Written Answers Nos. 366-384
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Written Answers Nos. 366-384
366. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to have another round of funding under the active travel grants in 2021; if so, if he will provide the application timings for such a process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19338/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government committed to an investment of €360 million per annum in walking and cycling over the lifetime of the Government. I consider this investment to be hugely beneficial to our society, our health and our environment. It will support projects across the country, in both urban and rural Ireland, as this Government seeks to change the nature of transport in this country.
In 2021, almost €313 million has been allocated to local authorities around Ireland through the National Transport Authority (NTA) for active travel projects, and this is expected to be the full allocation for the year. It is split between €240 million for the Greater Dublin Area and the regional cities, and almost €73 million for Rural Active Travel investment. The latter is the first ever major active travel investment programme for rural Ireland, and is greater than the entire 2019 funding for national walking and cycling programme.
Projects allocated funding under both investment programmes were identified by the local authorities in cooperation with the NTA. I look forward to seeing the planned projects progress and to developing high-quality walking and cycling networks around the country through the increased annual funding over the lifetime of the Government.
367. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the suggestion of the approved driving instructors to allow candidates who are deemed suitable to take their driver test without the need to complete 12 lessons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19340/21]
View answerBy law, those who have a learner permit must hold it for a minimum of 6 months and have completed 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons before they can apply for a driving test.
However, during the current level 5 restrictions, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may only conduct lessons in circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date.
The Department is very aware of the difficulty this poses to learners who are unable to avail of instruction because they have not yet completed the 12 lessons required to book a test. However, I will not be making any changes to the existing legislation regarding mandatory completion of the 12 EDT lessons.
Essential Driver Training (EDT) is one of several measures introduced by the RSA in recent years to help improve critical driving knowledge, skills and behaviours of new drivers. The driving test is a test of a driver's competence and ability to behave safely and responsibly on the road and a learner cannot acquire this level of competence without the appropriate formal training and supervision. As statistics gathered by the RSA consistently demonstrate, the requirement to complete the 12 EDT lessons considerably increases a learner driver's chances of passing their driving test.
While I fully appreciate the inconvenience the current restrictions poses to learners who have not yet completed their training, I must remind the Deputy that this decision was reached in line with official National Public Health Emergency (NPHET) advice that everyone in Ireland work to limit the spread of the virus by staying at home and keeping social contacts to an absolute minimum.
Officials in my Department and in the Road Safety Authority are working hard to ensure that EDT can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
368. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons that are on waiting lists for driver tests for each testing centre in County Cork; the average waiting time persons have for these centres in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19404/21]
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.
369. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if licences issued to fly drones are recorded on a county basis; if so, the number issued for each of the past four years; the way in which the regulations are enforced; the number of breaches recorded in the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19413/21]
View answerThe Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the competent authority for aviation safety regulation in Ireland, as provided for under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993.
The Deputy's question has been referred to the IAA for a direct reply. If the reply is not received within the next 10 days please do not hesitate to contact my office.
370. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the status of PSO discussions for the Derry to Dublin route and Cork to Belfast route; if it is planned to have the issue on the transport agenda at the next NSMC meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19423/21]
View answerAs 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 relevant airports, 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 while taking account of 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.
This review, as well as the delivery of infrastructure projects that will benefit people across the island to achieve greater connectivity, North and South, has been the focus of my discussions with Minister Nichola Mallon at the transport meetings of the NSMC.
I look forward to continuing this engagement with Minister Mallon at the next NSMC Transport Sectoral meeting.
371. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the measures that are being considered to ensure that future infrastructure projects do not run over budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19426/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware there have been a number of measures introduced, or ongoing, in relation to improving the management and oversight of public expenditure.
These measures are common to all areas of public expenditure and are led by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The measures already introduced include –
- The publication of a revised Public Spending Code
- The establishment of the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board
- The publication of the Supporting Excellence: Project and Programme Delivery Capability Review
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has recently established an Action Team to develop a roadmap for the implementation of the Supporting Excellence: Project and Programme Delivery Capability Review and that roadmap is to be finalised as part of the Phase 2 Review of the National Development Plan. That Department is also finalising arrangements to introduce an independent external review of all €100million-plus projects at two of the major ‘decision gates’ within the Public Spending Code and I understand that review process is likely to be introduced later in the year. Further details of all of these measures are available to view in the Phase 1 Report of the Review of the National Development Plan which is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b4294-minister-mcgrath-publishes-phase-1-report-review-of-the-national-development-plan/.
Within my Department, there have been a number of initiatives introduced to complement and support these measures being introduced by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. As noted by Government in 2020, my Department has established a major projects governance oversight group to assist with the exercise of its responsibilities under the Public Spending Code in relation to the governance and oversight of the major public transport projects and programmes. In addition, the Department has entered into an arrangement with JASPERS, an agency of the EU / EIB, to provide independent external review of the preliminary business cases in respect of BusConnects, DART+ and MetroLink as they are received by the Department and in advance of my bringing a memorandum to government in respect of each project.
372. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the consideration that has been given to providing financial assistance to Dublin Bus in view of the impact from Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19427/21]
View answer373. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the supports that will be given to public transport operators such as Dublin Bus, Luas and Iarnród Éireann in view of shortfalls in passenger numbers and revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19428/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.
As 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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for the allocation of associated funding to Dublin Bus and other CIÉ companies, along with other relevant transport operators.
The Covid-19 health emergency brought a profound and swift shock to the public transport sector. Public transport’s designation as an essential service throughout the pandemic means, that although fare revenues have collapsed, most of the cost of operations remains and must continue to be met in order to fulfil Government’s broader policy objectives. In recognition of this situation and in order to support continuation of the services, Government support for all public transport services in 2020 amounted to over €620m. By comparison, the level of PSO and Local Link funding provided in 2019 was in the region of €300m.
Due to the current Level 5 restrictions in operation, fare revenues on all modes of public transport continue to be severely depressed. My Department, in conjunction with NTA, will continue to monitor PSO and rural transport funding and other commercial bus supports during 2021. Over €670m has been provided in Budget 2021 to ensure that the existing level of public transport services, albeit at a higher cost, continue to operate in a safe manner. Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and public transport has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis. This support is allocated by the NTA to ensure that the services provided by the CIÉ companies, Luas, Local Link, other PSO operators and commercial bus operators can continue to operate for those who need it most but, in particular, frontline workers and schoolchildren.
374. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the management of Bus Éireann to ensure that all replacement intercity bus stock has the capacity to carry bicycles on board (details supplied). [19466/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport but the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of the PSO bus fleets.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply with regard to fleet provision for Bus Éireann. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
As the Deputy is aware, Bus Éireann also operates Expressway commercial services which receive no PSO subvention and for which fleet purchase is a matter for the company.
375. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the requirements in relation to bollards placed on footpaths; the space that must be allowed between the bollards and the edge either side of the footpath; the width that must be available for accessibility on footpaths; and the statutory instruments and regulations covering same. [19480/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Publications such as the Traffic Management Guidelines and the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets detail the options available to local authorities to facilitate traffic calming measures, including the use of bollards. The width of footpaths and the location of bollards within footpaths are not specified in regulations.
While these guidance documents are available to local authorities to aid in the implementation of these measures, there are no specific legislative requirements in regard to the location or dimension of bollards.
376. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to increase the frequency of the 207 bus route in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19497/21]
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 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 in conjunction with the relevant transport operator, in this case, Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, 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.
377. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the backlog of theory driver test appointments in County Tipperary; the measures being taken to clear the backlog; and when appointments will be issued. [19501/21]
View answerDetails on waiting times are held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
The extension of Covid-19 level 5 restrictions by Government means that the Driver Theory Test continues to be suspended.
The service will remain closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place. 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.
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.
378. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Coast Guard has suspended the use of blue lights, boat operations and rescue climbing; if there are plans to remove these suspensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19510/21]
View answerThe context for the actions referenced is a major reform programme which has been underway within the Irish Coast Guard in the wake of recent safety-related reports. The 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.
This programme has resulted in several improvements to training, equipment and procedures which, in the recent past have necessitated the temporary suspension of some operations - all of which are ultimately aimed at facilitating the necessary improvements to the safety of the volunteers. While introducing such improvements can be challenging, they are being managed in a way that minimises disruption.
As regard the most recent suspension of the cliff rescue services, the 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.
The necessary improvements within the Irish Coast Guard, in this instance in the cliff rescue function, 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
379. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport the difficulties his Department has experienced maintaining the continuous public emergency service provision of rescue boats, blue light response and cliff rescue over the past 24 months; and the timeline for the resumption of the suspended cliff rescue services. [19515/21]
View answerI reject any contention that my Department or the Irish Coast Guard, which is a division within the Department, has experienced difficulties in maintaining emergency service provision.
To be clear, the context for the actions referenced is a major reform programme which has been underway within the Irish Coast Guard in the wake of recent safety-related reports .
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 some operations - all of which are ultimately aimed at facilitating the necessary improvements to the safety of the volunteers. While introducing such improvements can be challenging, they are being managed in a way that minimises disruption.
As regard the most recent suspension of the cliff rescue services, the 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.
The necessary improvements within the Irish Coast Guard, in this instance in the cliff rescue function, 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
380. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the boundary wall separating Casement Station from Railway Terrace; if it requires maintenance or restoration; and the impact of any protected status it may have. [19542/21]
View answerAs the 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 issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
381. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the intercity train services that Leap cards can be used on; if it is planned to extend their use to all intercity train services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19595/21]
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 regulating fares charged by public transport operators.
I have, therefore, 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.
382. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when work will commence on the Moycullen bypass on the N59; if a contractor has been appointed to carry out this contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19597/21]
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.
383. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will give consideration to the use of antigen testing to assist in tackling the 180,000 plus backlog in driver tests in order to facilitate the complete reopening of driving lessons and driver theory testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19606/21]
View answerThe extension of Covid-19 level 5 restrictions by Government means that the Driver Theory Test continues to be suspended and 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 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.
Any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the full return of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
Officials both in my Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that services can resume as soon as it is safe to do so. The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts. Any question relating to the use of antigen tests would be one for NPHET in the first instance.
384. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if there are means available through his Department in which a person could gain proof of the purchase of a vehicle as far back as 1981. [19615/21]
View answerMy Department's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) is a record of ‘keepers’ of vehicles, and not legally entitled owners. The records on the NVDF will give the ‘keeper’ of the vehicle, as supplied to the Department at the time. This principle is reflected in Motor Tax Law as responsibility for taxing a vehicle rests with its keeper who on taxing becomes the registered owner of the Vehicle. Normally such records will contain the sale date that the seller and the buyer signed and submitted to the Department.
The database itself was created subsequent to the date under query here. My officials in the Driver Vehicle and Computer Services Division in Shannon, County Clare, who manage the NVDF, may however be contacted by emailing nvdf@transport.gov.ie to establish if this information can be ascertained.
