Joe Flaherty
Question:13. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve public transport provision in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35779/20]
View answerPublic Transport
Questions (13)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP).
The NTA seeks to deliver an efficient, accessible and integrated public transport system in rural and urban Ireland. Public transport in rural areas of the country is primarily provided by bus and coach services, as well as rail and SPSV services (Taxi, Hackney and Local Area Hackney). The NTA funds public bus services in rural areas such as County Longford through its public service obligation (PSO) arrangements, mainly with Bus Éireann, and also through the Rural Transport Programme, which now operates under the Local Link brand. Commercial bus operators also provide key transport services in the county including Bus Éireann Expressway services 22 and 23, M4 Direct, Farrelly's Coaches and Geraghty Travel, among others.
From a policy perspective, the Programme for Government contains a number of commitments in relation to improving public transport services in rural areas. Among the measures being prioritised are:
- is a Sustainable Rural Mobility Plan to ensure settlements over a certain size can connect to the national public transport system,
- expanding the Local Link rural transport service, and
- prioritising public transport projects that enhance regional and rural connectivity.
Last week I published a report of a public consultation process which was undertaken by the Department between November 2019 and February 2020 on a review of sustainable mobility policy, including the issue of rural transport. I intend to develop a new policy framework for the next 10 years that can provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government right across the sustainable mobility programme. Our Programme for Government commitments in relation to public transport in rural areas will be progressed in the context of that new policy statement.
In relation to improved services for rural areas, the NTA has undertaken a nationwide study to inform its approach to rolling out improved public transport across the country (excluding the Greater Dublin Area, Regional Cities and Large Towns) by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking them with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.
Arising from this study, I am advised that the NTA is starting on a two phase consultation on its proposals, titled 'Connecting Ireland'; this engagement will begin with local authority officials and other key stakeholders on the main concepts of Connecting Ireland, and will be followed by a wider public consultation in Q2 2021 on the detailed proposals.
Rail Network
Questions (14, 66)
Brian Stanley
Question:14. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport the position on the future of the Ballybrophy-to-Limerick rail line; and his plans to increase usage of the line. [35622/20]
View answerBrian Stanley
Question:66. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to increase the use of public transport; and his further plans for the upgrade of the Ballybrophy-to-Limerick rail line. [35623/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 66 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibliity for ensuring the provision of public transport services, and Iarnród Éireann - which owns and operates the rail network - provides passenger rail services under public service obliation (PSO) arrangements with the NTA.
The Deputy asks about the future of the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line; I can assure him first of all that there are no plans for the closure of any part of the rail network. Indeed our firm intention is to invest heavily in the quality of the network and the size of the rail fleet, in order to address capacity constraints and expand services in many parts of the country. Initiatives such as the Cork Line Re-Laying Programme will improve journey times for passengers and increase the attractiveness of rail as a sustainable travel option. Ambitious fleet investment programmes will also see the overall Iarnród Éireann fleet grow over the coming years, with 41 additional Intercity Railcar carriages currently contracted, and a further contract for up to 600 carriages over the coming decade set to be awarded in 2021. These initiatives will help expand capacity in areas where it is badly needed and areas where future population growth and development is expected.
However, the route about which the Deputy asks is not a route that has been struggling to accommodate large passenger numbers. Iarnród Éireann identifies Ballybrophy to Limerick as a continually low-density route in terms of passenger numbers, although the company has, over many years, operated varying levels of services during periods of both economic growth and recession. I understand that Iarnród Éireann has also undertaken both national and local promotions on the route, but that such efforts have not resulted in any significant uptake and passenger numbers have remained very low. In this context, the NTA has no plans at present to increase services on this particular route.
Iarnród Éireann promotes usage of rail services, both in national promotion and through local initiatives. I am told that it has a number of partnerships which support this, including on the Ballybrophy-Limerick route. The company has stated that it will continue to promote all routes and engage with local communities to seek new business opportunities and examine the potential for revisions and enhancements to timetables which will benefit specific customer groups.
Finally, the Deputy is probably aware that some track and bridge renewal works are taking place at present along the line. Iarnród Éireann expects that these works will be concluded by this Sunday, with some bus transfers operating between Limerick and Nenagh in the meantime. The company advises that full services are due to resume on Monday, 16th November.
Driver Test
Questions (15)
Duncan Smith
Question:15. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the correspondence he has had with the RSA on driver test cancellations; the number of cancellations there have been; if these cancellations will be prioritised when level 5 restrictions have been lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35653/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is in constant contact with the Road Safety Authority since the start of the pandemic regarding all of its services, the impact of Covid-19 on those services, and how they can best be maintained in the current circumstances.
As you are aware, car driving tests were first temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 in March 2020 and since resuming operations in mid-July, there has inevitably been an increased level of demand due to the consequent backlog. Unfortunately, due to social distancing and other public health and hygiene requirements, service capacity has had to be considerably reduced. This means that customers experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended.
Under Covid Level 5 restrictions which took effect for six weeks from 22 October 2020, driving tests are now only available to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work. While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety must remain of paramount importance.
The Road Safety Authority is currently examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints when driver testing resumes after Level 5, and is working in close consultation with my Department on this matter. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
My Department has recently approved the retention by the RSA of 18 temporary driver testers whose contracts were due to expire in October and November, and the RSA has also rehired a further 19 temporary testers whose contracts expired in May. This will help to increase testing capacity when services resume. In the longer term the Department is considering proposals by the RSA for further measures to address the backlog.
As the operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the RSA, I have referred the part of the question relating to numbers of cancellations and approach to prioritization after Level 5 to the RSA for direct answer.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (16, 19, 59, 76)
Verona Murphy
Question:16. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to test passengers for Covid-19 at airports and ports; when Ireland will adopt the EU traffic light system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35760/20]
View answer
Bernard Durkan
Question:19. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he and his colleagues throughout Europe continue to engage with the airline industry in an effort to bring about a semblance of business restoration while maintaining Covid-19 prevention practices and rapid testing in order to enable economies dependent on air passenger and commercial transport to operate to a reasonable extent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35770/20]
View answer
Neale Richmond
Question:59. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the status of Ireland joining the EU traffic light system for travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35006/20]
View answerDuncan Smith
Question:76. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the status of his plan to introduce airport Covid-19 testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35652/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 19, 59 and 76 together.
The Plan for Living with Covid-19 and Government decisions affirm that any testing model implemented for international travel should not impinge on HSE testing capacity. In light of this any testing for international travel will need to draw on resources from the private sector which are not being accessed by the HSE.
The testing regime envisaged under the Government decision for international travel will involve increasing the private supply of testing availability in Ireland. This will include:
- testing post-arrival (from day 5) for passengers from EU orange or red list locations; and
- testing for departing passengers who need or wish to complete a pre-departure test before travelling to another country.
Subject to the ongoing review of testing by NPHET and Government, a Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is the only test that is accepted for the purposes of allowing the advice relating to restricted movement to be waived. Testing technology and delivery options for facilitating international travel will be kept under review, include LAMP and antigen testing.
Shannon and Cork Airports have indicated that drive-through testing will be available today, for passengers and the public. The daa has indicated that testing at Dublin Airport by private providers can be increased within weeks.
As there can be no certaintly that testing capacity will meet potential demand, intending passengers are advised that appointments for testing should be sought in good time before travelling.
With Ireland currently at level 5 of the Living with Covid-19 Plan, there should be no non-essential travel of any kind within or outside of Ireland for coming weeks. The focus is on fighting the virus, and any incoming passengers must comply with Level 5 public health measures.
Passengers from Green regions may enter Ireland without restricting their movements.
The default for Passengers from all other countries not on the Green list is to restrict their movements for 14 days. Since 9 November, the advice to those arriving from orange locations to restrict their movements can be waived, if they have a negative or "not detected" result from a PCR test result taken up to three days before the date of departure for Ireland.
Passengers arriving from red locations from the 29 November will not be requested to follow advice to restrict movements following receipt of a negative or "not detected" result from a PCR test conducted at least 5 days after arrival. Such PCR tests may be obtained from private providers and should be paid for by the passenger. This provision will also be made available to arrivals from orange locations who do not avail of a pre-departure test.
Passengers arriving from 3rd countries (i.e. outside the EU/EEA and UK) will be subject to the same measures as for red or grey locations, including the exemptions for essential travel or functions.
The Government has also aligned with the European recommendation for categories of traveller that may be exempted from advice to restrict movements.
My Department engages with European colleagues on an ongoing basis, through a range of European and International groupings. The Protocol for the management of air passengers inlight of Covid-19, as published in consultation with the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee and National Civil Aviation Development Forum, is aligned to the European Aviation Safety Agency and European Centre for Disease Control (EASA/ECDC) Guidance.
The European Commission has indicated a desire for greater harmonisation and coordination around the EU approach for international travel. It recently requested EASA/ECDC is to develop a protocol for safer air travel, including a proposal for a common EU Health Safety testingprotocol at airports. A number of European countries are currentlly involved in pilot projects to better understand the role that dfferent types of rapid testing for Covid-19 might have in an international travel context.
Roads Maintenance
Questions (17)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:17. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the resurfacing of the Glengarriffe Road, N71, Bantry, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35063/20]
View answerWritten answers
Introduction
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Act 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the upgrading, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Overall, TII is responsible for the delivery of the National Roads Programme in accordance with Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP). In that context, TII provides the Department with regular updates on its delivery of the National Roads Programme.
Background
Within the overall context of Project Ireland 2040, the NDP was developed by Government to underpin the successful implementation of the National Planning Framework (NPF). This provides the strategic and financial framework for the national roads programme for the period from 2018 to 2027.
The focus of TII's activities is, accordingly, being directed towards the development of the major national road improvement schemes that are included in the NDP, along with the maintenance of the existing national road network.
In 2020, €230m is allocated from TII’s capital budget for essential asset rehabilitation on existing national road routes across the country, including cyclical road pavement resurfacing/renewals, bridge rehabilitation and other asset renewal/improvement works (including safety works).
N71, Bantry to Dunnamark
The project the Deputy is referring to on the N71 in Bantry is known as "the Bantry to Dunnamark route" project. Resurfacing at this location is being progressed through design, to tender, by Cork County Council as the relevant local road authority and contracting party. I would, in the normal course of events, expect the scheme to be carried out next year on this basis.
However, at this location, there is an interaction with works planned by Irish Water, which would have an impact on the delivery of these works and on the road surface. In the event that this delays progress on the scheme, Transport infrastructure Ireland and Cork County Council are also currently looking at short-term remedial measures, which could proceed in the near term in advance of more substantial resurfacing works.
Pavement Schemes Programme 2020
I wold note that this project is only one of a number of road resurfacing schemes along the N71 under TII’s Pavement Schemes Programme in recent years, including:
- N71 Seafield to Knockroe Pavement Repairs (previously Parkana to Knockroe extended)
- N71 Lissalane to Gillanes
- N71 Derry
- N71 Canrooska
- N71 Leap to Dromahilly
Currently, the following N71 resurfacing schemes are being progressed through design, to tender, by Cork County Council:
- N71 Bantry to Dunnamark
- N71 Glaslinn Road
- N71 Glengarriff
Safety Schemes
TII has also provided my Department with an update on the current status of a number of Safety Schemes on the N71 route, such as:
- Rosscarbery Pedestrian Crossing – in progress
- Gaggin Junction – in progress
- Ballinvoultig safety improvements – ongoing
- Bantry West approach – Feasibility report underway
- Bantry North approach – Feasibility report underway
- Leap footpath – Feasibility report underway
- Glengarriff footpath – Feasibility report underway
Outline of current projects on the route
TII has provided my Department with information on two new schemes that are currently relevant to the route.
Bandon Bypass Extension:
A feasibility study was completed by Cork County Council. A scheme Project Appraisal Plan (PAP) has also been prepared and approved by the Department of Transport.
Currently the N71 Relief Road around Bandon ties back into the existing road network via a very steep downhill gradient. Traffic also needs to negotiate a number of roundabouts and priority junctions within the built up area of Bandon. The N71 in this area is quite heavily trafficked with an Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) of between 9,000 and 14,000 vehicles and a Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) percentage of up to 5.0%.The proposed relief road extension would involve bridging over the R603 to remove the existing steep gradient and construction of approximately 2.5km of new single carriageway tying back into the existing N71 just to the west of the town.
N71 Newmills /Owenahincha scheme:
The Project Appraisal Plan (PAP) has been approved by the Department of Transport. Cork County Council is progressing the planning and design of the project. TII will consider the provision of funding for approval to proceed to statutory approval when the design process reaches this milestone.
Both of the above schemes are being progressed by Cork County Council through the planning and design processes.
Light Rail Projects
Questions (18)
Catherine Connolly
Question:18. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport when a feasibility study for light rail in Galway will be undertaken or commissioned by his Department; his views on the importance of light rail in the context of climate change obligations and commitments under the national planning framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35763/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, transport investment in all the major cities is now guided by the development of metropolitan area transport strategies.
Since 2016 transport strategies have been published in respect of the Greater Dublin Area, Galway and the Cork Metropolitan Area, while development of a transport strategy for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area has commenced and work on the final strategy in respect of the Waterford Metropolitan Area will commence this year.
This move toward evidence based, plan-led transport planning for our major cities is to be welcomed and allows for consideration of all relevant issues and the potential role all modes of transport can play in addressing those issues. I would also note that providing this type of long-term investment framework represents international best practice in the area of transport planning.
In relation to Galway, I understand there are a variety of proposals as to how public transport corridors could be served including the possibility of bus rapid transport corridors that share many of the characteristics of light rail systems and could, at a later date, be upgraded to light rail.
BusConnects Galway aims to deliver a rationalised network of five high-performing cross-city routes. All routes will serve major city centre attractions as well as linking all major destinations across the city. It will also comprise next generation bus lanes, enhanced services, cashless fares and account-based ticketing and a transition to low emission and zero emission vehicles.
I recently met with Galway-based stakeholders who had an interest in a new light rail technology emerging in the UK, and there may indeed be merit in that technology at some point in the future.
I welcome the fact that consultations are currently underway in relation to the Cross-City Corridor and the Dublin Road Corridor which together have a really important role in delivering bus and active travel improvements from east to west across the city and want to see both progress to planning and construction as soon as possible.
Question No. 19 answered with Question No. 16.
Road Projects
Questions (20)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:20. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the funding timeframe within the shared island unit for the proposed Narrow Water bridge between counties Louth and Down. [31382/20]
View answerWritten answers
In Budget 2021, An Taoiseach announced that the Irish Government is providing the resources to deliver on its commitment to build a shared island underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement. In this context, An Taoiseach launched the Shared Island Fund with a planned €500 million to be made available over the next five years to 2025.
Funding will be allocated to Government Departments and Agencies to fund a variety of cross-border projects, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government which includes working with the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver key cross-border infrastructure initiatives.
Following on from the Fresh Start Agreement, the "New Decade, New Approach" document indicates that the Government is ready to jointly progress consideration of options for the development of the Narrow Water bridge project at the North South Ministerial Council.
Options for the development of the Narrow Water Bridge project are under examination at present taking into account other proposed road projects in the area including the Newry Southern Relief Road, as well as the necessary appraisal requirements that all capital projects must undergo, in both Northern Ireland and here. Consideration of options for a bridge has not yet reached a sufficiently advanced stage where there is a clearly defined and costed scheme with a corresponding funding timeframe.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (21, 90)
Martin Browne
Question:21. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department has taken to provide support for pilots who have not been able to fly for much of the year as a result of Covid-19; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as a result many are facing not having the minimum flight hours to qualify for a pilot licence under EU legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35802/20]
View answerNeale Richmond
Question:90. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the supports provided to the aviation sector during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35007/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 90 together.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has issued various blanket exemptions for existing licensed pilots in line with the European Union Aviaton Safety Agency (EASA) recommendations, subject to a detailed safety review and implementation of mitigating measures. These initial exemptions were detailed in IAA Aeronautical Notices P30 and P33 which pertained to the adoption of exemption measures aimed at extending the validity period of ratings, certificates and medical reports, as applicable, for flight crews, cabin crews, instructors and examiners, mechanics, air traffic controllers and aeromedical examiners. The exemptions from the EU regulations applied to operations taking place within a reference period between 1 March and 31 October 2020 and for a maximum period of eight months. Currently, the IAA is addressing any further exemption requests from pilots on a case-by-case basis.
The Government has made a significant level of Exchequer support available for the aviation sector. Many aviation companies continue to benefit from the economy-wide support measures that the Government put in place right from the very beginning of the pandemic, such as the the wage subsidy scheme, commercial rates waivers and deferred tax liabilities. Liquidity support has been made available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund.
In Budget 2021 the Government made provision for €10m for Cork and Shannon airports while confirming a commitment of €21m under the Regional Airports Programme to support Knock, Kerry and Donegal airports.
In addition to the general COVID-19 supports and targeted aviation funding committed to in Budget 2021, The Government has agreed an €80 million funding package for aviation in recognition of the difficult winter faced by the sector and to support the retention of core connectivity. This includes operational and capital funding for airports and an Airport Charges Rebate Scheme for January to March 2021, subject to State Aid approval of the European Commission.
Ports Development
Questions (22)
Eoghan Murphy
Question:22. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of infrastructure works at Dublin Port given anticipated custom changes as a result of Brexit; if there is sufficient land; the effect this will have for the other activities of the port and its land use; and the additional impacts expected on surrounding local infrastructure - for example, the port tunnel and access points to the port from various directions. [35789/20]
View answerWritten answers
As a consequence of Brexit, additional infrastructure will be required for customs, SPS and health checks and controls at our ports and airport. Since 2018, detailed work has been underway across Government, led by the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform, to invest in the infrastructure, systems, and staffing required for additional checks and controls for trade with Great Britain at Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort and Dublin Airport.
I am advised by the OPW that the current works in Dublin Port are continuing and that handover of additional facilities will commence in the next fortnight.
Once again, I am advised by the OPW that when finished, it is expected that the facilities will meet all the requirements of the relevant State agencies. Undoubtedly the additional regulatory controls required post transition will mean that a proportion of traffic will remain within the port for a longer period that has been the case to date. However, the aim of all the State Agencies and the Dublin Port Company is to ensure minimal disruption to the ongoing operations at the Port.
It must be acknowledged that Dublin Port Company has made lands available to State services with an area of 14.6 hectares. This is approximately 6% of the total land area of Dublin Port. Dublin Port Company has advised that this loss does not have a significant immediate impact on the day to day operations of the port but it does have implications for the future provision of additional capacity.
In a situation where Dublin Port Company is developing Dublin Port to reach its ultimate capacity by 2040, the loss of large areas of port land as a result of Brexit creates a challenge to accommodate anticipated future growth. That being said, Dublin Port Company will continue to work with the OPW to manage land use as the new trading arrangements and border inspection services bed in.
In light of the potential for Brexit-related traffic congestion at the Port to impact on adjacent roads, the Port Tunnel, and the motorway system a Traffic Management Group, chaired by the Department of Transport and including representatives of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Dublin City Council (DCC), An Garda Siochána (AGS), OPW, Revenue Commissioners and Dublin Port Company (DPC) was established. The Groups’ remit was to consider the potential knock-on impacts on city traffic management originally in a no-deal scenario.
This Traffic Management Group had developed a no-deal contingency plan which defined the roles of the various agencies and the associated communications strategy and operational plan outlining the options and actions required to mitigate impacts on the road network.
This plan is now being updated to take into account developments that have occurred in the intervening period and details of the Plan will be published when completed.
Road Projects
Questions (23)
Brendan Griffin
Question:23. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the progress on construction of the new N22 Macroom and Ballyvourney bypass; the status of and anticipated timeline for the N22 Killarney bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35799/20]
View answerWritten answers
Introduction
Firstly, I would like to explain that, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Act 1993- 2015, the planning design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Overall, TII is responsible for the delivery of the National Roads Programme in accordance with Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP).
In that context, TII provides my Department with regular updates on its delivery of the National Roads Programme.
Background
Within the overall context of Project Ireland 2040, the NDP has been developed by Government to underpin the successful implementation of the National Planning Framework. This provides the strategic and financial framework for TII's national roads programme for the period from 2018 to 2027.
In line with the Programme for Government, the Government has recently commenced a review of the NDP. As part of this review, the Minister for Public Expendture and Reform launched a public consultation on 3rd November, providing interested parties with the opportunity to input to the process. Taking account of feedback received, a revised NDP is planned to be published by Summer 2021, setting out a capital investment envelope for infrastructure to 2030.
N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom
Project outline
This new road development, currently under construction, consists of a 22km upgrade of the N22 National Primary Route from Ballyvourney to Macroom to a dual carriageway standard. This will comprise a bypass of Macroom Town and the villages of Ballyvourney and Ballymakeera, Co Cork. This scheme is on the TEN-T Comprehensive route and will strengthen the link between Cork and Kerry.
Current status
The previous Government approved the award of the construction contract in October 2019 and construction on site commenced in December 2019, with a cost estimate of circa €280 million. Good progress on construction is currently being made and it is expected that the dual carriageway will be operational in 2023.
N22 Farranfore to Killarney
Project outline
This scheme consists of 27km of road improvement between Farranfore and Killarney along the N22. The scheme provides for a bypass of Farranfore village, a new realigned N22 including a link into Killarney town and an outer bypass of Killarney town.
Current status
The Pre-Appraisal Plan (PAP) was approved by my Department in December 2018. However, Kerry County Council revisited the PAP to include an additional link on the N71 Muckross Road and the PAP was resubmitted to the Department. This was approved by my Department in October 2019 and Kerry County Council have procured and awarded the Technical Advisor contract for the scheme and the scheme is progressing through planning and design.
As the project is in the early stage of planning, it is not yet possible to provide an accurate estimate of the total cost. The progression of the scheme is dependent on the availability of funding and statutory approval. The timeframe for delivery of any major or minor works/projects that require statutory approval, including in relation to an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) or Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) or both, is between 8 to 13 years.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (24)
Richard Bruton
Question:24. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the work being undertaken by his Department during the current level 5 restrictions to better equip sectors under his guidance to be resilient in the face of any future resurgence of Covid-19 cases in order that they can remain open safely, even in the face of a step-up in restrictions on social interaction. [34557/20]
View answerWritten answers
I welcome the opportunity provided to outline the continuing measures being taken by my Department and its agencies to enable services to continue to operate during this unprecendented time.
Public Transport
The continued operation of the public transport sector is important and, from a very early stage in the COVID-19 crisis, public transport was designated by Government as among the essential services that could continue throughout the emergency. Guided by public health advice, measures have been introduced across to enable the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and appropriate social distancing measures across the network. Regulations were also introduced making mandatory the wearing of face coverings on public transport, with some limited exceptions.
There is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and, therefore, should only be used for essential travel, with only those who have to travel at peak times for essential purposes doing so. People are being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical, and organisations are encouraged to continue to facilitate working from home.
The Government is also spending considerable additional Exchequer funds on the public transport sector in order to support the continued operation of necessary services, in light of the reduced demand and the restricted capacity owing to the COVID-19 situation. The Exchequer is now funding the PSO (public service obligation) regime far in excess of the allocation that had been provided under Budget 2020. In addition, the Government introduced a new temporary funding support for the non-PSO (licensed, commercial) bus sector in respect of its continuation of necessary bus services.
The NTA issued a statement on their website on 20 October 2020 which says that they will look at “particular pressure points” in relation to public transport should the need arise, with a view to addressing them at local level. Both the Department of Transport and the NTA are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice.
Aviation
Protocol for the management of air passengers in light of COVID-19
The “Protocol for the management of air passengers in light of COVID-19” was published by the Department of Transport, in consultation with the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee, which includes representatives of the aviation industry, regulators, border control and public health authorities. The Protocol, published on 21 July 2020 and updated in October, is guidance for the coordinated implementation of EASA/ECDC – “COVID-19 Aviation Health Safety Protocol – operational Guidelines for the Management of airline passengers in relation to COVID-19 pandemic” (AHSP) (30, June Issue 2). The protocol has due regard to the EASA/ECDC COVID-19 Aviation Health Protocol Guidelines and national guidance in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has taken a pro-active role in promoting and ensuring that airports and airlines operate the guidelines contained in the AHSP. In addition to the AHSP, the IAA has written to each Irish airline and airport encouraging each one to participate in the EASA industry Charter for COVID-19. The Charter establishes a feedback loop from industry directly to EASA on the performance of the measures implemented, to fine-tune and improve the guidance in the light of operational experience and of the expected increase in traffic volumes. A number of Irish airlines and airports have already joined. EASA are performing an overall monitoring role in Europe and are using the information collected from multiple sources, including the charter participants, to identify areas where the protocols outlined may be ineffective or can be further improved. As such, the AHSP is a living document and the IAA expects ECDC/EASA to publish a further revision in the coming weeks.
The Passenger Locator form, administered by the Department of Health, remains in place for all persons arriving into the State regardless of the "colour" of the location they are arriving from. Essential transport workers continue to be exempt from completing the form. The introduction of an online form supports an enhanced system of engagements with arriving passengers. The main purpose of the form is for the targeting of key public health messages to arriving passengers through SMS and email.
Testing/EU Traffic Light System
The Government has developed a framework around the EU “traffic light” system, which was adopted at EU level on 13 October. As part of this, people arriving into Ireland from EU green regions do not have to restrict their movement for 14 days. All other passengers must continue to restrict their movements for 14 days unless they are exempted essential workers. The Government also aligned with the updated list of exempted categories of traveller with essential function or need within the EU recommendation.
The requirement for those arriving from orange locations to restrict their movements can be waived, if they have a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken up to three days before arrival.
From midnight 29th November, arrivals from an EU red region will not be expected to restrict movements following receipt of a negative/not-detected result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken a minimum of five days after arrival in Ireland. This provision will also be available to arrivals from orange regions who may not have availed of a pre-departure test.
There are a number of COVID-19 testing technologies currently available or emerging on the commercial market. However, subject to the ongoing review of testing by NPHET and Government, a negative result from a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is the only test result that means the passenger is not expected to follow advice to restrict movements. Testing technology and delivery options for facilitating international travel will be kept under review.
Testing provision under Ireland’s framework for international travel will not be provided through the public health system, but rather will be met by the private commercial sector testing supply on a user pays basis. As the availability of testing cannot be guaranteed intending passengers wishing to avail of a test should seek an early appointment for a test in advance of travel.
Maritime
It is recognised that maritime transport plays a crucial role in the supply chain, particularly to an island nation such as Ireland. It is essential to the continued supply of goods in and out of the country, accounting as it does, for 90% of Ireland’s international trade in volume terms. For this reason, ensuring Ireland’s ports, shipping operations and all the elements of that maritime supply chain continue to function is vitally important.
My Department has engaged regularly throughout the pandemic with key stakeholders in the maritime sector and has put in place a number of measures to ensure that the maritime sector has continued to operate across all levels of the Government’s Living with COVID-19 Plan. This is exemplified by the fact that not only have the majority of scheduled sailings into and out of Ireland continued during COVID-19 but a range of new services have been added in recent months, thus enabling the supply of goods and the carriage of essential workers to critical jobs along with the repatriation of citizens.
My Department is also continuing, with the assistance of the IMDO to monitor and assess market conditions and trends on a weekly basis.
In addition to meeting regularly with key stakeholders in maritime to address COVID-19 issues, a number of key guidance documents have been published to ensure the sector has access to the most up-to-date information and advice.
- The COVID-19 Agreed Protocol for International Ro-Ro Passenger Transport Services, Ports & Terminal Service Operators was published in July. The Protocol, which was developed in collaboration with relevant stakeholders aims to ensure a broadly consistent approach to the facilitation by maritime transport providers of a safe and gradual restoration of maritime passenger transport as countries lift travel restrictions.
- To assist stakeholders and the public with issues that may arise as a result of COVID-19, my Department developed a Frequently Asked Questions guide on COVID-19 related issues in the Maritime Sector. This guide is updated regularly as required.
A series of Marine Notices were also published on Gov.ie and circulated to a mailing list of almost 700 recipients. These Marine Notices provided information on the following:
- Marine Notice No. 14 of 2020 sets out the temporary measures being put in place in relation to the validity of seafarers’ documents impacted as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Marine Notice No. 06 of 2020 provides instructions from the Health Service Executive (HSE) on the submission of Maritime Declarations of Health.
- Marine Notice No. 15 of 2020 sets out temporary provisions for survey and certification of Irish ships.
- Marine Notice No. 16 of 2020 sets out the measures that have been taken to date to protect the maritime transport supply chain, guidance that has issued to supply chain workers and other COVID-19 related updates in the maritime sector.
- Marine Notice No. 22 of 2020 provides details of the Passenger Locator Form.
- Marine Notice No. 32 of 2020 reminds domestic passenger vessels of the latest COVID-19 guidance issued.
Furthermore, my Department has made arrangements to continue with the training of seafarers at the National Maritime College of Ireland by facilitating on-line examinations as well as online delivery of lectures for students at the college. Similar provisions are being made with Bord Iascaigh Mhara at the National Fisheries Colleges at Greencastle, Co. Donegal and Castletownbere, Co. Cork. In addition my Department has engaged with the National Maritime College of Ireland regarding proposed changes to online delivery to some seafarers' training courses currently approved by the Department. Additionally, the MSO has continued with face-to-face oral examinations of officers for their qualifying examinations for certificates of competency. The MSO has also made arrangements with the owners of new fishing vessels and tourist vessels which are being built overseas to ensure the on-going statutory certification of such vessels.
Thus through regular engagement with maritime stakeholders it has been possible to address the challenges posed by COVID-19 in a timely and effective manner and ensure that maritime the sector remains operational.
Road Haulage
I wish to fully acknowledge the essential role of road transport operators and HGV drivers and the challenges facing the industry both in the context of COVID-19 and Brexit.
A number of measures have been implemented to date to support the road haulage sector. Many of these are still applicable today, in the context of the current Level 5 restrictions.
In recognition of the importance of the work of everyone involved in the supply chain, a communication was published early on, noting that every element of the supply chain helps to ensure a continuous flow of essential goods. That communication also noted that where practical, all goods should continue to be distributed to the greatest extent possible.
My Department also published guidance on the cleaning of HGV cabs, and that guidance is available online at Gov.ie.
In collaboration with the Health Service Executive and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, my Department published an important communication stressing the importance of providing access to toilet and handwashing facilities for transport workers. That communication was circulated to Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Irish Petrol Retailers' Association and other key retail stakeholders to ensure a broad distribution of this important message.
In response to the extraordinary circumstances that we saw at the very beginning of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, my Department, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority, introduced a temporary relaxation of the EU driving and rest time rules in March, and this remained in place for a period of time, until the end of May.
In relation to supply chain workers, including HGV drivers, travelling on ferries as part of their work, the health and safety of staff and passengers on board is to be protected to the greatest extent possible. In this regard, a COVID-19 agreed protocol for international RoRo passenger ships and terminal service operators has been put in place, which ferry companies worked on with my Department. Further information is available online (COVID-19 Agreed Maritime Protocol). This protocol has due regard to the national guidance in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and maintain passenger safety and aims to ensure a broadly consistent approach by maritime transport providers to facilitate maritime passenger transport as safely as possible.
My Department is in frequent contact with the Irish Road Haulage Association, Freight Transport Association Ireland and other road transport stakeholders on COVID-related matters, in line with our longstanding practice of engaging with the sector.
Road Safety
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), National Car Test (NCT) and Certificate of Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT). Steps have been taken in all services which have been deemed essential by the Government to enable them to continue under COVID restrictions, albeit with limited capacity and additional restrictions. The only such service deemed non-essential by the Government at this time is the Driver Theory Test.
National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF)
The NVDF systems allow citizens to continue as normal in completing change of ownership and renewal of motor tax through the Online Motor Tax service.
Road Network
Questions (25)
Brendan Smith
Question:25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure there will be a substantial increase in the non-national roads allocation for local authorities in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35426/20]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The regional and local road grant allocations are finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) and take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year.
While the REV has not been published as yet, I anticipate that there will be additional funding for regional and local road maintenance and renewal in 2021.