Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric cars that have been sold in Ireland in each of the past three years and to date in 2021; and if a target has been set on the number of electric cars to be sold here by the end of 2021 and over the course of the next three years. [29377/21]
View answerProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. The transport sector, which accounts for about 20% of Ireland’s overall carbon emissions, must play a central role in the national decarbonisation effort. The national car and van (LGV) fleet accounts for almost 60% of all land transport emissions, and so a transition to low emissions vehicles, including EVs, is a necessary step-change to effect a substantial reduction in transport emissions.
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. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years. The Government, supported by the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, has worked to ensure that conditions and policies are in place to support citizens in making greener vehicle choices. A comprehensive suite of measures is available to EV drivers, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable motor and BIK tax rates, as well as a comprehensive charging network. These measures have collectively contributed to increased take up of EVs in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a low base.
The number of electric cars registered per year is set out in the following table.
|
Type |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 (to end May) |
|
Battery Electric |
1233 |
3444 |
4013 |
3946 |
|
Petrol PHEV |
729 |
1343 |
2459 |
3792 |
|
Diesel PHEV |
10 |
3 |
33 |
97 |
|
Total |
1972 |
4790 |
6505 |
7835 |
My Department has convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. The EVPP Working Group comprises senior officials and has considered regulatory, financial, and taxation policies to help drive a significant ramp-up in passenger EVs and electric van sales. The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group are being considered at senior level and will be brought to Government shortly.
22. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the way in which capital projects such as the N26 can help to enhance regional accessibility in the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32449/21]
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. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the NDP.
In that context, TII provides my Department with regular updates on its delivery of the National Roads Programme. The following information is the most up to-date information available to me on TII’s delivery of projects on the N26.
Background
Within the overall context of Project Ireland 2040, the NDP was developed to underpin the successful implementation of the NPF. This provides the strategic and financial framework for the National Roads Programme for the period from 2018 to 2027. The focus of TII's activities is, accordingly, being directed towards the development of the major national road improvement schemes that are included in the NDP, along with the maintenance of the existing national road network.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the review of the NDP from 2022 and to use the review to set out an updated NDP for the period out to 2030. The review of the NDP will be aligned with the NPF and Project Ireland 2040. Work is underway within my Department to contribute to this review.
I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight that all projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Public Spending Code.
Enhanced Regional Accessibility under the NDP
A core priority under the NPF is the essential requirement to enhance and upgrade accessibility between urban centres of population and their regions, in parallel with the initiation of compact growth of urban centres. This has a crucial role to play in maximising the growth potential of the regional urban centres and the economy as a whole. Substantial progress has been made since the year 2000 in improving the road linkages between Dublin and most of the other urban areas and regions. Under the NDP, the objective is to complete those linkages so that every region and all the major urban areas, particularly those in the North-West, are linked to Dublin by a high-quality road network.
In 2020, there was significant progress in developing new transport links through the appraisal, planning and procurement stages. As set out in Project Ireland 2040, improving access to the north-west is a strategic aim to support balanced national development. The N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin project in Sligo received Government approval on 29 January 2019, with construction ongoing and expected to be complete in late 2021. The N5 Westport to Turlough project in Mayo received Government approval on 15 October 2019 and construction is ongoing. The N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project received Government approval on 9 June 2021 and is due to commence construction later this summer.
N26 Road Projects
While there are currently no specific projects on the N26 included in the NDP, there is a general commitment for targeted improvements to address bottlenecks and enhance safety on this route. The following are a number of projects that are ongoing on the route to achieve these targeted improvements.
The construction contract for the Cloongullane Bridge Scheme was awarded in October 2020, and TII provided an allocation of €2.5 million in 2020 and a further allocation of €7 million in 2021 to Mayo County Council to progress this project through construction.
An allocation of €50,000 was provided to the Council in 2020 for the preparation of a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the proposed link road between the N26 and N59. The SAR was approved by my Department in March 2021 and TII have provided an allocation of €100,000 in 2021 to progress this minor safety scheme through the early planning and design phases.
23. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the status of the provision of a new DART service to Hazelhatch and Celbridge on the Kildare line as part of the DART plus programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32204/21]
View answer24. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he has examined the possibility of extending the DART+ south west project as far as Sallins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32451/21]
View answer62. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the plans to extend the DART northwards to Balbriggan. [32248/21]
View answer92. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed extension of the DART to Lucan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31712/21]
View answer217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he remains satisfied that the currently proposed extension of DART facilities to north County Kildare sufficiently addresses the needs of the towns such as Naas, Sallins, Celbridge, Hazelhatch as well as Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey having regard to the various concerns expressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32757/21]
View answer218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when work on the upgrading and the electrification of the Maynooth rail line is likely to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32758/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 24, 62, 92, 217 and 218 together.
As the Deputies are aware, 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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including planning and implementation of the DART+ Programme.
The DART+ Programme is a cornerstone programme of projects for the development of rail in the Greater Dublin Area which comprises of DART fleet, as well as the DART+ Coastal (North), DART+ Coastal (south), DART+ West and DART+ South-West projects. The NTA in consultation with Iarnród Éireann is progressing the various projects which are at varying stages of planning and development.
I can confirm that my Department has received a Preliminary Business Case for the overall programme and that Preliminary Business Case is under review as required by the Public Spending Code. Following the required reviews, the Preliminary Business Case will be brought to Government for its approval as required under Decision Gate 1 under the Public Spending Code and, if approved, that will permit the purchase of additional DART fleet and will also permit the DART+ West project enter the statutory planning process, subject to the completion of the necessary planning and environmental documentation.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply in relation to specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
25. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport his plans to make cycling and walking safer on existing rural roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32411/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government has committed to Exchequer spending of approximately €360 million per annum on walking and cycling over the lifetime of the Government, equivalent to 20% of the 2020 transport capital budget. This investment will help support the planned delivery of almost 1,000 kilometres of improved walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025 as well as additional investment in Greenways.
The year 2021 has therefore seen a significant increase in my Department's funding for cycling and walking, in line with the Government’s prioritisation of Active Travel and Greenways. As well as an increased allocation of €240 million administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA) to Active Travel projects in Dublin, the Greater Dublin Area and the four regional cities and over €50 million to the Department's Greenways programme, I was delighted to announce earlier this year an additional €72.8 million to projects in the 19 remaining local authorities.
This funding stream constitutes the first ever major Active Travel investment programme for rural Ireland, and amounts to more than the entire Active Travel budget for 2019. A full list of programmes being funded can be found on the NTA website. The overall increase in funding across urban and rural Ireland will not only support the construction and improvement of safe and connected walking and cycling infrastructure but also the deployment of almost 250 dedicated Active Travel staff in local authorities around the country.
In addition to the increased funding for walking and cycling infrastructure, a number of smaller-scale initiatives are being progressed by my Department to support and promote efforts to increase safe Active Travel across the country. The Department of Transport funds the delivery of CycleRight training through Cycling Ireland, which delivers cycling training to school-children around the country and equips them with the skills to cycle safely.
In partnership with the Department of Education we also launched the Safe Routes to Schools Programme earlier this year, which aims to accelerate the delivery of safe walking, scooting and cycling infrastructure on key access routes to schools. It has had a great response, with applications received from schools in every county in Ireland, and I expect to be in a position to announce the first round of funding under this programme before the end of this month.
The step-change in funding committed in Budget 2021 and the introduction of various innovative measures to encourage safe and connected Active Travel is proof of the Government's commitment to this area, and I look forward to the delivery of the numerous projects and programmes around the country, including in rural areas.
26. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in in making the LocalLink service more accessible to persons with disabilities, including expanding the geographical and temporal span of services and ensuring all services are fully wheelchair-accessible. [32408/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
27. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider piloting a free public transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31502/21]
View answer90. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if there will be any free public transport days over summer 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31924/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 90 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.
The provision of public transport services is heavily dependent on passenger fare revenue as it normally contributes about 65% of the operational cost. The remaining 35% of cost is covered by the PSO grant and the Department of Social Protection grant under the Free Travel Scheme. In Budget 2020, and prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, a total of €304 million was provided for PSO and Local Link rural regular services. Due to the impact of Covid-19, which resulted in the collapse of fare revenue on public transport, a further €370 million was allocated to enable the continued operation of public transport services in 2020. My primary focus is to ensure that public transport services continue to operate during this pandemic and I secured almost €659m for PSO services in 2021, of which €30m is to support the licensed bus sector.
Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures including the pilot of a free transport scheme and campaigns such as the previously ran "Kid Go Free" would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. 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.
28. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the problems still facing many hauliers with Transport Manager CPC qualifications (details supplied); his views on whether this residency requirement undermines the Common Travel Area rights of citizens to be able to live and work freely on these islands; if he will work with his counterpart in Northern Ireland to address this and seek approval from Europe to remedy this if necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32458/21]
View answerRegulation (EC) No 1071/2009 establishes common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and provides that requisite professional competence is a key requirement to hold a road transport operator licence. Pursuant to this key requirement, Article 4 of the Regulation specifies that a Transport Manager designated by a road transport operator must:
- Effectively and continuously manage the transport activities of the undertaking;
- Have a genuine link to the licensed undertaking or otherwise be entitled under contract to carry out duties as Transport Manager on behalf of the undertaking;
- Be of good repute;
- Be resident in the Community
- Hold a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) issued by a competent authority of the EU.
As outlined by the European Commission (see the notification available at ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/brexit_files/info_site/road_transport_en.pdf), following the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020 a Transport Manager CPC issued by a competent authority in the UK, including Northern Ireland, is no longer valid in the EU. This means that a Transport Manager holding a UK-issued CPC can no longer act as Transport Manager for an EU-based road transport operator.
My Department received clarification in late November 2020 from the European Commission that holders of a UK Transport Manager CPC could request a corresponding certificate from the competent authority in the Member State where they live or where the road transport operator employing them is established, as long as the request was submitted before the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020. My Department wrote to all UK (including Northern Ireland) Transport Manager CPC holders working for Irish road transport operators to inform them of this position, urging them to apply for a corresponding Irish (EU) certificate.
As the deadline has now passed for applying for a corresponding Irish Transport Manager CPC, any persons who wish to act as Transport Manager for an Irish/EU operator must obtain a Transport Manager CPC issued by an EU Member State. Obtaining an Irish Transport Manager CPC requires passing the examination administered by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) on behalf of my Department.
Candidates who already hold a UK-issued Transport Manager CPC will not be required to undertake the training course of 100 hours that is normally mandatory before taking the examination. The next dates for the CILT Transport Manager CPC examination are 30 June and 24 November and candidates can register online with CILT for the examination (contact info@cilt.ie).
Alternatively, a licensed operator whose current Transport Manager holds a UK-issued Transport Manager CPC may contract a suitably qualified person as a designated replacement in the role of Transport Manager.
Affected road transport operators have been granted a period of six months under Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 in which to take appropriate remedial action.
The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement does not include provision for mutual recognition of the Transport Manager CPC. It should be noted that the Transport Manager CPC qualification affords access to the wider single market.
Persons wishing to act as Transport Manager for a road transport operator established in an EU Member State, including in Ireland, must be resident in the EU in line with Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009. Given the particular situation on the island of Ireland, my Department sought clarification on this residency requirement from the European Commission, and it has been confirmed that the requirement stands.
29. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the role of private security companies in policing within the transport infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27641/21]
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.
I have therefore forwarded your question to Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which has contracted Transdev to operate the Luas, for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
30. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which plans are afoot or in hand to restore air passenger transport activity to pre-Covid levels; if antigen testing or air purification treatment systems can or will be used in the furtherance of this objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32415/21]
View answerGovernment 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. Liquidity funding is also available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises.
The main requirement of all aviation stakeholders has been clarity on a plan to permit the resumption of non-essential international air travel, and Government outlined such a plan on 28 May. This plan brings together the EU Digital COVID Certificates, pre-departure PCR testing, mandatory quarantine, and our public health measures so that international travel can operate safely. An “emergency brake” mechanism will also allow us to respond to the potential emergence of variants of concern. The new arrangements will come into effect on 19 July subject to public health considerations.
The use of antigen testing in relation to international travel is a matter for the Minister for Health in the first instance, and Government decisions relating to COVID-19 testing are based on public health advice.
The third issue (December 2020) of the Protocol for the Management of Air Passengers in light of COVID-19 is available at this link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ab625-protocols-for-international-travel/. This protocol was created with due regard to material and information provided by ICAO, EASA and the ECDC, and does acknowledge the role of HEPA air filters in limiting virus transmission.
While it may take some time for our aviation sector to regain the strong economic position it had at the start of the pandemic, Government has committed to ensuring that there will be no “cliff-edge” to the COVID-19 related business supports that are currently available. On 1 June, Government launched its Economic Recovery Plan 2021 with the goal of achieving rapid job creation and economic growth after the pandemic. This plan sets out new measures for businesses and affected sectors as the economy reopens, and details for existing emergency pandemic financial supports including the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), giving certainty to employers, workers, and for those who need it most. Importantly, this plan also recognised that additional support may be required for the recovery of the aviation sector.
With our vaccination programme progressing, a plan for the resumption of non-essential international travel ready and significant levels of business supports available, aviation is now positioned to begin to recover.
31. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects traffic vehicular volumes to return to pre-Covid levels or short thereof; if adequate provision is being made to ensure the smooth flow of traffic to and from the city to facilitate business and commerce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32414/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads, including the measurement of traffic volumes and traffic management, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 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.
32. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the code of practice for greenways; the potential limitations of their development including the impact on biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32402/21]
View answerThe Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways emphasises that use of private lands for Greenway routes should only be considered after extensive consultation.
Based on the guidelines set out in this Strategy and as part of its work on the Galway to Dublin Greenway, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) with Westmeath County Council is devising a Code of Best Practice for Greenways. This Code is being developed by a working group of stakeholders including representatives of the farming representative bodies. It is dealing with issues such as agreeing the consultation process, the factors to be considered when choosing a route, appropriate types of accommodation works, appropriate levels of payment for land, suitable types of access both for landowners and the public, ways of minimising severance, the range of possible mitigation and accommodation works and mechanisms to minimise disruption and to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of Greenway projects. This Code is being finalised and should be available shortly.
I would point out that all Project Managers of National and Regional Greenways, such as Local Authorities or Waterways Ireland, must comply with all EU and National Biodiversity legislation at all stages of Greenway delivery. Page 18 of the Strategy on the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways points out the need to protect biodiversity and that Greenways should be designed to consider, and avoid where necessary, the sensitivities of natural heritage.
The Strategy further points out that where proposed Greenways are along existing natural ecological corridors such as rivers and canals, or across natural habitats such as coastal habitats, there is potential for people to access nature and to see and learn about our natural heritage.
The Strategy also outlines the potential to enhance the biodiversity value of an ecological corridor or other areas when planning for Greenways.
Proposed Greenways should also examine their potential to provide enhancement measures for the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 and the “leave no trace” philosophy forms part of the promotion of all Greenways.
33. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 26 May 2021, if his attention has been drawn to a proposal by Iarnród Éireann to fix the Barrow Bridge on the Waterford to Rosslare rail line in the closed to rail position later in June 2021; the potential damage this may do to the bridge; and if he will request that this proposal is deferred until the strategic rail review is completed. [32401/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, a Strategic Rail Review will commence shortly and the procurement process is well underway in relation to that Review. This Review will examine the rail network on the island of Ireland in relation to improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities, enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways, with the latter also considering the role of rail freight.
The Review will also consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network and that scope will certainly include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Wexford to Waterford line.
With regard to the Barrow Bridge, I can inform the Deputy that I am aware of the matter raised and indeed discussed the issue previously in the House in relation to this line generally.
As previously stated, it is the case the line has been closed to scheduled services for almost 11 years now. The National Transport Authority and Iarnód Éireann have agreed that, reflecting that fact, the bridge should be left in the ‘open’ position for marine traffic as trade continues of course in the port of New Ross. I am informed that the planned securing of the bridge in the open position in no way removes the future functionality of the bridge for carrying rail traffic should services on this line resume, nor, I would stress, does it in any way impede consideration of the line in the context of the Strategic Rail Review. I understand that Iarnód Éireann will ensure the continued functionality of the bridge through scheduled movements which will allay potential concerns that may exist as regards the permanency of the changed position.
I look forward to the Strategic Rail Review and its consideration of the strategic potential of the rail network on the island of Ireland, including the Wexford to Waterford line.
34. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has set targets for modal shift from private vehicles in cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31583/21]
View answerAs transport accounts for a little over 20% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions there can be no doubt that the sector has a vital role to play in our national decarbonisation efforts. Private vehicles are the biggest emitting segment; as such, providing meaningful alternatives to everyday car journeys, especially in our cities, is fundamental to achieving our climate objectives.
As the Deputy is aware, the Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2021 is currently being developed; as part of this process my Department has carried out analytical and modelling work to identify the various measures required to achieve a 51% reduction in transport emissions by 2030. CAP 2021 will be published later this summer and will contain several key actions to decarbonise the transport sector, including those related to modal shift and managing demand for private car use. Regarding modal shift targets, the CAP 2019 aimed for an additional 500,000 sustainable journeys in the transport system by 2035, I expect that under CAP 2021 this ambition level will be raised further.
For this reason, continued and enhanced investment in sustainable mobility options is needed. The implementation of major public transport projects such as BusConnects, Connecting Ireland, the expansion of rail services and infrastructure, as well as a significant increase in our cycling and walking spending will be pivotal in fostering more sustainable trips. Achieving modal shift will be supported through the new 10-year Sustainable Mobility Policy which will be published later this year. The new Policy will include actions in the areas of behaviour change, demand management, and transport-led development, including multi-modal transport hubs to deliver modal shift and greater use of sustainable modes of transport.
In tandem, to promoting more sustainable travel modes we need to lessen car kilometres driven if we are to achieve the required 51% reduction in transport emissions. This is not about cancelling trips, but rather it is about reducing the need for and length of certain trips. Planning policy will continue to work to address low density/suburban sprawl, which increases the distance people must travel and ultimately can lock in car-dependent patterns of behaviour. Reducing car journeys offers many co-benefits in terms of citizen health, reducing congestion, and facilitating more accessible and vibrant communities.
In this regard, I am fully committed to exploring every means possible to shift towards low-carbon, affordable, and accessible mobility.
35. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Programme for Government commitment to work with local authorities and appropriate agencies to continue to develop an integrated national network of greenways to be used by commuters, students, leisure cyclists and tourists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21811/21]
View answerI am pleased to announce that my Department is working well with local authorities, the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and other stakeholders on progressing work on the development of a national cycle network that will comprise a number of different types of cycling infrastructure including Greenways.
We have developed the mapping and signposting of Eurovelo 1 around the country from Donegal to Wexford. This signposting will be finished by September this year and will provide a route that guides users along lower trafficked roads and Greenways for the most part.
That type of criteria will inform our development of a network of routes around the country that will also utilise, where appropriate, state forests, national parks and former peatland. It will also use cycle tracks, cycle lanes, quiet urban roads and utilise the significant increase in cycling and walking infrastructure that is at the heart of our commitment in the Programme for Government to support a change in how we travel to work, to school, for shopping and for leisure.
Since becoming Minister of Transport, I have had the privilege of awarding €4.5m funding to 26 Greenway projects around the country to assist them in progressing their feasibility, environmental, planning and design work to bring them further towards shovel ready status so that we have a pipeline of projects ready to fund over the coming years. I have also significantly increased the original funding to 9 Greenway construction projects to meet the shortfall in Local Authority co-funding that was caused by the pandemic.
We will see the preferred route option for Athlone - Galway Greenway published by year-end and see the start of construction of the Greenway bridge in Athlone for this project. I am also pleased to announce that additional funding has been allocated to Longford County Council to construct a number of looped routes from the Royal Canal onto former peatlands, thus showing our commitment to the Just Transition process and availing of the highly skilled Bord Na Móna staff who are providing this additional outdoor resource as we seek to improve and increase our outdoor recreation spaces for all. I have also this week announced funding for a section of the Grand Canal Greenway in South Dublin. This will extend the Greenway to Hazel Hatch bridge and link with the previously funded section from there to Sallins that Kildare County Council are in the process of delivering.
36. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the disruption and cancellation of public bus services in the Waterford region and the associated impacts on public transport users; if he has plans to work with Bus Éireann and TFI to restore services to their usual schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32121/21]
View answerBoth the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators throughout the Covid-19 Emergency. The public transport system in Ireland has played an essential service role over the course of the pandemic, especially in carrying essential workers and others making necessary journeys.
In this regard, the Government agreed substantial increases to the PSO budget to support continuation of PSO services during the Covid situation in 2020 and 2021. In addition, the Government has recognised the situation of the licenced bus sector - which normally operates on a commercial basis without public subvention but which, during the Covid crisis, was in a situation where its operations were no longer commercially viable, owing to the impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers and the associated drop in fare revenue.
Therefore, last June the Government decided to introduce new, temporary financial support for certain licensed services provided by commercial bus operators to ensure the continued operation of these essential services. The Expressway business operated by Bus Éireann is one of the many commercial operations of licenced public transport services that have been able to avail of this new, temporary, Covid-related support.
The temporary support was initially introduced for a period of 6-months, with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. The NTA on behalf of my Department, entered into contracts with the licensed bus sector to provide funding for routes where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention.
As it remains the case that commercial bus operators are still under severe financial distress due to the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue as a result of Covid-19, on 26 January 2021, Government decided to extend the temporary funding supports for the licensed bus sector for a further period of 3 months, with an option to extend contracts on a monthly basis thereafter. The NTA, following consultation with operators, has recently finalised a review of the scheme and as a result some changes to services have been implemented.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
37. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the way the closure of bus routes across the country align with the need for more public transport to reduce dependency on cars and carbon emissions in line with Ireland's climate action goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29426/21]
View answerBoth the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators throughout the Covid-19 Emergency. The public transport system in Ireland has played an essential service role over the course of the pandemic, especially in carrying essential workers and others making necessary journeys.
In order to support the continued operation of public transport services throughout the crisis, despite the reduced demand and the restricted capacity owing to the Covid-19 situation, the Government is spending considerable additional Exchequer funds on the public transport sector. 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. The 2021 Exchequer allocation for PSO is just below €659m.
Further, last June the Government decided to introduce new, temporary financial support for certain licensed services provided by commercial bus operators to ensure the continued operation of these essential services. The Expressway business operated by Bus Éireann is one of the many commercial operations of licenced public transport services that have been able to avail of this new, temporary, Covid-related support.
The temporary support was initially introduced for a period of 6-months, with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. The NTA on behalf of my Department, entered into contracts with the licensed bus sector to provide funding for routes where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention.
As it remains the case that commercial bus operators are still under severe financial distress due to the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue as a result of Covid-19, on 26 January 2021, Government decided to extend the temporary funding supports for the licensed bus sector for a further period of 3 months, with an option to extend contracts on a monthly basis thereafter. The NTA, following consultation with operators, has recently finalised a review of the scheme and as a result some changes to services have been implemented.
As transport accounts for a little over 20% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, there can be no doubt that the sector has a vital role to play in our national decarbonisation efforts. Providing meaningful alternatives to everyday car journeys, especially in our cities, is fundamental to achieving our climate objectives.
The Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2021 will be published later this summer and will contain several key transport decarbonisation actions relating to modal shift and managing demand for private car use. Regarding modal shift targets, the CAP 2019 aimed for an additional 500,000 sustainable journeys in the transport system by 2035, and I expect that under CAP 2021 this ambition level will be raised further.
The current Programme for Government (PfG) sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to public transport investment. These commitments will provide viable alternatives to car transport to reduce congestion and emissions, and enable the transport sector to cater for the demands associated with longer-term population and employment growth in a sustainable manner.
The implementation of major public transport projects such as BusConnects, Connecting Ireland, the expansion of rail services and infrastructure, as well as a significant increase in our cycling and walking spending will be pivotal in fostering more sustainable trips.
An important element of Ireland’s climate action is the move toward low-emission vehicles. Under the National Development Plan (NDP), the NTA committed to no longer purchasing diesel-only urban buses from July 2019. To date, a total of 280 diesel-electric hybrid buses have been ordered, of which 100 should be operational by May 2021, with the remainder to be delivered before year end. The NTA is also tendering for both single and double-deck full electric town buses and piloting electric vehicles in rural areas under the Local Link programme.
Achieving modal shift will be supported through the new 10-year Sustainable Mobility Policy, which will be published later this year. The new Policy will include actions in the areas of behaviour change, demand management, and transport-led development, including multi-modal transport hubs to deliver modal shift and greater use of sustainable modes of transport.
In tandem to promoting more sustainable travel modes, we need to lessen car kilometres driven if we are to achieve the required 51% reduction in transport emissions. This is not about cancelling trips, but rather it is about reducing the need for and length of certain trips. Planning policy will continue to work to address low-density/suburban sprawl, which increases the distance people must travel and ultimately can lock in car-dependent patterns of behaviour. Increasing sustainable and active journeys offers many co-benefits in terms of citizen health, reducing congestion, and facilitating more accessible and vibrant communities.
In this regard, I am fully committed to exploring every means possible to shift towards low-carbon, affordable, and accessible mobility.
38. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport his views on the goals of an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the Ballybrophy Limerick line; and his further views on the adequacy of monthly supports being made available for the X8 bus route. [32431/21]
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 operation of public transport.
On January 29, I met with a local community organisation, the North Tipperary Community Rail Partnership (NTCRP), to discuss a number of issues which it wished to raise in relation to services on the Ballybrophy line. Following that meeting, NTA representatives attended a meeting of Nenagh Municipal District on 18 February, at which representatives of NTCRP presented the case for improved infrastructure and additional services for the Ballybrophy rail line.
Iarnród Éireann also held a meeting with the NTCRP on March 9 in relation to the Ballybrophy line. Iarnród Éireann stated that its priority at this time was the restoration of services to pre-COVID-19 levels.
My Department has been advised by Iarnród Éireann that, following the completion of the relaying of 5 miles of continuous welded rail on the line, it will run an empty train Limerick-Ballybrophy-Limerick on Sunday in preparation for all services to return to normal on Monday morning 21st June as planned. In addition, I understand that Iarnród Éireann are to reschedule a recently postponed meeting with the NTCRP at a time that suits all concerned. I understand the issues of concern to NTCRP and referred to by the Deputy will again form part of those discussions.
In relation to the X8 bus route - both the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators throughout the Covid-19 Emergency. The public transport system in Ireland has played an essential service role over the course of the pandemic, especially in carrying essential workers and others making necessary journeys.
In this regard, the Government agreed substantial increases to the PSO budget to support continuation of PSO services during the Covid situation in 2020 and 2021. In addition, the Government has recognised the situation of the licenced bus sector - which normally operates on a commercial basis without public subvention but which, during the Covid crisis, was in a situation where its operations were no longer commercially viable, owing to the impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers and the associated drop in fare revenue.
Therefore, last June the Government decided to introduce new, temporary financial support for certain licensed services provided by commercial bus operators to ensure the continued operation of these essential services. The Expressway business operated by Bus Éireann is one of the many commercial operations of licenced public transport services that have been able to avail of this new, temporary, Covid-related support.
The temporary support was initially introduced for a period of 6-months, with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. The NTA on behalf of my Department, entered into contracts with the licensed bus sector to provide funding for routes where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention.
As it remains the case that commercial bus operators are still under severe financial distress due to the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue as a result of Covid-19, on 26 January 2021, Government decided to extend the temporary funding supports for the licensed bus sector for a further period of 3 months, with an option to extend contracts on a monthly basis thereafter. The NTA, following consultation with operators, has recently finalised a review of the scheme and as a result some changes to services have been implemented.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
39. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the progress of expanding and developing Bus Éireann services in Cork City and more specifically the consideration that is being taken on direct public transport links from Ballincollig to the various industrial estates in the city and hinterland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32434/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, 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 services.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, in conjunction with the transport operators,in this case Bus Éireann. 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.
40. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the potential of commuter rail to allow regional cities to grow in a sustainable manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32142/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, transport investment in our regional cities is now guided by the development of metropolitan area transport strategies which set out programmes of proposed transport investment in active travel, bus and rail for each metropolitan area. This evidence based, plan-led transport planning will, I believe, allow the regional cities to grow in a sustainable and compact manner, as informed by the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.
There has already been substantial progress in relation to rail in the regional cities. A feasibility study has been undertaken in Galway in relation to proposed improvements along the Athenry to Galway corridor and investment announced under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) to support infrastructure works at Oranmore station and improvement at Ceannt Station. URDF funding has also been announced to support the movement of Waterford’s Plunkett Station to the North Quays. In Limerick, options are being considered for the enhancement of rail services in the city region as part of the development of its metropolitan area transport strategy, while in Cork, the start of a major investment in the metropolitan rail network for the city was recently announced as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
I believe our policy for the regional cities must be to encourage transport-led development along high-capacity public transport corridors, including our commuter rail networks. This can allow for the development of sustainable and well-connected communities where active travel becomes the preferred mode of travel for many localised journeys and good quality public transport is available to facilitate longer journeys into the major urban centres.
