Written Answers Nos. 60-77
60. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the proposed extension of MetroLink from St. Stephen's Green to south-west Dublin and UCD as originally agreed rather than having it terminate north of Beechwood, in Ranelagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14731/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority published their “Preferred Route” proposals for MetroLink, extending from Swords to Charlemont, in 2019 for public review and feedback.
Since that publication, work has continued to finalise the technical design, undertake the necessary surveys and investigations and prepare the necessary documentation required to support a planning consent application for the project.
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area was adopted in early 2016 and, in accordance with the applicable legislation, is required to be reviewed every six years, meaning that a review must to be completed by early 2022. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has commenced this exercise and it is expected to be fully concluded during the next 12 months. The review will consider current and future needs of the region, and the appropriate transport provision to serve future travel demand throughout the Greater Dublin Area including the south and south west corridors into Dublin.
The examination of a possible metro system extension to Rathfarnham / Knocklyon forms one of the work streams relating to the updating of the transport strategy. Initial assessment work on this potential metro extension has commenced and the study will be completed during the coming months. In addition, an assessment will also be undertaken of the case for an alternative metro extension in the south east sector, potentially serving UCD and Sandyford.
The NTA intends that both of those studies will be released as background reports to accompany the draft transport strategy when it is published for public consultation later this year. This will provide the opportunity for members of the public and interested parties to review and provide their views on these studies and their implications for the draft transport strategy.
62. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of negotiations to expand rural public transport capacity in 2021. [44384/20]
View answerAs 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 has now completed the first phase of consultation on its proposals, titled 'Connecting Ireland', with all Local Authorities and is now engaging with Regional Authorities and other key stakeholders. This will be followed by a wider public consultation in Q3 2021 prior to finalisation of the proposals by the NTA and submission to my Department.
64. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport when he will initiate negotiations with the UK on a formal licence exchange agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44806/20]
View answerA driving licence exchange agreement is now in place between Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Road Traffic (Recognition of Driving Licences) (United Kingdom) Order 2020 (S.I. 683 of 2020), made under section 23A of the Road Traffic Act 1961, was signed on 22 December 2020 and came into force at 11pm on 31 December 2020 (the end of the transition period).
The agreement recognises UK (including NI) issued driving licences for exchange purposes.
65. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand the passenger and freight rail network here, including the Navan rail line and the western rail corridor, given 2021 is the European Year of Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15576/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out a very clear vision to fundamentally change the nature of transport in Ireland and I believe that rail has a role to play in achieving that change.
The Deputy is right to highlight that 2021 has been designated by the European Union as the Year of Rail and I believe that this Government is demonstrating its commitment to that designation in a number of different ways.
First and foremost, there is the investment planned in improving rail infrastructure and services. In this year’s Budget I secured additional funding to allow for track improvements on the Dublin – Cork line and to accelerate the lift / escalator replacement programme, which improves the accessibility of the network generally and particularly for those with reduced mobility. Throughout the year, construction will continue on the new National Train Control Centre, as well as the 41 additional rail carriages ordered for the commuter rail fleet, while it is expected that the City Centre Resignalling Project will be completed this year too.
I also expect to bring to bring the DART+ Preliminary Business Case to Government for its approval under the Public Spending Code. This will be the largest ever investment in the network in the history of the State and can potentially transform rail services across the Greater Dublin Area, including along the Dunboyne line in Meath. In recent weeks the Deputy will have seen funding announced to support works at Ceannt Station in Galway, as well as Oranmore which complement the announcements made last year in relation to Waterford station and there are also improvements planned for Colbert Station in Limerick.
These investments are all in addition to the approximately €202 million of investment that will occur this year in the protection and renewal of the network as part of the €1billion 5-year Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract and which increases service reliability and punctuality, improves journey times and ensures continued safety of rail services.
Secondly, there is a need to continue to plan for the future and again this year will see significant progress. At a national level, we will shortly launch a Strategic Rail Review which will examine all aspects of inter-urban and inter-regional rail on the island of Ireland. This review will consider the potential for high-higher speed and will also examine the potential for increased rail freight on the network. At a regional level, there is work underway in both the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area and the Greater Dublin Area to develop a new transport strategy in the first instance and review the existing strategy in the second. This review in the Greater Dublin Area will allow for a reconsideration of the potential of a Navan rail link and I have no doubt the Deputy will welcome the review and the consultation planned for later in the year.
I am looking forward to participating in the European Year of Rail 2021, and any associated events, as we seek to improve and develop the rail infrastructure and service offering for our citizens.
66. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the level of fines imposed on Dublin Bus and a company (details supplied) for non-compliance with timing on routes for the previous 12 months; if these fines relate to the bus being late, being early or not showing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15583/21]
View answer103. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the reason Dublin Bus has been instructed to lay vehicles over at certain points in the city; if this practice is the result of instructions from the NTA; if the agency is monitoring the effect this is having in delaying passenger journeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15582/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 103 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant bus operators. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
67. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his plans to enhance commuter rail services in Cork owing to the contribution that rail transport can make to meeting climate change obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1738/21]
View answerDecarbonisation of our society and economy is obviously a key policy priority for Government and transport has a significant role to play in that regard.
An important part of that role is the expansion of sustainable mobility options in our major urban centres and across the country to enable people to make the switch toward more sustainable transport modes – active travel, bus and rail. This will require significant investment in our infrastructure and our services; the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future commits toward such a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and I look forward to fulfilling that commitment.
As the Deputy is probably aware, transport investment in all the major cities is guided by the development of metropolitan area transport strategies.
The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), which was published last year, adopts the multi-modal approach to transport planning that has proven successful in many city regions internationally; it provides the necessary evidence-based, and plan-led framework that can guide investment in Cork over the short, medium, and longer term.
CMATS has a number of significant public transport proposals across bus, commuter rail and light rail, together with the proposed transformation of active travel infrastructure in the city region. For rail, CMATS proposes a radically improved commuter rail network from Mallow to Midleton. It is also proposed to develop a light rail service running on an east to west corridor across the city and, in advance of its introduction, BusConnects Cork will deliver a high-capacity, high-frequency bus corridor along the route.
It is certainly my intention that the ongoing review of the National Development Plan will be informed by the development of CMATS and provide for the phased introduction of its improvements, including those proposals in relation to rail, in the coming years. I am also eager to explore opportunities that may exist in the context of possible EU funding and my Department is currently considering potential options in that regard also.
I look forward to working with the Deputy and other colleagues in the years ahead on the implementation of CMATS.
68. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Connecting Ireland plan for the reform of public transport services nationwide; the way in which he plans to restructure rural transport services to meet the needs of communities while also reducing carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15574/21]
View answerAs 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 has now completed the first phase of consultation on its proposals, titled 'Connecting Ireland', with all Local Authorities and is now engaging with Regional Authorities and other key stakeholders. This will be followed by a wider public consultation in Q3 2021 prior to finalisation of the proposals by the NTA and submission to my Department.
69. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport his future plans for Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15010/21]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for her question on Shannon Airport.
As the Deputy is aware Shannon Airport, a subsidiary of Shannon Group, has been severely impacted by Covid-19 and given the unprecedented challenges faced by the Group, I committed to undertaking an examination of the future viability and sustainability of the entire Group.
The outcome of this examination was reflected in a recent Memorandum to Government. In considering the issues being faced by Shannon Group, Government noted the Exchequer supports being availed of by the Company. These supports include the economy wide supports put in place to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic on businesses generally (e.g. wage supports, rates alleviation etc.); emergency funding of €6.1m allocated to Shannon Airport to complete a vital Hold Baggage Screening project (a security requirement under EU Regulations) and the establishment of a new Programme for regional State Airports with a funding provison of €32.1m. Capital funding requests from Shannon Airport under this Programme are currently being assessed by my Department.
In addition to these supports, I would like to advise the Deputy that the European Commission recently approved State aid support schemes to help address liquidity issues at airports as a result of Covid-19. Shannon Airport and other airports will shortly be invited to apply for funding under these new Covid-19 Supplementary Supports Schemes which have a budget of €26 million. These schemes include compensation for State airports (approx. €20m) in light of Covid impacts in 2020. This funding will provide State airports including Shannon Airport with flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity when possible.
Government fully appreciates the important role of Shannon Airport to the economy of the mid-west region and nationally. The funding which has been made available to the Airport is a clear indication of the importance Government attaches to the Airport being well positioned to weather the current crisis and for recovery and growth into the future once circumstances allow.
70. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he and his Department continue to measure the impact of Brexit to date on the transportation, importation and export of goods; if particular issues have arisen which might require a specific response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1833/21]
View answerMy Department is continuously monitoring the impacts of Brexit on our imports and exports, particularly in terms of the transportation of goods to market. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has, of course, overarching responsibility for trade matters.
The latest CEO statistics for January 2021, published last week, show that imports from Great Britain decreased by 65% and exports decreased by 14% when compared with January 2020. Analyses by the Irish Maritime Development Office for my Department shows that for the first two months of 2021 there was a decline of 39% in the number of Roll-on / Roll-off trailer units on Ireland-GB routes (including 50% on the Holyhead – Dublin route) when compared to the same period in 2020. While the analyses indicated an increase in the number of trailer units of 78% on direct Ireland – EU routes, it highlights an overall decline in RoRo units to and from Ireland of 20%. The IMDO concluded this overall decline in volumes can be attributed to two main issues: economic factors (e.g. stockpiling in Q4 2020, covid supressed demand) and shifting trade patterns.
The decline in volumes on the shipping routes on the Central and Southern maritime routes, is a matter of some concern and my Department is closely monitoring the situation and is engagint frequently with the operators on these routes. It is difficult to say at this stage how traffic volumes and flows will move over the coming period. Suppressed demand as a result of Covid remains a key uncertainty, and businesses are also continuing to adapt to the new customs and SPS controls.
As part of heightened preparedness for Brexit in late 2020 and in the first few weeks of this year, Officials from my Department participated in frequent, and where necessary daily monitoring and oversight meetings with all Departments and relevant agencies represented. My Department continues to be in frequent contact with industry stakeholders and the relevant State Bodies to get live updates on the current situation at our Ports and Airports, and on the road transport network.
I am aware that the relevant State agencies continue to work around the clock to ensure trade can flow to the greatest extent possible. Where difficulties have arisen for users in specific cases, the agencies are engaging directly – whether with the companies, representative organisations or individuals – to get the issues resolved.
I am also aware that the agencies have engaged extensively with the ferry companies, and the road haulage and logistics representative bodies and continue to do so. To respond to particular concerns for the haulage and logistics sector, a new joint forum comprising of Revenue and DAFM has been established with the IRHA to discuss and where possible mitigate issues of concern. Revenue have adapted their systems based on feedback from traders and implemented new or revised processes.
Stakeholder fora for both groups, hosted by my Department, continue to meet weekly and comprises representatives from the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture and the Marine, and the HSE. This has allowed for the sharing of relevant information with stakeholders and for constructive discussion. In addition, the Departments and agencies engage with the ferry operators, and the road haulage and logistics representative bodies continuously on an ad hoc basis as issues arise.
71. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department plans to make up the shortfall in road improvement works funding allocated to Wexford County Council since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15633/21]
View answer108. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will conduct a review of road improvement works funding to be allocated based on the condition of local council roads as opposed to funding being allocated on length; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15634/21]
View answer266. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase roads maintenance funding to local authorities; when he plans to review the way in which this funding is administered to local councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15604/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 108 and 266 together.
The 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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.
There were major cutbacks in funding for the road network in general during the post 2008 recession. The National Development Plan (NDP), as it stands, provides for a gradual increase in funding for regional and local roads and there has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding particularly in the last four years. In this context, Wexford County Council received a total allocation of €18,569,130 for 2021 which is an increase of 59% when compared to 2017.
Funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate maintenance and renewal of regional and local roads and so for this reason, the primary focus for capital investment continues to be the maintenance and renewal of the network with some limited investment in road improvement projects.
As regards the basis for allocating grants, within the budget available to the Department, funding is allocated on as fair and equitable a basis as possible to eligible local authorities. In this context, grants in the main grant categories are allocated based on the length of the road network within a local authority's area of responsibility with some account taken of traffic. It is envisaged that grants will continue to be made available on that basis.
Basing regional and local roads grant allocations on road conditions could result in an uneven distribution of State funding. For example, local authorities that allocate higher levels of own resources funding to regional and local roads will have a larger proportion of roads with a higher condition rating than those with lower levels of own resources funding. Basing allocations on road condition could therefore disincentivise local authorities from allocating own resources funding to roads maintenance.
The Department appreciates that, within the overall parameters set for the grant programme, local authorities might need to target funding at particular problem areas and there is sufficient flexibility in the structure of the grant programme to allow for this. It is also open to each local authority to allocate its own resources to priority areas.
72. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to legislate for sound barriers given that at present they only go in as part of planning applications to militate against the worst effects of noise, that, over time, noise increases due to greater volumes of traffic and that existing legislation does not provide for them to be installed retrospectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15527/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and 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, including noise mitigation measures, for individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
More generally, the Deputy may not be aware of the existing legislation in regard to environmental noise, including road noise, which does in fact require recurring assessments of the impact of noise.
Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise was transposed into Irish law by the Environmental Noise Regulations, 2006. This legislation requires TII and local authorities to undertake strategic noise mapping every five years for all major roads carrying in excess of 8,250 annual average daily traffic (AADT). Noise maps identify and prioritise cluster areas which will require further assessment and may require mitigation measures to be put in place.
Once strategic noise maps have been produced, the results are used for each local authority to develop Noise Action Plans as required by the Environmental Noise Regulations. Under the Regulations, the Noise Action Planning Authorities are required to consult with the public when revising their current Plans.
I trust this information is of assistance to you.
73. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if a schedule will be provided of outbound and inbound international flights in respect of airports not listed on the passenger locator form field (details supplied) and-or place of arrival from 1 to 18 March 2021; the number of passenger locator forms processed in respect of these airports as an entry point to the State over the same time period; and the number of follow-up calls made in respect of the data collected from these forms. [15600/21]
View answerIn accordance with EU Single Market rules, EU operators of flights into or out of Ireland do not require an authroisation from my Department and, therefore, my Department does not hold records of such movements. The Department provides authorisations permitting commercial air transport operations by third country air operators to, from, within and over the State.
During the period in question, an authorisation for such commercial air transport by a third country air operator to the highlighted locations did not issue. However, the operator of a private flight did contact the Department and the operator was advised to route to a State/Regional airport to first satisfy customs and immigration requirements, before continuing to the final destination.
My Department also now notifies An Garda Síochána of all authorisations issued.
The Department of Health is the data controller in relation to the passenger locator form and any details or statisitics relating to processing or follow-up is a matter for the Minister for Health.
My Department is aware that the Border Management Unit (BMU) has recently contacted Weston Airport management reminding them of their obligations in relation to incoming flights from outside the State. This includes forwarding all relevant documentation (such as PLF and negative COVID 19 test results for all applicable arrivals) to Immigration Officers prior to the flight’s arrival. The BMU liaises with Weston Airport and other stakeholders such as An Garda Síochána regarding incoming flights on an ongoing basis.
74. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the status of the MetroLink project; when a railway order will be made; and when it will go to Cabinet. [15630/21]
View answerAs 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, the National Transport Authority has recently submitted the Preliminary Business Case to my Department. The Code stipulates that it must be reviewed 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.
75. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of funding and the timeline for the proposed southern relief road in Bandon, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15658/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
76. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the length of the backlog for driver and theory test applications; his plans to address the backlog for the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15568/21]
View answerSpecific details on the number of persons awaiting a driver test and theory test are held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
The current public health emergency has had a profoundly disruptive effect on the driver learning and testing system in this country. I can assure the Deputy that the Department is very aware of the challenges facing the RSA as they work hard to further manage the backlog in the Driver Testing and Theory Testing Services.
The driving test service is not currently operating as normal due to the impact of Covid-19. Tests are only available, under Level 5 restrictions, to essential workers. This has had a significant impact on waiting times.
RSA driver testers are undertaking driving tests in extraordinarily difficult conditions. 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 essential worker in Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions.
Due to suspension of driver testing services in the first 2020 lockdown, along with the health protocols since resumption of service and the further curtailing of services during subsequent level 5 restrictions, a significant backlog has developed.
While the service is limited during level 5 restrictions, the RSA is examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints with an eye to resuming wider testing after level 5. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
Following discussions with the RSA, my Department has approved the hiring of a further 40 temporary testers for 22 months. The process of recruitment is now underway. However, it will take some time for people to be selected and trained.
These new hires will be in addition to the 36 temporary testers which I previously gave sanction to rehire during 2020.
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.
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.
Covid-19 has also had a profound effect on the delivery of the RSA's driver theory testing service and a significant backlog has developed. Under current level 5 restrictions, the driver theory test has not been deemed to be an essential service. As a consequence, the service is closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place.
The RSA is engaging with its service provider to examine ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints for when services resume. In this regard, the aim is to double capacity at test centres over a three-month period. Subject to decisions on future Covid 19 restrictions, this will mean that additional capacity would be made available in April, May and June 2021.
Normal capacity before the pandemic was approximately 15,000 tests per month. When the service reopened in July 2020, this was increased to 25,000 to deal with the backlog which had developed by that point. Based on the capacity of 25,000 tests per month, the aim is to provide an additional 25,000 tests per month on top of this for the first 3 months of reopening, or a total of 75,000 extra test appointments over the three-month period. This would make substantial inroads into numbers waiting over that time period.
In addition to the increased capacity initiative, the RSA is working to deliver an online driver theory test service. The online service has been trialled on a pilot basis for those taking a theory test for trucks and buses. It is now being evaluated with a view to extending the online service to all test types during 2021. However, scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
77. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of 3 December 2020, if he will reconsider his Department's position on commissioning a feasibility study on light rail in Galway city, particularly in view of Ireland's legal obligations under climate change legislation and the fact that it has now been almost five years since the publication of the Galway Transport Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1831/21]
View answer91. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 18 of 12 November 2020, the status of the feasibility study for light rail in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15412/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 91 together.
As the Deputy is likely aware, transport investment in all the major cities is guided by the development of metropolitan area transport strategies. Since 2016, transport strategies have been approved and published in respect of the Greater Dublin Area, Galway and the Cork Metropolitan Area. This year consultations have commenced on a review of the Greater Dublin Area strategy and will commence on a revised draft of the Limerick-Shannon strategy and an initial draft of the Waterford strategy.
This move toward evidence based, plan-led transport planning for our major cities is to be welcomed and allows for consideration of all relevant issues and the potential role all modes of transport can play in addressing those issues. I would also note that providing this type of long-term investment framework represents international best practice in the area of transport planning.
In relation to Galway, the Deputy is aware that the issue of light rail in Galway city was comprehensively examined as part of the development of the Galway Transport Strategy. The Strategy concluded that a bus based public transport system, supported by various active travel and public realm improvements, represents the most appropriate system for Galway over the period considered by the Strategy.
I am eager to see progress on the delivery of the Galway Transport Strategy and welcome the non-statutory consultations held last year on two of the key Galway BusConnects corridors. I look forward to the delivery of much improved active travel infrastructure in the next few years as well as improvements to the commuter rail network, such as the proposals in relation to Ceannt Station, Oranmore Station and indeed the Athenry to Galway rail corridor generally.
I agree with the Deputy that given the time that has elapsed since publication of the Galway Transport Strategy there is a need to review it and take stock of developments since its publication. I understand that such a review will commence next year and will allow for consideration again of the issue of light rail but importantly that consideration will take place within the overall framework of the strategy itself. In the meantime I look forward to the Deputy’s support as we seek to implement improvements to Galway’s active travel, bus and rail infrastructure.
