Written Answers Nos. 129-150
129. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport the number and value of road grants provided to Wexford County Council in each of the years from 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10216/21]
View answer130. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport the regional and local grant allocations and payments made to Wexford County Council per year since 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10217/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 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. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
As regards the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to Wexford County Council for the years 2015 and to date in 2021, details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments are outlined in the regional and local road grant booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The 2021 allocations booklet will also be lodged in the Oireachtas Library shortly.
The table outlines the 2021 grant allocations for Wexford County Council.
|
Wexford County Council |
|
|
Restoration Improvement |
€9,508,000 |
|
Restoration Maintenance |
€1,591,000 |
|
Supplementary Restoration Maintenance |
€1,136,500 |
|
Discretionary Grant |
€3,056,000 |
|
Bridge Rehabilitation |
€464,000 |
|
Safety Improvement Works |
€328,000 |
|
Specific Imp. Grants |
€100,000 |
|
Cycle Signs |
€16,000 |
|
Former National Roads |
€300,000 |
|
Active Travel |
€362,998 |
|
Climate Adaptation |
€30,000 |
|
Training Grant |
€90,000 |
|
Drainage Works |
€744,632 |
|
PSCI: Survey Support |
€28,000 |
|
Community Improvement Scheme |
€814,000 |
|
Total Allocation |
€18,569,130 |
In relation to regional and local road grant payments to Wexford County Council to date in 2021, the grant allocations were notified to local authorities on the 15th February and draw down of funding by local authorities will commence in mid March.
132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects public road transport vehicles to convert to non-fossil fuels over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10287/21]
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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including the procurement of the national PSO bus fleet.
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.
133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with stakeholders in the transport sector with a view to maximising a changeover to the use of non-fossil fuels while maintaining best economic focus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10288/21]
View answerProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. A full transition away from fossil fuels is essential in achieving this objective.
A comprehensive programme of work is already underway in my Department to decarbonise the transport sector. We have a clear vision to move to more sustainable mobility through promoting a strong transition away from fossil fuels to lower-emitting alternatives, both in public (bus, coach, taxi and rail vehicles) and private fleets (passenger and commercial); and sustainably increasing the blend of biofuels in the conventional fuel mix.
During the development of policies in these areas my Department has met, both formally and informally, with a number of stakeholders including:
- Freight Sector Stakeholders: During the development of the Alternatively Fuelled Heavy Duty Vehicle Grant and the Decarbonising Freight project;
- Public Sector Stakeholders: Regarding the transposition of the Clean Vehicle Directive;
- Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) Stakeholders: Through NTA engagement and promotion of the electric SPSV Grant Scheme and roll-out of the dedicated EV charging network;
- Alternative Fuel Stakeholders: Throughout the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce deliberations engaging with stakeholders was a key focus;
- Biofuel Stakeholders: During the development of the updated Biofuels Obligation Scheme Policy Statement;
- Electric Vehicle stakeholders: During LEV Taskforce deliberations, regarding electric vehicle policy, EV uptake and pre-budget submissions.
134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the role he sees for sea and air transport in the future, with particular reference to issues arising in the aftermath of Brexit; if specific sea and air routes are being considered in order to ensure the most effective and efficient routes and transport methods for Irish exporters and importers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10289/21]
View answerIreland’s international trade is dependent on the efficiency of our international transport connections.
While the EU-UK Trade Agreement did not significantly alter the framework within which the shipping sector operates, the exit of the UK from the EU has had a significant effect to date on historical trade flow patterns.
Since the beginning of 2021 we have witnessed an unprecedented demand from businesses for direct shipping services to continental EU ports. The response from shipping operators has been comprehensive and 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.
This increase in demand and response is evidenced by the fact that this month to date, there are around 68 RoRo freight sailings in a typical week. This includes all five shipping operators and both accompanied and unaccompanied freight. This represents an increase of around 42 sailings per week compared to February 2020.
The new direct services and routes have given Irish importers and exporters additional choice and a range of effective and efficient options to avoid any current disruption being experienced on the UK landbridge. The market remains dynamic but has demonstrated it is willing and able to respond to the changing needs of business and I would expect that it will continue to do so as the market settles.
In terms of aviation, the EU-UK Trade Agreement provides for the continuation of air access for passenger and air freight services between Ireland and UK and no significant Brexit related issues have been reported in this sector. Approximately 60% of all air cargo travels in the hold of passenger aircraft operating regular scheduled air services, with the remainder travelling with dedicated air cargo operators or smaller air operators. With so many passenger services suspended, I am aware that demand for air cargo capacity has increased which has increased the price per kilo of air cargo by several factors. Despite this, key air routes ensuring Ireland’s connectivity for essential reasons, including import and export, continue to operate.
135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the turnaround in respect of driver licences; if means have been found to eliminate delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10290/21]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS), and all applications for a driving licence must be made through the NDLS.
The Covid-19 restrictions have caused large backlogs in the area of driver licensing. The centres were closed during the first lockdown, were operating with limited capacity in the months following re-opening and are now only providing in-person services to essential workers.
The validity of driving licences and learner permits were extended while the centres were closed and renewals could not be made in person.
The RSA has worked with their providers to create additional capacity throughout the service while adhering to safety protocols for staff.
All persons of 70 years of age and over can now apply by post. Previously only those aged 70 and over who renew their licence on a yearly basis could avail of this service.
The online application system has been expanded to allow for all licence applications. A verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Services Card, is needed to access the online system.
Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireland, possible further extensions of driving licences are currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected shortly.
136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will make particular provision for demographic issues arising in the County Kildare commuter belt, with particular reference to the need to ensure a thorough evaluation of the current demands and the likely requirements in the near future in the context of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10291/21]
View answerI think it important to firstly acknowledge the significant improvements to public transport planned under the current National Development Plan which will greatly benefit the Kildare commuter belt.
There is the ongoing renewal and enhancement of our PSO bus fleets and services which benefits Kildare, as it does many other areas across the country. Then there is the ongoing construction of the National Train Control Centre which will improve and expand the capacity of the train management system used across our rail network and underpin the service expansion planned under DART+, which will double the capacity of the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) commuter rail network and greatly benefit Kildare commuters along both the Maynooth and Kildare Lines. Finally there is of course also the expansion of the existing GDA commuter rail fleet through the addition of 41 additional rail carriages which will also benefit commuters in the Kildare commuter belt and which are scheduled to arrive next year.
Notwithstanding these hugely significant improvements planned or underway the Deputy is right to highlight the need to plan for the future. As the Deputy is aware Kildare forms part of the statutorily defined GDA in the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and its transport needs are therefore considered as part of the National Transport Authority’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035. The Strategy is currently under review as is required every six years and in reviewing it the NTA must have regard to a number of issues as set out in the Act including ‘demographic, economic, social, travel and transport trends’. I would encourage all citizens and public representatives in the Kildare area to contribute to this important review.
137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the electrification of the Maynooth line and the provision of the consequential increased demand for parking given the projected population increases in all of the towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10292/21]
View answer138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the provision of parking near Kilcock, County Kildare, in order to avoid traffic congestion around the current proposed location for such parking in the context of the DART extension to Maynooth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10293/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 138 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure and services, including both Park and Ride facilities in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the DART+ Programme in consultation with Iarnród Éireann.
Noting its responsibility in the matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which commuter rail services in County Kildare can be augmented or are likely to be augmented by way of extra carriages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10294/21]
View answer140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he continues to monitor health and safety issues affecting the commuter rail services serving north County Kildare, with particular reference to passengers standing for the duration of some journeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10295/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 together.
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport services and for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which comprises 7 local authority areas, including Kildare.
The DART+ Programme is a multi-billion euro programme to upgrade rail services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). DART+ will provide frequent, modern, electrified services to Drogheda on the Northern Commuter Line, the Kildare Line (between Hazelhatch and Celbridge), Maynooth and M3 Parkway on the Maynooth / Sligo Line, while improving DART services on the South-East Line as far south as Greystones. The DART+ Programme includes both the upgrade of the railway infrastructure and the purchase of new fleet and will effectively double the capacity of the existing network and DART level services.
DART+ West, Maynooth/M3 Line, is the first element of the DART+ Programme to be progressed. It will significantly increase the number of trains operating on the Maynooth/M3 Parkway rail corridor and upon completion will allow for a potential doubling of the services per hour, tripling passenger capacity. A first round of non-statutory public consultations for DART+ West concluded last October. Consideration of submissions made is underway and further design development and assessment of options is being undertaken. The next round of consultation is expected to take place this Quarter.
DART+ South West - the current Kildare Line - is the next element. Iarnród Éireann are currently progressing the options selection process and it is anticipated that a public consultation on the emerging preferred route will be undertaken also in Q1 2021. This will provide an opportunity for all members of the public to comment on the emerging preferred route.
Separately, the Deputy will also be aware of Government's approval last year of the proposed purchase of 41 additional carriages to the inter-city railcar (ICR) fleet. The carriages are expected to be delivered through 2022 and, when introduced, will increase capacity across both the Maynooth and Kildare Lines, thus benefitting commuters of North Kildare in advance of the delivery of DART+.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the area, I have also forwarded the Deputies questions to the Authority for further information on the issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the improvement, extension and upgrade of rural transport networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10296/21]
View answer142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the provision of extra requested bus services in towns and villages throughout County Kildare in which no such service exists at present; the extent to which his Department has analysed the situation and can respond positively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10297/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, there is a need for a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and the Programme for Government, 'Our Shared Future', commits to making public transport and active travel better and more accessible.
The Deputy will probably be aware that my Department has already been undertaking a review of sustainable mobility policy, which incorporates a review of public transport in rural areas. In this context the Department held a public consultation process between November 2019 and February 2020, and included a stakeholder event in the course of that consultation. Over 250 submissions were received as part of this public consultation process and I published a report of the public consultation.
I intend to develop a new policy framework for the next 10 years that can provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme. The new policy statement will be informed by the review of the previous policy framework (known as Smarter Travel), submissions received during my Department's consultation process and the views and recommendations of other relevant stakeholders. It will provide a platform to advance the ambitions of the Programme for Government in the area of sustainable mobility, including active travel, and will replace the previous Smarter Travel policy, dating from 2009.
Our Programme for Government commitments in relation to public transport in rural areas will be progressed in the context of that new policy statement. Among the measures we will prioritise is a Sustainable Rural Mobility Plan to ensure settlements over a certain size can connect to the national public transport system, expanding the Local Link rural transport service and prioritising public transport projects that enhance regional and rural connectivity.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has responsibility for local and rural transport, including the management of Local Link services.
The NTA has undertaken a nationwide study to inform its approach to rolling out improved public transport across the country (excluding the 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'; which began with local authority officials and other key stakeholders on the main concepts of Connecting Ireland, and will be followed by a wider public consultation in Q2 2021 on the proposals.
I have referred the Deputy's specific question in relation to improvements to rural transport in County Kildare to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within ten days.
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects the upgrading of the M4 and N4 in addition to the upgrading of rail services in anticipation of the increased traffic volumes after Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10300/21]
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 upgrading and improvement 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 so I have referred your question to them for a direct reply.
The upgrading of rail services is a matter for the NTA in conjunction with Irish Rail so I have referred the rail aspect of your question to the NTA for direct reply.
146. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the details of each of the civilian aircraft on contract to the United States military that overnighted at Shannon Airport between 1 February 2020 and 31 January 2021; the number of US military personnel who were accommodated in hotels in counties Clare and Limerick as a result of these overnight refuelling stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10313/21]
View answerMy Department has no function in relation to this matter. I have forwarded your question to Shannon Group plc. for direct reply.
If you do not receive a reply from the Company within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
147. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if he is committed to completing the MetroLink project; if the funding is in place for this project; if this project will be delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10428/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future commits toward a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and investing in high-quality public transport, such as projects like MetroLink, forms part of that commitment.
The funding required for the project will be determined through the finalisation of the Preliminary Business Case, which is a Government Decision Gate under the Public Spending Code. I understand that the Preliminary Business Case will be finalised well in advance of the completion of the review of the National Development Plan and therefore the funding requirements for the project will usefully inform my engagement with that process in due course.
In relation to COVID-19 related delays, there have been some delays associated with the cessation of construction activity at certain times and the impact that has had on surveying works for example; however, overall those particular delays have not been particularly significant given the very early stage of the project.
I firmly believe that high-quality public transport will still be necessary as we recover from the longer term effects of the pandemic, notwithstanding the changes it may bring about to certain aspects of our behaviour, such as the traditional commute. Obviously, issues in relation to potentially changed commuting demand will need to be reflected in the development of Preliminary Business Cases for transport projects in the future but I would note that the Central Statistics Office’s National Travel Survey shows us that commuting accounts for less than 25% of all trips. Projects that can enable high-density residential development, support localised travel, and provide connectivity to citizens wishing to undertake a wide range of daily activities will continue to have a place in our investment programme in my opinion.
148. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the reason National Driver Licence Service appointment holders are not being advised beforehand when their appointments are being cancelled; the reason some persons have had to wait up to nine months for their licences to be issued; and the reason medical certificates are being requested when previously they were not (details supplied). [10457/21]
View answerAll enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). My Department does not have access to individual applications and cannot comment on individual cases.
I have referred the question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
149. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the amount his Department has expended to date on campaigns to raise awareness of Covid-19 in national newspapers, regional newspapers, national radio, regional and local radio stations and across social media platforms; and the amount committed to expend under any current contracts or agreements with same, in tabular form. [10480/21]
View answerMy Department has incurred no expenditure matching the description outlined by the Deputy.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Transport has worked as part of a cross Government Communications Group on a range of targeted public information campaigns. This group, led by the Department of an Taoiseach, is tasked with providing a coordinated and whole of government response to the pandemic. The Department of an Taoiseach should be contacted for details of such expenditure.
150. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans with regard to the ongoing difficulties that customers are facing with airlines when acquiring refunds for flights that have not taken off or cancelled travel due to Government regulations or health advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10487/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is no doubt aware, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passengers in instances of flight cancellations. Under the Regulation, if an airline cancels a flight then customers are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days.
Mindful of the position that Government has taken in relation to international travel in the interests of public health, the issue of consumer rights has been high on my agenda since taking Office. I have raised the matter of customer refunds with our main airlines over the past number of months, and it is understood that the backlogs have been prioritised and that most refunds have now been processed. As it now seems likely that Summer 2021 is also going to be adversely affected from a travel and holiday perspective, the Deputy can be assured that the same message around the need to comply fully with consumer rights as covered in EU law will be conveyed again.
I would encourage anyone who having already corresponded with the airline continues to have difficulties securing a refund contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation. Further advice, is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.
