Written Answers Nos. 347-365
347. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons awaiting a driver test appointment in each centre by age in tabular form; and the length of time they are awaiting a test. [19077/21]
View answerThe information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
348. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if services between Athlone and Roscommon have been reduced; if there are plans to increase transport services following the lifting of public health restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19093/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of these services. Therefore, the issues raised are a matter for the NTA in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, and 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.
349. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the position on driver learner permits; if he plans to include persons that cannot renew learner permits due to current public health restrictions in the extension provided to those with full driver licences; if not, the rationale for excluding this cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19094/21]
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 is granted under EU Regulation 2021/267 and applies to different groups of licence holders including those who benefited from extensions in 2020.
The change applies as follows-
- Any licence holder, who has not already renewed, and whose licence expired between 1 March 2020 and 31 May 2020 will have a new expiry date of 1 July 2021.
- Any licence holder, who has not already renewed, and whose licence expired between 1 June 2020 and 31 August 2020 will have thirteen months (which includes the previous extension) added to their expiry date. By way of example a licence which expired on 31 August 2020 will have a new expiry date of 30 September 2021.
- Any licence holder, who has not already renewed and whose licence expiry date is between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021 will have an extra ten months added to their expiry date. By way of example a licence which expires on 30 June 2021 will have a new expiry date of 30 April 2022.
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 the National Driver Licence Service website www.ndls.ie.
An further extension to the validity of learner permits is currently being considered and a decision on this matter is expected shortly.
350. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the policy with regard to use of contraflow systems during scheduled closures of a single bore of the Jack Lynch Tunnel in Cork; if an assessment has been done to measure the impact that not implementing a contraflow system has on residential neighbourhoods such as the Lower Glanmire Road when HGVs are consequently diverted through the city at night-time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19147/21]
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 operation and management 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 with respect to the Jack Lynch Tunnel in Co. 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.
351. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a lack of a dedicated cliff rescue service due to the national suspension of the service by the Irish Coast Guard in the Fingal area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19150/21]
View answerThe Irish Coast Guard continues to work with all cliff rescue stakeholders, including the 17 cliff rescue units, and I am pleased to report that they are working towards an anticipated resumption of cliff operations commencing on April 22nd and over subsequent weeks.
To be clear, the context for this is a major reform programme, which has been underway within the Irish Coast Guard in the wake of recent safety-related reports, and which has, in this case, resulted in necessary improvements to the cliff rescue units.
This reform programme includes the development of a Safety Management System and an associated Quality Assurance programme, which are premised on the principles of volunteer safety first and continuous improvement. The programme has resulted in several improvements to training, equipment and procedures which, in the recent past have necessitated the temporary suspension of operations - all of which are ultimately aimed at facilitating the necessary improvements to the safety of the volunteers.
The necessary improvements within the Irish Coast Guard, in this instance in the cliff rescue function in the Fingal area, have been introduced to deliver effective oversight and management of the volunteer Coast Guard Units and to ensure that the Department meets its obligations in terms of securing and managing the health and safety of the volunteers while conducting Coast Guard activities. The Irish Coast Guard continues to take a pro-active approach to the safety of volunteers and will continue to mitigate risks to the volunteer Coast Guard units as they serve their local communities.
352. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide specific support to the taxi industry in circumstances in which many taxi owners cannot trade and their revenue streams are depleted; if he has considered a waiver of the fee for renewal of a taxi licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19194/21]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the opportunity to draw his attention to the fact that my Department has funded the waiver of vehicle licence renewal fees for 2021. As vehicle licences are renewed annually, this is a measure which will benefit all SPSV vehicle licence holders.
I recognise that COVID-19 has had a profound impact on small businesses across the country with the public transport sector being especially affected as public health restrictions have necessarily discouraged people from travelling generally. Taxi and other small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators, who are particularly dependent on the hospitality and tourism sectors, have faced a particularly pronounced drop in demand for their services.
It is in recognition of these difficulties 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. Many of these supports can be accessed by self-employed taxi drivers including liquidity and investment measures from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as well as the Enterprise Support Grant and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) from the Department of Social Protection.
Self-employed recipients of the PUP, like SPSV drivers, can also avail of the Self-Employment Income Scheme which provides for an income disregard for the first €960 earned in a given 8-week period. Individuals exiting the PUP may also avail of the COVID-19 Enterprise Support Grant, a once-off grant of up to €1,000 which can be used towards the costs associated with reopening a business, including the purchase of cleaning materials and personal protective equipment.
I remain committed to supporting the transition of the SPSV towards zero/low-emission vehicles and I have increased the funding available to the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) grant scheme from €1 million in 2020 to €15 million in 2021. Furthermore, in view of the particular challenges faced by operators of older vehicles, I have doubled the amount payable under the scheme to €20,000 for operators who scrap older vehicles and make the switch to full electric models. Additional amounts are available for those switching to vehicles which are both electric and wheelchair accessible. There has been a strong interest in the revised scheme since its launch in February with over 300 applications received to date.
353. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid in legal fees to the legal representations of Transport Infrastructure Ireland in respect of a project (details supplied) in each of the past five years by the legal firms involved; if he is satisfied that every effort is being made to protect the public purse in respect of such legal fees; if every effort is made to avoid protracted legal disputes between the land and property owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19205/21]
View answer354. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid in legal fees in each of the past five years in respect of a project (details supplied) to the legal representatives of property and landowners affected by this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19206/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 354 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction, including the procurement of land and property and associated costs, 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 all aspects of the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom 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.
355. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the speed reduction measures a local authority can introduce in a village which sits on a regional road with a speed limit of 50km per hour; and if a local authority can put speed ramps in place within the village confines on a regional road. [19211/21]
View answerSeveral publications are available to local authorities to assist them in promoting safer interaction between road users. The Department's Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS), Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland and the Traffic Management Guidelines (TMG) all set out a range of criteria regarding speed reduction measures and which provide for improved design to support traffic calming and safer interaction between different types of road users.
The urban area should be designed by the local authority for a balanced approach which accounts for traffic calming measures such as raised tables or changes to horizontal alignment which also cater for appropriate crossing locations. Speed limits can also be assessed and a lower special speed limit introduced if deemed appropriate.
356. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the reason practical flying tuition is permitted under level 5 restrictions and practical driving tuition is not. [19215/21]
View answer357. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the current Covid-19 restrictions on aviation training; if flight lessons are permitted to go ahead; the capacity in which they are allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19216/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 357 together.
At Level 5, the public health risk means that people are asked to stay at home, except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes. On 6 January 2021, the government announced that all higher, further and adult education should remain primarily online. However, where such activities cannot be done remotely, such as practical and skills-based tuition, limited on-site presence is permitted and those attending such tuition can travel beyond the current general restricted travel limit of within county or 20km.
Attending a flight training school is considered to fall within the category of education. Flight training is an educational activity that requires direct non-remote interaction with aircraft which cannot be replaced with online alternatives. Not all those attending flight schools are necessarily trainee pilots. Some may already be qualified and employed commercial pilots attending the flight school to acquire a particular additional qualification or rating. As such they would be qualified pilots and considered essential workers. The completion of pilot training courses is time critical and attendees must complete flight training within regulated timeframes.
All public health regulations and guidelines must be strictly adhered to and operational and cockpit procedures of the flight school must be in line with HSE Covid procedures.
The provision of driving instruction has been defined in legislation as an essential service. Under level 5 measures, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date. While my Department fully appreciates the challenges that this poses for ADIs, I must emphasis that this decision has been taken in line with official public health recommendations.
358. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland will extend a footpath at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19222/21]
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 operation,management and upgrading 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 in relation to this particular footpath.
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.
359. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce the waiting times for driver theory tests in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; if his attention has been drawn to repeated cancellations of tests causing a large backlog: if consideration will be given to making driver theory tests an essential service as a result of such backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19230/21]
View answerThe extension of Covid19 level 5 restrictions by Government means that the Driver Theory Test continues to be suspended. While I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses, I must emphasise, that this decision has been taken in line with official public health recommendations that everyone in Ireland work to limit the spread of the virus by staying at home in so far as is possible and minimising social contacts.
Officials both in this Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that Theory Tests can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
In the meantime, 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.
Normal capacity before the pandemic was approximately 15,000 tests per month. When the service reopened in June 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 and 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.
360. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider allowing SEAI electric vehicle grants to be paid directly to the garage from which a taxi driver wishes to purchase an electric vehicle to facilitate more taxi drivers purchasing electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19247/21]
View answerThe transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles has an important role to play in effecting a substantial reduction in transport CO2 and of air pollutant emissions, particularly in Irish towns and cities due to the high mileage travelled by these vehicles, the stop/start and idling nature of their work, as well as the predominance of fossil fuels within the sector. Increasing the uptake of electric vehicle (EVs) in the SPSV sector also has a strong leadership and demonstration effect on the public, introducing more people to low/zero emission mobility options. As such, I was delighted to announce the continuation and extension of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme in 2021. Under this scheme enhanced supports, up to €20,000, will be now made available for eligible taxi and hackney drivers switching to EVs. This includes assistance for drivers choosing to scrap an older SPSV and replace it with an EV. There is also enhanced support for drivers wishing to purchase an electric wheelchair accessible vehicle. The Scheme is administered by the NTA and the SPSV driver applies directly for the grant. The NTA then carries out a vehicle suitability check and once approved, processes and pays the grant. Further information can be found at https://www.nationaltransport.ie/taxi/.
In addition, the Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchase Grant Scheme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), currently provides up to €5,000 in grant support for the private purchase of a new electric car and up to €3,800 for the commercial purchase of a new electric van. The vehicles in question may be battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or plug in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).
Currently, the grant is paid directly to the dealerships who apply for the purchase grant on behalf of the customer. The grant is passed on directly to the customer in the form of a reduced price at the time of purchase. Further information is available at https://www.seai.ie/grants/electric-vehicle-grants/.
361. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the proposed cut to grants for hybrid cars will be redistributed to the overall fund for fully electric cars or if it will be returned to the Exchequer; the amount of this cut to the €5,000 grant will save or will provide for other EV grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19248/21]
View answerMy Department provides support through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) towards the purchase of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
The EV Purchase Grant Scheme has recently been updated to support the most efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles on the market. Support in the form of government funding is being refocused to prioritise battery electric cars. Grants for these EVs will continue at a rate of €5000. From the 1st of July 2021, the value of the purchase grant for PHEVs will change from €5,000 to €2,500.
The SEAI grant scheme aims to encourage behavioural change and support the Government’s commitment to achieving a 51% reduction in transport emissions by 2030. The grant schemes are kept under continuous review to ensure that they are as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort. The update to the scheme is in line with the wider policy approach being taken by other EU Member States due to the increasing recognition that PHEV emissions in the ‘real world’ are often higher than ‘official’ emission levels.
My Department has allocated €27 million in 2021 for grants under this scheme. To date this year, approximately €21 million has been spent.
362. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if additional measures are being taken to support the aviation sector here; if engagement has taken place with airlines or their staff following the introduction of mandatory hotel quarantines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19281/21]
View answerThe Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in the aviation sector. The supports include the wage subsidy scheme, alleviation of commercial rates, deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme.
In November 2020, the Government also agreed a revised €80 million funding package specifically for Irish aviation in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the sector. The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €26 million Irish aid scheme to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The aid consists of three measures: a damage compensation measure; an aid measure to support the airport operators up to a maximum of €1.8 million per beneficiary; and an aid measure to support the uncovered fixed costs of these companies. The aid will take the form of direct grants.
The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), part of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), has invested €150 million in debt funding in Aer Lingus. This is being made from ISIF’s €2 billion Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund (PSRF), which was established in 2020 as a key support for medium and large Irish employers whose businesses have been affected by COVID-19. This funding, finalised in Q4 2020, is a three-year debt facility that will strengthen the airline’s liquidity position and is designed to complement the ongoing investment in the airline by its parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG).
It remains open to airlines to engage directly with the relevant agencies concerned with a view to drawing down supports, and the amount of any such funding sought would be a commercial matter for the airlines concerned.
Notwithstanding the recent publication of the National Civil Aviation Development Forum's Aviation Restart Plan 2021, any additional supports designed to facilitate growth of air traffic can only be progressed at the appropriate time, taking account of the outlook for the easing of travel restrictions and improving wider epidemiological conditions.
I will continue to monitor the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis in consultation with relevant Government Ministers and all key stakeholders.
With regard to the introduction of the system of mandatory hotel quarantine, there is ongoing engagement with airlines in relation to COVID-19 public health measures related to international travel.
363. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport when his Department will issue the new logbook with amended addresses for vehicle registration (details supplied); and when it will be sent to the owner of the vehicle as the address needs to be changed again which is not possible until the new logbook is received. [19282/21]
View answerMy Department through the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) maintains a record of the ‘registered owners’ of motor vehicles. Articles 9 & 10 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (SI No. 385 of 1992) and amendments made thereon set out the procedures regarding notification and recording of change of address of owner and vehicle ownership.
To change an address, the vehicle owner must submit their Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) to my Departments offices in Shannon, County Clare for update onto the NVDF. That office will issue a new VRC with the amended address. Only the original VRC can be submitted to effect that change. Where such document is not available, the owner may wish to apply for a replacement VRC at their local Motor Tax Office. Article 19 of the aforementioned legislation Road Vehicles provides the legal framework for the application and issue of replacement documents.
The records on the NVDF indicate that a notification of change of address for the vehicle in question was received on 11 January 2021 and a Vehicle Registration Certificate issued to the address provided, on 14 January 2021. Another address change application was made on 13 April 2021, but this only contained a photocopy of the VRC previously issued to the owner in question. In line with the legislative requirement, the owner was advised that the original VRC with new address details is required to be submitted.
Should such details be supplied to the Department, a VRC with the new address details will be issued.
My Departments officials in Shannon are happy to discuss the matter further with the individual concerned if he wishes to make contact with them.
364. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if the motor tax office can reprint a disc for a person (details supplied). [19333/21]
View answerWhere a motor tax disc has been lost, destroyed or stolen, an application for a replacement disc may be made to the local motor tax office (regardless of whether the disc was originally issued through a motor tax office or via the online system) using the following application form:
https://www.motortax.ie/OMT/pdf/RF134-English.pdf
365. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 40% of the passengers that have used the City of Derry Airport in recent years are based in County Donegal; and when substantial funding to the airport will be restored to reflect such passenger numbers and the commitment to the north west cross Border region under the New Decade, New Approach Agreement. [19336/21]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that City of Derry Airport (CODA) has advised my Department of data concerning Republic of Ireland passenger numbers using CODA and the specific estimate of 40%.
It is clear that CODA has a role in helping to facilitate connectivity to the North West. For that reason, I understand that it has been significantly supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Department for Transport (UK). However, it is not eligible for funding from the Irish Exchequer.
As you may know, I recently published a new Regional Airports Programme to cover the period 2021 to 2025. The primary aim of this programme is to target funding, which is limited, at our smallest airports, including Donegal Airport, so that they can maintain compliance in the areas of safety and security in line with EU rules on State aid. Extending the scope and cost of this Programme, to include CODA, was not an option in the context of securing efficiencies and reducing demands on the Exchequer, which are at an all-time high as a result of Covid.
That aside, as the Deputy is aware, a range of commitments were made to improving connectivity on the island of Ireland under ‘New Decade New Approach’ including a commitment by the Irish Government to take forward a review of potential options for supporting viable air services on two air routes: Belfast/Cork and Derry/Dublin.
This review is being led by my Department and there has been good engagement with stakeholders including CODA, the Department for the Economy (NI) and the Department for Transport (UK). As part of the process, my Department is undertaking analysis that will help to establish the likely demand for, and impact of, these services – having regard to policy objectives on regional development, climate change, the greening of transport and Exchequer costs.
Long term sustainability goals will also be considered, having regard to the all-island Strategic Rail Review that was launched recently, and plans for improved road connectivity, particularly the A5 between Derry and Dublin.
