Written Answers Nos. 266-284
266. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if an issue in relation to the online theory test by a person (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31378/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.
The question is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. This question is therefore being referred 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.
268. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport when Irish Rail will carry out the remedial works urgently required at Lacken Drive, the Railway Bridge and O’Loughlin Road, Kilkenny; if the matter will be expedited given the extensive health and safety issues that have arisen over the past 18 months along the adjoining pedestrian walkway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31467/21]
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.
269. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons currently waiting to take a driver theory test in counties Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31547/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.
The information requested is held by the Authority and this question is therefore being referred to them for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
270. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will address concerns in relation to the delays affecting persons waiting to take a driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31548/21]
View answerIn line with the further easing of restrictions, the gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres has now commenced. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) reopened its network of test centres and will be permitted to conduct 25,000 driver theory tests per month.
Prior to COVID-19, the RSA provided 15,000 tests per month. In light of the significant backlog of customers, the RSA will gradually increase capacity in its test centres to 25,000 tests a month.
The test centres have extensive COVID-19 measures in place to protect both customers and staff and to ensure the safe delivery of the service. It is hoped that capacity will gradually increase to 50,000 tests per month over time, if public health guidance permits.
The RSA has been working to deliver an online theory test service, with a pilot online test already underway for trucks and buses. This pilot service has now been extended to include a limited number of car and motorbike tests.
The new offering will see 4,000 online theory tests available for all categories of vehicles per month. Tests are available on a first-come-first-served basis with the new online service becoming more widely available later in the year. From mid-June, the RSA plans to increase this by a further 6,000. Online services will be made more widely available towards the end of 2021.
From the start, it has been clear that the first priority is public safety. We want to provide services, and we know people are looking for services, but we will provide them only to the limit possible while preserving public health.
271. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the status of works at R263 Fintra Bridge, Killybegs, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31555/21]
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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The R263 Fintra Bridge and Road Re-alignment Project in County Donegal consists of 1.4km of new road which will eliminate 6 significantly substandard bends on the existing alignment. It also includes for 1.9km of segregated pedestrian and cycle facilities, providing safe access to the Fintra National School, Killybegs GAA facilities and the Fintra beach. A new bridge will be constructed over the Fintra River replacing the current substandard structure. The Part VIII planning process was approved by Donegal County Council in July 2020, and detailed design is nearing completion with plans to publish the Compulsory Purchase Order for the entire scheme in July 2021.
Grant funding of €300,000 has been allocated to this scheme in 2021.
272. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the National Transport Authority report into the Navan rail line; the date on which it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31556/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, potential extension of the existing Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan was considered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) during the development of the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035. This proposal remains under review and will be specifically considered again as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy, which is currently underway by the NTA.
The review will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns and will be subject to a full public consultation, including the publication of all background reports and feasibility studies. That public consultation will take place later this year and I would encourage public representatives and interested citizens to participate.
273. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the reason the driver theory test centre in Ennis, County Clare is only open three days per week as opposed to five days per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31604/21]
View answerI wish to make you aware, under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.
This an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. This question is therefore being referred 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.
274. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for their driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31633/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.
The information requested is held by the Authority and this question is therefore being referred to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
275. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a change of licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31634/21]
View answerAll enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to individual applications.
I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.
276. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport when the Bus Éireann national routes will be allowed increased capacity on buses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31642/21]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
On 10 May 2021, the capacity restrictions on public transport were increased from 25% to 50% of onboard capacity (sitting and standing) across all services (including Bus Éireann), under updated measures announced by Government. Public transport has also now largely returned to normal scheduling.
Government recently agreed that the ending of the 50% capacity restriction on public transport will be considered for August, subject to the epidemiological situation at the time.
My Department and the NTA continue to be guided by public health advice and are closely monitoring public transport demand.
277. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he and or the NTA have conducted a review of traffic flow and or volume on Bray main street and side streets in the context of the BusConnects project; if his attention has been drawn to chronic traffic congestion in the town; his plans to address same in advance of the BusConnects project; and if additional bus lanes will be installed in the town in view of the fact that they are currently fragmented. [31689/21]
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 BusConnects.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
278. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the opening hours of the driver theory test centre in Ennis, County Clare; the reason the RSA has made provision to open the driver theory test office for just three days a week given the long waiting lists for this service; if he will take steps with the RSA to ensure that urgent provision is made to provide in-person driver theory tests in Ennis for at least five days a week given the delays; if he will give consideration to insisting that the RSA opens this office for six days a week in order to ensure that backlogs are cleared as soon as possible in view of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions on 8 June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31710/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.
The question is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process.
This question is therefore being referred 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.
279. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a price discrepancy being quoted in the cost of the M20 by him and that being quoted by the engineering team. [31733/21]
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. The N20 road corridor options are currently being progressed by TII along with public transport (rail) alternatives. As this scheme is at an early stage of development and subject to appraisal and statutory approval, cost estimates cannot be definitive until after statutory approval and confirmation of timing and scheme scope. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
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.
281. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if Bus Éireann is cancelling or has cancelled the weekly route servicing Whitegate, County Clare; if so, the replacement service being put in place to facilitate residents in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31749/21]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
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.
282. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driver licence for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31830/21]
View answerThe recent extension to the validity of driving licences, in response to the continued disruption caused by Covid-19 to driver licensing services in Ireland and across the EU, was granted under EU Regulation 2021/267.
When the extension to the validity of driving licences was made, the expiry date on the driver file for each person affected was updated to the new expiry date. This means that when a driver's record is examined, for example at a roadside checkpoint, the extended expiry date can be checked even if the physical driving licence shows as being expired. It is not possible to extend or not extend individual driving licences. A driving licence cannot be renewed more than 3 months before the expiry of the licence.
A replacement licence can only be issued for lost, damaged or stolen driving licences. A completed Garda Declaration Form is required when applying for a replacement licence.
283. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated additional Exchequer funding that will have to be provided to Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus in each year to help them achieve a 50% reduction in their carbon emissions by 2030 as outlined recently in their respective plans; if this funding has already been committed to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31842/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, purchase of PSO bus fleet is a statutory responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) with funding provided by the Exchequer. The previous National Development Plan (NDP) committed to ending the purchase of diesel only buses for the urban PSO bus fleets and that commitment has been fulfilled. The revised NDP, which is currently being finalised, will continue to fund the transition of our urban PSO bus fleets to low/zero emission buses and the NTA will liaise with the transport operators in that regard.
Outside of the main urban centres, it is expected that fully electric PSO town bus services will begin to be introduced, while my Department is also funding several electric vehicle pilot projects in rural areas under the Local Link programme. It is the case that for some of the longer distance regional PSO services the transition to low/zero emission fleet will take longer as the technology required needs to develop further.
284. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to support the taxi sector specifically in 2020 and 2021, by each initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31843/21]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question, however, no account of the support given to the taxi and other small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector would be complete without referring to the broad framework of horizontal support measures this Government has made available due to this pandemic.
The SPSV industry has been badly affected by COVID-19. Passenger demand for services has dropped and many SPSV operators simply haven’t worked since the start of the pandemic. I understand that as many as 70% of SPSV drivers have availed of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. It is impossible to say just how much the nation’s 25,000 taxi drivers have received from the PUP as it is calculated with reference to an individual’s pre-pandemic earnings. However, it would undoubtedly be a very significant amount – an individual on the lowest rate of PUP, €203 per week, would have received over €10,500 after 12 months on the payment. The Deputy will be aware that the PUP has been extended to February 2022.
Self-employed SPSV operators can continue to claim the PUP and earn up to €960 in a given 8 week period, net of expenses. As society begins to reopen and passenger demand for taxis increases, this will become an important support for drivers as they return to work. Drivers who earn over €960 may be eligible for the COVID-19 Part Time Job Incentive for the Self-Employed Scheme. The COVID-19 Enterprise Support Scheme, worth up to €1,000, is also open to SPSV operators to meet the costs associated with returning to work. All of these schemes are administered by the Department of Social Protection.
That is the context in which my Department has funded additional measures specifically targeted at the costs incurred by SPSV industry. As the Deputy will be aware, many of the major costs faced by SPSV operators, such as insurance and dispatch operator fees, can be deferred or cancelled during a period of inactivity. In last year’s Budget, I allocated approximately €2.6 million towards the waiver of standard vehicle licence fees, in recognition of the fact that this was a cost borne by SPSV operators which could not be deferred.
The replacement of a vehicle is the single largest cost faced by any SPSV operator and I remain committed to supporting the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles. That is why I have increased the funding available to the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) grant scheme for 2021 to €15 million, up from €1 million. I also doubled the amount payable under the scheme to €20,000 for operators who scrap older vehicles and make the switch to full electric models. This scheme can be used in conjunction with COVID-19 investment and liquidity measures, such as the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme. There has been a strong interest in the revised scheme since its launch in February with over 500 applications received to date.
In April I met with the Advisory Committee on SPSVs and discussed my hope that passenger demand would begin to return this summer as public health restrictions are lifted and the tourism and hospitality industries begins to reopen. I understand the difficulties facing operators across the country and considered possible additional measures to target the statutory, non-deferable costs faced by SPSV operators.
Last week, following consultation with the Advisory Committee, I announced further measures worth €6.5 million split between 2021 and 2022 to address these costs. The measures will waive standard licence renewal fees again in 2022, and will refund the cost of NCTs and SPSV Motor Tax for a given 12 month period. The NTA will administer these refund schemes, the commencement date for which has yet to be decided, but likely to be during Q3 of 2021.
It should be noted that many other measures been taken to support the industry. At the start of the pandemic, the industry’s regulator, the National Transport Authority waived late licence renewal fees and engaged with the insurance industry to facilitate a suspension of SPSV insurance for those operators who decided to temporarily stop working and suspend their licences. The Authority has also extended age limits for taxis and hackneys three times since the start of the pandemic. The most recent extension, made last month, ensures no vehicle will be forced to exit the fleet due to age limits in 2021 and I trust that the Authority will keep this issue under review as society and the economy reopens and passenger demand returns. I understand that the Authority will also shortly advance a public consultation on extending the period of time that SPSV licences may be placed in ‘inactive status.’
