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Departmental Strategies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 January 2021

Thursday, 14 January 2021

Questions (33)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

33. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the main policy initiatives undertaken by his Department since 27 June 2020; and his main priorities for 2021. [2095/21]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government (Our Shared Future) outlines the goals of this Government within its lifetime. My Department has responsibility for 54 commitments under the current Programme and is committed to working on their delivery.

These commitments form the backbone of my Department’s new Statement of Strategy (to be published shortly) and the business planning cycle for 2021 (and subsequent years) across all sectors of the Department.  

The €360m committed to cycling and walking in the Programme for Government is being administered on behalf of my Department by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and funding to develop walking and cycling strategies has been offered by the NTA to all Local Authorities (outside of the 5 metropolitan areas).

In relation to the development of Regional Cycle Design Offices, the NTA have submitted a report on proposed institutional arrangements. My Department is engaging with the NTA on the report and with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the proposal.

Increases to the thresholds for the Cycle to Work Scheme were announced with the general threshold increased to €1,250 and a newly introduced threshold of €1,500 for ebikes, while the period between eligible claims has been reduced from 5 to 4 years.

€3.3m was ring fenced in 2020 to renew and replace life-expired lifts and lifts in poor condition at rail stations, to ensure the reliability and availability of lift access. A major part of this programme was the complete lift renewal in 12 stations in the Dublin Surburban area.

In response to the urgent requirement to quickly decarbonise the transport sector, and in line with Action 79 of the Climate Action Plan, the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group was established in early 2020. The work of the Group has involved a detailed consideration of the optimum mix of regulatory, taxation and subsidy policies available to Government to significantly accelerate EV sales. Drafting of the final report from the Group is at an advanced stage, and I will bring policy recommendations arising from the work of the Group to Government in 2021.

My Department introduced a new motor tax table to take account of carbon dioxide emission levels based on the Worldwide Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).

Grant support levels were increased to offer up to €10,000 towards the purchase of an eSmall Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV), with a further €2,500 available to convert the vehicle to a wheelchair accessible model. Available support for the purchase of PHEV eSPSVs was also increased to €5,000 towards the purchase of a new PHEV. The eSPSV Grant Scheme can also be used in conjunction with other incentives for EV drivers, including VRT relief, lower rates of motor tax, and a reduction in road toll charges. €15 million was allocated to support up to 750 taxi and hackney drivers in making the transition to fully electric vehicles through an enhanced EV scrappage scheme. This Scheme is targeted at eligible drivers scrapping older (8 years or more) or high mileage (over 300,000km) vehicles and replacing them with zero-emission electric alternatives.

The NTA has commenced an engagement with relevant Advisory Committee members and others regarding a re-ignition of the previous outreach and learning plan specific to the needs of people with disabilities to access SPSVs. A research project is underway to learn of the experiences of those users to inform future policy making decisions.

The report on the future of the Western Rail Corridor was presented to Government in December 2020. The Government was informed of a proposed Strategic Rail Review of the inter-urban and inter-regional rail network taking cognisance of the need for balanced regional development and cross-border connectivity.

 A link to the Programme for Government is available here:  https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/7e05d-programme-for-government-our-shared-future/

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