore renewables must be managed in line with international obligations and best practice to support maximum social acceptance. Offshore wind energy projects are subject to several legislative and consenting considerations, which must be satisfied for a site to progress through planning and development, construction and commissioning.
My Department is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the development of the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill which will provide a modern, up-to-date regulatory and marine planning framework for offshore renewable energy developments. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is also in the process of finalising Ireland’s first marine spatial plan, the National Marine Planning Framework. The Department has been guided by a Marine Spatial Planning Advisory Group throughout this process, chaired by the Minister for State, and made up of a large number of stakeholders representing social, economic and environment groups, including fisheries representatives, as well as relevant public sector organisations. The new regime under the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill and the National Marine Planning Framework will ensure that there is public consultation throughout the various stages of offshore wind development particularly the development consent stage.
As is the case with onshore energy developments supported by the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), all offshore wind energy developments will be required to establish Community Benefit Funds prior to project operation. In order to ensure good governance and effective marine and coastal community involvement in the sustainable use of these funds, a Good Practice Principles Handbook will be published by the Minister or a nominated body.
Together with officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, officials from my Department are actively examining further opportunities for engagement with the fisheries sector, having identified and recognised a need for effective engagement between the seafood and offshore renewable energy (ORE) industries. We are currently evaluating a proposal for the establishment of a seafood industry and offshore renewable energy working group, one of the primary goals of which will be to develop a communications protocol between these two industries. The intention with this is to increase levels of understanding and facilitate constructive engagement between both of these important sectors, in addition to considering relevant issues such as co-existence opportunities, displacement considerations and safety at sea.
Air Pollution
Questions (45)
Brendan Smith
Question:45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if specific financial resources will be allocated to local authorities to ensure that the ban on smoky coal is monitored and implemented due to the difficulties caused for some businesses arising from cross-Border trade in such products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35755/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to develop a regional approach to air quality enforcement and a multi-agency approach to clamping down on the sale of high sulphur content fuel imported from the UK, with Local Authorities and the Revenue Commissioners involved.
My Department has commenced discussions with the Local Authority sector to determine how a regional approach to air quality enforcement will be developed. The intention is to establish dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to support effective and consistent implementation of air quality legislation across the country.
Such a coordinated approach is required given the links between burning of solid fuels and the health effects of air pollution, as well as the potential for market distortion for businesses properly adhering to the regulations. Increased multi-agency inspections and enforcement, including the use of fixed payment notices, are required and my Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities in this regard.
There is already very good use of multi-agency operations being applied in waste enforcement at a regional level, with supporting national structures. Building on this good practice, I expect significant progress in moving towards a regional multi-agency approach to air quality enforcement in the coming months.
Driver Licences
Questions (46)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:46. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driver licence application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35455/20]
View answerWritten answers
A person who has applied to the (NDLS) to renew their driving licence and is awaiting delivery of the licence can contact the NDLS customer service directly at 076 108 7880 or by emailing info@ndls.ie to query the current status of the licence.
Cycling Facilities
Questions (47)
Denis Naughten
Question:47. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve the standard of urban cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34525/20]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The Deputy will be aware that the 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 for active travel over the lifetime of the Government.
The Deputy is right to highlight the need to ensure that these increased budgetary allocations result in the type of high-quality infrastructure capable of attracting people to make the switch to more active modes of transport.
The Deputy is likely aware of the National Cycle Manual which was first published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2011 and is the principal source for guidance on the design of cycle facilities in Ireland. The NTA is about to commence a review of the National Cycle Manual and I expect a revsied and updated Manual to be available during the first half of 2021.
Once finalised, the NTA intends to complement the publication and dissemination of the new Manual with a series of training sessions for relevant stakeholders and it is my expectation that this work, together with other initiatives planned in the area of Regional Design Offices and local authority resourcing, will result in improved outcomes across the country.
Public Transport
Questions (48)
Denis Naughten
Question:48. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to reduce the emissions profile of the public transport fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34526/20]
View answerWritten answers
Providing an efficient and low emission public transport system is a key priority of my Ministry. As public transport is responsible for less than 5% of our transport emissions, in absolute terms, converting public transport fleets to low carbon alternatives will have a very limited impact on national emission reductions; however, it does fulfil a strong leadership role as we shift towards a low-carbon economy. To this end, I am committed to continuing to green the public transport fleet and to making each public transport journey less carbon intensive. A comprehensive programme of work is already underway and there is a clear vision to move towards zero emitting vehicles where and when possible.
The national bus fleet, that carries the majority of public transport passengers, is already moving to lower emitting alternatives. This year 100 hybrid buses were ordered for the urban PSO bus fleets while over 200 hybrid buses will be ordered next year, while in 2021 the NTA also expects to introduce a fully electric town service fleet. This week I was glad to launch Phase 2 of the Low Emission Bus Trial, which over the coming months, will assess the performance and operation of both hydrogen and electric buses and will help inform the overall conversion of our fleet to lower emitting alternatives by 2030. Understanding the various fueling technologies available is key to making well informed future bus procurement decisions. Beyond urban services, my Department is also funding a number of electric vehicle pilot projects in rural areas under the Local Link programme.
In terms of heavy rail, in 2021, we’re looking to expand electrification through the DART+ programme which will ultimately mean around 70% of journeys in any given year on the rail network will be on electrified services, while in the interim we’re continuing to expand rail capacity through the ongoing construction of the National Train Control Centre and 41 additional carriages for the Greater Dublin Area commuter rail fleet. I also intend to commission a review of the rail network which will consider the potential for high/higher - speed rail, including, of course, the potential electrification of the inter-urban network.
As regards our light rail network, we are currently expanding the capacity of the Luas Green Line with the ongoing arrival of 26 tram extensions and 8 new additional trams which I expect will have entered service by Q2 2021. We will also look at route options for Luas Cork, Luas Lucan and the preliminary design for Luas Finglas. Next year I also intend to seek Government’s approval in relation to MetroLink, a new largely underground electrified metro service in Dublin, and likely the largest public investment project in the history of the State.
Furthermore, in the recent Budget I was delighted to announce an EV scrappage scheme to enhance the supports available for taxi and hackney drivers switching to electric vehicles. I hope to see a steady greening of our SPSV fleet over the coming years.
Collectively, these measures will see us progressively modernise and lower the emission profile of our public transport fleets as well as creating an attractive alternative to the private car. As the Deputy is aware, I am fully committed to increasing modal shift towards public transport and active travel as a means of decreasing transport emissions. We’ve seen some really good additions to active travel infrastructure and our public realm in recent months as Local Authorities across the country have put in place emergency measures to support local communities and businesses through our current difficulties. And we want to build on these types of initiatives and support them through our commitment of €1.8bn over the lifetime of Government for active travel. This level of investment along with our significant investment in greening public transport will help improve quality of life and reduce emissions and air pollutants from the transport sector.