Written Answers Nos. 114-132
114. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the progress in developing a new DART station at Woodbrook, between Shankill and Bray, which is scheduled to commence in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1912/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and development of rail infrastructure such as the proposed station referred to by the Deputy.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
116. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport if local authorities have reported delays in the completion of their restoration improvement programmes; and his plans to assist local authorities in increasing their capacity to carry out roadworks in the coming months. [15653/21]
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 Councils’ own resources supplemented by regional and local road grants.
As regards the regional and local road grant funded Restoration Improvement (RI) programme, road maintenance activity is seasonal. While local authorities might carry out contract procurement and some preparatory work at this time of the year, the crucial period for delivery of the main regional and local road maintenance programmes is from April. This is when the road strengthening programmes generally start followed by surface dressing work from late May. My Department's Engineering Inspectors will be liaising with local authorities regarding implementation of the RI programme.
As regards resources, while staffing is generally the responsibility of each local authority, I announced funding in January this year for up to 248 new jobs in local authorities to expand walking and cycling facilities across the country. Recruitment of the additional resources will be a matter for the individual local authorities in line with their normal procedures, with costs proposed to be attributed to the Department's sustainable mobility programme. It is expected that up to 218 staff could ultimately be assigned to the new active travel teams across all local authorities with a further 30 additional staff available through the Regional Design Offices.
117. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans for legislation for the use of e-scooters; his further plans to include e-scooter usage in the decarbonisation of road transport plan as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15567/21]
View answerElectric scooters are a type of powered personal transporter (PPT). PPTs are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of which requires a valid licence, tax and appropriate insurance in accordance with Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. As PPTs do not fall under any existing vehicle category, it is not currently possible to tax and insure them and there is no separate licence category for them. Therefore they may not be used on public roads and in public places. However, their use is permitted on private land with the permission of the landowner.
The intention is to legislate for e-scooters in accordance with the Programme for Government this year. This involves identifying and developing appropriate amendments to primary legislation across a range of complex areas. The work is being carried out in such a way so that it does not undermine the overall framework of Road Traffic law or road safety in general. I intend to bring forward committe stage amendments to the enabling primary legislation when the Road Traffic Bill is before the Oireachtas in the coming months. The road traffic acts are being amended to introduce a new category of vehicle - the proposed title for this new category is "powered personal transporters". This will be the first time the categories of vehicles set out in the Road Traffic Act 1961 have been amended.
Once the new category has been defined, these vehicles are to be incorporated into the existing legislative framework (wherein a range of powers/offences already exist) and this will permit the Minister for Transport to regulate for the use/misuse and the standards for different types of powered personal transporters, for example, through the introduction of regulations for e-scooters. Furthermore, the existing offences and powers of An Garda Síochána in road traffic legislation concerning careless/dangerous driving, driving under the influence of an intoxicant, driving an unroadworthy vehicle. etc. can also then be extended to users of powered personal transporters where required.
The introduction of shared/rental schemes, such as those currently in operation for cars, bicycles and electric bicycles will be a matter for consideration at a later date within the overall framework of sustainable mobility policy. Until the new legislation is in place, the use of e-scooters on public roads or in public places will remain illegal.
118. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport his views on developing a strategy that focuses on improvements to the road and rail networks in County Tipperary and in the larger mid-west and south-east regions; the action he plans to take to make proper use of the Limerick-Limerick Junction-Waterford and Limerick-Ballybrophy rail corridors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15471/21]
View answerEach local authority is the statutory road authority for their area. 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, Tipperary County Council received a total allocation of €29.5m for 2021 which is an increase of 60% 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.
With regard to rail infrastructure, my Department in consultation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) and other relevant stakeholders, is undertaking a strategic rail review of the 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 on the Network.
With regard to rail infrastructure and services in County Tipperary, as the Deputy will be aware, Iarnród Éireann operates passenger rail services on the Limerick-Ballybrophy line. Additionally, Thurles and Templemore are served on the Cork-Dublin intercity line.
I am advised that both the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann met with representatives of North Tipperary Community Rail Partnership (NTCRP) in recent weeks who presented the case for improved infrastructure and additional services for the Ballybrophy line. As Minister for Transport, I also met with the NTCRP on January 29
There are no plans for the closure of any part of the rail network. Indeed, the firm intention is to invest heavily in the quality of the network and the size of the rail fleet in order to address capacity constraints and expand services in many parts of the country.
However, the Limerick-Ballybrophy rail line is not a route that has been struggling to accommodate large passenger numbers. Iarnród Éireann identifies Limerick-Ballybrophy as a continually low-density route in terms of passenger numbers, although the company has, over many years, operated varying levels of services during periods of both economic growth and recession.
Iarnród Éireann has also undertaken both national and local promotions on the route, but such efforts have not resulted in any significant uptake and passenger numbers have remained very low. In this context, the NTA has no plans at present to increase services on this particular route. In light of the dramatically reduced numbers travelling on its services and to ensure service resilience during level 5 COVID-19 restrictions, Iarnród Éireann has a temporary schedule in operation across its network, which has been in operation since January 11. This includes suspension of services on the Limerick-Ballybrophy (via Nenagh) lines. This temporary schedule was approved by the NTA. Iarnród Éireann has stated that it will continue to liaise with the NTA on appropriate services through all phases of the COVID-19 crisis, building in time to full restoration of services. Any reopening will be ‘soft’ as public transport is not being actively promoted under COVID-19 restrictions.
Iarnród Éireann has advised the Department in relation to the planned temporary closure of the Ballybrophy line that it will complete four additional miles of relaying over an eight-week period between weeks 16 and 23. Iarnród Éireann will then hand back the track for services on June 14, as opposed to the previous proposed date of July 18. The company is proposing a shorter shutdown in week 26 to relocate the turnout and traps in Roscrea and to move the signal.
119. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the progress on the city centre resignaling programme, which is due for completion in 2021 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1689/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and development of rail infrastructure such as the City Centre Resignalling Programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
120. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a differential in staff resources between the categories of the National Transport Authority active travel delivery structure; his views as to whether the reduction in resources between categories 4 and 5 is excessive; if additional staff resources are to be allocated to Carlow town to assure the importance of implementing the active travel programme of the town; if his Department has received confirmation from all local authorities of their implementation of a designated active travel officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14744/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including cycling infrastructure.
In relation to staff resourcing, the NTA is working with local authorities on the resources required to deliver upon Government’s ambition in the area of active travel. Precise details in relation to the 248 new jobs I recently announced for local authorities, to expand walking and cycling facilities all over the country, have yet to be finalised.
In relation to Carlow town, I have referred this aspect of the query to the NTA. If you don't receive a response within 10 working days, please contact my private office directly.
121. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport the position for those due to renew their driver licences, in particular those over 70 years of age and those who do not have a public services card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1913/21]
View answerA further extension to the expiry dates of driving licences has been introduced in response to the continued disruption caused by Covid-19 to driver licensing services in Ireland and across the EU.
The extension will apply to different groups of licence holders including those who benefited from extensions in 2020. Further information can be found on the RSA website.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has also expanded the postal renewal option to those over 70 who renew their licence every three years. Previously only those aged 70 and over who renew their licence on a yearly basis were invited to renew it by post.
The exemption that allows for those aged over 70 to apply for a driving licence without the need to provide a medical report provided they do not have an identified or specified illness has also been extended and will apply until 30 June 2021.
122. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to proceed with the initial stages of the BusConnects scheme for Dublin; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of workers involved that the introduction of the new design will mean widespread changes to existing rights, conditions and labour practices; if he will meet with workers' representatives to discuss the implications of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14306/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government commits toward a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and I firmly believe BusConnects will be at the centre of that change in the years ahead. As with all public investment projects, BusConnects must comply with the Public Spending Code which sets out the requirements for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects in Ireland.
The Code sets out a number of Decision Gates in the development of a project proposal; these are points where major decisions need to be made about the progress of a project and, for projects expected to cost over €100million, Government approval is required at these stages. For a project in this category, "Decision Gate 1: Preliminary Business Case" is the first stage where the Public Spending Code stipulates that formal Government approval is required. In accordance with the Public Spending Code's requirements, prior to seeking Government approval, the Preliminary Business Case is subject to review by both my Department and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform. Following completion of these necessary steps I will then bring the matter to Government for its decision.
With regard to the Deputy's questions in relation to the impact of BusConnects on workers rights, conditions and labour practices, I wish to advise the Deputy that the terms and conditions of employees are a matter for the relevant companies and do not fall within my remit as Minister for Transport.
123. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the details of his engagement with the Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure on cross-Border planning and infrastructure projects, particularly the Narrow Water bridge project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15655/21]
View answerOptions for the development of the Narrow Water Bridge project are under examination at present, taking into account other proposed projects in the wider area including the Newry Southern Relief Road and the Newry to Carlingford Greenway. Consideration of options for a bridge, whether it is a vehicular bridge or a pedestrian and cycling bridge are still being examined.
I and my officials will continue to engage with my counterpart Minister Nicola Mallon and her officials through the North South Ministerial Council and other informal channels, on the Narrow Water Bridge and the other many issues that impact cross-border planning and infrastructure projects.
124. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the measures that have been taken and those being considered to tackle the driver test, theory test and lessons backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15654/21]
View answerThe 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 Service.
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 services 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 Road Safety Authority 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 Road Safety Authority’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.
Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) are entirely independent operators and neither the Road Safety Authority nor the Department can dictate how they run their individual businesses. There is nothing the State can do to stimulate extra lessons. When restrictions are eased and lessons can be conducted once more for all learners, it will be up to the driving schools to employ more instructors and up to the individual instructors to decide whether or not they want to conduct more lessons.
125. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the N22 bypass for Macroom, County Cork; the current stage of the project; the next steps and associated timeframes; the measures being taken to ensure progress on the project will not be affected due to the recent announcement to cease certain construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1819/21]
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.
126. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a short-term programme to repair or upgrade the part of the road used by cyclists on roads and streets with heavy usage. [1501/21]
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.
In the context of funding works to repair or upgrade the part of the road used by cyclists on roads and streets with heavy usage, local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) along with regional cities have been eligible for some years for the Sustainable Transport Measures Grant from the NTA. In addition, in August 2020 over €30 million of Stimulus monies was allocated directly by the Department to other local authorities for Active Travel measures. In 2021 a new arrangement has been put in place whereby the NTA will provide monies to these other authorities for Active Travel projects. In December 2020 I announced this new arrangement which comprises of a fund of €50 million. While the NTA has already announced detailed allocations for 2021 for Active Travel projects in local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area along with regional cities it has not yet announced the details of the €50 million funding package which will be available to the other local authorities (non city and non GDA) for Active Travel works in 2021. It is likely that the latter funding package will be announced shortly.
127. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the status of roads funding from his Department for Cavan, Monaghan and Meath county councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15538/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), 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 TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
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.
I announced the 2021 Regional and Local Road grant allocations on the 15th February. The tables below outline the 2021 grant allocations for Cavan, Monaghan and Meath County Councils.
|
Grant Allocations |
Cavan County Council |
|
Restoration Improvement |
€7,945,500 |
|
Restoration Maintenance |
€1,329,500 |
|
Supplementary Restoration Maintenance |
€949,500 |
|
Discretionary Grant |
€2,413,500 |
|
Bridge Rehabilitation |
€612,500 |
|
Safety Improvement Works |
€285,000 |
|
Specific Imp. Grants |
€120,000 |
|
Strategic Regional and Local Roads |
€130,000 |
|
Speed Limits |
€11,330 |
|
Drainage Works |
€622,238 |
|
Community Involvement Scheme |
€617,000 |
|
PSCI: Survey Support |
€24,000 |
|
Cycle Signs |
€20,500 |
|
Active Travel |
€184,747 |
|
Former National Roads |
€150,000 |
|
Training Grant |
€69,500 |
|
Total Allocation |
€15,484,815 |
|
Grant Allocations |
Monaghan County Council |
|
Restoration Improvement |
€6,702,000 |
|
Restoration Maintenance |
€1,121,500 |
|
Supplementary Restoration Maintenance |
€801,000 |
|
Discretionary Grant |
€2,071,500 |
|
Bridge Rehabilitation |
€743,000 |
|
Safety Improvement Works |
€255,800 |
|
Specific Improvement |
€1,350,000 |
|
Strategic Regional and Local Roads |
€100,000 |
|
Speed Limits |
€9,000 |
|
Cycle Signs |
€9,100 |
|
Training Grant |
€53,000 |
|
Former National Roads |
€300,000 |
|
Active Travel |
€272,843 |
|
Climate Adaptation |
€130,775 |
|
Community Involvement Scheme |
€544,000 |
|
PSCI: Survey Support |
€18,000 |
|
CBGM Pilot |
€500,000 |
|
Reclaimed Asphalt Pilot |
€500,000 |
|
Drainage Works |
€524,880 |
|
Total Allocation |
€16,006,398 |
|
Grant Allocations |
Meath County Council |
|
Restoration Improvement |
€11,302,000 |
|
Restoration Maintenance |
€1,891,000 |
|
Supplementary Restoration Maintenance |
€1,351,000 |
|
Discretionary Grant |
€3,586,500 |
|
Bridge Rehabilitation |
€555,000 |
|
Specific Improvement |
€700,000 |
|
Strategic Regional and Local Roads |
€4,550,000 |
|
Safety Improvement Works |
€356,000 |
|
Cycle Signs |
€4,000 |
|
Training Grant |
€90,000 |
|
Community Involvement Scheme |
€661,000 |
|
Former National Roads |
€395,000 |
|
Drainage Works |
€680,867 |
|
PSCI: Survey Support |
€23,000 |
|
Total Allocation |
€26,145,367 |
129. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties with which rural communities have been presented due to the lack of co-ordination between changes to bus and rail timetables, in particular in circumstances in which a bus route from Dingle, County Kerry, had buses cut from the timetable, making it impossible for passengers to arrive in Tralee before the train for Dublin departs during weekdays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1844/21]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
130. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve the standard of urban cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14518/21]
View answerThe Deputy may acknowledge that the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to active travel, supported by an increased multi-annual budgetary allocation amounting to some €1.8 billion over the planned lifetime of the Government.
I believe he is right to highlight the need to improve the standard of our urban cycle lanes and there is a need to ensure that the type of investment planned in the coming years delivers high-quality, safe and segregated infrastructure that will attract more and more people to make the switch from the private car and toward a more sustainable, healthy mode of transport, such as cycling.
I think there are three critically important aspects to our collective plans in this area:
- A revision of the National Cycle Manual;
- Improved and expanded training of relevant stakeholders in relation to cycle design; and
- Adequate resourcing of local authorities.
I am pleased to say there is work underway or planned in relation to all three aspects.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is undertaking a review the National Cycle Manual, with a revised Manual expected to be available later the year. Development of the revised Manual will be accompanied by an extensive training programme to ensure its revised and improved standards are understood and disseminated widely across the sector.
In relation to resourcing, the NTA is working with local authorities on the resources required to deliver upon the Government’s ambition in the area of active travel. I am committed to working with local authorities in relation to securing those resources and I wrote to the County and City Management Association (CCMA) indicting my support and committing to funding those proposals.
131. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if capital funding has been set aside in budget 2021 for road projects (details supplied) in County Cork. [39488/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), 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 TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.
In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of the referenced projects in County Cork.
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.
132. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the taxi representative associations since their protest in September 2020 which called for a range of supports and reforms in the sector; the changes that have been introduced since then; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15572/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, I have met with taxi representative groups both before and after their protest. I also met with the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSV) and plan to do so again in April. The Committee is the primary stakeholder forum for the industry and enjoys a broad membership with members representing driver interests, dispatch operators, passenger interests, the tourist industry, consumer groups, and official stakeholders such as Local Government and An Garda Síochána. It has been a highly effectively forum since the start of the pandemic and I have encouraged taxi representatives to work through this committee.
The Deputy may be aware that the Government has introduced a wide-ranging programme of supports with broad eligibility criteria for individuals and businesses which have been adversely affected by COVID-19. These supports include wage subsidies, rates waivers, restart grants, lending facilities, equity injection, business advisory supports, and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
In response to recommendations received from the Advisory Committee in mid-2020, my Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA), the statutory regulator, took additional action to support the industry.
The NTA has extended vehicle age limits to the end of 2021 and my Department has provided funding to the NTA to enable it to waive its standard annual SPSV (vehicle) licence renewal fees in 2021. In addition, the NTA has expanded the eSPSV scheme which assists drivers making the switch to electric vehicles. In recognition of the particular difficulties faced by operators of older vehicles reaching the end of their useful life, the amount payable under the scheme has doubled to €20,000 for those operators who scrap older, high mileage vehicles for new full electric models.
