Pauline Tully
Question:222. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the status of the electric vehicle strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21459/21]
View answerElectric Vehicles
Questions (222)
Written answers
The Government’s policy regarding the increased usage of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is primarily driven by the Climate Action Plan which sets a target of 936,000 EVs by 2030.
The Programme for Government published in June last year, commits to publishing an electric vehicles infrastructure strategy to facilitate the uptake of these EVs. Once completed, the strategy will provide a key framework for ensuring we continue to have sufficient infrastructure in place to keep ahead of demand, while also ensuring that appropriate planning and development guidelines are followed in providing the necessary capacity. It is envisaged that the strategy will be published later this year.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (223)
Pauline Tully
Question:223. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if planning guidance has been provided to local authorities to ensure electric vehicle charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21460/21]
View answerWritten answers
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the 2019 Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 936,000 EVs on our roads by 2030.
To expedite the deployment of low emitting vehicles, an inter-Departmental Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Taskforce was jointly established by my two Departments to consider a full suite of potential measures available to Government. Phase 2 of the Taskforce focused on the role that Planning Policy & Legislation, Building Regulations and Public Leadership may play in facilitating charging and refuelling infrastructure deployment. In this respect, there were a number of recommendations in the report to assist local authorities with the implementation of EV charging infrastructure including;
- Update Development Plan Guidelines with reference to updated LEV policies to support the roll out of LEV infrastructure through Planning Authority functional areas.
- Issue guidance to planning authorities to ensure a consistent and future proofed approach to the rollout of EV charging infrastructure through planning decisions.
- All local authorities to consider roll out of EV infrastructure at appropriate locations based on the experience of Local Authority pilot projects.
These recommendations are being led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Local Authorities.
In addition, Action 73 of the Climate Action Plan is to develop and implement planning rules and guidelines across residential and non-residential parking locations for EV charging infrastructure. This action is also being led by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
My Department continues to work closely with key stakeholders, including local government, to ensure electric vehicle charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand.
The Programme for Government published in June last year, commits to publishing an electric vehicle infrastructure strategy. Once completed, the strategy will provide a key framework for ensuring sufficient infrastructure to keep ahead of demand. I expect the strategy to be completed and published later this year.
Question No. 224 answered with Question No. 193.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (225)
Pauline Tully
Question:225. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points installed on State properties; if not, if he will consider increasing the number of electric vehicle charging points installed on State properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21462/21]
View answerWritten answers
The use of EVs within public sector vehicle fleets and the installation of associated EV infrastructure is an important exemplar and market driver, providing the necessary public leadership and raising consumer awareness of EVs.
There are several initiatives and programmes underway across the public sector that encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.
- The Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy encourages public sector fleets to test new technologies and facilitate/accelerate their market uptake.
- Green Public Procurement can act as a driver for innovation and competitiveness in the industrial sector, encouraging the development of new technologies.
- The recast Clean Vehicles Directive set minimum Member State procurement targets, with the main objective of increasing the uptake of clean (low- and zero-emission) vehicles.
- The Local Authority Climate Action Charter is a key action in the Climate Action Plan and will ensure every local authority embeds decarbonisation, sustainable development and climate resilience into every aspect of the work they do.
I am also aware that many Public State Bodies as employers have installed charge points for staff use.
A destination charge point scheme is being developed by my Department, in association with the SEAI, which will include commonly accessed destinations. In this regard, I am minded to allow certain key publicly owned facilities at which members of the public access state services to apply for funding under this scheme and help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
Driver Licences
Questions (226)
Robert Troy
Question:226. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider extending the validity on foreign driver licences due to the backlog of driver tests as a result of Covid-19 (details supplied). [21469/21]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland can not extend the validity of a driving licence issued by another licensing authority in another State.
A person resident in Ireland must have an Irish/EU driving licence to drive here.
Student Travel Card
Questions (227)
Peter Burke
Question:227. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport if apprentice position holders are entitled to apply for student travel cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21474/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Light Rail Projects
Questions (228)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:228. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland plans to agree a memorandum of understanding in respect of MetroLink with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21477/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including MetroLink.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the question to the NTA for their consideration and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (229)
Sorca Clarke
Question:229. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the reason and the legislation under which dash cams are to be removed from a vehicle prior to a driving test commencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21563/21]
View answerWritten answers
There is no specific provision in road traffic legislation regarding dash cameras and driving tests. However, the Deputy is reminded that vehicles must be set up in such a fashion that a test can be effectively carried out and in fashion that respects the rights of all parties. She will also be aware of the requirements regarding recording of personal information, including camera recording, under the General Data Protection Regulation, as well as the general requirements of privacy for all persons, including driving testers.
This is therefore an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Search and Rescue Service Provision
Questions (230)
Sorca Clarke
Question:230. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe in addition to the second quarter of 2021 for when the tender for the search and rescue contract will go out to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21564/21]
View answerWritten answers
The current status of the procurement process can be referenced in the Published eTenders update on eTenders and our SAR Webpage
KPMG have been appointed to carry out the detailed business/economic assessment in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. The outcome of the business case stage of this process will go to Government to agree, inter alia, the scope, nature and timing of the procurement process. This is now expected later in Q2 2021. Once this step is taken, a tender should issue shortly thereafter.
Public Transport
Questions (231)
Catherine Murphy
Question:231. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide funding to public transport operators in respect of retrofitting vehicles in order to improve ventilation. [21567/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the question to the NTA for their consideration and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Public Transport
Questions (232)
Catherine Murphy
Question:232. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which public transport operators will increase capacity on services in view of the fact that public health advice now facilities the movement of persons beyond five kilometres. [21568/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
An Taoiseach announced on 31st March last, that due to our collective success in reducing case numbers, some Level 5 restrictions would be lifted from April 12th. The Government's "Living with Covid" Plan sets out capacity guidance for public transport at each of the 5 risk levels identified in the Plan. With the current Level 5 restrictions, public transport operators are still restricted to using only 25% of the passenger-carrying capacity on their vehicles. Importantly, the Plan's Level 5 guidance on working from home where possible and on the closure of social, leisure and other facilities has significantly reduced the demand for public transport. There is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and, therefore, should only be used for essential travel, with only those who have to travel at peak times doing so.
Since the move to level 5, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and PSO bus operators in Dublin (Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland), have re-allocated a number of vehicles and drivers across the network to enhance the capacity in areas where they were experiencing capacity issues. People are also being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most but, in particular, frontline workers and schoolchildren.
The NTA and my Department are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice. The NTA and operators are continuing to monitor passenger loadings and, where necessary, additional services will be provided on certain routes at relevant times of the day subject to driver availability.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (233)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:233. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the actions being taken to support the aviation sector during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and resulting travel restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21655/21]
View answerWritten answers
The 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. Irish airlines and airports have availed of over €200 million through these supports to date. Liquidity funding is also available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises.
As regards supports specifically targeted at the protection of employment, the Employment Wage Subsidy Schemes (EWSS) has been a key component of the Government's response to the COVID-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment amid these very challenging times and has been extended to the end of June 2021.
In November 2020, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the aviation sector, the Government agreed a revised funding package of €80 million specifically 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.
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €26 million Irish state aid scheme to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by COVID-19 and the travel restrictions imposed by Ireland to limit its spread. This scheme 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 and airports will be invited to apply for funding under this Scheme shortly.
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. It cannot be excluded that further targeted supports may be required later in 2021, particularly in the event that restrictions on travel remain in place throughout the forthcoming summer season.
My officials and I have maintained regular contact with key stakeholders throughout this crisis. On 5 March, Minister Ryan and Minister Naughton chaired a special meeting of the Steering Committee of the National Civil Aviation Development Forum . A sub-group of the NCADF, specifically tasked with developing an Aviation Restart Plan at the meeting on 5 March, submitted a report dated 14 April with proposals that they believe will best provide for the restart and recovery of the aviation sector in Ireland. My department has written to the NCADF seeking additional information and clarity on the operational readiness of the sector regarding a resumption of international travel, including detail on how passengers will travel through our airports in a safe and COVID-19 compliant manner. I am reviewing this report and its proposals, and will also engage with other ministers and Government as required.
Under the auspices of the Labour Employer Economic Forum, an aviation sub-group has also been charged with looking at the needs of the aviation sector in Ireland in the context of the impact of COVID-19. This sub-group, which I chair, is attended by delegations from labour and employer representative bodies.
The Government is fully alert to the devastating impact of the global pandemic on international travel and values the critical role that aviation plays in the Irish economy. It is expected that it may be some time before it is possible to permit a large-scale return to air travel, but we are committed to progressing the work that will allow the sector to quickly rebound when circumstances allow.
Question No. 234 answered with Question No. 193.
National Transport Authority
Questions (235)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:235. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport when the review of extra National Transport Authority staff being allocated to local authorities in relation to active travel will conclude and a decision be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21679/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including resourcing.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department announced funding in January for up to 248 new jobs in local authorities around the country to expand walking and cycling facilities all over the country. This increase in resourcing reflects the significantly increased funding of circa €360 per annum for walking and cycling over the planned lifetime of the Government. The additional staff will be dedicated to delivering and promoting active travel in Ireland and will work across design, communication, community liaison and construction oversight.
The NTA has developed a five year walking and cycling infrastructure delivery plan, including consideration of necessary institutional arrangements and resource requirements needed to ensure delivery of the active travel infrastructure programme. It is my understanding that the NTA are in the process of contacting local authorities to advise them of the number of resources authorised for funding under this plan. Standard recruitment procedures will then be undertaken by the local authorities.
Rail Network
Questions (236)
Catherine Murphy
Question:236. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will set out the proposals in respect of a train depot in Kilcock, County Kildare as part of the Dart+ Maynooth extension; his plans to open a public consolation on the proposal; and the timeline in respect of this project from proposed commencement to completion. [21739/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including the DART+ Programme in consultation with Iarnód Éireann.
Noting its responsibility in the matter, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Aviation Industry
Questions (237)
Gerald Nash
Question:237. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the status of recent meetings with senior airline management; if the issue of airline refunds for customers during the travel restrictions was raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21769/21]
View answerWritten answers
The matter of consumer protection, consumer refunds and fair treatment of air passengers who choose not to travel on Government advice has been raised consistently with the main Irish airlines over the course of the pandemic. Minister of State Naughton and I continue to stress to the airlines that people are given choice and are allowed to defer travel – because of legitimate reasons – without being penalised.
Ryanair has most recently stated that the expiry dates for vouchers that were issued last year have been extended to enable passengers to make bookings when travel is open again. In this vein, rebooking can also be made with no charge of flight fee for travel before 31 Oct 2021. Vouchers that were offered to customers whose flights were cancelled can be converted to cash at any time or can be redeemed for future bookings.
Aer Lingus has indicated that under their “Book with Confidence” policy - covering all flights scheduled to run until the end of 2021 including those who may have already re-booked for a future travel date – customers are able to change their travel date free of charge, as many times as they wish up to 2 hours before their flight. They also indicate that passengers may swap their booking for a voucher and that their vouchers are valid for 5 years.
With regard to refunds for cancelled flights, it is understood that the backlogs have been prioritised and that most refunds have now been processed. I would encourage anyone, who having already corresponded with an airline continues to have difficulties securing a refund, to contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation, which is the statutory body in Ireland with responsibility for enforcing airline refund obligations.
Further advice on consumer rights, including information on how you might submit a formal complaint to the CAR is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.
Road Projects
Questions (238)
Thomas Pringle
Question:238. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport when the realignment works project on the N56 Inver to Killybegs currently design phase 0/1 (feasibility and scoping) will be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21784/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Trans European Transport Network Programme
Questions (239)
Thomas Pringle
Question:239. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if funding has been committed through to construction by his Department for the Ten-T priority improvement project for County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21787/21]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 this proposed project, pending also the Government's proposed review of the NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (240)
Seán Sherlock
Question:240. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter raised in correspondence in relation to the arrival of cruise ships during summer 2021 (details supplied). [21843/21]
View answerWritten answers
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided on the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team that no cruise ships would be permitted to enter any Irish port or anchor in Irish waters. While this decision will be kept under review, their are no plans at present for the resumption of cruises into Ireland. Government advise continues to be that only essential travel is to be undertaken in accordance with health authorities' guidance.
The focus at present is on minimising the risk of infection across all sectors. Any decision regarding the resumption of cruise tourism into Ireland will be based on the advice from Public Health officials.