Paul McAuliffe
Question:20. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if assistance will be provided in relation to the case of a missing log book of a person (details supplied). [13573/21]
View answerVehicle Registration Tax
Questions (20)
Written answers
I understand one of my officials have engaged with the individual concerned and the matter has been satisfactorily addressed.
Road Projects
Questions (21)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:21. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update in relation to the proposed route options on the Ardee bypass project with the associated key timelines and any such relevant information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13577/21]
View answerWritten 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 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Proposed Legislation
Questions (22)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:22. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the public transport (miscellaneous provisions) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13589/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is currently in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) regarding the Public Transport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 to which the Deputy refers. Following review by the AGO and subject to confirmation that the Bill is ready to proceed, the draft General Scheme and Memorandum for Government will be circulated shortly thereafter for observations to the relevant Departments, in advance of them being submitted to Cabinet for consideration.
Rail Network
Questions (23)
Pa Daly
Question:23. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed removal of a wall from the front of Casement station,Tralee, County Kerry. [13610/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company 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.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (24)
Steven Matthews
Question:24. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the status of the draft legislation to legalise the use of e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13625/21]
View answerWritten answers
The intention is to legislate for e-scooters in accordance with the Programme for Government this year. This involves identifying and developing appropriate amendments to primary legislation across a range of complex areas. The work is being carried out in such a way so that it does not undermine the overall framework of Road Traffic law or road safety in general.
Department officials are currently working on drafting the necessary changes to primary legislation. Subject to satisfactory resolution of the necessary issues, I intend to bring forward committee stage amendments to the enabling primary legislation when the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is before the Oireachtas in the coming months.
The current approach taken by my Department to permit the safe use of e-scooters on public roads takes into consideration the rapid development of these vehicles used for personal transportation. In order to future-proof the legislation and account for the development of these new vehicles, the road traffic acts are being amended to introduce a new category of vehicle - the proposed title for this new category is "powered personal transporters". This will be the first time the categories of vehicles set out in the Road Traffic Act 1961 have been amended.
Once the new category has been defined, these vehicles are to be incorporated into the existing legislative framework (wherein a range of powers/offences already exist) and this will permit the Minister for Transport to regulate for the use/misuse and the standards for different types of powered personal transporters, for example, through the introduction of regulations for e-scooters. Furthermore, the existing offences and powers of An Garda Síochána in road traffic legislation concerning careless/dangerous driving, driving under the influence of an intoxicant, driving an unroadworthy vehicle, etc., can also then be extended to users of powered personal transporters where required.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (25)
Seán Fleming
Question:25. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport if matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13669/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I note that the person referred to has already received a reply to his query from Iarnród Éireann.
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-19 crisis. 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 is committed to ensuring that essential transport services, and passengers utilising these services, are protected and supported. The National Transport Authority (NTA) continues to be guided by public health advice regarding safety measures across the public transport system and is working closely with transport operators with regard to the implementation of specific measures.
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. 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 if possible on certain routes at certain times of the day.
Dublin Bus
Questions (26)
Eoghan Murphy
Question:26. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the effect the reduction in services and revenue of Dublin Bus has had on its finances to date in 2021 compared to 2020. [13747/21]
View answerWritten answers
The public transport system in Ireland has played an essential service role over the course of the pandemic, especially in carrying essential workers and others making necessary journeys. Several targeted Government Decisions made throughout the crisis, in addition to general supports such as the wage subsidy scheme, have provided much needed support to the sector, particularly the decisions to substantially increase the 2020 budget for the existing PSO system; and provide a higher-than-normal provision for PSO funding in the 2021 budget due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on the public transport sector. The additional operating costs and reduction in fare income experienced by public transport operators, including Dublin Bus, are being met through this increased PSO funding.
I have also referred the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus for direct reply in relation to impact of Covid-19 on company revenue. 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
Public Transport
Questions (27)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:27. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for delivery of MetroLink; when railway orders will be submitted; when works will commence; the length of time works will take before passengers can use MetroLink; if all the stations and the line will be fully owned by the State; and if not, if a subsidiary will own same. [13759/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is likely aware, the Public Spending Code sets out the requirements for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects in Ireland and the Code applies to all public bodies and to all bodies whose projects are supported by Exchequer capital funding.
The Code sets out a number of Decision Gates in the development of a project proposal; these are points where major decisions need to be made about the progress of a project and, for projects expected to cost over €100million, Government approval is required at these stages. For a project in this category, "Decision Gate 1: Preliminary Business Case" is the first stage where the Public Spending Code stipulates that formal Government approval is required.
In accordance with the Public Spending Code's requirements, prior to seeking Government approval the Preliminary Business Case must first be approved by the Approving Authority, in this case the National Transport Authority, and is then subject to review by both my Department and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform. Following completion of these necessary steps I will then bring the matter to Government for its decision.
Approval under “Decision Gate 1: Preliminary Business Case” is required prior to any application to An Bord Pleanála for a Railway Order and therefore that will be dependent upon Government’s decision in respect of the Preliminary Business Case. The commencement of construction is obviously contingent on a decision of the Board in relation to the Railway Order application.
This is the first of three Government Decision Gates and, if approved Government at Decision Gate 1, then Decision Gate 2: Pre-Tender Approval requires submission of a detailed project brief and procurement strategy which will be considered at that juncture.
Driver Test
Questions (28)
Seán Sherlock
Question:28. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when theory tests will move online. [13778/21]
View answerWritten answers
At the request of the Department, the RSA is working on a plan to rollout an online driver theory test service. It has been trialled on a pilot basis for those taking a theory test for trucks and buses during the months of December and January.
The pilot is now being evaluated and the RSA is committed to extending the service for all theory test customers during 2021. There will be a limit on the number of customers that can avail of the service during the initial rollout phase but the objective is that it should be an option for all theory test customers during later phases of the rollout, in line with enhancing access to public services. However, scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
Public Bike Schemes
Questions (29)
Seán Sherlock
Question:29. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of bicycles that are in working order in the public bike scheme in Cork city as of 7 March 2021. [13784/21]
View answerWritten 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 of the management of public bike schemes. Details regarding contracts, operation and expansion of existing and proposed bike schemes fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA), working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
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
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Questions (30)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:30. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the number of SPSV licences that were applied for or renewed in County Clare in 2020 and to date in 2021; the number of wheelchair-accessible vehicle grant applications that were received in 2020 and to date in 2021; the number granted given that there are only six wheelchair-accessible taxis available in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13799/21]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licences and administration of grants for 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 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
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Questions (31, 32)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:31. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of buses in the public bus service in County Clare that have wheelchair access; the details of recent tendering processes that took place for the provision of bus services in County Clare through the LocalLink programme as part of Transport for Ireland; if there was a stipulation made in the contracts to provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13800/21]
View answerViolet-Anne Wynne
Question:32. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if there has been a reduction in wheelchair-accessible services on any of the routes that were previously provided by a company (details supplied) which now do not have the contracts for the routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13801/21]
View answerA referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Written answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 32 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Driver Test
Questions (33)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:33. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to develop an online driver theory test process. [13812/21]
View answerWritten answers
At the request of the Department, the RSA is working on a plan to rollout an online driver theory test service. It has been trialled on a pilot basis for those taking a theory test for trucks and buses during the months of December and January.
The pilot is now being evaluated and the RSA is committed to extending the service for all theory test customers during 2021. There will be a limit on the number of customers that can avail of the service during the initial rollout phase but the objective is that it should be an option for all theory test customers during later phases of the rollout, in line with enhancing access to public services. However, scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
Bus Services
Questions (34, 35, 36, 37)
Alan Kelly
Question:34. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide Nenagh, County Tipperary with adequate bus transport links to Limerick following the loss of the Bus Éireann X12 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13832/21]
View answerAlan Kelly
Question:35. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide Nenagh, County Tipperary with adequate bus transport links to Dublin following the loss of the Bus Éireann X12 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13833/21]
View answerAlan Kelly
Question:36. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide Roscrea, County Tipperary with adequate bus transport links to Dublin following the loss of the Bus Éireann X12 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13834/21]
View answerAlan Kelly
Question:37. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide Roscrea, County Tipperary with adequate bus transport links to Limerick following the loss of the Bus Éireann X12 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13835/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 to 37, inclusive, together.
Both the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators throughout the Covid-19 Emergency. The public transport system in Ireland has played an essential service role over the course of the pandemic, especially in carrying essential workers and others making necessary journeys.
In this regard, the Government agreed substantial increases to the PSO budget to support continuation of PSO services during the Covid situation in 2020 and 2021. In addition, the Government has recognised the situation of the licensed bus sector - which normally operates on a commercial basis without public subvention but which, during the Covid crisis, was in a situation where its operations were no longer commercially viable, owing to the impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers and the associated drop in fare revenue.
Therefore, last June the Government decided to introduce new, temporary financial support for certain licensed services provided by commercial bus operators to ensure the continued operation of these essential services. The Expressway business operated by Bus Éireann is one of the many commercial operations of licenced public transport services that have been able to avail of this new, temporary, Covid-related support.
The temporary support was initially introduced for a period of 6-months, with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. The NTA on behalf of my Department, entered into contracts with the licensed bus sector to provide funding for routes where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention. As it remains the case that commercial bus operators are still under severe financial distress due to the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue as a result of Covid-19, on 26 January 2021, Government decided to extend the temporary funding supports for the licensed bus sector for a further period of 3 months, with an option to extend contracts on a monthly basis thereafter.
As is the case in many other sectors of the economy, despite these Government supports, Covid-19 has resulted in significant financial pressures for public transport operators. As you will be aware, Bus Éireann’s Expressway business operates on a commercial basis in competition with other, private, commercial operators in the licenced bus market. Following extensive analysis and work within the company, the decision to consolidate its Expressway network was taken by the Board of Bus Éireann in September 2020. This was a commercial decision by the company. The decision affects four routes: the Dublin/Belfast service (which ceased operations in November 2020): and services on the Dublin to Cork, Limerick and Galway routes.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement public service obligation (PSO) service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfiguring to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
I understand that Expressway ceased its X12 Limerick/Dublin route with effect from Saturday 30 January 2021. In light of the decision by Bus Éireann to cease operating the X12 route, the NTA completed a detailed assessment of the X12 corridor and has determined that despite Expressway’s withdrawal, sufficient connectivity is provided by the remaining operators and the public service obligation is adequately met by other rail and bus services, thereby negating the need for any further intervention on the route.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for 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
Road Projects
Questions (38)
Alan Kelly
Question:38. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the consideration he has given to the provision of a bypass of Tipperary town on the N24 under the National Development Plan 2018-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13836/21]
View answerWritten 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 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.
The proposed N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction scheme, as part of the NDP, may include a Ring road / Bypass of Tipperary town as part of the appraisal and Traffic Management Options within the context of the overall scheme objectives.
In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Furthermore, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the review of the NDP to set out an updated Plan for the period to 2030. Work is underway within my Department to contribute to this review.
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.
Rail Network
Questions (39, 40)
Alan Kelly
Question:39. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport when rail services between Waterford and Limerick Junction will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13837/21]
View answerAlan Kelly
Question:40. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the status of his engagements with Irish Rail on the Ballybrophy rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13838/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.
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 ensuring the provision of public transport services and Iarnród Éireann - which owns and operates the rail network - provides passenger rail services under Public Service Obligation (PSO) arrangements with the NTA.
The Deputy asks about the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line and services between Waterford and Limerick Junction. I can assure him first of all that there are no plans for the closure of any part of the rail network. Indeed, our firm intention is to invest heavily in the quality of the network and the size of the rail fleet in order to address capacity constraints and expand services in many parts of the country.
As the Deputy may be aware, in consultation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) and other relevant stakeholders, my Department is currently developing terms of reference for a Strategic Rail Review of the network on the island of Ireland. The ambition remains to have this initial phase of work completed to allow for the launch of the tender process by end Q1. This review will consider all issues in relation to inter-urban and inter-regional rail connectivity, including the potential for high/higher speed(s), rail freight and, in that regard, improved connectivity to our ports and airports
On January 29, I met with a local community organisation, the North Tipperary Community Rail Partnership (NTCRP), to discuss a number of issues which it wished to raise in relation to services on the Ballybrophy line. Following that meeting, officials from my Department have been in contact with Iarnród Éireann and I understand that representatives of the company also met with the NTCRP in recent days.
In the light of the respective responsibilities of the NTA and Iarnród Éireann in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred his questions to both for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.