Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:142. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost if the budget for the Irish Coast Guard increased by 6.5%. [4071/21]
View answerCoast Guard Service
Questions (142)
Written answers
The 2021 allocation in the Revised Estimate for the Irish Coast Guard is €79.3m, including current and capital. A 6.5% increase in that budget would be €5.16m.
Motor Tax
Questions (143)
Richard O'Donoghue
Question:143. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport the details of all commercial and private vehicles currently taxed in County Limerick by district, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4074/21]
View answerWritten answers
Motor tax is payable online or in 26 licensing authorities across the country. The latter are administered by local authorities (with shared collection arrangements in each of the Dublin, Cork and Galway authorities). My Department does not collate vehicle data on a district by district basis within local authorities.
The total number of vehicles under current taxation in Limerick City and County at 31 December 2020 is as follows:
|
Taxation Class |
Number of Vehicles |
|
Private Vehicles |
92,331 |
|
Goods Vehicles |
15,098 |
|
Other Vehicles (buses, tractors etc.) |
11,479 |
|
Total |
118,908 |
Airport Policy
Questions (144, 145)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:144. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the pre-planning discussions that have taken place between the airport noise competent authority and the DAA regarding the noise abatement objective; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the DAA is the only stakeholder invited to these discussions and that residents and those who live with the impact of the noise have been excluded; if he will take steps to ensure that residents are invited to participate in discussions on the noise abatement objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4077/21]
View answerLouise O'Reilly
Question:145. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the DAA has applied for planning permission to change aspects of the conditions on the operation of the new runway at Dublin Airport; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that there has been no public consultation; if it will be ensured that the deadline is extended until such time as proper in-person consultation can take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4078/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
I would like to advise the Deputy that I am aware that an application to alter planning conditions associated with operating restrictions at Dublin Airport has been made by the daa. However, the issues raised are matters for the planning authority and the Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) and I have no role in these independent statutory processes.
Taxi Regulations
Questions (146, 147)
Jackie Cahill
Question:146. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport his plans to regulate the use of a company (details supplied) as a form of hired transport in addition to the current taxi licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4088/21]
View answerJackie Cahill
Question:147. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport his plans to use a company (details supplied) in areas in which there is a deficit of taxis particularly at night-time in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4089/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
Carrying passengers in a small vehicle for payment is regulated under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. That Act sets out the regulatory framework for the entire small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including taxis, hackneys and other similar activities. The Act requires that such services can only be provided where there is an SPSV licence for the vehicle and also an SPSV licence for the driver. The focus of the regulatory regime is to protect the interests of consumers of these services in terms of both the safety and quality of the service provided.
Under the Act, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsiblity for regulation of the sector. I understand that the specific company referred to by the Deputy is licenced by the NTA as a taxi dispatch operator.
The NTA has undertaken a nationwide study to inform its approach to rolling out improved public transport across the country (excluding the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), Regional Cities and Large Towns) by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking them with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide. Arising from this study, I am advised that the NTA is undertaking a two-phase consultation on its proposals, titled 'Connecting Ireland', with stakeholder engagement first involving officials from Local and Regional Authorities which commenced in Q4 2020 and going through to Q1 2021, and with wider public consultation commencing in Q2 2021.
Our Programme for Government commitments in relation to public transport in rural areas will be progressed with a priority on a Sustainable Rural Mobility Plan to ensure settlements over a certain size can connect to the national public transport system, as well as expanding the Local Link rural transport service and prioritising public transport projects that enhance regional and rural connectivity.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, however, the current public health advice advises people limit travel, avoid public transport, and work from home unless they are essential workers and their presence is required in the workplace. In that context, it would simply not be appropriate to pursue a ride-hailing pilot at this time. However, once the present pandemic abates, the NTA will be asked to develop a pilot to examine the potential for ride-hailing services to improve rural connectivity.
Driver Test
Questions (148, 149)
Joe Flaherty
Question:148. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who have applied for and are awaiting their driver theory test by county (details supplied); and the number waiting at 31 December 2019, 31 March 2020, 30 June 2020, 30 September 2020 and 31 December 2020, by county in tabular form. [4094/21]
View answerJoe Flaherty
Question:149. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport the waiting times for each county for the driver theory test from 31 December 2019 to end December 2020 by month. [4095/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.
Specific details on the number of persons awaiting a driver theory test in each test centre are held by the Road Safety Authority.
I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (150)
Joe Flaherty
Question:150. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the growing numbers of persons who are awaiting their driver theory test (details supplied). [4096/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under current level 5 restrictions, the Driver Theory Test has not been deemed by Government to be an essential service. As a consequence, the service is closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place.
While I regret the inconvenience caused, I think you will agree with me that this decision was necessary for public health reasons. 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 period of restrictions.
The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests while adhering to occupational and public health requirements for when servicers are resumed. In this regard, they would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours also provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time. In all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the provision of services.
Road Safety Authority
Questions (151)
Richard Bruton
Question:151. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will undertake a campaign with the RSA to step-up attention to safe cycling, particularly lights and high visibility clothing in view of the big increase in leisure cycling. [4195/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Minister is acutely aware of the importance of safety for our cyclists.In order to create a statutory obligation on the wearing of reflective clothing, it would have to be made a criminal offence, under Road Traffic legislation, for any person not wearing high-visibility clothing. A person in breach of such a provision would fall to be issued with a fixed-charge notice or summonsed to court, depending on what procedure would be put in place for the processing of such offences. However, the Minister believes that the wearing of such clothing is best pursued by way of educational and publicity campaigns rather than by pursuing a punitive approach to the issue.
In this regard, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) - which has responsibility for the promotion of road-safety awareness, advertising and the dissemination of road-safety information -undertakes a number of campaigns to promote awareness among pedestrians and cyclists of the need for visibility on our roads. Several million high-visibility vests, armbands, rucksack covers, and other such items have been distributed by the RSA, an Garda Síochána, Road Safety Officers, Age Action, and the Vintners Federation in recent years, with support from other organisations, such as ESB Networks.
The wearing of high-visibility clothing for pedestrians at work is also promoted by the Health and Safety Authority. A number of measures have been included by the RSA in the Road Safety Strategy 2013 - 2020 aimed at increasing the wearing of high-visibility clothing among pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. The Rules of the Road also include a strong recommendation supporting the wearing of light, and preferably high-visibility, clothing.
These campaigns and their effectiveness are under constant review.
Driver Licences
Questions (152)
Seán Sherlock
Question:152. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if a matter in relation to the driver licence of a person (details supplied) will be examined. [4238/21]
View answerWritten answers
Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireland, the extension of driving licences is currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected by early February.
To renew your driving licence you are required to present photographic ID, evidence of PPSN, evidence of address and evidence of residency entitlement. An applicant must present in person at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) office where the required documentation can be examined and a face to face verification can be made.
When applying online, the same information is required and the challenge of verifying a person’s identity is more difficult than when someone presents in person at an NDLS office. A verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Service Card (PSC), satisfies this requirement.
The PSC is a way to streamline the identification process across all public services, making application for all services easier for everyone, and taking away unnecessary burdens from the citizen and the State. The intention is that people will need to go through the cumbersome process of providing documents to prove their identity only once - for the PSC - and then be able to use that card as an ID for a wide range of public services. More particularly, if people are to have confidence in using public services online, they need to have an verified and authenticated online identity and MyGovID, building on the Public Services Card, gives people that confidence and the means to access services online.
When it is possible to lower restrictions and increase access to the NDLS centres, measures put in place to align with the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocols will be maintained. Each centre has been assessed and appropriate signage, sanitation and handwashing, and social distancing measures such as reduced seating in waiting areas and customer touchpoint cleansing have been introduced. Customers will be accompanied into and out of centres and required to adhere to necessary health and safety guidelines. The measures that have been put in place are for the health and safety of all of our customer and our staff.
National Transport Authority
Questions (153)
Martin Browne
Question:153. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints received by the National Transport Authority regarding unregistered small public service vehicle operators in the past 24 months by county; the number of complaints that were investigated; the number of complaints that resulted in penalties being applied; and the number of offences that resulted in convictions. [4295/21]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the handling of complaints in relation to SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise the Minister's private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Taxi Licences
Questions (154)
Martin Browne
Question:154. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the penalties that are imposed on those operating as taxis or small public service vehicle operators without an SPSV licence are sufficient to deter those illegal operators from resuming these illegal practices afterwards; if he is satisfied with the system in its current form; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that registered and legal operators are unhappy with the system which they say does not work for them and that their operating costs increase significantly as a result of illegal operators; his plans to improve the system to ensure compliance with SPSV legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4296/21]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the enforcement of regulations and penalties for non-compliance, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise the Minister's private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Public Transport
Questions (155)
Neale Richmond
Question:155. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if security has been increased on the Luas lines to ensure all passengers are abiding by the public health guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4331/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The issue raised is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the Luas operator Transdev and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (156)
Neale Richmond
Question:156. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps taken to ensure that restrictions that limit public transport use to essential workers only are being enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4332/21]
View answerWritten answers
As 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. Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and public transport has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis. I would like to thank both all operators and their staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times. A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services safely during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.
The Government's "Living with Covid" Plan sets out capacity guidance for public transport at each of the 5 risk levels identified in the Plan. With the current Level 5 restrictions, public transport operators are restricted to using only 25% of the passenger-carrying capacity on their vehicles. Importantly, the Plan's Level 5 guidance on working from home where possible and on the closure of social, leisure and other facilities has significantly reduced the demand for public transport. There is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and, therefore, should only be used for essential travel, with only those who have to travel at peak times doing so. For the duration of current Level 5 restrictions, public transport services are for essential workers and essential journeys only. People are also being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most and in particular frontline workers.
Both my Department and the NTA are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice. While no significant capacity issues have been reported by operators since the move to level 5, the NTA and operators are continuing to monitor passenger loadings, and where necessary additional services will be provided on certain routes at certain times of the day subject to driver availability.
Brexit Issues
Questions (157)
Bernard Durkan
Question:157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which logistical snags identified in the wake of Brexit have been identified for resolution with particular reference to transport to and from the island of Ireland directly to the EU; the extent to which alternative services to avoid delays in the UK are already in place or are to be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4354/21]
View answerWritten answers
In advance of the end of the Brexit transition, my Department in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), undertook a major communications campaign urging business using the GB landbridge to consider a switch to direct routes which would avoid the new control regimes. This campaign was also supported by the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Business Enterprise and Innovation and Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
This communication campaign served to reinforce the message that there is maritime capacity available to transport goods directly to Continental Europe and that these options are many and varied across different modalities providing both accompanied and unaccompanied options to exporters.
We have witnessed throughout 2020 and at the beginning of 2021 an unprecedented response from the shipping industry in terms of increasing capacity to match market demand. It has occurred across all relevant modes and has drawn from all available responses. These responses include (1) utilization of surplus capacity, (2) increasing capacity by altering schedules, (3) redeploying vessels within their fleets, and (4) adding new capacity in the form of additional vessels.
In terms of transport related logistical snags from the island of Ireland directly to the EU some difficulties were reported over the weekend of January 9th, this related to some overbooking which occurred on one operator’s system. With the commencement of new shipping services and a shift in logistics patterns, some initial problems were to be expected, the backlog of freight that arose that weekend was cleared relatively quickly.
Number of Sailings
As of January 2021, there are around 60 RoRo freight sailings between Ireland and the Continent in a typical week. This includes five shipping operators, Irish Ferries, Stena Line, DFDS, Brittany Ferries and CLDN offering both accompanied and unaccompanied freight. This represents an increase of around 34 sailings per week, or around 130% increase in continental RoRo frequency compared to January 2020.
Specifically in relation to sailings between Ireland and France, in January 2020, there were 12 weekly sailings to and from Northern France. These were provided by Irish Ferries and Stena Line to the port of Cherbourg (not including the seasonal service operated by Brittany Ferries to Roscoff). In the last 12 months, the number of sailings to Northern France has increased by 24. Based on published schedules, there are now some 36 sailings per week to and from Northern French ports provided by Stena Line, Irish Ferries, DFDS and Brittany Ferries.
Freight Capacity
The increase in choice and frequency in the RoRo freight market over the past year has had a very significant impact on freight capacity to continental EU ports. Weekly RoRo freight capacity to continental EU ports has doubled in the past 12 months. There is now capacity for approximately 5,000 additional HGV’s & unaccompanied trailers on continental RoRo services per week in January 2021.
The largest increase in capacity has come on RoRo services to Northern France. In January 2020, capacity to Northern France represented 35% of all continental EU capacity. As of January 2021, it now accounts for 49%.
Unaccompanied RoRo freight is an essential component of continental RoRo capacity. In 2020, unaccompanied RoRo freight made up over 80% of all continental RoRo volume.
Details of growth in direct services
Details on additional capacity added on direct services since 1 January 2021 include the following:-
- On 10 December 2020, Stena Line announced an additional ship on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route, doubling their capacity and frequency of sailings from January 4th.
- Irish Ferries and Stena changed their schedules to minimise overlapping so that a daily RoRo services from Ireland to Cherbourg was provided from January 2021.
- DFDS launched a new service from Rosslare to Dunkerque from 2 January 2021. There are six weekly departures from each port with a crossing time of 24 hours and capacity for up to 125 HGVs.
- CldN have added a second weekly call from Cork to Zeebrugge to cope with the increasing demand on this route which commenced on January 8th .
- Irish Ferries swopped their larger ship, the WB Yeats, from the Dublin /Holyhead to the Dublin-Cherbourg route from January 6th , 2021, substantially increasing capacity on this route. Also, the Epsilon will operate on a temporary basis with one rotation on weekends where there is increased demand on the Dublin-Cherbourg route.
- On January 13th Stena Line temporarily swapped the Stena Horizon with their new and larger ship the Stena Embla on the Rosslare/Cherbourg route, the Horizon has since been reinstated.
- On January 16th Stena also announced they were commencing a new Saturday service from Dublin to Cherbourg commencing on 25th January. This will be kept under review based on demand.
- Brittany Ferries brought forward their once weekly sailing from Rosslare to Cherbourg from March 2021 to January 18th , 2021.
- New LOLO service operated by Samskip will commence on the Dublin-Amsterdam route from January 25th , 2021.
These new sailings are in addition to a number of other new services and increased sailings that came on stream over last Summer, including new RoRo services from Ireland to Zeebrugge, Santander and Portugal by CLDN.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (158)
Bernard Durkan
Question:158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the queries raised by a person (detail supplied) can be addressed and resolved in the short-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4347/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under Regulation 3(b)(xi) of the Road Safety Authority Act (Conferral of Functions) Order (S.I. No. 477 of 2006), the decision to issue an extension to end-of-series derogations is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask that the Deputy contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
I am however advised that an extension to existing end-of-series derogations for M2 and M3 category vehicles has been granted up to 31 August 2021 and that this matter is being kept under review in light of the continuing impact of Covid-19.
Haulage Industry
Questions (159)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:159. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if HGV drivers whose licences are due for renewal and are currently facing difficulties accessing medical assessments due to Covid-19 restrictions will be granted an extension of time to allow for completion of these medical assessments. [4392/21]
View answerWritten answers
Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireland, the possible extension of driving licences is currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected shortly.
Taxi Regulations
Questions (160)
Neale Richmond
Question:160. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and the National Transport Authority plans to update the list of suitable electric cars for taxi services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4407/21]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSVs licensing , is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has developed a comprehensive and detailed set of standards by which all vehicles operating in the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry must comply. These standards are explained in NTA’s Initial Suitability Inspection Manual (available at www.nationaltransport.ie) and include minimum specifications for age, size, accessibility and comfort. The primary aim of these requirements is to ensure the quality of vehicles in the SPSV sector. All SPSVs are tested for suitability before they are first licensed as SPSVs and again prior to renewal of the vehicle licence. The NTA are always looking to increase the choice of vehicles suitable for SPSV use and will continue to evaluate new EVs when they are made available to the market.
Given the role of the NTA I have referred your question to it for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
National Transport Authority
Questions (161, 162)
Neale Richmond
Question:161. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the NTA taxi grants that will be made available in 2021 to taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4408/21]
View answerNeale Richmond
Question:162. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport when NTA taxi grants will be made available in 2021 to taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4409/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including administration of grants for SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51