Thomas Gould
Question:41. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the status of the northern ring road. [32435/21]
View answerRoad Projects
Questions (41)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Questions (42)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:42. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the progress of the cycleway and pedestrian way at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32404/21]
View answerWritten answers
I understand from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) that the N71 Glasslinn Pavement Strengthening Scheme is at Tender stage. As part of the scheme, they are widening the existing footpath from 1.8m to 3m from the Kevin O’Leary Roundabout towards the Clare O'Leary Walk, for 950m.
The Clare O’Leary Walk (old railway line) is a further 800m away further along the N71. Cork County Council are pursuing the completion of the scheme (800m) separately.
I understand that this project is proposed to be a pedestrian facility and as my Department does not have a role in rural walkway schemes, I am not in a position to answer this aspect.
Road Projects
Questions (43)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:43. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Narrow Water bridge project; the recent engagements he has had in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32426/21]
View answerWritten answers
The North South Ministerial Council on 5th May 2021 noted the commitments in New Decade, New Approach in relation to the Narrow Water Bridge and agreed that Departments will consider next steps to progress the scheme.
The project will now transfer to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage who will work with Louth County Council and other stakeholders to bring this project forward.
Transport Policy
Questions (44)
Thomas Pringle
Question:44. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is examining to reduce dependency on cars in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31923/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy has highlighted a very important issue which needs to be addressed in both rural and urban Ireland – the need to increase the capacity of our sustainable mobility infrastructure and services to ensure more people can make the switch to a sustainable option as their preferred transport mode.
As the Deputy is aware my Department is developing a new 10-year Sustainable Mobility Policy which will be published later this year. The new policy will be closely aligned with the national strategic outcomes of the National Planning Framework including in relation to enhanced regional accessibility and strengthened rural economies and it will support an expansion of rural and regional sustainable mobility options.
Complementing the new policy is Connecting Ireland, an initiative of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to address the gaps in connections to local and regional centres in rural areas, and to allow for the possibility of access to local services without the need for a car. It is based on a nationwide study performed by the NTA to inform its approach to rolling out improved public transport across the country (excluding the Greater Dublin Area, Regional Cities and Large Towns) by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking them with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.
The NTA plans to undertake a public consultation process on Connecting Ireland later this year prior to finalisation of the proposals and submission to my Department. I look forward to hearing the views of public representatives and the public on this key initiative to improve connections in rural areas and reduce car dependency.
Rail Network
Questions (45)
Dara Calleary
Question:45. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the western rail corridor can help to decarbonise transportation in the west of Ireland, helping the State to reach its climate action goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32450/21]
View answerWritten answers
The current Programme for Government (PfG) sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to public transport investment, which 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. Regarding modal shift targets, the Climate Action Plan (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 Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2021 will be published later this summer and will contain several key transport decarbonisation actions.
The Government has planned a transformative programme of planned rail investment, with electrification of the rail network playing an important role for future public transport provision. Projects such as DART+, Luas expansions, Luas Cork, and MetroLink will provide sustainable, reliable, and frequent rail services and significantly increase capacity on rail corridors around the country.
The PfG committed to consider the future of the Western Rail Corridor and take appropriate action. As the Deputy knows, in January my Department published both Iarnród Éireann’s financial and economic appraisal (EY Report ) and an independent review, which had been commissioned by my Department and conducted by JASPERS (Joint Assistance to Support Projects in the European Regions)—an agency of the European Investment Bank/EU Commission. This review noted a number of shortcomings in relation to the proposed re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor Phases 2 and 3—in particular around issues such as the need to demonstrate the strategic role of the proposal and how it sat within the broader proposed development of the network.
As a result, I stated my intention, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), to prepare a strategy for the development of the railway sector on the island of Ireland over the period to 2040. The Strategic Rail Review will examine the role of rail in supporting relevant policy objectives in both Ireland and Northern Ireland with particular emphasis on achieving climate change objectives. The Review will strategically assess 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 considering the role of rail freight. In addition, the Review will consider how we might decarbonise our rail services both on the main inter-urban routes and on inter-regional routes. This analysis will include an examination of the Western Rail Corridor.
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 across the country is fundamental to achieving our climate objectives. 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.
Taxi Licences
Questions (46, 48, 207)
Patrick Costello
Question:46. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will expand the nine-year rule requiring taxis to be younger than nine years and consider a temporary extension of this (details supplied). [32437/21]
View answer
Paul McAuliffe
Question:48. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend the ten-year rule for taxi drivers in view of the severe impact that Covid-19 has had on the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32403/21]
View answer
Paul Murphy
Question:207. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered a review of the nine-year rule in regard to the taxi industry; and if older vehicles having passed a strict NCT test could be permitted to operate as taxis. [32598/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 48 and 207 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including age limits, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
At the start of the pandemic, the NTA, which is the independent regulator of the SPSV sector, immediately extended age limits for taxis and hackneys and has done so twice more since. 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.
Road Network
Questions (47)
Brendan Smith
Question:47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if further much needed funding will be allocated in 2021 for the non-national road network if there is a capital funding reallocation within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32407/21]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The National Development Plan (NDP), as it stands, provides for a gradual increase in funding for regional and local roads and there has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding particularly in the last four years. Funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate maintenance and renewal of regional and local roads and so for this reason, the primary focus for capital investment continues to be the maintenance and renewal of the network with some limited investment in road improvement projects.
I announced the 2021 regional and local road allocations earlier this year and all grant funding available to my Department has now been allocated.
As regards the Department's budgets more generally, drawdown on capital spending varies from month to month and it is too soon to determine whether any slower than expected drawdowns at the start of the year will lead to a gross capital underspend for the entire year. In addition, as capital is allocated to support specific investment programmes and projects, in the first instance it will need to be determined whether the capital should be ‘carried’ into the next fiscal year to continue to support the programmes and projects in question.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 46.
Aviation Industry
Questions (49)
Joe Carey
Question:49. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the status of the ongoing talks with a company (detail supplied) to broker a rescue package; if he will report on his efforts to secure the reinstatement of the Shannon Airport base, strategic routes from Shannon to Heathrow, New York and Boston and commitments in relation to Shannon-Heathrow slots as part of this deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31115/21]
View answerWritten answers
Both Minister Ryan and I met with the Aer Lingus CEO soon after their base closures announcement, and they did confirm that there is no strategic intent to reduce connectivity at Shannon Airport, but that the restoration of air services would depend on market conditions. It was clear from my discussions that the priority for Aer Lingus, and for all aviation stakeholders, is clarity on plans for re-opening international travel.
On 28 May, the Government set out its plan for the resumption of non-essential international air travel, with effect from 19 July. This plan is built around EU Digital COVID Certificates and other proofs of vaccination, pre-departure PCR testing and mandatory quarantine that will allow international travel to operate safely. An “emergency brake” mechanism will also allow us to respond to the potential emergence of variants of concern. The plan includes a framework for the safe return of air travel from US and other third country routes.
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.
My officials and I have maintained regular contact with key stakeholders throughout this crisis, and Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including the aviation sector. These supports include the wage subsidy scheme, waiving of commercial rates, deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme. It is estimated that, by the end of June this year, our airlines and airports will have received at least €300 million from several available supports. Liquidity funding is also available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises.
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.
As regards the Heathrow slots, Aer Lingus entered into certain commitments at the time of its acquisition by IAG in 2015 in relation to the operation of its London Heathrow slots. These commitments are, however, subject to certain force majeure provisions, which are defined to include an "epidemic or pandemic". The reduction in Aer Lingus frequencies to London Heathrow is therefore in accordance with these provisions.
Park-and-Ride Facilities
Questions (50)
Catherine Connolly
Question:50. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 47 of 24 March 2021, the status of the roll-out of park-and-ride facilities for Galway city; the number and locations of all sites identified to date from which to operate park-and-ride services; the status of the public consultation process for the cross-city link and Dublin Road BusConnects corridors; if an application for planning permission been made in this regard to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32124/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects and associated Park & Ride facilities in Galway.
As we have previously discussed, I would note that that the successful development of bus-based park and ride in Galway city is linked to the roll-out of BusConnects Galway, otherwise developing park-and-ride sites without developing improved bus infrastructure and services will simply fail.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Transport Policy
Questions (51)
Pearse Doherty
Question:51. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to fast-track procurement for and delivery of transport infrastructure projects in the north-west to boost regional development, employment and connectivity in response to Brexit and the impact of Covid-19 in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29515/21]
View answerWritten answers
Transport investment in all the major cities including Galway is guided by the development of the metropolitan area transport strategies. This move toward evidence based, plan-led transport planning for our major cities is to be welcomed and allows for consideration of all relevant issues and the potential role all modes of transport can play in addressing those issues. I would also note that providing this type of long-term investment framework represents international best practice in the area of transport planning.
I would also point out that the National Transpoirt Authority (NTA) works collaboratively with local authorities outside the Galway Metropolitan Area on a regular basis. It has worked successfully on an administrative, non-statutory basis to assist several local authorities across the North Western region in preparing transport related strategies or implementing transport related projects.
I am eager to see progress on the delivery of the Galway Transport Strategy and welcome the non-statutory consultations held last year on two of the key Galway BusConnects corridors. I look forward to the delivery of much improved active travel infrastructure in the next few years as well as improvements to the commuter rail network, such as the proposals in relation to Ceannt Station, Oranmore Station and indeed the Athenry to Galway rail corridor generally. I note that as it is now six years since the publication of the Galway Transport Strategy a review is likely warranted and I believe that such a review could commence next year.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is undertaking a Strategic Rail Review. This Review, for which my Department in consultation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and relevant Stakeholders such as Iarnród Éireann, Translink and the National Transport Authority developed the terms of reference, will be on an all-island rail network basis.
The Review will consider all issues in relation to inter-urban and inter-regional rail connectivity, including the potential for high-/higher speed(s), rail freight and, the Deputy may wish to note, improved connectivity to the North-West. This will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and will provide a framework to develop a much-improved rail network in the years ahead.
For the Deputy’s information, work in the Review should commence in the summer and while the ultimate duration of the review will be determined by the work programmes submitted by tenderers, it is a requirement of the published request for tender that the work take no longer than 12 months in total.
The National Development Plan (NDP), which is currently being reviewed, sets out the current funding provision and the priorities for development. The NDP names the major projects that are to be progressed within the period of the plan and TII delivers on these projects with its local authority partners in so far as funding, resources, processes and procedure allows.
Projects are also delivered under the requirements of the public spending code and project business cases are assessed at the relevant decision gates, based on the scheme objectives, including regional development and connectivity, amongst other objectives.
On the smaller projects, such as pavement and safety, these projects are selected based on national reviews and on a needs basis.
Oireachtas Committees
Questions (52, 74)
Bríd Smith
Question:52. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to act upon the recommendations of the recent report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport on decarbonisation and public transport; if the process of examining the provision of free public transport will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32212/21]
View answer
Brian Leddin
Question:74. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the latest report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action on the topic of emissions from the transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32141/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 74 together.
To help tackle our climate challenge, I am strongly committed to achieving substantial carbon abatement within the transport sector. Accounting for a little over one fifth of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions, there can be no question but that transport must feature strongly in contributing towards the national decarbonisation effort. As such, I welcome the recent report from the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action on reducing emissions in the transport sector by 51% by 2030. Indeed, the publication is very timely given that both the Climate Action Plan and National Development Plan are currently undergoing review. The Committee’s report provides a strong evidence base to assist in the development of these two key Plans.
It is becoming increasingly clear that a transformational change is required to achieve a carbon free transport sector by 2050 and more imminently to halve emissions over the next decade. In preparation for the Climate Action Plan, my Department has conducted significant analytical and modelling work to help identify the nature and scale of measures required to achieve the step-up in emissions reduction. Preliminary findings of this analysis align closely with the conclusions of the Joint Oireachtas Committee, particularly in relation to promoting more sustainable trips, managing travel demand, achieving greater EV penetration as well as needing to decarbonise the hard-to-abate freight sector.
I am committed to giving due consideration to all 47 recommendations from the Committee’s Report, including those relating to public transport fare structures, to chart an informed course to reduce transport emissions in line with our Programme for Government commitment. The Deputy should note that as the National Transport Authority has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services, any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for them 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Transport Policy
Questions (53)
Catherine Connolly
Question:53. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 47 of 24 March 2021 and his comments in Dáil Éireann on the same date, his plans to bring forward the review of the Galway Transport Strategy, in particular the promised feasibility study for light rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32123/21]
View answerWritten answers
Let me start by saying I share the Deputy’s resolve in relation to increasing the range and capacity of sustainable mobility options available to the people of Galway. As the Deputy knows, I agree with her on the merits of a feasibility study for light rail in Galway. I have previously stated how I believe that its potential, or otherwise, could best be considered within the context of the review of the Galway Transport Strategy generally to allow for a multi-modal perspective and importantly integration within an overall land-use plan.
In terms of the timing of that review, I have no plans to bring forward the review which will be led by the National Transport Authority, in co-operation with relevant local authorities. The review will be undertaken next year as committed to previously and will complement the review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area which is underway, as well as the development of transport strategies for both Limerick and Waterford which are either underway or scheduled to commence this year.
I also know from meeting many different stakeholders in the region the urgent need to focus on delivering the key elements of the existing Galway Transport Strategy such as BusConnects. I will continue to support the local authority in that regard with funding and other assistance offered through the National Transport Authority. I look forward to the Deputy’s support as we seek to deliver on this ambition in the years ahead.
Aviation Industry
Questions (54)
Mick Barry
Question:54. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport his engagements with trade unions, employees and the management of a company (details supplied) in relation to proposed changes to work practices and the arrangements for the temporary closure of Cork airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32416/21]
View answerWritten answers
The temporary closure of Aer Lingus's crew base at Cork Airport aligns with the airports planned closure to carry out construction works on its main runway and associated infrastructure. In addition to the announced lay offs for the period, the airline also reported that they will be seeking a number of redundancies. The airline has indicated that such immediate actions and wider structural changes are to address the impact that COVID-19 has had.
Aer Lingus has stated that it will emerge from the pandemic as a smaller airline, and the temporary closure of their crew base at Cork Airport and the laying off of a number of their staff is a commercial decision for them. Both Minister Ryan and I met with their CEO soon after their announcement, and they did confirm that there is no strategic intent to reduce connectivity at Cork Airport, but that the restoration of air services would depend on market conditions.
The Government has now set out its plan for the resumption of non-essential international air travel, scheduled to begin on 19 July. This plan is built around EU Digital COVID Certificates and other proofs of vaccination, pre-departure PCR testing and mandatory quarantine that will allow international travel to operate safely. An “emergency brake” mechanism will also allow us to respond to the potential emergence of variants of concern.
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.
Rail Network
Questions (55)
Duncan Smith
Question:55. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to decarbonise Ireland’s passenger rail fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31506/21]
View answerWritten answers
Decarbonisation of our society and economy is obviously a key policy priority for Government and transport has a significant role to play in that regard.
An important part of that role is the expansion of sustainable mobility options in our major urban centres and across the country to enable people to make the switch toward more sustainable modes – active travel, bus and rail. This will require significant investment in our infrastructure and services and the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future commits toward such a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and I look forward to seeing the change occur in the coming years.
I am also clear that within our sustainable mobility sector, or more particularly within public transport, we need to transition toward low-emission and zero-emission fleets in line with available technologies.
In rail, the key focus has been to expand electrification through the DART+ programme of investment which, once completed, will mean around 70% of passenger journeys across the rail network will be on electrified services. This will represent a significant shift from the position of today. The scope to electrify rail services in the other cities has been, or is being, considered their metropolitan area transport strategies are developed.
In terms of inter-urban rail, which is a much smaller component of total annual passenger journeys as compared to that covered by the DART+ programme, I have stated my commitment to conduct a Strategic Rail Review and it is my intention that one of the issues that Review will consider will be future decarbonisation of the inter-city / inter-regional networks. I would note that there is no settled perspective on this matter in a European context, as evidenced by the EU’s recently published Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy which references the requirement for further electrification but also notes that electrification may not be viable in all cases. It is my intention that the forthcoming Review will give an Irish dimension to that European perspective.
Rail Network
Questions (56)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:56. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the reopening of closed train stations including the Avoca train station in County Wicklow to increase access to public transport and reduce car dependency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31815/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network including the former station referred to, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The Deputy may wish to be aware of the NTA's ongoing review of the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The Transport Strategy is the statutory transport plan for the Greater Dublin Area, including Wicklow, and issues such as this would usefully inform its review as it looks to develop a revised twenty year framework for transport infrastructure and services across the region.
In view of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Greenways Provision
Questions (57)
Emer Higgins
Question:57. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the status of the development and provision of funding for the section of the Grand Canal Greenway from the 12th Lock to the Hatch Pub Bridge near Hazelhatch; if additional funding will be made available for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32203/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department recently allocated €1.4m to co-fund the construction of the Grand Canal Greenway from 12th Lock to Hazelhatch Bridge. South Dublin County Council are providing €2.1m to support this project.
This work will be completed in 2022 and will enable people to walk and cycle from Inchicore to Hazel Hatch Bridge and later in 2023 as far as Sallins in County Kildare.
This will tie in with Kildare County Council's work on the Grand Canal Greenway. They were previously funded to the amount of €3m to bring the Greenway from Hazel Hatch Bridge to Sallins.
It will also tie in with the work on the Canal Loop Greenway from the 12th Lock through Lucan to the Royal Canal that went out for public consultation by South Dublin County Council in April 2021.
This key small 4km section will provide safe segregated access to people working in Grange Castle Business Park and living in Hazelhatch and Celbridge and surrounding areas. It shows the multi-functional role that Greenways have in terms of access to Schools and Workplaces as well as for leisure and tourism purposes.
Road Network
Questions (58)
Niamh Smyth
Question:58. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the status of local and regional road infrastructure in counties Cavan and Monaghan. [22864/21]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
As regards State funding for regional and local roads, there were major cutbacks in funding for the road network in general during the post 2008 recession. The National Development Plan (NDP), as it stands, provides for a gradual increase in funding for regional and local roads and there has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding particularly in the last four years. In this context, this year Cavan County Council received a total allocation of €15,484,815 and Monaghan County Council received a total allocation of €16,006,398, including funding for a number of pilot schemes relating to road materials.
I also recently announced the details of a €17.3 million investment package for climate adaptation works on regional and local roads with a view to making the network more resilient. Cavan County Council received an allocation of €522,050 and Monaghan County Council received an allocation of €440,000.
My Department is currently providing grant support under the Strategic Improvement Grant Programme to Cavan County Council for the East West route. The Department is currently liaising with the Council in relation to carrying out a risk based analysis for the route between Dundalk and Cavan.
Monaghan County Council received an allocation of €100,000 this year under the Strategic Improvement Grant Programme for the N2 to N12 Link road (Monaghan Business Park) in order to facilitate detailed appraisal of the scheme.
Rail Network
Questions (59)
James Lawless
Question:59. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the DART underground; the timeline to its completion; the estimated benefits that it would bring to the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32452/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware DART+ is a multi-billion euro programme to upgrade rail services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and will effectively double the capacity of the network compared to today. The programme will significantly expand the electrified heavy rail commuter rail network in the GDA through expanded fleet and improved infrastructure.
Planning and design has continued on the development of DART+, the largest ever investment in our rail infrastructure and services, and I will bring a memorandum to Government in the coming months seeking approval for that programme to move forward to the next Decision Gate under the Public Spending Code, which will be a hugely significant step forward.
I very much look forward to seeing the DART+ programme progress in the coming years.
In relation to the proposed DART Underground, the issue is being considered as part of the review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area led by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The review will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns across the Greater Dublin Area and will be subject to a full public consultation, including the publication of all background reports and feasibility studies. That NTA-led public consultation will take place later this year and I would encourage public representatives and interested citizens to participate.
Rail Network
Questions (60)
Mark Ward
Question:60. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed extension of the LUAS line to Lucan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31711/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of light rail.
As the Deputy may be aware, the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, published in 2016, proposes a Luas line for the Lucan Area and the National Development Plan published in 2018 provides funding for the appraisal, planning and design of LUAS network expansion to Lucan.
Given their responsibility in relation to this matter, I have forwarded your query to the NTA for a direct reply. Please notify my office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51