Written Answers Nos. 170-189
170. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the issue of the public service obligation at Kerry Airport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32886/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Stobart Air held the contract for operating Government supported PSO air services on two routes between Dublin and the airports of Kerry and Donegal. The recent termination of its franchise agreement with Aer Lingus had immediate implications for both PSOs and I appreciate the impact of this for service users.
I can assure the Deputy that the restoration of regional connectivity is of critical importance to Government. Work is already progressing to restore air services on these vital regional routes as soon as possible.
In that respect, and as announced on 15 June, an emergency procurement process has been initiated by my Department. I hope that this process will be completed by early July with a view to services re-commencing by the new operator(s) as soon as possible thereafter. The contract(s) will be subject to a maximum term of 7 months and will operate in accordance with EU law.
To mitigate against any further disruption to these services, my Department will shortly launch a procurement process for the continued provision of the services after the temporary arrangements have expired. This procurement process will provide for contracts of up to 4 years, in line with EU law, and will ensure the continuation of services to Kerry Airport as it recovers from the impacts of Covid.
My Department will continue to engage closely with aviation stakeholders, including Kerry Airport, to keep them informed of plans in this regard.
171. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the supports that are available for persons with special requirements taking the driver theory test; the supports available for persons with ADHD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32914/21]
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.
172. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to amending the nine-year rule as it pertains to taxi replacement with electric vehicles given that many taxi drivers will be unable to meet the current requirements especially after losing out on more than a year’s income during Covid-19 while still facing insurance and other costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32922/21]
View answer177. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend the age of vehicles used as taxis given that taxi drivers have not been driving the cars as heavily due to inactivity in the economy. [32970/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 177 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including vehicle 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, the independent statutory regulator for the SPSV sector, immediately extended age limits for taxis and hackneys and has since done so twice more. 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.
173. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport the plans to award further contracts for the operation of certain bus services in Dublin by way of a competitive public tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32947/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
I have, therefore, 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.
174. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will address concerns in relation to persons with mobility issues who face discrimination by an inability to travel on Irish Rail at weekends due to the fact that there are no members of staff to assist them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32949/21]
View answerAs 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.
As the issue raised is a matter for Irish Rail in the first instance, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
175. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the reason that dash cams cannot be used during driver tests. [32950/21]
View answerThere is no specific provision in road traffic legislation regarding dash cameras and driving tests. However, the Deputy is reminded that vehicles must be set up in such a fashion that a test can be effectively carried out and in fashion that respects the rights of all parties. He will also be aware of the requirements regarding recording of personal information, including camera recording, under the General Data Protection Regulation, as well as the general requirements of privacy for all persons, including driving testers.
This is therefore an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
176. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the discrepancy in the pass rates for driver tests, for example, in some west coast and northern centres the pass rate is between 60-70% whereas in Dublin the pass rate is between 40-50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32951/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driver Test.
This is an operational matter for the RSA. 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.
178. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided to regional airports in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [33009/21]
View answer179. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided to Waterford Airport in 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33010/21]
View answer180. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if the €5 million previously committed to by his Department to Waterford Airport for development works has yet been allocated; if not, when it will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33011/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 178, 179 and 180 together.
In relation to funding for regional airports, the following table reflects the amounts provided to airports under the Regional Airports Programme over the period 2016 to 2021.
With regard to 2021, a budget of €14m in capital and operational supports was made available by Government under this Programme for the eligible regional airports of Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal. However, like previous years, the vast majority of approved funding will not be drawn down until later in the year, typically between September and December. In addition to this amount, €6 million has also been secured for these airports under a EU approved Covid19 Supplementary Supports Scheme. Applications for funding under this scheme are currently being assessed and it is anticipated that payments will be made in two instalments. The first instalment is expected to be made in the coming weeks with the latter instalment due in December.
It should be noted that Waterford Airport became ineligible for funding under this Programme from 2017 as all scheduled air services ceased at the airport in June 2016.
Funding to regional airports in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021
|
Airport |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 (to date) |
TOTAL |
|
Donegal Total |
€807,909 |
€667,874 |
€896,042 |
€1,512,857 |
€826,105 |
€0 |
€4,710,787 |
|
Kerry Total |
€937,557 |
€1,657,991 |
€2,385,694 |
€3,196,287 |
€2,655,506 |
€0 |
€10,833,035 |
|
Knock Total |
€2,933,419 |
€3,199,355 |
€4,176,105 |
€9,482,903 |
€2,236,894 |
€100,093 |
€22,128,769 |
|
Waterford Total |
€1,038,596 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€1,038,596 |
However, as the Deputy will be aware, in June 2019, the previous Government gave approval, in principle, to providing Exchequer funds of €5m towards a €12m runway extension project at Waterford Airport.
The Government decision was made on the basis that the construction of the runway extension and related works would be completed by summer 2020. Furthermore, it was agreed that any Exchequer contribution would only be paid on completion of all upgrade works and the runway being confirmed ‘ready for service’ by the Irish Aviation Authority.
As part of this decision, Government also committed to providing operational supports, on an exceptional basis, to the airport to ensure the continuation of the Search and Rescue (SAR) services at the Waterford base as well as general aviation services while the runway was being constructed. Since 2018, Waterford Airport has received €1.5 million in operational supports - €750,000 in 2018 followed by €375,000 in each of the years 2019 and 2020. It has not received any funding in 2021 and I have informed Waterford Airport that in the absence of flights, the Airport fails to meet the connectivity objective associated with Government policy on regional airports. While some operational payments to Waterford airport were made on an exceptional basis between 2018 and 2020 in anticipation of the return of scheduled services, the radically changed outlook for the return of such services means that such payments cannot be continued and Waterford airport have been advised of this position.
Furthermore, given the changed circumstances in the context of the project timeline and the impacts of Covid19 on the aviation market and wider economy, I have informed Waterford airport that any renewal of a commitment to provide Exchequer funds of €5m for development works will need to take account of these circumstances as well as the enhanced obligations that are now in place under the revised Public Spending Code, which was published in December 2019.
181. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be given a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33023/21]
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.
182. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be given a driving test appointment.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33024/21]
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.
183. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason that theory tests in Clonmel, County Tipperary have continued to be cancelled into July 2021 as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33081/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driver Theory Test.
This is an operational matter for the RSA. 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.
184. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the RSA driver theory test to 50,000 per month in order to clear the current Covid-19-related backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33090/21]
View answerIn line with the further easing of restrictions, the gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres commenced on the 8th of June. The RSA reopened its network of test centres and will be permitted to conduct 25,000 driver theory tests per month.
Prior to COVID-19, the RSA provided 15,000 tests per month. In light of the significant backlog of customers, capacity will gradually increase in centres to 25,000 tests monthly.
The test centres have extensive COVID-19 measures in place to protect both customers and staff and to ensure the safe delivery of the service. It is hoped that capacity will gradually increase to 50,000 tests monthly, if public health guidance permits.
The RSA, like all organisations and business, must take its direction and guidance from the Government, the HSA, and the Department of Transport in relation to capacity restrictions for in-person services and therefore must adopt and implement all recommendations relating to the services which can be provided.
The RSA has been working to deliver an online theory test service, with a pilot online test already underway for trucks and buses. This pilot service has now been extended to include a limited number of car and motorbike tests.
The new offering will see 4,000 online theory tests available for all categories of vehicles during June. The RSA has plans to increase this by a further 6,000 during July. Tests are available on a first-come-first-served basis with the new online service becoming more widely available later in the year.
It is important to emphasise the limits of online testing. These may be convenient for test candidates, but they have to be monitored closely by a supervisor, which makes them more staff-intensive than tests in test centres. In consequence, if the RSA and Prometric, the test operator, get approval in future to extend capacity in test centres to 50,000 tests, they have indicated that they will prioritize staff for the test centres and may have to reduce the figure online from 10,000. This will in fact have a positive impact on numbers tested, as the test centres are far more efficient.
The gradual reopening of services will not immediately solve the backlogs. Every possible measure is being put in place to ensure that the maximum number of customers can be served while public health guidance is strictly adhered to.
185. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding allocated to the National Transport Authority to increase bus route capacity in County Waterford in 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33122/21]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators. Therefore, the issue raised is a matter for the NTA and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
186. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements that can be made for persons whose driver licences have been extended and whose new renewal date coincides with a period in which they are out of the country given that the process requires the applicant to present themself with a medical certificate in order to renew their licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33133/21]
View answerAn Irish driving licence can be renewed up to 3 months before and up to 10 years after the date of expiry of the licence. An applicant whose licence expires while they are out of the country can renew the licence on their return, within this time frame.
A medical report must be supplied when an applicant is renewing a truck or bus (Group 2) category on their licence, ticks “yes” to any of the health and fitness questions on the application form or is aged 70 or over. The report must be completed no more than one month before the application and stamped by a medical practitioner who is on the General Register of Medical Practitioners in Ireland.
187. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the supports that are available to consumers who deferred flights due to Covid-19 in 2020 and now have made bookings before the proposed date for international travel of 19 July 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33134/21]
View answerAir passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of airline passengers in instances of flight cancellations, among other matters. It provides that where a flight is cancelled then the consumer must receive a refund within seven days. However, there is no legal onus on airlines to refund where a flight goes ahead.
Mindful of the position that Government has taken in relation to international travel in the interests of public health, the matter of consumer protection, consumer refunds and fair treatment of air passengers who choose not to travel on Government advice has been high on my agenda since taking Office. I have taken many opportunities to impress on the main Irish airlines that their treatment of passengers who choose not to travel for example in following Government advice needs to be fair and reasonable.
In continuing dialogue with the airlines, I will seek to ensure that passenger considerations are kept in focus.
188. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport when Cork County Council will receive €750 million in funding given the findings of major underfunding for the county and in view of the fact that roads in the county are 52-years behind the standards of other counties (details supplied). [33144/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The major cuts to funding for regional and local roads during the post 2008 recession resulted in the build-up of a substantial backlog of works across the country. Work is in hand at the moment to firm up on the cost of the backlog but an indicative cost is in excess of €5 billion. As the length of the regional and road network in Cork is about 12% of the total, the Cork County share of the estimated backlog would be over €600 million.
Because of the pressures on the regional and local road network, over 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than roads upgrades. The aim is, subject to funding, to increase investment to the level where the network reaches “steady state” i.e. where it can be held in its existing state without further deterioration.
While steady state has not been achieved yet, there has been significant increases in Exchequer grants for regional and local roads particularly in the last four years. In 2021, Cork County Council has been allocated a total of €66,581,844 which is an increase of 84.7% in comparison with 2017. My Department's grant funding for the maintenance of regional and local roads is allocated to local authorities on a pro-rata basis, determined mainly by the length of the regional and local road network in the county. The fact that Cork County Council has the longest road network is, therefore, reflected in its grant.
It should be noted that exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to reprioritise investment towards regional and local roads.
189. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his engagements to date with the Minister for Rural and Community Development on funding for the local improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33241/21]
View answerEarlier this year the Minister for Rural and Community Development wrote to me in connection with funding for the Local Improvement Scheme and I subsequently had a discussion with the Minister.
Overall, the scale of the regional and local public road network at 96,000 kms continues to present a challenge in terms of funding maintenance and improvement. While the National Development Plan 2018 -2027 provides for a gradual increase in funding for regional and local roads, investment is not yet at the level needed to ensure that the public road network is being maintained adequately. This means that expenditure is still below the amount required to hold the public network in a "steady state" condition and in addition there is a backlog of works.
