Written Answers Nos. 102-121
102. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Athy distributor route; the recent progress; his plans to bring this project to fruition; the target date for opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3752/21]
View answerThe 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. In this context 12 regional and local road improvement projects were identified for development, subject to necessary approvals, in the NDP and the construction of a Distributor Road to the south of Athy connecting to the N78 is one of those schemes.
Under the Public Spending Code and the terms and conditions applying to regional and local road grants, capital projects are subject to review and approval at a number of stages. In this context Kildare County Council has submitted the contract documentation for the main Athy scheme construction contract to my Department for review.
As the project will be subject to further consideration before a decision is made on whether the tender process proceeds, I cannot give an indication at this point of a construction timeframe.
103. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for completion of the inner relief road Thurles, County Tipperary linking Slievenamon Road to the Mill Road; if funding is in place for same; if a route been finalised; and if all land required has been secured. [3768/21]
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. 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 initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Strategic Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
Under the capital project appraisal process a Preliminary Appraisal must be submitted in relation to each proposed project. Where an appraisal is received, it has to be assessed taking into account competing projects and the available budget. To date such an appraisal has not been submitted by Tipperary County Council in relation to a Thurles Inner Relief Road.
104. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in advancing plans for a bypass for Thurles, County Tipperary; and when it will be completed. [3769/21]
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.
105. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his plans to further examine the reclassification of the R624 road as a national road in view of future increases in traffic volumes as a result of proposals to develop the nearby Marino Point site as a port facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3774/21]
View answerAs previously indicated in PQ 1069/2, further consideration may be given to the issue as part of a future general review of road classifications.
Cork County Council has informed me that the Council expects to appoint consultants shortly to carry out a wider transport study which will look at options in relation to access in the area.
106. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the status of information on the west Dublin orbital route. [3785/21]
View answer107. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if funding for the west Dublin orbital route has been approved. [3786/21]
View answer108. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport when it is expected that works on the west Dublin orbital route will commence; and the length of time those works are expected to take. [3787/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 to 108, inclusive, together.
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 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 TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this proposed project, pending also the Government's proposed review of the NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
109. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if cancellations for driver tests will be offered in the first instance to essential workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. [3808/21]
View answerUnder Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions effective from 31 December 2020, candidates can attend their scheduled driving test appointment provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. Details on what is included in the list of essential workers and retail outlets can be found at www.gov.ie.
The RSA are requesting that if someone is not involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets, that they please cancel their appointment. They can do so by logging on to www.myroadsafety.ie click on My Booking and then Cancel Booking and choose Non Essential Worker as the cancellation reason. If they have not already registered on www.myroadsafety.ie they must do so before completing this action. The slot will then be reassigned to an essential worker.
A customer who has an appointment for a driving test during Level 5 restrictions, and who is an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services and retail outlets should attend their driving test as normal.
Anyone looking for an urgent driving test appointment and falls into either of these categories can apply to book a driving test at www.myroadsafety.ie If there is no available slot and they have made an application, they can ask to be prioritised by accessing https://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/The-Driving-Test/Request-an-urgent-driving-test/ and providing the relevant details.
110. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for BusConnects implementation in Cork. [3815/21]
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 BusConnects Cork.
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.
111. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driver test will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3816/21]
View answer112. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) can have their driver test expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3817/21]
View answer113. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport when a response will issue to an urgent query by a person (details supplied); if a driver test will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3818/21]
View answer124. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when a driver test will be rescheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3907/21]
View answer125. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be called for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3910/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 112, 113, 124 and 125 together.
All enquires relating to scheduling driving tests are handled by the Road Safety Authority (RSA)- who have statutory responsibility for the operation of the test. My Department does not have access to individual applications nor have I any power to intervene in individual cases. I have therefore referred these questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
115. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the average wait for a driver test at present from the time applicants submit an application; the action he plans to take to reduce this waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3827/21]
View answer119. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to address the backlog of driver tests; the actions that can be taken for persons who are waiting months for a test and cannot avail of public transport due to a lack of availability in their area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3869/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 119 together.
Details on the average waiting time for a driver test are held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the 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.
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.
Due to suspension of driver testing services in the first 2020 lockdown, along with the health protocols since resumption of service and the further curtailing of services during subsequent level 5 restrictions, a significant backlog has developed. The need to once again return to level 5 restrictions for reasons of public health will inevitably impact further on delays to driver testing. During the level 5 period, driving tests will be available only to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work.
While the service is limited during level 5 restrictions, the Road Safety Authority is examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints with an eye to resuming wider testing after level 5. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
I am pleased to say, in December, I approved the hiring of a further 40 temporary testers for 22 months. These new hires will be in addition to the 36 temporary testers who were re-hired over the course of 2020.
These measures will help to increase testing capacity. However, I would like to stress, that many of the issues impacting on the delivery of service are concerned with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff. It will also take time for the 40 testers to be hired and trained.
The RSA are also looking at a number of other measures, including whether the number of tests a driver tester can perform each day can be increased, subject to health assurances.
The Road Safety Authority has advised it is prioritising driver testing for essential workers and has set up a dedicated webform for same. Anyone looking for an urgent driving test appointment who falls into this category can apply to book a driving test at www.myroadsafety.ie If there is no available slot and they have made an application, they can ask to be prioritised by accessing https://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/The-Driving-Test/Request-an-urgent-driving-test/ and providing the relevant details.
The Department has been in discussions with the RSA on how to return to the normal target for the maximum waiting time, which is around ten weeks. It is clear that it will not be possible to arrive at this quickly, given restraints which must be in place due to the pandemic. It is important to recognise that there are no quick fixes and that the continuing build-up of applications as the pandemic goes on means that it will take time to reach a normal waiting time.
116. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 196 of 15 December 2020, if his Department or a company it has engaged with carried out a cost-benefit analysis with regard to the State owning the helicopters for this service over the length of their expected life span, that is, 20 years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3859/21]
View answerMy Department has not engaged a company to carry out a Cost Benefit Analysis specifically in relation to owning helicopters as part of the new SAR aviation contract. A Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Appraisal has been conducted which considered various options for delivery of the next SAR Aviation Contract. This Appraisal went to Government for information as a first step in the Public Spending Code (PSC) process. KPMG have been appointed since early November to carry out the detailed business/economic assessment in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code which includes inter alia an Economic appraisal of various viable options. The process is on-going and will lead to a Government decision ultimately and one that involves a significant public procurement. As such, it would not be appropriate for me to release any specific details in relation to considerations around any one of the options considered.
117. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the measures to be undertaken by Irish citizens wishing to return from abroad who have had a positive Covid-19 test result but who are now outside of the 10-day isolation period with the relevant paperwork to correlate; the procedure and person or body the persons should contact in such a scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3860/21]
View answer166. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to implement additional restrictions on persons travelling from abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4476/21]
View answer167. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if there are adequate measures in place at each airport and port to implement the restrictions on persons travelling into Ireland; the additional measures that will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4477/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 166 and 167 together.
With effect from 16 January 2021, all passengers arriving into Ireland (unless exempt) are required to have a evidence of a negative or ‘not detected’ result from a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test that was carried out no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland. Passengers are asked to present evidence of their negative/‘not detected’ result before boarding their airplane and will be denied boarding if they cannot produce such evidence or do not claim to fall into an exempt category. If a citizen has a genuine humanitarian emergency requiring urgent travel, they should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate immediately for advice and consular assistance before commencing their journey.
On 26 January, the Government agreed to introduce a number of measures aimed at reducing the risk that international travel may pose. It was noted that non-essential international travel is in breach of Level 5 rules, and the measures introduced include an increase to the fixed penalty for breach of the rules relating to international travel. The measures also include increased Garda checks and enforcement activity relating to people travelling internationally who are in breach of Level 5 rules.
The Government also agreed the existing regulations requiring pre-departure PCR tests will also be extended to 5 March. A range of mandatory quarantine measures will be introduced, applying to all international arrivals. Mandatory quarantine at a designated facility will be required for passengers who arrive in breach of the pre-departure negative/'not detected' PCR requirement, and for those who arrive from Brazil and South Africa. In other cases, passengers will be required by law to quarantine at home. Application of these measures to passengers who are not EU/EEA citizens can be introduced by regulations. For all other passengers, it will be necessary to amend primary legislation. The detailed legislative work to implement this will get under way immediately.
The Government is keeping all measures relating to international travel under review.
118. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the status of the progression of phase 1 of the Limerick northern distributor road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3864/21]
View answer121. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the status of the progression of phase 2 of the Limerick northern distributor road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3886/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 121 together.
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.
Provision was made in the NDP for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road (CKDR) subject to necessary approvals. Even though the CKDR was submitted and approved by An Bord Pleanála as a stand alone scheme, I am aware that the scheme is sometimes referred to as Phase 1 of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road and that the Deputy's Question may, therefore, relate to the CKDR. The current position in relation to the CKDR is that I am continuing to consider the recommendation from Limerick County Council regarding the award of the main construction contract for the scheme.
As regards the Limerick Northern Distributor Road itself, under the NDP there is no Exchequer regional and local road grant funding in place to progress the scheme through the planning process to construction stage.
120. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if the additional funding for Bunratty Folk Park, part of Shannon Heritage and under the Shannon Group, will go ahead as previously planned; the length of time that funding is expected to last; if the amenity will be able to return to full functionality once the current Covid-19 restrictions are lifted; if Shannon Heritage will remain part of the Shannon Group and remain under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3879/21]
View answer122. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport if Bunratty Folk Park, County Clare will remain closed until Easter 2021; if the folk park will resume operations on a full-time basis when it reopens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3900/21]
View answer123. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport his plans to move the remit of Shannon Heritage to another Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3901/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 122 and 123 together.
I would like to thank the Deputies for their questions on Shannon Heritage.
At the outset it should be noted that Shannon Group, which is responsible for the operation of Shannon Heritage is a commercial State Body operating in accordance with a commercial mandate.
Because of the importance of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and King John's Castle to their local economy, from both a tourism and jobs perspective, a commitment was made last year to provide Exchequer funding to meet the incremental costs of keeping these attractions open to the end of 2020. The sites had been due to close at the end of August, 2020 becasue of the impact of COVID 19 on the number of visitors. As it transpired, since that commitment was given, new restrictions introduced to control COVID-19 meant that the sites could not open for all of this period, thereby reducing the incremental costs referred to above.
In compliance with State aid rules, funding on an exceptional basis was provided to Shannon Heritage at the end of December to cover the incremental costs incurred when the sites were open. The funding provided is in addition to the economy-wide supports Government has put in place including the TWSS, EWSS, the recently extended rates waiver and CRSS, all of which have been availed of by Shannon Heritage.
Budget 2021 reflected Government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Ireland’s strategic heritage sites and a €55m Recovery and Resilience Scheme for strategically important tourism enterprises was announced. Shannon Heritage is exploring the potential for funding under this Scheme. I also understand that Shannon Group has applied for funding from Fáilte Ireland under its large capital grants scheme for the redevelopment of the Bunratty Folk Park.
The position in relation to the opening of Shannon Heritage sites in 2021 is a matter for Shannon Group. In this regard, Shannon Group has advised my Department that given the impacts of COVID-19 (lack of international traffic, low level of domestic visitors) and the resultant significant losses, it is not viable to keep the heritage sites open this year in line with its pre-COVID-19 operating model. Government was recently informed that, in order to mitigate the losses incurred, Shannon Heritage has made a decision to operate on a seasonal basis.
In relation to the future of the Shannon Heritage business, options to secure the future of Shannon Heritage are currently being considered but no decision has yet been taken in this regard.
