Written Answers Nos. 96-113
96. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with his counterpart in the UK and-or their officials in view of their decision on travel to and-or from Portugal regarding the procedure and protocols for travel here in view of the fact that London and Lisbon are destinations that are flight transfer hubs to other world destinations and given Ireland's relationship with the UK. [15510/21]
View answerThe Government continues to advise against non-essential international travel and that any essential travel is undertaken with due regard to public health safety measures.
It is a mandatory requirement for passengers arriving in Ireland, including if they are travelling onwards to Northern Ireland, to complete a Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form. The form must also be filled out by those who arrive via Northern Ireland and have been overseas in the 14 days prior to arrival in Ireland.
Since 4 February 2021, a 14-day quarantine period must be undertaken at the address specified on the Passenger Locator Form. Persons who travel from another country to Ireland, and arrive via Northern Ireland, must also observe the mandatory quarantine regime.
It is expect that the mandatory hotel quarantine facility will be operational imminently. Once it is in place, mandatory quarantine at a designated facility will be required for passengers who have been in the designated 'high risk' countries in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Ireland.
There are ongoing discussions between the UK and Ireland on COVID-19 and travel. These discussions involve several Government Departments and have taken place at official and political level.
At present, both Great Britain and Portugal are not on the 'High Risk' list and as such, arrivals from these countries, whose journeys did not start in a 'high risk' state, may release themselves early from quarantine if they receive a negative test result at least 5-days post-arrival into Ireland.
However, all arrivals from Great Britain and Portugal (unless exempted) must quarantine at home in the intervening period between their arrival into the country and the second test (if the person chooses to take a second test). The list of 'high risk' states is kept under regular review and more countries may be added if conditions in these countries deteriorate.
A National Oversight Group for Variants of Concern has been established to monitor and advise upon the challenges posed by variants of concern of COVID-19.
The group provides advice to the Chief Medical Officer, who in turn advises on countries to be specified as high risk, for example, for variants of concern of COVID-19. The Minister for Health is responsible for the specification of these countries, in consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs or other Ministers of Government as appropriate.
Irish authorities are in daily communication with UK counterparts to advise of transiting traffic so that the appropriate public health measures are put in place on arrival, including for UK nationals and residents.
Government continues to keep all public health measures related to international travel under review.
97. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the total planned investment in heavy and light rail in the current national development plan; the major projects involved; the estimated cost and completion date of each; if he will propose additional rail investment in the forthcoming review of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1013/21]
View answerThe Deputy may wish to be aware of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Project Tracker which is available at the following link and shows information on all of the major projects and programmes (including details around timings and costings) in the existing National Development Plan:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/6db7c4-investment-projects-and-programmes-tracker/
The most notable projects and programmes under current ‘construction’ include:
- The €1billion Exchequer investment in the protection and renewal of the national rail network over the period 2020 to 2024;
- The €150million investment in new rail cars which will primarily serve commuter services in the Leinster region;
- The €135million investment in a new National Train Control centre which will improve the management of rail services across the network;
- The almost €100million investment in the Luas Green Line Capacity Enhancement project;
- The approximate €40million additional investment in track relaying on the Dublin Cork line which will improve line speeds and service reliability; and
- The City Centre Resignalling Project in Dublin which is scheduled for completion this year.
- The ‘Big Lift’ programme which is upgrading stations across the network to help those with mobility issues access rail services.
These projects are in addition to a range of others in the planning and design phase such as:
- DART+ which is a multi-billion euro programme of investment in the Greater Dublin Area rail network;
- Improvements planned at each of Ceannt, Colbert, Kent and Plunkett stations
- Light rail in Cork with consultants appointed last year to examine route options
- Light rail extensions in Dublin with consultation starting last year on Luas Finglas’ Emerging Preferred Route ; and
- MetroLink.
Notwithstanding the wide range of investments already underway or planned I believe there is scope for enhanced rail services and infrastructure in Cork, Galway and Limerick in line with their metropolitan area transport strategies and I will certainly be examining opportunities in that regard during the review of the National Development Plan.
Finally, this year will also see commencement of a new Strategic Rail Review to examine the potential of inter-urban and inter-regional rail, including the potential for increased rail freight.
99. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of UK driver licences that have been exchanged for Irish licences since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1333/21]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
100. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport the actions he is taking to protect aviation workers at Cork Airport; and if he will consider using the connectivity fund for this purpose. [15511/21]
View answerIn 2015, the proceeds from the State's disposal of its 25.1% shareholding in Aer Lingus were invested in a new ‘Connectivity Fund’ as a sub-portfolio of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF). The Minister for Finance sought Oireachtas approval for the proceeds to be paid into this fund in accordance with Section 46(2) of the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act, 2014. The management and control of the fund is a matter for the NTMA.
The Irish aviation sector is currently experiencing its most challenging crisis in its history. Many analysts are predicting that it will take several years for the sector to return to 2019 levels of activity. Traffic in 2020 was down around 80% on 2019, and revenue has fallen away dramatically as COVID-19 related restrictions on international travel continue to heavily constrain passenger traffic.
My officials and I have maintained regular contact with key stakeholders throughout this crisis, and Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses including the aviation sector. These supports include the wage subsidy scheme, waiving of commercial rates, deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme, with some of these now extended to 30 June 2021. Liquidity funding is also available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises.
Support for aviation workers is currently tied to the Governments general schemes to support all workers impacted by COVID-19. However, it cannot be excluded that targeted supports may be required later in 2021, particularly in the event that restrictions on travel remain in place throughout the forthcoming summer season.
As regards supports specifically targeted at the aviation sector, the Government agreed a revised funding package of €80 million for Irish aviation in 2021. A part of this package, over €21 million, is being provided to our Regional Airports Programme (RAP). The new RAP, published on 4 February, gives funding certainty to those airports up to 2025. Those airports eligible for RAP support are Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West (Knock). Additionally, €32 million is being provided to Cork and Shannon Airports through a new one-year COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme. Both of these programmes have been created in line with EU State Aid rules.
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €26 million Irish state aid scheme to compensate airport operators, including Cork Airport, for the losses caused by COVID-19 and the travel restrictions imposed by Ireland to limit its spread. This scheme will augment the supports already in place and help the industry to maintain connectivity and to make a recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.
102. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport when Ministerial approval will be given to allow works on the Coonagh-to-Knockalisheen road in Limerick to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1122/21]
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. State grants, where applicable, are intended to supplement the funding allocated to the maintenance and improvement of roads by local authorities from their own resources.
Under the Public Spending Code, capital projects are subject to review and approval at a number of stages. As required under the Code Limerick City and County Council submitted a recommendation regarding the award of a contract for the construction of the main scheme. Following careful consideration of this project, and close engagement with the Moyross community and Limerick City and County Council, I have approved the full completion of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road. This road scheme, as now approved, will take account of the overall development needs of Limerick, and will be complemented by sustainable transport features such as improved pedestrian / cycle accessibility for Moyross, improved Active Travel measures linking LIT, Mary Immaculate College, UL, and City Centre and the designation of one lane of the Dual Carriageway in each direction as a bus lane.
104. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the details of giving priority status to Tipperary town in respect of traffic alleviation on the N24; the details of his comments on addressing shorter sections of 6 km, 7 km or 8 km of the routes, including a bypass of Tipperary town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15470/21]
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. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the review of the NDP and to use the review to set out an updated NDP for the period to 2030.
The strategic transport issues for the region, including for national roads, are being considered in the context of the ongoing review of the NDP. As part of this review for national roads, I am focused on how to help achieve compact growth, removal of congestion within our towns, and decarbonisation, among other objectives. Towns such as Tipperary town will be considered in this light. The review of the NDP will be aligned with the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the status of the N24 project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
105. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport his views on Bus Éireann's plans to withdraw the Expressway services on the N7 and N8 routes in the near future (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1355/21]
View answerBoth the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators (including Bus Éireann who operate Expressway as a commercial business) 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 (one of which is Bus Éireann Expressway) 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 2020, 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.
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 the Deputy 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. The decision impacts on four routes: the Dublin/Belfast service (which it ceased operating in November 2020), and services on the Dublin to Cork, Limerick and Galway routes which are also expected to cease operating. The X12 Limerick/Dublin route ceased operations with effect from Saturday 30 January 2021.
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.
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 have 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.
Concerning the X8 Cork/Dublin route, I understand that the NTA carried out an examination of this corridor and has determined that, in order to meet the social needs of the communities affected, there is a public service obligation to continue to provide services along the Cork to Dublin corridor via Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Cahir and Cashel.
At present, the Bus Éireann Expressway X8 service is continuing to operate (albeit at a reduced level in line with the reduction in demand) under contract with the NTA following the extension to the temporary funding supports for CBOs. I also understand that the NTA are considering how best to meet that public service obligation on a continued and effective basis.
106. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport the status of road improvement works funding for County Wexford. [15540/21]
View answer291. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport the amount and percentage of the regional and local road grant allocation drawn down by Wexford County Council in each of the years 2015 to 2020, in tabular form. [14443/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 291 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
As regards the amount and percentage of the regional and local road grant allocation drawn down by Wexford County Council in each of the years 2015 to 2020, details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
As regards the status of road improvement works funding for County Wexford, the tables included in the allocations and payments booklets outline expenditure by type of grant programme. For the Deputy's information, the main grant programmes currently in operation are:
Restoration Maintenance (RM): The purpose of the RM grant is to protect the structural integrity of the road by way of surface dressing through the sealing of the road surface. The purpose of restoration maintenance is to maintain the asset before it requires improvement.
Restoration Improvement Grant (RI): The RI grant programme is the main road strengthening programme and caters for surface restoration, pavement overlay works, complete road rehabilitation works and for drainage works where required.
Discretionary Grant (DG): Councils have discretion in spending these grants for improvement and maintenance works subject to selecting from a list of eligible works.
Bridge Rehabilitation (BR): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake bridge rehabilitation works.
Safety Improvement Works (BS): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake safety improvement works.
Community Involvement Scheme (CIS): The programme facilitates community involvement in repair and improvement of roads.
Drainage Programme: The purpose of this grant is to promote network resilience.
Former National Roads (FN): The purpose of this grant it to provide assistance to local authorities specifically for the maintenance of former national roads.
Specific Grant and Strategic Grants: The Department no longer seeks annual applications from local authorities in respect of the Specific and Strategic grant programmes. Instead it considers projects on a case by case basis taking into account the availability of funding and the outcome of project appraisals.
The table below outlines the 2021 grant allocations for Wexford County Council.
|
Grant Allocations |
Wexford County Council |
|
Restoration Improvement |
€9,508,000 |
|
Restoration Maintenance |
€1,591,000 |
|
Supplementary Restoration Maintenance |
€1,136,500 |
|
Discretionary Grant |
€3,056,000 |
|
Bridge Rehabilitation |
€464,000 |
|
Safety Improvement Works |
€328,000 |
|
Specific Imp. Grants |
€100,000 |
|
Cycle Signs |
€16,000 |
|
Former National Roads |
€300,000 |
|
Active Travel |
€362,998 |
|
Climate Adaptation |
€30,000 |
|
Training Grant |
€90,000 |
|
Drainage Works |
€744,632 |
|
PSCI: Survey Support |
€28,000 |
|
Community Improvement Scheme |
€814,000 |
|
Total Allocation |
€18,569,130 |
In addition applications are currently being sought from Councils in relation to climate adaptation measures. This follows on from the July 2020 Stimulus Plan funding.
107. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will resolve the legal lacuna in respect of the control of horse-drawn carriages in Dublin city; and if he will ensure that the issue will be resolved in 2021 in order that the owners of horse-drawn carriages can operate within the law, given that the issue has been ongoing for three years (details supplied). [13570/21]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that the preparation of the necessary legislative proposals in regard to the regulation of horse-drawn carriages in Dublin is a complex issue requiring engagement by my Department with several stakeholders, including Dublin City Council. Work on this issue unfortunately did not progress in 2020 due to the need to prioritise the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I can confirm. however, that work on this issue is now progressing once more.
Unlike other local authorities in the country, Dublin City Council lacks the power to regulate and set standards for horse-drawn carriages. My Department is currently working with Dublin City Council to consider how best to safely repeal the Dublin Carriage Acts 1853-55, which vests the power to regulate horse-drawn carriages in Dublin with the Dublin Metropolitan Police Commissioners, to whom An Garda Síochána is the successor.
110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with freight representative organisations on the delays and challenges importers and exporters continue to face at ports here due to Brexit; the changes that have been introduced to address these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15575/21]
View answerThe UK’s decision to leave the Single Market and Customs Union means that traders must now engage with a range of checks and controls on trade with Great Britain that did not previously apply. These checks and controls are necessary and permanent, and are required in accordance with Ireland’s obligations to the Single Market and to protect public health and food.
The Government fully acknowledges that this presents significant challenges and imposes additional burdens on hauliers and on all businesses trading with Great Britain.
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.
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.
In terms of engagement with freight representative organisations, in September 2020 a stakeholders' forum for the Haulage and Logistics Sector was established. At the same time, a separate stakeholders forum was also established for the shipping sector. Both continue to meet on a weekly basis.
The Haulage and Logistics stakeholder forum includes the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and the Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI) among other representative bodies. Hosted by my Department, and attended by Revenue, DAFM and HSE representatives, this forum has allowed for constructive discussion and feedback on issues arising and for the sharing of relevant information with stakeholders.
To respond to particular concerns for the haulage and logistics sector, Revenue have established a new joint forum comprising of Revenue, DAFM and the IRHA to discuss, and where possible, mitigate issues of concern.
I am aware that since 1 January 2021, based on feedback from trade, Revenue have have implemented a number of measures including the following:
- new feedback loop for hauliers moving trailers where they are not the declarant,
- providing hauliers with additional information on action required at declaration level, helping them manage the collection of trailers and drivers hours more efficiently.
- upgraded the PBN to enable the vehicle channel to be texted and emailed to different parties.
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 State agencies are engaging directly – whether with the companies, representative organisations or individual drivers – to get the issues resolved.
My Department remains in regular contact with the haulage and logistics sector and also participates in Brexit retail and enterprise forums hosted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to monitor issues and developments in those sectors.
111. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the current delay in the issuing of driving licence cards to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1356/21]
View answerCovid-19 has created difficulties for many public services, including the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS), which is provided by the Road Safety Authority.
Closures during the initial lockdown last year led inevitably to backlogs, while restrictions on the services, which are necessary in the interests of public health, have reduced capacity since the services reopened leading to delays and backlogs. The urgent health necessity which has led to the re-imposition of Level 5 restrictions has a further impact and front office services are provided to essential workers only.
Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 and to ease pressures on services, driving licences were further extended by EU Regulation with effect from 6 March 2021. This means that driving licences that expired or will expire between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021 will be extended by 10 months. In addition, licences that expired during the reference period 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 (which were extended for 7 months) and will fall to expire again during the period 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021 will be extended again for 6 months or until 1 July 2021 whichever is the latest. This extension will help ease pressure and enable the NDLS to improve processing times and deal with backlogs.
Drivers who are affected by the extension are encouraged to check the new expiry date of their driving licence by using the expiry date calculator on www.ndls.ie. They can enter the expiry date printed on the driving licence into the calculator and it will tell them the new expiry date. A driving licence can be renewed within three months of the new expiry date.
112. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when the new national investment framework for transport will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15652/21]
View answerThe draft National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI) will begin its public consultation phase at the end of March 2021 and will run for a period of almost eight and a half weeks, until the end of May.
Upon the completion of the public consultation phase, the report will be finalised, with publication of NIFTI expected to take place in Quarter 3 of 2021.
113. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will conduct a review of Ireland's carbon footprint when implementing the plan in the Climate Action Plan 2019 for 1 million electric vehicles. [13282/21]
View answerClimate Action Plan (CAP) 2019 decarbonisation trajectories were informed by comprehensive emission modelling previously carried out by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). Further analytical work was fed into CAP 2019 development by the project consultants McKinsey. The ongoing preparation of CAP 2021 is informed by this knowledge, as well as further analytical work by my Department and a range of State transport bodies.
Current Programme for Government commitments represent a significant step-up in ambition over CAP 2019, with a target of 7% annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to 2030. This step-up in ambition requires accelerated action across sectors; in transport, implementing measures to meet this target presents many challenges.
Accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) plays a key role in meeting climate targets. According to NECP projections, avoided emissions from uptake of EVs are significant: almost 10 MtCO2 in cumulative emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles would be avoided between 2021 and 2030. Emissions from EV charging are included in these projections, but not the significant vehicle or battery manufacturing emissions. Further, when the emissions from electricity generated to charge vehicles (at the average emissions rate from electricity generation) are taken into account, the cumulative emissions savings fall to approximately 7.8 Mt CO2. As a share of Ireland’s energy demand, EVs are projected to rise from 0.1% in 2021 to 8.4% in 2030.
