Written Answers Nos. 105-124
105. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the use of bicycles known as fat bikes; and if he plans to regulate their usage on public roads and pathways. [34413/21]
View answerThe Road Traffic Act 1961, defines a "pedal bicycle" as a "bicycle which is intended or adapted for propulsion solely by the physical exertions of a person or persons seated thereon".
Bicycles with oversized tyres, also known as 'fat bikes', are considered to be a type of pedal cycle and their use is therefore already legislated for under the current road traffic legislative framework.
108. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if it is always necessary for a local authority to establish definitively the 85th percentile speed using a traffic speed study before the local authority may apply a special speed limit of 30 km/h; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34454/21]
View answerThe setting and managing of speed limits is a matter for each local authority in accordance with the Guidelines for the Setting and Managing of Speed limits in Ireland as published by my Department in 2015. The setting of speed limits is primarily driven by safety and a need to reduce collisions and their severity and to ensure that speed limits are consistent and appropriate to the place / function of the road.
There will be various situations when it will be necessary for safety reasons to review and to lower the default speed limit by applying a special speed limit. This can be done by the making of special speed limit bye-laws and this power is vested in the Elected Members of Local Authorities.
The Speed Limit Guidelines do not require a local authority to establish definitively the 85th percentile speed using a traffic speed study before the local authority may apply a special speed limit of 30 km/h.
109. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the current price of €647 for a student monthly train ticket from Galway to Dublin, the current cost of an adult monthly ticket from Galway to Dublin of €907 and the current cost of an adult single one-way ticket from Galway to Dublin of €37 are appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34457/21]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann and I have 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.
110. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of theory tests that have been cancelled by Prometric since the resumption of theory tests in total and per test centre; the number of theory tests cancelled at Clonmel theory test centre each day since 8 June 2021; the number of tests carried out at Clonmel theory test centre since 8 June 2021; the number of tests that have been cancelled for July 2021; the reason for such cancellations; the numbers of tests carried out per test centre since the resumption of tests on 8 June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34528/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test. The information requested is held by the Authority.
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.
111. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the status of the ongoing works along Carlingford Lough Greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34557/21]
View answerI understand that work is ongoing with regard to the detailed design for the project. Tender documents for the main contract are being drafted. The contract for the site clearance and site investigation (S.I) began in March 2021 and both the site works element of the investigation and laboratory testing elements have been completed. The final S.I Report has now been issued and the design consultants are using the data and information gathered to finalise the design and required land acquisition.
Mapping of the route is being finalised and it is envisaged that this will go on public display in July. Louth County Council have begun to engage again with the impacted landowners regarding land acquisition and potential accommodation works. It is anticipated that a decision on the Planning application on the northern section of the route will be made in July.
The Special European Union Programme Body (SEUPB) have granted a 12 month extension to the project programme and have engaged a third party to independently assess the request for additional funding by the three border region Greenway projects with a decision expected in August 2021. My Department supports the request for additional funding and we hope to see this project completed within the revised timeline for completion which will be by the end of 2023.
I understand that the project partners are continuing to meet on a monthly basis to review and assess the various aspects of the project.
112. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the extra supports being put in place to assist travel agents due to restrictions on international travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34563/21]
View answerThe Government has provided an unprecedented package of supports to businesses during the crisis most of which have been available to the licensed travel agents and tour operators. The sector has availed of some of those central Government supports such as the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme, which has undoubtedly helped sustain employment in the sector. Travel agents and tour operators have also qualified for the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) or the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) which fall under the remit of my colleagues the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment respectively.
In addition, in June 2020 my Department, in close consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, introduced the Refund Credit Note (RCN) Scheme, which has assisted the liquidity positions of licensed travel agents and tour operators by ensuring that refund vouchers are protected in the event of insolvency. The Scheme has undoubtedly assisted in preserving cash within the sector, to date Notes to the value of €17m have been issued. This is money that otherwise would have had to be paid by the sector at the height of the crisis to cover customer refunds at a time that their onward suppliers were not releasing refunds. However I understand that situation has regularised in recent months.
From the outset of the pandemic I have maintained contact with relevant Government colleagues in respect to the needs of this sector, in particular from a small business perspective about the eligibility criteria for certain COVID related business support schemes. 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 continuing existing emergency pandemic financial supports including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), giving certainty to employers and employees.
As the travel trade is part of the wider aviation and travel ecosystem, the needs of this particular sector will continue to be considered and I and my Department will maintain contact with the industry in the weeks ahead, and Government colleagues as required, as we get more clarity on the trajectory of the recovery of the economy generally and of international travel that is due to recommence from 19 July.
113. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the campaign led by a charity (details supplied) that proposes a return of the quiet carriages initiative on Irish Rail that had been in place previously; the basis for the phasing out of this programme in 2018; if he will consider recommencing such an initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34576/21]
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 issues raised are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
114. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to issues being experienced by those who have booked their driver theory test before being notified of their appointment being cancelled and rescheduled some up to seven times and the difficulties this poses for those awaiting their theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34615/21]
View answerI can assure you that the Department is very aware of the challenges facing the RSA and its contract provider as they work hard to further manage the backlog in the Driver Theory Testing Service.
The gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres commenced on the 8th of June. Test centres reopened and will be permitted to conduct 25,000 theory tests monthly.
The centres have extensive COVID-19 measures in place to protect both customers and staff and to ensure the safe delivery of the service.
The in-person Theory Test Services has the ability to gradually increase to 50,000 tests per month over time, if public health guidance permits. As the current guidelines restricts capacity to 25,000 tests per month, this means that there are currently some customers with an appointment for a Theory Test in June and July which must be rescheduled to a later date due to the volume restrictions.
The RSA has been working to deliver an online theory test service, with a pilot online test already underway for trucks and buses. This pilot service has now been extended to include a limited number of car and motorbike tests.
The new offering will see 4,000 online theory tests available for all categories of vehicles per month in June. From July, the RSA plan to offer up to 10,000 tests per month. Tests are available on a first-come-first-served basis with the new online service becoming more widely available later in the year.
The RSA, like all organisations, and business must take its direction and guidance from the Government and the HSA 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. It will take time for the theory test service to return to normal and for the backlog to the cleared due to the service being suspended however, the Road Safety Authority has plans in place for a gradual return of waiting times to their pre-Covid levels.
115. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to delays for persons who have passed their theory test in receiving their provisional licence; the current average waiting time for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34616/21]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
116. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a theory test by county; the number who have applied to take the test online; the number who have since taken the theory test online; and the number of persons waiting for a driving test by county. [34617/21]
View answerThe driver theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
The information requested is held by 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.
117. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport the additional resources that have been provided to the RSA in order to assist with the backlog of theory tests and driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34618/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of both the Theory Test and Driving Test Services.
The Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to meet the growing demand for driving tests. An additional 40 temporary driver testers have been authorised along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. The additional testers are expected to start testing by the end of June. In addition, sanction has recently been received to add a further 40 testers to that cohort. The Department will continue to monitor and review the situation.
In 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.
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 Driver Theory Test service provider has sourced an additional 40 temporary team members to support the expected increase in capacity to 50,000 in centre appointments when permitted to do so.
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 theory test service provider has sourced approx. 30 additional employees to manage the online testing facility. The tests are conducted under strict requirements in order to adequately verify the identity of candidates, and to ensure exams are completed in a secure manner, maintaining the integrity of the exam content and to prevent cheating or fraud. To replicate the highly secure nature of in-person testing, the on-line testing service requires live proctors to perform the required security and ID checks and monitor the theory tests in a live online environment.
118. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the concerns of a person (details supplied) on the impact of the recent collapse of an airline on some cancer patients who must travel to Dublin for their treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34626/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Stobart Air held the contract for operating 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 resulted in the cancellation of these services with immediate implications for users of the PSOs.
I can assure the Deputy that the restoration of regional connectivity, especially for patients who use these services to access cancer treatment in Dublin, is of critical importance to Government.
Work is already progressing to restore these air services, including on the Donegal/Dublin route. My Department launched an emergency procurement process on 21 June and the closing date for receipt of quotations from air carriers is Wednesday 30 June. Upon receipt of submissions, the evaluation process will commence immediately.
It is my hope that this procurement can be concluded 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 Donegal and Kerry Airport as they recover from the impacts of Covid.
119. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the request from Sligo Airport for financial support to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34663/21]
View answerThis is firstly a matter for CHC and Sligo Airport under their own commercial arrangements for the provision of a SAR base and any additional costs involved. For its part, the IRCG is in contact with CHC to determine whether and what element of these costs can be legitimately charged under its contractual arrangements, with a view to ensuring a continued service and delivering optimal value for money for the remainder of the contract.
120. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the controls, that is, audits, reports, inspections and so on he has in place to ensure walking and cycling funds received by local authorities in 2020 and the first and second quarter of 2021 have been used solely for walking and cycling initiatives. [34718/21]
View answer121. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the actions he will take in circumstances in which local authorities have used walking and cycling funds received in 2020 and the first and second quarter of 2021 for projects in which road maintenance, not walking or cycling elements, represents the biggest share of the budget. [34719/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development, implementation and oversight of public and sustainable transport infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities to ensure that projects are delivered as intended.
The individual projects and programmes are subject to compliance with the Public Spending Code, including its requirements in relation to appraisal and Sanctioning Authority approval points.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
122. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the situation in respect of the national car test in the context of a suspension and or curtailment of the test over 2020 and 2021 in the context of accumulated arrears of the validity of a passed text, that is, vehicles may be required to undergo two tests in quick succession in order to restore compliance (details supplied). [34720/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that all Member States of the European Union are required by law to carry out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles at regular intervals throughout the vehicle's lifecycle. The applicable dates for periodic testing are provided for by national legislation.
Under Regulation 3(2) of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined using the date of registration of that vehicle and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of that date. Accordingly, all test due dates are predetermined based on the date of registration of a vehicle. An NCT certificate issued in respect of a vehicle is only valid up to the test due date that falls after the date that the certificate was issued.
I would also like to advise the Deputy that the test due dates for some vehicles were extended as a direct result of the temporary suspension of the NCT service on 28 March 2020. This four-month extension was given to test due dates for vehicles under two specific circumstances:
- vehicles that had an NCT certificate in force on 28 March 2020; and
- vehicles with a first test due falling during the period beginning on 28 March 2020 and ending on 31 July 2020.
The NCT service recommenced in July 2020 and all vehicle owners are advised to check their test due dates on the NCTS website.
123. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the body that is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of roads leading to the shore in Canower, Cashel, Connemara, County Galway; if Galway County Council has any responsibility for these sections of road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34739/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of public 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 Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
Galway County Council should be able to advise the Deputy if these specific roads have been taken in charge by the Council or not. If these roads have not been taken in charge, the Council may be able to advise if there are any other potential funding sources available for the maintenance of these roads.
124. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport when consultation will be open on the national cycle manual. [34742/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware of the National Cycle Manual which was first published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2011 and is the principal source for guidance on the design of cycle facilities in Ireland. As ten years have since passed, it was decided that a review of the National Cycle Manual was required and in April 2021 consultants were appointed by the NTA to carry out this review. It is expected that this piece of work will take approximately six months, following which a period of consultation will take place, most likely in Q4 2021. I expect a revised and updated Manual to be available by the end of this year.
Once finalised, the NTA intends to complement the publication and dissemination of the new Manual with a series of training sessions for relevant stakeholders and it is my expectation that this work, together with other initiatives planned in the area of Regional Design Offices and local authority resourcing, will result in improved cycling outcomes across the country.
