Written Answers Nos. 200-219
200. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the status of implementation of each recommendation made by the aviation task force in its final report on 10 July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36291/20]
View answer201. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the status of the recommendation by the aviation task force to enable a liquidity initiative for the aviation sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36292/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
The Aviation Recovery Task force submitted its final report in early July, in which it made twelve recommendations on how air travel could be reopened in a safe manner so that Ireland’s global connectivity could be recovered over the next number of years. The recommendations broadly ranged from measures to improve the safety of air travel, to rebuilding regional and international connectivity to making financial support measures available to the sector. The Task force’s final report can be viewed at www.gov.ie.
At this point, the majority of the Taskforce’s recommendations have been implemented. With the adoption of the EU’s traffic light system for international travel, together with the finalisation of Ireland’s National Protocol for Safe Air Travel, there is now a comprehensive set of rules for international air travel based on clear public health advice. This has been complimented by the HSE’s national test, track and trace system, and the Department of Foreign Affairs’ TravelWise app, which is currently being updated to reflect the adoption of the EU traffic-light system.
A number of financial supports have been made available to the aviation industry, including meeting the Taskforce’s recommendations for the extension of the wage subsidy scheme and the provision of liquidity supports. The wage subsidy scheme has now been extended to April of next year, as has the extension on the waiver of commercial rates; while a substantial €2bn in liquidity supports has been made available to all sectors, including the aviation sector, through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund.
On rebuilding regional and international connectivity, recently a further package of targeted funding for the sector was also announced, amounting to a total of €80m in further funding. This funding will be made available to Cork and Shannon airports, as well as to the smaller regional airports of Knock, Kerry and Donegal, and consists of both capital and operational funding. In addition to this, and subject to EU state aid approval, an airport charges rebate scheme will be rolled out across all of Ireland’s airports and will cover the period from January to March to help ensure continued connectivity on core routes throughout the Winter season.
202. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the increase in funding for the additional personnel and resources needed in local authorities to drive the school streets initiative; the projected funding and projects per local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36300/20]
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.
School streets are one element of the much broader proposed Safe Routes to School Programme as committed to within the Programme for Government. In line that commitment, Minister of State Naughton and I are very keen to develop an overarching Safe Routes to School Programme. While various details have yet been finalised, 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, including consideration of required local authority resources.
The Deputy is likely aware that there are a number of existing measures already available to support active travel in schools, such as An Taisce’s Green Schools Travel programme which promotes active 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 enabled the 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.
203. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider waiving and refunding the annual cost of taxi registration during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36321/20]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA), the statutory regulator, has since the start of the pandemic taken action to reduce the operating costs for small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators. It has extended vehicle age limits and waived late renewal fees though to March 2021. Furthermore, my Department will provide funding to the NTA to enable it to waive standard SPSV licence renewal fees in 2021.
204. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend all driver licences due for renewal that cannot be extended online during the current stage of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36322/20]
View answerThere is no plan to further extend the validity of driving licences. Irish driving licence law is based on a framework of EU law, and the current extensions bring us into line with the EU legislation.
All driving licences that expired between 1 March and 31 August 2020 were extended for 7 months. The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), closed in March as per Government instruction and re-opened in June. The extension was granted to extend the validity of driving licences that would have expired at a time when it was not possible to renew such licences, and to assist the NDLS resumption while adhering to the return to work protocols.
Through the NDLS, the RSA has expanded the current online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office. A Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account will be required to access the online system.
To attend in person, an applicant must make an appointment through the NDLS. All appointments must be booked in advance as it is not possible to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. The RSA has worked with their providers to create the additional capacity through a combination of additional staff, extended and additional operating hours (i.e. Sundays where needed), and the provision of overtime. The introduction of these steps, and the availability of the extended online service will help ease the pressure on the NDLS, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres.
In addition, those 70 years of age and over will be contacted directly by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) and invited to renew their licence or permit by post. Previously only those aged 70 and over who renew their licence on a yearly basis are invited to renew it by post. As a temporary measure, given the situation with Covid-19, the RSA, through its licensing service the NDLS, will expand the postal renewal option, to those over 70 who renew their licence every three years.
205. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the big lift upgrade initiative of Iarnród Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36329/20]
View answer206. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the status of works at Clontarf road station and Raheny station as part the big lift upgrade initiative of Iarnród Éireann. [36330/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
207. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the additional ring-fenced funding to be provided by his Department to domestic violence services in budget 2021 in order that services can respond adequately to the shadow pandemic of domestic violence through Covid-19 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36353/20]
View answerAs my Department does not provide funding towards domestic violence services there is no provision for additional funding allocations in Budget 2021.
208. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if temporary multi-coloured crossings are allowed on public roads under the Roads Act 1961; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36385/20]
View answerThe legal framework for traffic signs is contained in a number of acts and regulations which include The Road Traffic Acts and the Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations. All signs and road markings erected on Public Roads must be provided in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) which stipulates what traffic signs and road markings are to be used on Irish roads, their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each should be used and the rules for positioning them. The Manual constitutes a Ministerial Direction to road authorities under section 95(16) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
Chapter 7 of the Manual states that for Pedestrian Crossings, “the stripes should be laid in alternate black and white stripes across the full width of the carriageway and positioned centrally between the 2 Pedestrian Lines”.
While the TSM and its contents are kept under review, only traffic signs which are in accordance with this manual and associated regulations shall be provided on public roads.
209. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers on each LocalLink route in County Wicklow in each week for the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36386/20]
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 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) which operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
210. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will request Irish Rail to engage with residents (details supplied) in County Dublin that are being impacted by night-time work on the DART line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36389/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the ongoing referenced works at Dalkey station, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann.
The maintenance and renewal of railway infrastructure, including works such as those referred to by the Deputy, are vitally important in preserving the safety of the network and facilitating millions of safe passenger journeys each year. I understand that while all efforts are taken by Iarnród Éireann to minimise disruption caused to surrounding communities it can be the case unfortunately that a certain level of disruption is unavoidable.
I am referring the Deputy’s request to Iarnród Éireann for consideration and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
211. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the status of completion for the outstanding section of the Grand Canal greenway from Aylmer Bridge to the 12th lock in Lucan, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36391/20]
View answerIn 2018 a funding call for greenways was announced based on criteria set out in the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways. Waterways Ireland submitted an application on behalf of three local authorities with sections of the Grand Canal within their areas – South Dublin, Kildare and Offaly.
Two of the sections – Kildare and Offaly – were deemed eligible for funding under that particular funding call and support was provided to both local authorities with those sections receiving increased allocations as a result of funding announcements made last week.
It is my intention to complete the Grand Canal Greenway over the coming years and with the funding currently being made available to support the Aylmer Bridge to Sallins section, I believe the section from Aylmer Bridge to the 12th Lock is well positioned for the next round of funding that I expect to announce late next year.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that South Dublin County Council and Fingal County Council are working on plans to link the Royal and Grand Canal Greenways and work on this link will commence next year.
212. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the status of the LocalLink service in counties Cavan and Monaghan; if an extension of this service is planned in the Shercock, County Monaghan area; the locations plans for extension are to be made; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36396/20]
View answerAs 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) which operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
213. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene in a situation in which the NTA is refusing to consider redevelopment and the movement of an unsuitable bus stop at a location (details supplied) despite the significant damage this is having to the feasibility of usage of public transport by local residents and in view of the current push towards public transport. [36402/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
214. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if the plan submitted to his Department on reducing the waiting list for driver tests to ten weeks will be published. [36423/20]
View answerMy Department is remaining in close contact with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), as they are exploring how to further manage the current backlogs in the driver testing system.
In this regard, the RSA has presented an initial outline plan to the Department outlining its proposals for carrying out its functions under the COVID Framework, including measures recommended to reduce current waiting times. The details of the plan are complex and are currently being examined, in relation to its robustness, deliverability, consistency with the wider Government Framework, and financial and other resource implications, as well as conformity with the legal framework. As there appear to be significant resources required over and above those which the RSA has available to it under current arrangements, approval will be needed from my Department, and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will also need to be consulted on the plan, when finalised by the RSA.
While the Department is eager to see a robust plan in place to address this issue, it is important that it is comprehensive and can address the backlog effectively.
215. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the waiting lists for theory tests for driver test applicants by test centre and county; and the length of time each centre is waiting to clear the backlog. [36424/20]
View answerSpecific details on the number of persons awaiting a driver theory test by test centre and county are held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
216. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the rules compelling taxi drivers to replace their cars after ten years in view of the crisis facing the sector due to Covid-19; and if so, if the rules in relation to same will be extended to 15 years which is currently in place for taxi drivers with a wheelchair accessible vehicle. [36441/20]
View answerVehicle age limits for small public service vehicles (SPSVs) 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 age limits for vehicles until the end of this year. The NTA is now considering a further extension of age limits to the end of 2021 and is currently conducting a public consultation process on this proposal prior to making a decision.
217. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has received and or read a document from a group (details supplied); if he or officials in the NTA have considered other proposals to the NTA for the terms of reference of the feasibility study to include a continuation of the MetroLink to south-west Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36444/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including light rail / metro.
I understand that Department officials have met with the Group referred and shared the Group's analysis with the NTA. I would note that the forthcoming review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035 will provide for a full public consultation on all relevant issues including the potential for other metro routes.
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.
218. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the senior cross-Departmental technical working group will report back to him with a plan to establish approved Covid-19 tests for international arrivals; and if so, if he will provide the details of their recommendations and advice. [36448/20]
View answerFollowing the work of the Senior Officials Group on International Travel the Government has agreed that any testing model implemented for international travel should not impinge on HSE testing capacity. The testing regime envisaged for international travel will therefore be implemented through the private supply of testing availability in Ireland. This will include availability for:
- testing post-arrival (from day 5) for passengers who have arrived from a location that is not on the green list and who wish to avail of a test as a means of reducing the period of restricted movement from 14 days; and
- testing for departing passengers who need or wish to complete a pre-departure test requirement 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 currently 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.
The Senior Officials Group on International Travel continues to meet regularly to monitor and review implementation of the arrangements outlined above and to consider further options with a view to reporting to Government as appropriate.
Shannon and Cork Airports have indicated that drive through testing is now available for passengers and the public. The DAA have indicated that the provision of testing at Dublin Airport by private providers, is expected this week, and it can be increased within weeks.
Testing at Dublin Airport is intended to be undertaken by two providers, by means of a drive-through and walk-through facility at the airport. DAA has advised that the testing offer by the providers will be reasonably priced within what is generally available on the market.
Since there can be no certainty that testing capacity will be available to meet all of the demand at all times, intending passengers who wish to avail of testing should seek an appointment before travelling.
219. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when driver theory tests can get back up and running; if extra staff will be recruited to clear the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36453/20]
View answerThe Driver Theory Test has not been deemed to be an essential service under level 5. As a consequence, the service is closed, effective from midnight on Wednesday 21st of October, and will remain closed 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 are resumed. This will help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
