Written Answers Nos. 302-327
302. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the status of reports that the approved driving instructor portal is closed for driving instructors to upload lessons data; when it will return to operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14576/21]
View answerThe purpose of the Road Safety Authority's Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) online portal is to allow ADIs to upload confirmation of a learner's completion of each individual module laid out in the Essential Driver Training (EDT) system.
As the Deputy is aware, EDT is currently suspended as level 5 restrictions specify that ADIs may only offer lessons to candidates who have completed all 12 of their required EDT modules and have a test date confirmed. No EDT data can be uploaded to the online portal, therefore, because no EDT is currently taking place.
Having allowed an additional 7 week window in which to upload any outstanding EDT sessions completed prior to the imposition of level 5, the Road Safety Authority has now written to every ADI in the country to confirm that the facility to upload EDT through the online portal will be closed until the 5 April at the earliest.
303. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allow persons applying for essential worker jobs which require a full driver licence to apply for and take complete driver tests during level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14622/21]
View answerThe driving test service is not currently operating as normal due to the impact of Covid-19. Tests are only available, under Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, to essential workers. Tests will not be conducted for applicants applying for essential worker roles while we remain in level 5.
RSA driver testers are undertaking driving tests in extraordinarily difficult conditions in the current Covid19 environment. The driving test is conducted in an enclosed space for a period of over 15 minutes, where physical distancing is not possible.
Given the significant risk to testers when conducting a driving test, Government has deemed that the driver testing service should be available ONLY for those involved in the provision of essential services under Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions. The Road Safety Authority offers driving tests to those who can produce evidence that they are an essential worker, in accordance with Government definitions. A person who is applying for a post is not an essential worker. However, persons who have received an offer of an essential position and are awaiting a driving test might be deemed to be involved in essential work. I understand that the RSA has not to date offered tests to people in this situation, but is considering doing so.
I fully appreciate the difficulties that this poses for learners applying for essential roles and I can assure the Deputy that driving tests for all candidates will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. I must emphasise, however, that this decision has been taken in line with official public health recommendations that everyone in Ireland work to limit the spread of the virus by staying at home in so far as is possible and minimising social contacts.
My Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to help the service meet the growing demand for tests within the current public health situation. An additional 40 driver testers have been authorised along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. Recruitment has commenced and a panel will be formed. However, hiring of testers requires advertising, selecting candidates and training. Newly hired testers require 7 weeks of training in order to be ready. Training is given by experienced testers, so while new hires are in training the capacity of the service is reduced.
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. Any decision on this matter will be guided by health protocols.
Until Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions have been eased, no progress can be made on addressing the backlog; however, the Road Safety Authority has plans in place for when the service is allowed to resume for all learner permit holders to be tested at the earliest possible date, and a gradual return of driving test times to their pre-Covid levels.
304. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the measures that are planned to address the backlog in driver tests and the resultant long waiting lists for same which will be exacerbated further due to the ongoing level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14623/21]
View answerThe driving test service is not currently operating as normal due to the impact of Covid-19. Tests are only available, under Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, to essential workers. This has had a significant impact on waiting times.
RSA driver testers are undertaking driving tests in extraordinarily difficult conditions in the current Covid19 environment. The driving test is conducted in an enclosed space for a period of over 15 minutes, where physical distancing is not possible.
Given the significant risk to testers when conducting a driving test, Government has deemed that the driver testing service should be available ONLY for essential workers in Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions. The Road Safety Authority offers driving tests to those who can produce evidence that they are an essential worker, in accordance with Government definitions. No exceptions can be made.
My Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to help the service meet the growing demand for tests within the current public health situation. An additional 40 driver testers have been authorised along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. Recruitment has commenced and a panel will be formed. However, hiring of testers requires advertising, selecting candidates and training. Newly hired testers require 7 weeks of training in order to be ready. Training is given by experienced testers, so while new hires are in training the capacity of the service is reduced.
The provision of extra testers will not on its own suffice to address the problem. One of the difficulties is with the capacity of test centres themselves, given limits on throughput due to Covid restrictions.
A further issue is the number of tests carried out per tester per day. Before the pandemic, testers conducted 8 tests per day. On the resumption of the service in summer 2020, this was reduced to 5 because of health precaution, but later raised to 6. The RSA hopes to increase it to 7, when it can be done so safely.
The health of both the public and the testers themselves must take priority, and as a result it is important to recognise that it will take time to get driver testing waiting times back to normal pre-Covid levels.
306. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the status of the timeline of the LUAS expansion to Finglas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14631/21]
View answer378. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in bringing forward the construction of the Luas route to Finglas in the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1785/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 378 together.
As the Deputies are aware, the current National Development Plan provides allocations toward the appraisal, planning and design of proposed extensions to the existing Luas network, including a proposed extension of the Luas from Broombridge toward Finglas.
Last summer I was delighted to be able launch a public consultation in relation to the emerging preferred route in relation to the proposed extension, which is an important, and very necessary step in the project's lifecycle.
While the current National Development Plan does not provide the allocations required to allow for construction to commence prior to 2027, the ongoing review of the Plan does provide an opportunity to revisit the issue, subject to the availability of funding. I will certainly consider the issue, along with many others, in the coming months as the review process is being completed.
307. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allow essential workers who do not already have a date for their driver test to complete their 12 mandatory driving lessons under level 5 restrictions in order that they can apply for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14648/21]
View answerDuring the current level 5 restrictions, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may only conduct lessons in circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date.
My Department is very aware of the difficulty this poses to essential workers who are unable to avail of instruction because they have not yet completed the 12 lessons required to book a test. As only limited services are being provided at present in order to minimise the spread of Covid, it was decided that driving instruction may continue as an essential service, but in extremely limited circumstances.
While I very much regret the inconvenience and frustration that this might cause to both learners and instructors, I am sure the Deputy will agree that public safety must take priority here.
308. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the work practices of Longford NCT centre; if there are adequate social distancing measures, hand sanitising facilities and outdoor waiting areas for customers who must use this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14669/21]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Test Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and as such I have no function in the evaluation of test centre work practices.
I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
309. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide financial assistance to a company (details supplied) to assist it in remaining financially viable. [14677/21]
View answerThe Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in the aviation sector. The supports include the wage subsidy scheme, alleviation of commercial rates, deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme.
As regards supports specifically targeted at the protection of employment, the Employment Wage Subsidy Schemes (EWSS) has been a key component of the Government's response to the COVID-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment amid these very challenging times and has been extended to the end of June 2021.
In November 2020, the Government also agreed a revised €80 million funding package specifically for Irish aviation in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the sector. The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €26 million Irish aid scheme to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The aid consists of three measures: a damage compensation measure; an aid measure to support the airport operators up to a maximum of €1.8 million per beneficiary; and an aid measure to support the uncovered fixed costs of these companies. The aid will take the form of direct grants.
The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), part of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), has invested €150 million in debt funding in Aer Lingus. This is being made from ISIF’s €2 billion Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund (PSRF), which was established in 2020 as a key support for medium and large Irish employers whose businesses have been affected by COVID-19. This funding, finalised in Q4 2020, is a three-year debt facility that will strengthen the airline’s liquidity position and is designed to complement the ongoing investment in the airline by its parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG).
Any additional supports designed to facilitate growth of air traffic can only be progressed at the appropriate time, taking account of the outlook for the easing of travel restrictions and improving wider epidemiological conditions.
I will continue to monitor the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis in consultation with relevant Government Ministers and all key stakeholders.
310. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport when the all-island strategic review of the rail network will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14712/21]
View answer376. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the status of the programme for Government commitment to commission an economic evaluation of higher speed rail links between the main cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15664/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 376 together.
As the Deputies may be aware my Department, in consultation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) and other relevant stakeholders, is undertaking a strategic review of the heavy rail network on the island of Ireland. The 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 improved connectivity to the North West.
I expect my Department will launch the procurement process very shortly. The ultimate duration of the Review will be determined by the work programmes submitted in response to that process; this will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and will provide a framework to develop a much-improved rail network in the years ahead.
311. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the attention of the NTA has been drawn to maintenance issues with the Cork bike share scheme in view of the fact that several stations have been out of commission for over two months; and the date on which the NTA will introduce new bike share stations in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Dublin. [14753/21]
View answerAs 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.
312. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of pension arrangements for persons impacted by the restructuring of DAA (details supplied). [14754/21]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for her question in relation to pension arrangements for persons impacted by the restructuring of daa with reference to an RTÉ report from September 2020.
This report related to changes to pay for daa staff as a result of the unprecedented impacts COVID-19 on the Company. As the Deputy may be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin and Cork Airports. As such, matters in relation to pay and pensions for daa staff are matters for daa.
Accordingly, as the issue raised by the Deputy is an operational one, I have forwarded your request to daa for a direct response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.
313. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the reason an essential worker urgent driver test application by a person (details supplied) was unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14765/21]
View answerThe scheduling of candidates’ driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have no information on individual cases.
I have therefore referred this 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.
314. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if upper age limits apply in EU countries for Irish HGV licence holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14766/21]
View answerIrish driving licencing legislation operates on a framework of EU law. Directive 2006/126/EC sets out the minimum ages that a driving licence for each category can be issued, and these are applied EU-wide. There are no upper age limits applicable in the Directive.
315. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the five most recent significant capital projects in the major functional responsibilities of his Department which have required his sanction; the time which elapsed between the initial submission of the proposal for consideration until the construction commenced; the significant elements making up this period; the time spent in assessment prior to approval in the planning process; the time spent in assessment prior to approval in the procurement process of contractors; and the way this duration compared with the targeted time to delivery set out at the outset of the process. [14788/21]
View answerThe following two capital projects have required my approval since I came to Office.
Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme
The application for planning consent was issued to An Bord Pléanála in July 2012. No external assessment of the Business Case or approval from my Department was required prior to submission of this application. The tender process for the construction of the project commenced in April 2017 and no assessment from my Department was required prior to the commencement of the tender process.
The business case supporting the request for Government approval to award the contract was submitted to my Department on July 5th2020. Following revision to take account of queries and comments, my Department confirmed on 27th August 2020 that the business case was conducted in accordance with the relevant guidelines as set out in the Public Spending Code and Common Appraisal Framework. I brought a Memorandum for Government to Cabinet on 13th October 2020 and received approval to proceed with the project on this date. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) awarded the construction contract on 14th October 2020 and construction commenced on November 11th 2020.
M50 Variable Speed Limit Scheme
At a meeting in late 2015 between Minister Paschal Donohue and representatives of TII to discuss the operational performance of the M50, it was agreed to further investigate demand management measures in the areas of Intelligent Transport Systems, Information and Control namely installation of a Variable Speed Limit regime along with the necessary software and a dedicated control centre. The decision to progress the Variable Speed Limit scheme was reaffirmed by Minister Shane Ross after taking up his office and a subsequent presentation was made to the Minister on 14th May 2018. At that stage it was envisaged variable speed limits would “Go-Live” in late 2019 / early 2020. It is currently expected they will “Go-Live” in early – mid Summer.
The Final Business Case was submitted to my Department on 19th June 2020 for a compliance review. A review confirmed its compliance with the Public Spending Code (PSC) and the Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects and Programmes (CAF) and a letter confirming my approval for the project issued on 27th July 2020.
As TII had been running the procurement processes in parallel when this letter was received TII awarded the two main contracts for this project:
- ITS Deployment Contract to Dynniq UK Ltd on 29th July 2020, and
- Network Intelligence and Management System to Kapsch TrafficCom AG on 13th August 2020.
317. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if the Limerick pilotage authority unestablished employees superannuation scheme was ever submitted by the employer to his Department; if so, if this scheme was ever approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14816/21]
View answerI would like to advise the Deputy that at present, I am unable to provide any information on the pension scheme referred to in his question.
Files relating to the establishment of superannuation schemes in the past are held in my Department’s archive building. Under level 5 health restrictions, there is currently no access to the archive building.
Officials from my Department have given a commitment that once the restrictions are eased, they will conduct a search of the archive for any papers relating to the matters raised. I will advise the Deputy of the outcome of this search once completed.
318. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the safety reason that has caused the Irish Coast Guard cliff rescue to be stood down; when he expects this safety issue to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14962/21]
View answerA safety assessment considering procedures, equipment, personnel and oversight undertaken by the Irish Coast's Guard, including the Safety Quality and Compliance section, resulted in the temporary suspension of the cliff rescue function within the Irish Coast Guard. The Irish Coast Guard is currently working on addressing these issues with the intention to lift the suspension on completion of this work at the earliest possible opportunity.
319. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of vacancies that have occurred on the board of the Port of Cork since 1 January 2020; the number of vacancies that have been filled by reappointment of outgoing members; the number filled following applications received via an appointments process; the reason some vacancies have been filled by reappointments and others not; his views on whether such an approach is both arbitrary and discriminatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14966/21]
View answer320. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if he or his advisers received communications, verbally or in writing from other Ministers or their advisers, regarding the appointment or reappointment of members of the board of the Port of Cork; if so, if he will publish the details of such communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14967/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 319 and 320 together.
I can advise the Deputy that five vacancies have arisen on the Board of the Port of Cork Company since 1 January 2020.
I have filled one of the vacancies arising by the appointment of a director selected using the Public Appointments Service process. A further two vacancies were filled by the reappointment of two outgoing directors. In line with the Harbours Acts, officials in my Department engaged with officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform seeking the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the three appointments.
The remaining two vacancies of a director and a chairperson will be filled through the Public Appointments Service recruitment process. The recruitment process for both positions is currently underway.
In making my decision on the filling of these vacancies, I was cognisant of the need to provide fresh thinking to the Board, whilst also retaining some continuity in knowledge and expertise in its membership. In addition, I was also guided by the provisions of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Companies on the length of the term of office of State Board members.
In addition, I understand that, in line with the Guidelines on Appointment to State Boards, the Chairperson of the Port of Cork Company was consulted by officials in my Department in relation to the skills that were required to ensure that it could effectively perform its role.
I did not receive any communication, either written or verbal, from any Minister or their advisors on the filling of the vacancies.
321. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to driver test applicants who have full licences from non-EU countries currently waiting to be allowed to take an Irish test; and if consideration has been given to extending the existing 12-month allowance by which they can drive on Irish roads without a new Irish licence to account for Covid-19-related delays in obtaining lessons and-or tests. [15020/21]
View answerThere is a distinction between motorists with a foreign driving licence visiting Ireland and those living in Ireland. A person can drive on a foreign licence for up to a year as a visitor to Ireland. This provision is provided for under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
A person resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU driving licence to drive here.
Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law. It is important to remember that driver licensing law exists to ensure that people licensed to drive on our roads meet high standards of safety. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level.
As such, all EU driving licences are exchangeable when a person moves from one Member State to another. In the case of non-EU jurisdictions, we may make bilateral agreements on licence exchange. These agreements can be made only when the relevant authorities in each jurisdiction have studied and compared the two licensing regimes, so that each side can be satisfied that they are compatible. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
In the absence of an exchange agreement, we have no option but to ask people to go through the necessary steps to obtain an Irish licence, as per the applicable EU legislation.
322. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in allocated funding being drawn down by Kerry County Council in respect of Listry Bridge on the R563, County Kerry; the details of any correspondence between the local authority and his Department since January 2020 on the bridge; if his Department has changed its position on supporting the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15067/21]
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. 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.
A preliminary appraisal has been received from Kerry County Council concerning a number of options for Listry Bridge. The Department requested additional survey investigation to be undertaken to inform the options and ensure all appropriate measures are considered to achieve maximum value for money in accordance with the Public Spending Code. Funding was provided in 2019 and 2020 to assist with these studies and a revised submission was received at the end of 2020. The Department will consider this submission including project need, objectives, options and cost.
Progression of a scheme is dependent on funding availability and in the context of other projects currently funded. In this regard, Kerry County Council has been allocated in excess of €29.5m in regional and local road grants in 2021 which is an increase of 17% from 2020 and 30% from 2019. These figures include Specific Improvement road grants for the R556 Dale Road, Tralee to Fenit realignment, Clash Cross to Ballymullen as well as the Strategic scheme Tralee Northern Relief Road.
The drawdown of funds for a project in any particular year is a matter for the local authority.
323. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the status of progress on the R556 Rathscannell to Dale Road specific improvement project; the anticipated timeline for the completion of works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15068/21]
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. 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 a matter for the Council.
The Department is providing grant support for this project from Ballinclogher to Rathscannell which aims to improve the safety and the quality of this regional road. To date, Kerry County Council has drawn down about €1.1 million for this project.
€2.5 million has been allocated to this scheme in 2021. Implementation of the scheme is the responsibility of Kerry County Council.
324. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the status of efforts to connect Tralee to Listowel, County Kerry, via the old railway line; the anticipated timeline for the drawdown of funding allocated towards this project by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15069/21]
View answerMy Department is funding the construction of the Listowel to Limerick county boundary part of the Great Southern Greenway in Kerry and also the Tralee to Fenit section, but not the Tralee to Listowel section. A condition of that funding was that Kerry County Council would progress the planning and design of the Tralee to Listowel section from their own resources.
The first stage in the development of the Tralee to Listowel Greenway is engagement with adjacent landowners and a wider overall public consultation. Unfortunately, as many of these interactions need to be conducted on-site, due to current COVID-19 restrictions this has not been possible. It is anticipated that once the current restrictions are lifted, to the extent that meetings with the public can be facilitated, Kerry County Council will re-commence this initial consultation phase.
325. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a pilot project for local authorities to link towns and villages via priority cycle routes using existing old roads, tertiary roads, quiet local roads and other available public space; if so, if funding will be provided under such a scheme to go towards the required signage, surfacing, sight distance improvement works and other safety measures required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15070/21]
View answerI understand that officials are examining this issue as part of a wider examination of cycling infrastructure improvements around the country. The National Transport Authority are looking at revising the National Cycle Manual and officials in my Department are examining other measures to ensure safer cycling around the country. It is too early in the process to state what the outcome of that work will be but, given the significant increase in funding provided for cycling and walking in the Programme for Government, there should not be an issue with finding funding for appropriate interventions should that be the outcome of the work.
326. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport his views on an imminent shortage of quality second-hand vehicles in the Irish market as a result of punitive tariffs imposed on UK-imported vehicles post Brexit; if he will examine the way Brexit business supports could be extended to motor retailers to offset these tariff costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15076/21]
View answerThese are matters for my colleagues in Government. My colleague, the Minister for Finance, is responsible for matters relating to customs and excise. The Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for tariffs, trade and industry supports.
Outside of that framework, there are no plans presently in my Department to provide for business supports for any class of retailer arising from Brexit changes.
327. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the business supports in place to assist a private bus operator that has been unable to operate since March 2020 as a result of Covid-19; the financial assistance open to the operators in cases in which they are unable to access the employment wage subsidy scheme or Covid restrictions support scheme and do not pay rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15087/21]
View answerBoth 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.
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;
- introduce temporary financial support for certain licensed services provided by commercial bus operators (CBOs) for an initial period of 6-months;
- 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; and
- extend the provision of temporary funding supports for the CBOs for a further 3 months, with the option to extend monthly thereafter subject to engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Prior to the Covid-19 health emergency, licensed operators operated non-subvented bus services on a commercial basis. However, due to the impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers and the associated drop in fare revenue, these services were no longer commercially viable. As such, on 25 June 2020 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. These temporary supports were 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, has 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 to the licensed bus sector for a further period of 3 months, with an option to extend contracts on a monthly basis thereafter.
Further, as part of the July stimulus package, and in response to the challenges being experienced by the Coach Tourism sector, the Government provided €10m to fund the Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme. The scheme which is being administered by Fáilte Ireland is under the remit of my colleague, Catherine Martin, Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.
The above supports are in addition to the suite of other financial support measures that the Government has introduced to help mitigate the impact of Covid-19, which includes the Wage Subsidy Scheme extended through 2021, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment extended to end June 2021, the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow.
Furthermore, on 11 March 2021, the Minister for Business, Trade and Employment announced that applications are now open for Phase 1 of the Small Business Assistance Scheme (SBASC). The aim of this new €60m business assistance scheme is to provide grants to businesses ineligible for the Government’s other existing schemes such as CRSS and is designed to help with fixed costs. Further details of this scheme and other business supports are available at www.enterprise.gov.ie.
