Thomas Gould
Question:114. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to bring forward a public service obligation to secure the postal network. [35959/21]
View answerPost Office Network
Questions (114)
Written answers
An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. It has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network. Decisions relating to the network, including those in relation to the size, distribution and future of the network are operational matters for the Board and management of the company.
There are no plans to bring forward a public service obligation at this time.
While it is longstanding Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the Government, we remain fully committed to a sustainable post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure in both rural and urban areas. As with any business the post office needs to develop commercial strategies to enable it to grow and maintain its relevance for its users.
A Capital Expenditure programme was approved at Ministerial level which, as part of the Company’s commitment to the sustainability of its network, is designed to develop the newer elements of An Post’s Financial Services business and mitigate declining core mail volumes and revenues on the Retail side of the business. €30m in State funding was made available to the company, of which €15 million is to support the renewal of the post office network and a further €15 million towards the continued fulfilment of a five-day per week mail delivery service.
Environmental Policy
Questions (115)
Dara Calleary
Question:115. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details and dates of the introduction of the single use plastics directive; if existing stocks of plastic utensils purchased before 3 July 2021 can be used by outlets until that existing stock has depleted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35960/21]
View answerWritten answers
The European Union (Single Use Plastics) Regulations 2021 were recently signed. From 3 July this year, single use plastic cutlery, plates, straws, balloon and cotton bud sticks, expanded polystyrene cups and food containers and all products containing oxo-degradable plastic cannot be placed on the market in Ireland. This also applies to wet wipes, sanitary towel, tobacco products and cups that do not contain the relevant marking stipulated in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2151 of 17 December 2020.
While stocks of these products may not be placed on the market from 3 July, stocks which have been purchased under contract and are in the country awaiting distribution in advance of this date, may be depleted.
State Bodies
Questions (116)
Sorca Clarke
Question:116. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost in 2022 if the budget for National Cyber Security Centre was tripled. [35976/21]
View answerWritten answers
The NCSC budget allocation for 2021 is €6.9 million which includes €1.8m in respect of salaries. The Government has trebled the capital and programme funding for the NCSC from €1.7 million in 2020 to €5.1 million in 2021. The funding and resourcing of the NCSC has been increased over the past five years.
The Programme for Government included a commitment to undertake a Capacity Review of the NCSC in order to expand the NCSC’s ability to monitor and respond to cyber security incidents and developing threats. The Capacity Review will inform decisions to be taken on the future resourcing of the NCSC.
Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 108.
Grant Payments
Questions (118)
Mary Butler
Question:118. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding application for a SEAI insulation grant by a person (details supplied) which was first lodged on 18 November 2019; the reason for the delay in processing this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36010/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The approximate average value of the energy efficiency measures provided to households under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme was €14,800 in 2020.
A total of €221.5 million in capital funding has been provided for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes in 2021. Of this amount, €109 million is provided to support lower income households to retrofit their homes, with €100 million allocated to the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation for energy poverty schemes and means that almost half of the total SEAI residential and community retrofit budget will support people vulnerable to energy poverty. The funding will mean that more households can receive free energy efficiency upgrades making their homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run, in line with the Programme for Government.
The SEAI has advised me that wait times vary, based on the demand for the scheme at the time of application as well as other factors including the scale of works to be completed, access to the property, availability of materials and the weather. There are currently over 7,800 homes on the Warmer Homes work programme. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2020, the average time from application to completion was approximately 18 months. The average wait times are expected to increase significantly in 2021 due to the extensive COVID-19 public health restrictions on construction activity in 2020 and between January and April 2021 of this year when the scheme was fully paused in line with Government guidelines. Works under the scheme have now recommenced in line with activity in the residential construction sector.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and as Minister I have no role in such matters. However in reference to the case raised by the Deputy, I have been informed by the SEAI that the completed application for the home in question was received on 3rd February 2020 and is currently awaiting a survey allocation.
In addition to the increased budget allocation, delivery capacity has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020. I have also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (119)
James Lawless
Question:119. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the broadband issues of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36040/21]
View answerWritten answers
The premises referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.
BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Complaints about service provision are a matter to be dealt with between the consumer and the service provider in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
Notwithstanding this, my Department has investigated the matter and we have established that the premises has access to high speed broadband from a commercial operator and other premises on the road referred to are also passed by that network infrastructure.
Environmental Policy
Questions (120)
Niall Collins
Question:120. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will advise on queries raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36116/21]
View answerWritten answers
Directive (EU) 2019/904, commonly referred to as the Single Use Plastics Directive obliges MS to prohibit all products containing oxo-degradable plastic from being placed on the market from 3 July this year. The Commission’s recently published Guidance on the scope of this Directive clarifies that there is no distinction between oxo-degradable plastic and oxo-degradable plastic that is biodegradable. Stocks of these products that have been placed on the market before 3 July can be used after the deadline, but cannot be placed on the market after that date.
Freedom of Information
Questions (121, 122)
Catherine Murphy
Question:121. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is satisfied in the context of the freedom of information publication scheme that all logs are published and up to date in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2014; if not, the reason they are not published; and if he will update them as a matter of priority. [36123/21]
View answerCatherine Murphy
Question:122. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount collected on an annual basis since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced in respect of fees attached to freedom of information requests submitted to his Department. [36141/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.
The table below sets out the amounts collected by my Department in respect of FOI Fees since the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 on 14th October 2014.
|
FOI Fees Received from 14 October 2014 to 31 June 2021 |
|
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2014 |
0.00 |
|
2015 |
539.00 |
|
2016 |
528.00 |
|
2017 |
2,220.00 |
|
2018 |
392.44 |
|
2019 |
600.00 |
|
2020 |
380.00 |
|
2021 |
0.00 |
|
Total |
4,659.44 |
The FOI Disclosure logs for my Department for 2020 and Q1 2021, are up to date and available at the following link: gov.ie. Historic FOI Disclosure logs for my Department are available at Published FOI Requests
Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 121.
Freedom of Information
Questions (123)
Catherine Murphy
Question:123. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of freedom of information requests refused by his Department since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced for the reason that search and copy costs would exceed the maximum threshold; the number of requests that were subsequently granted following engagement with the requester to narrow the scope of the request; and the costs associated with same. [36159/21]
View answerWritten answers
The information sought is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
Climate Change Policy
Questions (124)
Patricia Ryan
Question:124. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount spent by the State in purchasing carbon credits in each of the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36265/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under the EU Effort Sharing Decision (ESD), Ireland has annual emission limits for the period 2013 to 2020. These targets cover emissions from sectors outside of the EU Emissions Trading System, such as agriculture, transport, buildings and waste. Ireland can comply with its targets via emissions reduction policies; purchase of international credits; and purchase of surplus allowances from other Member States. As the designated purchasing agent on behalf of the State, the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) administers and manages purchases of carbon credits. Details of all transactions entered into by the NTMA are published annually in a Carbon Fund Report at www.ntma.ie in accordance with section 6 of the Carbon Fund Act 2007.
In order to comply with targets under the ESD, since 2016 Ireland has spent €2.1m purchasing additional credits. These are in the form of direct market transactions and payments to three multilateral carbon funds, which support overseas projects to achieve greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
The table below details the level of expenditure by the State on the multilateral funds and direct market transactions in the period between 2016 and 2020. All amounts are in millions of euro.
|
YEAR |
Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund |
Carbon Fund for Europe and BioCarbon Fund |
NTMA Market transactions |
Total |
|
2016 |
||||
|
2017 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
||
|
2018 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
||
|
2019 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
||
|
2020 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
||
|
Total (2016-2020) |
0 |
1.5 |
0.6 |
2.1 |
Ireland currently holds a total of 7,563,846 international credits which are eligible for ESD compliance. The latest greenhouse gas emissions projections, published by the Environmental Protection Agency in June 2021, indicate that Ireland will cumulatively exceed the 2019 and 2020 annual targets by approximately 12.25Mt. Ireland will, therefore, need to purchase additional credits to meet the projected shortfall.
Any requirement to use already purchased or additional credits for compliance under the ESD will be undertaken in accordance with all relevant regulations as set out by the European Union, the European Commission, the United Nations and all relevant international agreements.
Semi-State Bodies
Questions (125)
Patricia Ryan
Question:125. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that callers to the ESB networks general helpline are being advised to communicate by email and that it advises that there is a 21 day delay on emails being answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36269/21]
View answerWritten answers
This is an operational matter for the Board and Management of ESB as regulated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and not one in which I, as Minister, have a statutory function.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (126)
Robert Troy
Question:126. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address an issue regarding the supply of fibre broadband to a property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36391/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 1 July, over 230,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Westmeath in Mullingar, Sonna, Stonehall, Taghmon, Jamestown, Hopestown and Athlone. Pre-works have commenced in the areas around Mullingar. Further details are available on specific areas within County Westmeath through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network resulting in delays to aspects of the programme. Impacts include challenges with mobilisation of key contractors, restrictions on operations, supply chain and logistic delays (both nationally and internationally). Covid 19 as affected the recruitment of key personnel as NBI and its contractors scale up including challenges associated with on-boarding and training people. Inevitably, like many other organisations, NBI and contractor staff are at risk of contracting Covid 19 or may have to restrict their movements as a result of being a close contact posing further challenges. The full extent of this impact is currently being assessed and NBI has committed to put in place measures to mitigate the impact in so far as possible.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 1 July, 326 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are connected at Whitehall Community Centre, Streete Parish Park & Community Hall, Milltown Emper Community Centre, Ballycomoyle GAA Club and Clonkill Hurling Club. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Scoil Náisiúnta Bhride and Naomh Micheal have been installed by NBI for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
State Pensions
Questions (127)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:127. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that spouses of retired ESB workers are not entitled to pensions under the Electricity Supply Board (Superannuation) Act 1942; the steps he is taking to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36395/21]
View answerWritten answers
This is primarily an operational matter for the ESB and I have asked the ESB to respond directly to the Deputy on the matter.
Grant Payments
Questions (128)
Johnny Mythen
Question:128. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of grant funding paid out under the warmer homes scheme in 2020 and to date in 2021 to homeowners in County Wexford; the amount paid for buildings which are not privately owned homes during the same period; the average waiting period for an application under the scheme; the reason for the increase in waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36406/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The approximate average value of the energy efficiency measures provided to households under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme was €14,800 in 2020. A total of €221.5 million in capital funding has been provided for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes in 2021. Of this amount, €109 million is provided to support lower income households to retrofit their homes, with €100 million allocated to the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation for energy poverty schemes and means that almost half of the total SEAI residential and community retrofit budget will support people vulnerable to energy poverty. The funding will mean that more households can receive free energy efficiency upgrades making their homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run, in line with the Programme for Government.
SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2020, the average time from application to completion was approximately 18 months. The average wait times are expected to increase in 2021 due to the extensive COVID-19 public health restrictions on construction activity in 2020 and between January and April 2021 of this year when the scheme was fully paused in line with Government guidelines. Works under the scheme have recommenced since 12th April in line with activity in the residential construction sector.
The following table sets out the amount of grant funding paid out under the scheme for homes in Wexford in 2020 and to end May 2021:
|
County |
2020 |
To end-May 2021 |
|
Wexford |
€ 981,352 |
€ 348,168 |
In line with the published eligibility criteria, all funding related to applicants that own and live in their own home.
It is important to note that in addition to the increased budget allocation this year, delivery capacity has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020. I have also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (129)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:129. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the establishment of the mobile phone and broadband taskforce; the members and objectives of the taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36444/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce (the ‘Taskforce’) was established in 2016 to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits, and to investigate how to improve services to consumers prior to full build and rollout of the National Broadband Plan (NBP). It is a cross-Governmental initiative, led by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD). The final report of the Taskforce published in December 2016, addressed a wide range of issues impacting on broadband and mobile service provision.
An Implementation Group was established in early 2017 to oversee timely implementation of all of the actions contained in the Taskforce Report, and brought together all key stakeholders including: Department of Transport, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Local Government Management Agency, County and City Management Association, Commission for Communications Regulation (in an independent advisory capacity), Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland, ESB Networks, Office of Public Works, Ibec (Telecommunications Industry Ireland) and ALTO, representing the telecommunications industry.
Since 2016, the Taskforce has addressed over 70 targeted actions, focusing on issues that are negatively impacting upon the rollout of essential telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas. Key achievements of the Taskforce have included:
- Over 1,000 km of ducting installed nationwide, enabling operators to expand their networks along the road network route.
- Broadband Officers in all local authorities engaging with operators and State agencies to remove obstacles to infrastructure deployment and raising local awareness of digital skills schemes.
- The revision of the Guidelines for Managing Openings in Public Roads (the ‘Purple Book’) and support provided by the Road Management Office, resulting in improved management of road works by utilities and local authorities.
- Removal of development contributions and the introduction of planning exemptions for new telecoms technology, enabling infrastructure rollout where previously not considered viable.
- A single centralised process and online resource for road opening licences to facilitate deployment.
- Publication by ComReg of a composite national outdoor coverage map to inform consumers and assist them in choosing the best operator for where they live and work.
- The launch of a series of pilot projects nationwide to tackle blackspots.
- Development of new advertising guidelines to ensure that certain marketing terms used by telecommunications operators convey clear meanings that are not misleading to consumers.
One of the most positive aspects to emerge from the work of the Taskforce is the extent to which practical cooperation between State agencies and Industry has developed. This has been fundamental to achieving tangible results which have delivered ‘on the ground’ improvements in services for citizens and business. The value captured through these collaborative relationships and structures will be carried forward and further strengthened under the future Work Programme of the Taskforce which my Department is finalising in consultation with the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Questions (130)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:130. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he consulted or will consider consulting the OPW to compile a register of State sites and assets that may be suitable for telecommunications infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36445/21]
View answerWritten answers
At present there is no register of State sites and assets specifically identified as being suitable for the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure. However, I am aware that the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for maintenance and development of the Intra-State Property register which lists leased or owned State and public properties as part of implementation of the State’s strategic management property portfolio.
In September 2020 the European Commission published a Recommendation on boosting investment in very high-capacity broadband connectivity infrastructure, including 5G, calling on Member States to identify and share best practices for a common Union toolbox of measures to reduce the cost of deploying VHCN as well as ensuring timely and investment-friendly access to 5G radio spectrum. This work has resulted in agreement on an EU level list of best practices published on 30 March 2021. One such best practice specifically relates to improving access to and increasing the availability of information in respect of physical infrastructure owned or controlled by public bodies suitable to hosting network elements.
As part of the ongoing work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, my Department in co-operation with the Department for Rural and Community Development, will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders and function owners, including the OPW, to explore in the Irish context how best to optimise the availability of such information, as referred to in the EU Connectivity Toolbox, to facilitate deployment of telecommunications infrastructure, including the possibility of using relevant information captured in the OPW register.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Questions (131)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:131. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the implementation of the EU connectivity toolbox; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36446/21]
View answerWritten answers
The EU Common Toolbox for Connectivity aims to boost investment in very high-capacity broadband connectivity infrastructure (Very High Capacity Networks and 5G (Spectrum) following the European Commission’s Recommendation of 18 September 2020. The Toolbox aims to assist the EU in urgently addressing issues of investment such as network cost reduction and coordinated spectrum authorisation. Member States agreed to identify and share best practices for a common EU toolbox of measures to reduce the cost of deploying VHCN as well as ensuring timely and investment-friendly access to 5G radio spectrum. My Department has engaged in the process of inputting to agreement on an EU level list of best practices which was published on 30 March 2021 and has also prepared a national roadmap. All Member States committed to presenting a report on their national roadmaps to the EU by 30 April 2022 and each April thereafter.
The roadmaps including the Irish report are now published online at digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/connectivity-toolbox-member-states-develop-and-share-roadmaps-toolbox-implementation
Electricity Generation
Questions (132)
Seán Canney
Question:132. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it will be ensured that there is proper collaboration between parties in the installation of microgeneration projects including the time taken for the ESB to install smart meters. [36534/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department outlined proposals for a new Micro-generation Support Scheme in a public consultation that closed on 18 February last. A summary report of the submissions received has now been published on my Department's website.While the primary aim of a micro-generation scheme is to enable a household to meet its own electricity needs, it is envisaged that a suitable payment for excess electricity generated on site and exported to the grid will be available to all renewables self-consumers in the second half of 2021, subject to regulatory arrangements, in line with Articles 21 and 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. Intensive work is underway with a view to achieving transposition of the Directive into Irish law as soon as possible.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will publish a draft framework later this year which will outline the details, including eligibility criteria and timescales for introduction, of the Clean Export Guarantee payment for exported renewable electricity from micro-generators.
The CRU is also leading on co-ordinating the National Smart Metering Programme, and is working with ESB Networks in delivering the electricity meter rollout on a phased basis. Since the rollout commenced in September 2019, over 319,000 meters have been installed to the end of May 2021. ESB Networks are working with customers, electricity supply companies and other industry stakeholders to upgrade meters for customers who have informed them that they have installed micro-generation, which can be done by submitting an NC6 form to ESB Networks. Further details are available at the following link:
Micro-Generators (esbnetworks.ie)
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (133)
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:133. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport the decision process involved in determining the allocation amounts in relation to the additional outdoor infrastructure fund; the reason partial allocation was not considered rather than either the full allocation or no allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36403/21]
View answerWritten answers
In April, I was delighted to announce a new ‘Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund’ of up to €15 million to support local authorities in enhancing outdoor urban space and improving walking and cycling infrastructure. The fund will assist the safe outdoor re-opening of society as Ireland emerges from the COVID-19 public health restrictions.
Local authorities were invited to apply under the funding stream for short term measures which will help create safe outdoor urban spaces for the public. The measures will need to be quickly implemented and provide areas in villages, towns, and cities where people can walk, cycle and gather outdoors while practising social distancing. The funding will allow for changes to traffic management arrangements to facilitate the reallocation of road space to improve facilities and safety for urban pedestrians and cyclists.
The fund complements other Government initiatives such as Fáilte Ireland’s new €17 million Outdoor Dining Enhancement Investment Scheme and the €14 million Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund for areas outside our cities and towns/villages, recently launched by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund is being administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of its overall national funding programme. The deadline for applications passed on 14th May 2021 and on 26th May 2021 the NTA issued allocations to eligible projects in 30 local authorities totalling almost €13.39m.
Given the NTA's role in the application and evaluation process, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (134)
Niall Collins
Question:134. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36441/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully mindful of the significant impact of the pandemic on the travel trade sector. With no meaningful business since March 2020, I understand the cash flow pressure that travel agents and tour operators are under, and I recognise that many are small family businesses doing the best for their customers.
The main sector-specific response to date was the Refund Credit Note Scheme, introduced last year to help protect liquidity in the face of the legal requirements imposed by the Package Travel Directive. 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 the situation in respect to suppliers has regularised in recent months.
Travel agents and tour operators have also availed of central Government supports such as the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) and 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. These schemes have undoubtedly helped sustain employment in the sector.
While the planned reopening of international travel from July 19th is welcomed by the sector, my Department is maintaining ongoing close engagement with the industry, in particular through contacts with the Irish Travel Agents Association, as we await to see the level of recovery of travel.
Driver Licences
Questions (135)
Brendan Smith
Question:135. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if urgent consideration will be given to concerns in relation to delays in persons being issued with their first learner permit due to unacceptable delays in processing applications due to technical issues on the NDLS site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35767/21]
View answerWritten answers
All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. I have referred the Deputy's 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.
Road Projects
Questions (136)
Thomas Gould
Question:136. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if the proposed M20 project will continue as planned given his recent comments that bypasses will be used in lieu of motorways. [35781/21]
View answerWritten 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. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the planned review of the NDP and use the review to set out an updated NDP for the period to 2030. The review of the NDP will be aligned with the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040. Work is underway within my Department to contribute to this planned review.
It should be noted 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.
TII is best placed to advise you on the current 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.
Driver Test
Questions (137)
Seán Sherlock
Question:137. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be offered a theory test appointment. [35867/21]
View answerWritten answers
The driving theory 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.
Public Transport
Questions (138)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:138. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to increase public transport options for those who work after midnight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35891/21]
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the 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 scheduling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. 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.
Departmental Data
Questions (139)
Noel Grealish
Question:139. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the amount of interest his Department has been charged for savings or other funds on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35943/21]
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The Department of Transport does not maintain savings or funds on deposit. There are a number of bank accounts in operation for the running of the Department and these include commercial current accounts which currently attract negative interest rates. Other banking costs include direct debit charges and maintenance fee charges on accounts. Negative interest rate charges are not captured in isolation. The Department makes every effort to ensure, in relation to all aspects of financial management, that value for money is secured.