Written Answers Nos. 285-305
285. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the budget allocated to the public charge point scheme in 2021; the spend on the scheme in 2020 and to date in 2021; the number of charge points constructed in each county under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31844/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years.
The Public Charge Point Scheme has been in place since September 2019 and will continue to be available during 2021 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles (EVs), who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs. €2m has been allocated to this scheme in 2021.
The SEAI has received requests for applications under the scheme from 13 local authorities and two completed applications from Louth County Council and Dublin City Council to install a total of 29 charge points within their administrative areas. These applications are currently being assessed for approval and it is expected that letters of offer will be issued in the near future.
286. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to instances in which airline companies recruit trainee pilots for flight time while grounding rostered contract and directly employed pilots; and if he has engaged with his European and UK counterparts in respect of this practice. [31847/21]
View answerI am not aware of the practice in relation to rostering trainee pilots as described by the Deputy. Matters of staff rostering and management is an operational issue for each airline. All rostering must of course ensure that the crew assigned are correctly qualified for the air operation in question. From a safety perspective, no pilot can operate an aircraft without the appropriate qualifications for the operation i.e. an EASA pilot licence rated for the specific operations, as well as having completed the necessary operator line checks.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the competent authority for aviation safety regulation in Ireland, as provided for under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993. If there is any evidence that someone operated an aircraft without being licensed to do so, the IAA should be informed immediately.
288. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish and or supply this Deputy with a copy of the preliminary business case in respect of the MetroLink to south-west County Dublin; if he and or the NTA have considered running MetroLink to south-west County Dublin beyond Knocklyon; and if he will provide a schedule of transfer and-or terminus stations within Dublin city in respect of the project. [31972/21]
View answerI think it important to set out what are two different processes currently underway, both of which relate to the potential future development of metro in Dublin.
Firstly, we have the project known as MetroLink. This is a project set out in the existing, statutory, Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2036 and one which has been subject to extensive, non-statutory public consultation over the last 3 years. This project has now reached an important milestone as its Preliminary Business Case has been submitted to my Department for review as is required under the Public Spending Code. For projects of this scale, the Public Spending Code stipulates that Government approval is required to allow the project submit its Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The Preliminary Business Case has been developed on the basis of the existing project as has been subject to public consultation in recent years. The Preferred Route for MetroLink is available to view on the dedicated project website, www.metrolink.ie and includes station location details along the route.
Secondly, we have the statutory review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 stipulates that the Strategy must be reviewed every six years and this review provides an opportunity to re-examine and re-consider proposals for inclusion in the revised Strategy. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has stated that, as part of its review, it is considering whether additional metro routes should be included in any revised Strategy. It has further stated that as part of the public consultation process all background studies conducted to assist with this consideration will be published and I understand this public consultation phase will commence in the coming months.
Inclusion in any revised Strategy is the first step in what is a very detailed and often lengthy process to enable projects move from the strategic support, enabled by inclusion in a Transport Strategy, to being a project with a Preliminary Business Case seeking approval to enter the statutory planning process.
289. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons awaiting a driver test in each test centre area by age, in tabular form. [31981/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test. The information requested is held by the Authority.
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.
290. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport his views on a transport police pilot on public transport. [31982/21]
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 safety and security of passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are matters first and foremost for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána.
The Department of Justice have advised my Department that there are a number of tools at the disposal of the Garda Commissioner, who is operationally responsible, to respond to such incidents. The Commissioner is also responsible, as the Deputy will be aware, for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána's mission of 'Keeping People Safe' extends to all areas of our communities, including public transport. Garda management engages extensively with transport operators, including the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail (DART and InterCity rail) and Transdev Ireland (Luas) to provide a high visibility presence through a co-ordinated approach.
I am informed that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to prevent and detect incidents arising.
For example, Operation Twin Track was a Community Engagement and Rail Safety Policing Initiative conducted by Gardaí in partnership with other public transportation stakeholders with the purpose of providing high visibility policing of rail and light rail transport within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and nationwide, and to deliver crime prevention advice.
A multi-agency review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of this operation and it was agreed that An Garda Síochána will continue to proactively engage with public transportation stakeholders and providers to conduct further similar operations.
The Department of Justice has been advised by the Garda authorities that each Chief Superintendent in Dublin has put in place a dedicated policing plan to tackle anti-social behaviour on public transport. Gardaí are conducting both overt and covert patrols of various public transport networks to address incidents of non-compliance under the Health Act 1947 (as amended), incidences of anti-social behaviour or any other criminal offences.
I understand that the Minister for Justice has been advised that An Garda Síochána do not propose to establish a dedicated transport policing unit at this time.
291. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will sanction the introduction of the Leap card technology and fares for the Mallow-Cork railway commuter service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31983/21]
View answer292. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of NFT ticketing for bus services in the Cork area. [31984/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing technology.
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.
293. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the reason a bus route has changed in recent months (details supplied). [31985/21]
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 issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant transport operator which, in this case, is 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.
294. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of a bus shelter that was to be provided in 2020 (details supplied). [31986/21]
View answer295. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of a bus shelter that was to be provided in 2019 (details supplied). [31987/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and shelters.
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.
296. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if a person must relinquish their UK driver licence in order to receive an Irish driver licence from the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32009/21]
View answerA person is required to surrender their UK/NI driving licence in exchange for an Irish licence. Where a licence cannot be surrendered because it is lost, stolen or damaged, an original Letter of Entitlement, issued within six months prior to the date of application, must be provided. The UK licence is returned to the original UK issuing Licensing Authority within 30 days of the exchange, with an indication of the date of exchange.
This provision is set out in the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between Ireland and the UK on the exchange of driving licences, signed on 29 December 2020.
297. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if a person must carry out a driver test in Ireland in order to be in possession of both an Irish and UK driver licence following the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32010/21]
View answerA resident of Ireland with a UK driving licence can exchange their UK licence for an Irish licence if they wish to drive in Ireland. However, to do so they must surrender their UK licence.
If a person wishes to retain their UK licence, they must go through the normal process of obtaining an Irish licence. This involves passing the driver theory test, obtaining a learner permit, completing the essential driver training and passing a driving test. It should be noted, however, that under EU legislation, an EU driving licence, including an Irish driving licence, can only be held by a person who is resident in the issuing member state and not by a person who is resident in a third country such as the UK.
298. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be assigned a date for a driver test. [32015/21]
View answerThe driving test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
Individual cases are a matter for the Authority and the question in relation to this case is being referred to it for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
299. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered declaring Belarussian airspace a no-fly zone for Irish aircraft given recent events. [32024/21]
View answerIn alignment with a Safety Directive issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), I can confirm that I directed the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to issue a Notice to Air Men (NOTAM) advising all Irish air carriers to avoid the Minsk Flight Information Region in Belarus airspace. This NOTAM has been in effect since June 4.
Furthermore, I can confirm that in accordance with an EU Regulations and Decision which entered into force on June 4th, 2021, I have further directed the IAA to issue a NOTAM to prohibit any aircraft operated by Belarussian air carriers to land in, take off from or overfly the territory of Ireland. This shall not apply in the case of an emergency landing or an emergency overflight.
300. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if it is expected that those drivers over the age of 70 who availed of an extension to their driver licences without submitting a medical certificate will be required to justify that extension with a medical certificate in the coming months. [32053/21]
View answerThe requirement for persons over 70, without an identified or specified illness, to provide a medical report when applying for a driving licence or learner permit is exempted until 30 June 2021.
After that date, a person aged 70 years or over will be required to submit a medical report when they next renew their driving licence. The medical report must be dated not more than one month prior to the date of application.
A medical report will not be required to cover the period of any extensions granted.
301. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider adjusting the essential worker and non-essential worker criteria for driver tests in order to speed up clearing the backlog of tests before the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32070/21]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority is prioritising driving tests for essential workers, in accordance with Government definitions. The definition of an essential worker is not determined by my Department nor the Road Safety Authority. Details on what is included in the list of essential workers and retail outlets can be found at www.gov.ie.
In line with the gradual reopening of services, driving tests for all those who are eligible to take the test and have been waiting longest have recommenced in a limited fashion. The further opening of the driver testing service will be the subject of discussions between Department officials and the RSA in the coming weeks.
302. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the progress made by the National Transport Authority in establishing a formal engagement process with key disability representative groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32106/21]
View answer304. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a version of Dublin Bus's free travel assistance scheme for customers over 18 years of age with a disability in all counties annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32108/21]
View answer308. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure that all public transport services offer functioning, correct audible announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32112/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 302, 304 and 308 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead, Irish Rail and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) each have an Access Officer and a Disability User Group. The Disability User Groups provide a forum for operators to consult and update disability organisations on accessibility proposals and developments, and for disability organisations to raise operational and other accessibility issues.
The Travel Assistance Scheme is funded by the NTA and managed on its behalf by Dublin Bus.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities, including in relation to the Travel Assistance Scheme and public transport communication systems, I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
303. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the disability representative groups involved in the planning and procurement process for transport and infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32107/21]
View answerMy Department's Mission as outlined in its Statement of Strategy 2021 - 2023 is to "To deliver an accessible, efficient, safe and sustainable transport system that supports communities, households and businesses", My Department and I are committed to the delivery of the Goals outlined in the Statement of Strategy including "Putting safety, security and accessibility for all at the centre of our transport policies"
In relation to public transport infrastructure and services, under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. I am advised that the NTA plans to set up a Transport User Advisory Group in 2021. This will involve all the various groups who avail of the services provided by the NTA. It will include users of various modes of public transport, including, amongst others, people with disabilities, older people, Taxi, Local authority, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The planning and procurement of Greenways is carried out by local authorities and State Agencies on behalf of my Department. All local authorities and State Agencies have been circulated with “The Great Outdoors” to guide their planning and design process and my Department in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development is examining the potential for organising a training session for local authorities to encompass Universal Design.
With regard to disability representative groups for other transport modes, I have referred your question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
305. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to increase the number of wheelchair-accessible taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32109/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains commitments to support the greening of the SPSV fleet and to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. To this end my Department funds two vehicle purchase schemes administered by the National Transport Authority; the eSPSV Grant Scheme to support the purchase of electric vehicles, and the WAV Grant Scheme to support the purchase of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. A vehicle which is both fully electric and wheelchair accessible can avail of grant support from both schemes to a combined maximum of €32,500 per vehicle. This substantial level of support recognises both the higher costs of such vehicles and their necessity in meeting the needs of passengers who require wheelchair accessible vehicles
SPSV operators are encouraged to consider the grant assistance available when making a vehicle purchase. The schemes aim to incentivise drivers to choose vehicles which are fully electric, wheelchair-accessible, or both. There is no grant assistance available to drivers planning to purchase a non-wheelchair accessible internal combustion powered SPSVs.
