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Tuesday, 8 Dec 2020

Written Answers Nos. 138-157

Penalty Points System

Questions (138)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

138. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if penalty points are automatically carried over to their next permit or driver licence in cases in which a learner driver with penalty points renews their learner permit or obtains a full licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41302/20]

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Written answers

Penalty points do not physically appear on a driver's licence or learner permit; rather they are recorded on the driver's record in the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF).  When a licence or learner permit is renewed, the driver's record is updated on the NVDF, and the penalty points remain on the licence record.

Penalty points remain on the licence record for a period of three years.  The period of three years that must elapse will not include any period where the licence is out of date or where the driver is disqualified from driving because of another offence.

Parking Regulations

Questions (139)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

139. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the criteria applying to applications under the disabled parking permit scheme to include the partially blind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41317/20]

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Written answers

The Disabled Parking Permit (also known as the European Parking Card or Disabled Parking Badge) is available to people living in Ireland whose mobility is severely restricted, whether they are drivers or passengers. 

The possibility of extending the eligibility criteria for the scheme to include people with non-mobility related physical disabilities, or those with certain forms of intellectual or cognitive impairment, has been raised on a number of occasions and the Department has consulted extensively with the joint issuing authorities of the scheme, the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWC), on this matter.   In light of this consultation there are currently no plans to change the criteria.

I must particularly emphasise to the Deputy that issuing a large number of extra permits by extending the eligibility criteria would in fact put the existing scheme under significant additional pressure and compromise the availability of disabled parking spaces in general, thus disadvantaging those with restricted mobility who are currently eligible.  

Community Involvement Scheme

Questions (140)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

140. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the reopening of the community involvement scheme for 2021; the level of funding available for Tipperary County Council for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41327/20]

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Written 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 initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

The Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) is based on community contributions within the range of 15% to 30% and the purpose of the CIS is to facilitate local community participation in the repair of local roads. The focus of the programme is on the repair of more lightly trafficked public roads which might not be high on the list of a local authority's annual roadwork programme. 

Following the introduction of ring-fenced funding for a CIS programme in 2018, it was decided to provide funding over a two year period 2018/2019 so as to give local authorities more flexibility in delivering this programme. Towards the end of 2019, my Department invited local authorities to submit applications for CIS for another two year programme for the period 2020/2021.  Funding will be provided in 2021 to complete the projects provided for in this funding round.  The allocation for Tipperary will be announced early next year as part of the general grant allocation process.

It is expected that further applications for future CIS projects will be sought later in 2021.

Road Network

Questions (141)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

141. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the status of tertiary roads in rural Ireland; the options made available by his Department for resurfacing same within local authorities specifically Tipperary County Council; if a policy exists to restrict resurfacing options for such roads specifically to community involvement scheme applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41328/20]

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Written 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 initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

Within the budget available to my Department for regional and local road grants, grant funding is allocated on the basis of grant programmes and not on the basis of the category of road. The allocation of funding across specific roads or across categories is a matter for each local authority, having regard to the funding available to it from local and central sources as well as its particular priorities.

The main regional and local road grant programmes are focussed on specific policy objectives i.e. surface sealing to protect the road surface from water damage, road strengthening based on pavement condition rating to lengthen the life of roads and a Discretionary Grant Scheme which allows for a specified range of activities including winter maintenance.  These 3 grant programmes account for most of the grant funding and are allocated taking into account the length of the road network and traffic factors in a particular local authority area.  Apart from a requirement that 15% of the road strengthening grant is spent on regional roads, the allocation of funding to different categories of road is entirely a matter for decision by each local authority.  Funding from the Department of Transport for Local Tertiary roads is not restricted to the CIS programme and the surfacing of such roads can also be funded from the Restoration Maintenance, Restoration Improvement and Discretionary Grant programmes, within the framework established at local level by the relevant road authority.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (142)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

142. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if requirement for local authorities to submit a three-year roadworks programme can be amended within the lifetime of the programme in order to include roads that have deteriorated significantly since the submission of the three year programme; if the local authority require Departmental authority and sign-off to change sections of their road works programme within the lifetime of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41329/20]

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Written 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 initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

In 2018 Councils were requested to submit a multi-year Restoration Improvement (RI) programme for 2019, 2020 and 2021. The Department recognises that factors, such as severe weather events, can require amendments during the course of any programme. Councils are, therefore,  asked to submit an updated programme at the start of each year via MapRoad and to advise the Department in writing of any proposals to change its RI programme during a year.

Road Projects

Questions (143)

Michael McNamara

Question:

143. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the status of progress on the Limerick northern distributor road; when a contract for the first phase will be signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41337/20]

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Written answers

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. State grants, where applicable, are intended to supplement the funding allocated to the maintenance and improvement of roads by local authorities from their own resources.

The National Development Plan (NDP) does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate maintenance and renewal of regional and local roads.  For this reason the primary focus for capital investment continues to be the maintenance and renewal of the network with some limited investment in road improvement schemes.

Under the National Development Plan there is no Exchequer regional and local road grant funding in place to progress the Limerick Northern Distributor Road through the planning process to construction stage. 

Brexit Issues

Questions (144)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

144. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to ensure that hauliers who obtained their qualifications in Northern Ireland pre-Brexit will not be penalised from January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41339/20]

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Written answers

At present, a Northern Ireland resident can exchange their UK Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card for an Irish CPC card, but won’t be able to so after 31 December 2020.  

A resident of NI working for an undertaking established in Ireland must have an Irish CPC as a UK CPC will not be valid in Ireland after this date.

Driver Licences

Questions (145)

Holly Cairns

Question:

145. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will allow persons who have previously held an Irish driver licence or has a valid driver licence from another jurisdiction to be allowed drive unaccompanied on a provisional licence for the duration of Covid-19 if they are carrying out healthcare or caring duties either voluntarily or professionally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41369/20]

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Written answers

It must be understood that a learner permit is not a licence, but a permit to allow a person to drive while learning. The purpose of the driving test is to set out the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licenced driver.  Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision. 

In the case of people who hold a driving licence from another jurisdiction, we cannot be satisfied that the driver learning and testing regime is of a similar standard to that in Ireland, and for this reason they must go through the Irish learning and testing system.

Holders of Irish driving licences have up to 10 years after that licence expires to renew it.  If a driver has not driven in 10 years, they are no longer considered qualified, and must begin again as a learner. 

Studies have repeatedly shown that unaccompanied learner drivers are markedly more likely to be involved in fatal collisions.  For that reason, there can be no exceptions to the current laws in force around learner drivers.  Regrettably, there has been an increase in fatalities on our roads so far in 2020, despite huge reductions in traffic volumes, and we must not relax the standards required of our drivers before being awarded a driving licence.  In that context, the lives and safety of our healthcare workers are particularly important as continue to manage the challenges arising from the ongoing COVID emergency and I do not intend to put them at greater risk.

An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by an Garda Siochana may face penalty points, a fixed charge, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution.

National Car Test

Questions (146)

Imelda Munster

Question:

146. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce laundered diesel testing as a core component of the NCT and DOE road tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41375/20]

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Written answers

All Member States of the European Union are required by law to carry out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles at regular intervals throughout the vehicle's lifecycle. As part of the National Car Test (NCT) and the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT), the items to be tested and the reasons for failing a test for are governed by European legislation and are set out in Annex I of Directive 2014/45/EU. 

These requirements have been transposed by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415 of 2017) and the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 347 of 2013). Vehicle roadworthiness is a cornerstone of road safety policy and plays an important role in reducing road accidents and fatalities on public roads.

The Deputy may wish to note that tackling the illegal use of marked gas oil (laundered or 'green' diesel) is the responsibility of the Revenue Commissioners and as such I do not anticipate such enforcement being incorporated into the current roadworthiness testing regimes.

Coast Guard Service

Questions (147)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

147. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if capital works on the Irish Coast Guard buildings at Greystones, County Wicklow and Westport, County Mayo have commenced; if not, when works will commence; and the duration of such works in both projects. [41407/20]

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Written answers

My Department is responsible for the Irish Coast Guard Building Programme which is essentially aimed at ensuring Coast Guard Units along the coast are fit for purpose. The programme is managed through the Office of Public Works.

The Greystones project is currently at the second stage of the tendering process. It is envisaged that the contract will be placed in January 2021, with a view to commencing works on site by February 2021. The estimated project time frame is two years.

Westport is also at the second stage of the tendering process. It is envisaged that works will commence on site by June 2021. The estimated project time frame is also two years.

Air Accident Investigations

Questions (148)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

148. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost in 2021 of recruiting five extra full-time air accident investigators, in tabular form. [41408/20]

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Written answers

The estimated full year cost of recruiting 5 additional Air Accident Investigators for my Department is €534,341.45.

The breakdown of costs is set out in tabular form, below:

Aeronautical Officer Grade I, point 1 of PPC scale

€  89,072.00

On-Call Allowance

€    6,774.00

Total incl. On-Call Allowance

€  95,846.00

Including EPRSI @11.5%

€106,868.29

Full year cost for 5 Aeronautical Officers Grade I

€534,341.45

Driver Licences

Questions (149)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

149. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to driver licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41496/20]

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Written answers

An Irish driving licence can only be issued to a person who is normally resident in Ireland. Normal residence means a place where a person usually lives, that is for at least 185 days in each year, because of personal and occupational ties. If a holder of a UK driving licence is normally resident in Ireland, they will need to exchange their UK licence for an Irish licence.

A UK licence holder can drive in Ireland as a visitor for up to a year under the Geneva Convention.

Taxi Regulations

Questions (150)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

150. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to an increase in reports by SPSV NTA issued licence holders of being prevented from transporting passengers travelling cross-Border both to and from destinations in Northern Ireland by authorities there; if such an escalation in enforcement by the authorities in Northern Ireland contravenes reciprocal arrangements in place across both jurisdictions by which taxi operators based either side of the Border may operate on such a cross-Border basis without impediment; if such a reciprocal regime does not exist, the efforts being made between the respective authorities to establish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41512/20]

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Written answers

The Deputy may wish to be aware that there is currently no legislation to support the cross-border operation of SPSVs. The relevant legislation governing taxi services in this State is the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, which requires the holding of an SPSV licence and an SPSV driver licence to carry persons for hire or reward. The 2013 Act and its requirements only apply to services provided in the State - it does not provide for cross-border services.  I understand that the legislative position in Northern Ireland is similar.  Thus, under current legislation, a taxi operator wishing to operate cross-border services, would have to apply for and obtain licences on each side of the border.

As Minister for Transport, a cross-border regime for SPSVs is something I would hope to pursue once the COVID-19 pandemic abates. This is something which would require legislation in both jurisdictions, and I look forward to discussing the issue with my Northern Ireland counterpart in the future.

Driver Licences

Questions (151)

Michael McNamara

Question:

151. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if the NDLS will take appointments over the phone in Ennis, county Clare as persons there are encountering problems with the online system in obtaining appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41534/20]

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Written answers

The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) resumed services in June, following the closure of the centres due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. All appointments must be booked in advance as it is not possible to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.

It is not possible to make a telephone booking for an appointment, the online booking system is the only means by which an applicant can secure a slot at an NDLS office.

However, in cases of urgency where a person cannot go online, they can seek assistance from the RSA Customer Call Centre by phoning 1890406040 or 096 25000 between 8.30am and 5pm. 

Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 127.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (153)

Thomas Gould

Question:

153. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the locations which were included in the application by Cork City Council for safety improvement works in 2021. [41718/20]

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Written 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 initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.My Department sought applications in September 2020 for consideration for funding of safety improvement works on regional and local roads to be carried out by local authorities during 2021. The schemes for inclusion in the application are decided by the local authorities and submitted in order of priority.The locations included in Cork City Council's application for safety improvement works in 2021 are as follows:- Blackrock Road & Park Avenue Junction- Assumption Road, Blackpool- Junctions of Linden Avenue W-E with Rosegreen Avenue and Linden Avenue N-S- Near Clogheen-Kerry Pike National School, Kerry Pike village- Junctions of Bishopstown Road w. Wilton Avenue and Bishopscourt Drive, Bishopstown- Station Road, Blarney- The Cloisters, Ballincollig- Junction of Beaumont Drive and Beaumont Lane with Blackrock Road, Ballintemple- Buck Leary's Cross, Upper Glanmire- Junction of N71 Bandon Road with L2451 Maher’s Lane, at Chetwynd- Near Scoil Croi Iosa, at junction of St Ann's Road and Kilowen Road Blarney- Clifton Grange Estate and Grange Road

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (154)

Thomas Gould

Question:

154. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA is planning to include areas on the northside of Cork city in a scheme (details supplied). [41768/20]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure.  However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations, including the development and management of public bike schemes. Decisions, including allocations to schemes, contracts, operation and expansion of existing and proposed bike schemes fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply . Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Test

Questions (155)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

155. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if steps will be taken to expedite a driver theory test backlog for a person (details supplied). [41805/20]

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Written answers

The scheduling of candidates’ driver theory tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in conjunction with their service provider and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.

When the Driver Theory Test Service closed due to the latest restrictions, the majority of testing centres had almost full bookings up to end December and some into January too as it worked its way through the initial backlog. The decision was taken by the service provider that any candidates who had appointments on the suspension of the service were rescheduled to the next available slots.

 Driver Theory Test Centres re-opened from 1st December, following Government decision, and additional availability is now being added for January, February and March. In other words, a range of new slots are opening up in the next couple of months.  I would advise candidates to regularly check the service through https://theorytest.ie/ as more appointments become available.

Driver Test

Questions (156)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

156. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the way in which rescheduled driver theory tests cancelled due to level 5 restrictions are being managed alongside bookings already made; and if cancelled tests are being prioritised now that test centres have reopened. [41858/20]

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Written answers

The Deputy should be aware that the operation of the driver theory tests is handled by the RSA, under contract, and it is for them to devise the most effective way of how rebookings will be handled.

As I understand the situation, following the closure of the Driver Theory Test Service for the duration of level 5 restrictions, all appointments during that time were initially rescheduled to the next available appointment date. 

The Theory Test service was temporarily suspended in March 2020 due to the Covid 19 emergency. When the service resumed in June, there was an increased level of demand and a significant backlog developed. This was coupled with the need to significantly reduce normal daily capacity to comply with occupational and public health requirements.  

When the Driver Theory Test Service closed on the 21st of October due to the latest restrictions, the majority of testing centres had almost full bookings up to end December and some into January too as it worked its way through the initial backlog. The decision was taken by the service provider that any candidates who had appointments on the suspension of the service were rescheduled to the next available slots. 

Driver Theory Test Centres re-opened from 1st December, following Government decision, and additional availability is now being added for January, February and March.

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. This will help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.

Driver theory test appointments are made available up to the middle of 2021, and additional slots are now being made available over the next few months.   With these additional slots, it is anticipated that around 26,000 appointments will be available and some of these have already been booked.   In January 2021, a further 10,000 appointments will be made available, with 15,000 to be rolled out in February and a further 15,000 in March 2021. It is planned that the additional slots for these three months will start to be rolled out this week. I would advise candidates to regularly check the service through https://theorytest.ie/ as more appointments become available.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (157)

Noel Grealish

Question:

157. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided for urgent safety works on the N83 at which two minor roads, the L7102 and L6210 join the N83 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41924/20]

View answer

Written answers

As 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 maintenance 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.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
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