Written Answers Nos. 50-74
50. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce the waiting times for driver theory tests in Cork city and county; if consideration will be given to making driver theory tests an essential service as a result of the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35497/20]
View answerSpecific details on individual theory test centres are an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The Driver Theory Test has not been deemed to be an essential service under level 5, and I will not be looking for this decision to be reconsidered.
People who get a theory test will then need to go and get a learner permit so they can commence driving as accompanied learners and start lessons. The imperative to do the theory test within a period of 6 weeks at Level 5 is therefore limited. It was decided, in a climate where only limited services are being provided in order to reduce the spread of Covid, and, where continuing services must be both safe and essential, that even if the theory test could be conducted safely it was not essential to the point of being needed during this 6 week period.
As a consequence, the service is closed, effective from midnight on Wednesday 21st of October, and for the duration of level 5 restrictions. All appointments during that time have been rescheduled to the next available appointment date.
The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to examine ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints for when services areresumed. In this regard, they would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours will allow additional capacity for appointments.
While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure the resumption of services as soon as level 5 is lifted.
51. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport his views on a Castlemaine Harbour cycle route from Glenbeigh to Annascaul; if the appropriate persons in his Department will engage with this Deputy with a view to establishing a plan for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35800/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the approach adopted by my Department in relation to greenways has been to work closely with local authorities in supporting their development.
In that regard I am not aware of any proposal from Kerry County Council in relation to this particular route and would note that no such proposal was submitted by the Council earlier this year as part of the funding call organised under the Carbon Tax Fund.
I would therefore encourage project promoters to engage with the local authority in the first instance and indeed local communities, landowners and business owners along any potential route to ensure that there is as much community support as possible for their project.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that it is my view that greenways in rural areas should seek to serve the active travel needs of local communities in addition to potential tourists and therefore any proposal should seek to integrate its route with town and village centres and thereby facilitate local trips to schools, work and leisure where possible.
I would encourage the project promoters to consider the points raised, and in particular their engagement with the local authority, and consider how best to take the proposal forward. Once those steps have been completed my Department would be happy to engage with the Deputy on the matter.
52. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to legislate for the use of e-scooters as set out in the programme for Government; his views on whether this area needs regulation urgently to protect e-scooter users, pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and other road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35766/20]
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.
Until new legislation is in place, the use of electric scooters other than in the very limited circumstances outlined remains illegal.
53. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if her Department will introduce a system of online licence renewal, in particular for commercial drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35759/20]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA), through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), is working to expand the current online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office.
The necessary legislative amendments to facilitate the online system have been made and the regulations come into effect on the 9th November. The NDLS plans to allow all application types to apply online from this week on. A Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account will be required to access the online system.
54. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport his plans to undertake a feasibility study on the development of a railway network in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35798/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out a very clear vision to fundamentally change the nature of transport in Ireland. To make that change, we need a whole of system perspective across all modes of transport, whether that is active travel, bus or rail. Getting that whole-of-system perspective requires evidence-based and plan-led transport infrastructure development, as well as transport infrastructure development that integrates with and acts as a catalyst for improved land-use planning.
In relation to inter-urban rail, I have recently agreed with my Northern colleague Minister Nicola Mallon, MLA, the need to develop further existing draft terms of reference for a proposed study of rail speeds on the Belfast-Dublin-Limerick Junction-Cork corridor, designated at EU level as a TEN-T Core Corridor. Our intention is to ensure the finalised terms of reference take sufficient cognisance of the need for balanced regional development, particularly in relation to connectivity with the North-West.
Our Departments will work together with other relevant stakeholders in finalising the terms of reference and moving forward with the procurement of consultants.
I look forward to the commencement of this important study in due course.
55. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of his consultations with taxi representatives on reforms needed in the sector; if his attention has been drawn to the financial challenges facing drivers as a result of the current restrictions, with overhead costs such as taxi insurance, for example, still requiring payment despite many taxi drivers not working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35768/20]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, I have met with delegates from four taxi representative groups on two occasions. At my most recent meeting I stressed the importance of the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles and the important role it plays in advising my Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) on the issues facing the industry. I advised the representatives that the Committee will remain the focus of my engagement with the SPSV industry as it brings together a diverse membership representing SPSV operators and passengers. I noted that there are four vacancies which could be filled by SPSV driver representatives and I encouraged the representatives to consider applying for these vacancies.
I am aware of the financial challenges facing SPSV drivers. The NTA has taken action since the start of the pandemic to alleviate the operating costs of drivers. The Government's "Stimulus" announcment in July contained several measures that can be availed of by self-employed individuals including SPSV operators. These included a number of investment and liquidity measures as well as the COVID-19 Enterprise Support Grant. The recent Budget contained further measures, including a new €15 million scrappage scheme for operators of older SPSVs, a waiver of vehicle licence renewal fees for 2021, and a new income disregard for self-employed Pandemic Unemployment Payment recipients, allowing them to earn up to €480 monthly before tax but after expenses such as insurance. I understand that the NTA has also proposed a further extension of vehicle age limits and that consultation on this proposal is now underway.
56. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider conducting commercial driver certificate of professional competency, CPC, courses online similar to those provided in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35757/20]
View answerTraining for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competency (CPC) is classroom based and legislation governing this training states that the training must take place in a Road Safety Authority (RSA) approved CPC training centre. There are no plans at present to amend this legislation. In addition, The RSA have noted that it would be difficult to quality assure an online training session and to ensure drivers complete the minimum 7 hours training required. An online system will require proper consultation and development, taking account of the needs for robustness and integrity in the process and for appropriate data protection.
The RSA have made allowances for professional Drivers with Driver CPC cards that are due to expire and who are prevented from completing training due to the current Covid 19 outbreak. Drivers with valid Irish Driver CPC cards that were due to expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 were granted an extension of seven months on their expiring CPC card. The additional time was to enable these drivers to complete their CPC training and obtain their new CPC card.
57. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the planned M20 motorway between Cork and Limerick; the current stage of the project; the next steps and associated times; when the motorway will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35790/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
60. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the innovations he plans for the upcoming statement of strategy of his Department. [34556/20]
View answerThe Public Service Management Act 1997 requires each Government Department and Office to publish at regular intervals a Statement of Strategy, setting out its mission, strategic objectives and priority actions for the relevant period. As the current Government was formed on 27 June 2020, a revised Statement of Strategy for all Government Departments must be in place before Christmas of this year and work on this is well advanced in my Department.
My colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, TD, recently published Ireland’s inaugural Public Service Innovation Strategy Making Innovation Real, which is intended to guide efforts in fostering and sustain innovation across the whole of the Irish Public Service. Making Innovation Real proposes the development of a permanent culture where staff are continuously empowered and equipped to innovate, hardwiring innovation as the norm and incorporating it into all strategies and business plans.
My department’s full support for the aims of Making Innovation Real will be reflected in the Department’s upcoming Statement of Strategy and my officials will make use of all guidance and support given by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard.
61. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider providing the driver theory test online, similar to that provided in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35758/20]
View answerMy Department has requested that the Road Safety Authority, as the body legally responsible for the driver theory test, examine whether theory tests can be taken on line remotely and what is required to so. I understand that the Authority is developing proposals in that regard. However, this planning is at a very early stage and is not expected to come on stream in the immediate future.
62. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the temporary changes that will be made to allow those seeking to renew driver licences a grace period to renew same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35654/20]
View answerAll driving licences that expired between 1 March and 31 August 2020 were extended for 7 months. There 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 bring us into line with the EU legislation.
63. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on plans to increase the tram fleet on the Luas green line; when the expansion is due to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35783/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including light rail infrastructure and fleet.
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.
64. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need for support and clarity on an ongoing basis for Cork Airport; and the way in which he plans to safeguard the employment of workers connected to the airport directly, indirectly and in the wider local economy. [29626/20]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his question in relation to Cork Airport and to also refer him to my detailed reply to his question on Cork Airport on 29 September last.
As previously outlined the Government has already put in place a suite of measures to assist businesses in facing the challenges of Covid-19. Airports and airlines have been able to avail of some of those measures, in particular employment supports, rates waivers and deferred taxes. Cork Airport, an autonomous business unit within the daa, is availing of these supports.
In addition to these measures the Government made a specific provision of €10m for Cork and Shannon airports in Budget 2021.
Most significantly however, in recent days the Government has agreed a revised €80m funding package for Irish aviation. In recognition of the very difficult winter season being faced by the aviation sector the Government has decided to provide more supports, in addition to those announced in Budget 2021.
The funding package will include an Airport Charges Rebate Scheme for January to March 2021, subject to State Aid approval from the EU Commission. This is one of the recommendations made by the Task Force for Aviation Recovery and, at an estimated cost of €20m, will support the retention of core connectivity through the Winter season.
The Government has also decided to provide further operational and capital funding supports of €22m for Cork and Shannon Airports, which is in addition to the €10m in capital funding announced in Budget 2021. Airports generally as well as the airlines will of course continue will to benefit from the economy-wide support measures that are open to all sectors.
The forthcoming National Economic Plan will provide for any further appropriate measures to safeguard strategic regional connectivity and the resilience of the aviation sector.
This level of unprecedented supports for Cork and our other airports is a clear manifestation of this Government’s commitment to ensuring the aviation sector can maintain the necessary core capability to retain strategic connectivity and to quickly rebound when circumstances allow.
67. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport the additional funding which will be provided in 2021 for the improvement of regional roads in County Longford. [35780/20]
View answerThe 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.
68. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns locally at plans for the N24-N74 Tipperary town road improvement scheme; his views on the impact it will have on local business; his further views on the impact that diversions may have on local residential areas; if his attention has been further drawn to the large volume of traffic that uses the route daily; if he will consider engaging with local groups on the matter or facilitating engagement between the authorities concerned and local groups and representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35801/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
70. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure the development of safe cycling routes to rural schools and the provision of cycling parking facilities within schools in rural areas. [35796/20]
View answerThe Deputy can be assured that I am very much committed to increasing the number of children who use active travel modes when travelling to and from school.
There are a number of existing supports already available, such as An Taisce’s Green Schools Travel programme which promotes sustainable travel and includes the provision of cycle parking, and the Cycle Right training programme which provides practical cycle safety and skills training to support more competent and confident cycling. Both Programmes are funded through my Department’s sustainable mobility investment programme.
Complementing those existing supports, this year’s July Stimulus fund more rapid roll-out of active travel infrastructure across the country and I know that a number of local authorities have sought to develop new infrastructure which supports active travel to/from schools in their areas.
In line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future, Minister of State Naughton and I are very keen to bring these various strands of supports together and develop an overarching Safe Routes to School Programme. I know that Minister of State Naughton met with the National Transport Authority recently in this regard and I look forward to working with stakeholders in the months ahead as we develop and roll-out the programme.
71. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in the past two months on the review of a report (details supplied) on the western rail corridor; when this review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35136/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the final report that he refers to was submitted to my Department in July and in line with commitments made was subject to a short independent review.
I can confirm that I have now received that independent review and am considering the matter prior to bringing it to Government. As I have stated previously I am committed to publishing the report, and the independent review, as soon as is practical.
72. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is considering an extension of the ten-year age limit in respect of taxi vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35655/20]
View answerThe extension of vehicle age limits is a matter for the statutory regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA). The Deputy may be aware that, at the start of the pandemic, the NTA extended the age limits for vehicles that were due to reach these limits this year. The NTA is now considering extending the age limits further, until the end of 2021, and is currently conducting a public consultation process on this proposal prior to making its decision.
73. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider a feasibility study of the Navan-to-Kingscourt railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35764/20]
View answerAs indicated in my reply to the Deputy's similar questions in September, I am informed that Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) has no current plans to reopen this line, nor to undertake a feasibility study at this time. I am also informed that a potential re-opening of the line does not feature in the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.
The issue of a potential extension of the existing Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan was considered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) during its development of the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035. As the Deputy is aware, this issue remains under review and will be specifically considered again as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy.
The review will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns since the finalisation of the current Strategy.
The review will be subject to a full public consultation, including the publication of all background reports and feasibility studies and that public consultation will take place next year.
74. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the dangers faced by vulnerable road users from the parking of cars on footpaths; if the Road Safety Authority has any responsibility for the issue in promoting behavioural change and safe parking practices on the part of motorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35518/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I very much share the view that parking on the footpath is a selfish and dangerous practice that puts vulnerable road users such as wheelchair users and parents with buggies at particular risk.
Under Section 4 of the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for promoting public awareness of road safety matters. I am therefore referring the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct response and ask that he contact my offices if no reply is received within ten working days.
