Written Answers Nos. 259-275
259. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time for a driving test in Ballincollig and Sarsfield Road test centres in Cork; and the number of persons waiting for less than three, three to six, six to nine, nine to 12, 12 to 18, 18 to 24 and over 24 months, respectively in tabular form. [40881/21]
View answerThe driving test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
The information requested is held by the Authority and this question 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.
260. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time for a theory test in Ballincollig and Sarsfield Road test centres in Cork; and the number of persons waiting for less than three, three to six, six to nine, nine to 12, 12 to 18, 18 to 24 and over 24 months, respectively in tabular form. [40882/21]
View answerThe driver theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
The information requested is held by the Authority and this question 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.
261. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the delays and backlog in driving tests and theory examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40998/21]
View answerThe driving test and theory test are the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. My Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to meet the growing demand for driver theory tests and driver tests.
An additional 37 new driver testers began live testing in June/July on a temporary basis and an extra 10 temporary test centres have been opened. These are needed because space in some existing centres cannot accommodate many of the additional driver testers and comply with social distancing requirements.
Sanction has recently been received for the recruitment of a further 40 temporary driver testers who will commence testing in due course.
The possibility of increasing the number of tests being conducted each day, per driver tester, from six to seven is also being examined.
The driver testing operations of the Road Safety Authority have begun to fully reopen, on a gradual basis, as additional capacity comes on stream.
The Driver Theory Test (DTT) is currently providing 25,000 test appointments per month across its network of physical centres and work is underway to gradually increase this capacity to 50,000 tests per month. The service provider has sourced an additional 40 temporary team members to support the increase in capacity to 50,000 in centre appointments.
Currently the Driver Theory Test service is providing up to 10,000 tests per month online. These are across all categories with the vast majority being car and motor bike tests. Online services will be made more widely available towards the end of 2021.
It should be noted that 1 in 6 customers are failing to show up for their Driver Theory Test. This puts an unnecessary strain on the service and further complicates matters for the many people who are awaiting a test, who will ultimately be delayed as a result.
The Government will continue to be guided by public health advice on the safe provision of services and, in conjunction with the RSA, continues to keep the situation under review to ensure that every possible measure is being put in place so that the maximum number of customers can be served while adhering to public health requirements.
262. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the funding to be provided for a road project (details supplied) in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41012/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the upgrading and improvement of individual national roads is a matter for 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 proposed project, pending also the Government's review of the NDP, which is currently underway.
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.
263. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if much needed additional funding will be provided for the non-national road network in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan in the event of a reallocation of capital funding within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41013/21]
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 Councils' 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. 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.
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.
264. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a car theory test by test centre; the number of persons waiting for a driving test by test centre in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41123/21]
View answerThe driver theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
The information requested is held by the Authority and this question 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.
265. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving testers hired to date in 2021; the total number of driving testers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41124/21]
View answerThe driving test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
The information requested is held by the Authority and this question 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.
266. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the total Covid-19 pandemic related funding provided by his Department to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41127/21]
View answerThe table below sets out Covid-19 related funding for the Department of Transport for 2020 and 2021.
|
Subhead |
Description |
2020 Allocated (000s) |
2020 Out-Turn (000s) |
2021 Allocated (000s) |
2021 Out-Turn YTD (000s) |
|
A - AVIATION |
|||||
|
A.3 |
Regional Airports |
550 |
180 |
- |
- |
|
A.4 |
Travel Protection Fund |
15,000 |
1,900 |
- |
- |
|
A.5.1 |
Aviation COVID Supports (Current) |
- |
- |
41,600 |
0 |
|
A.5.1 |
Aviation COVID Supports (Capital) |
- |
- |
16,500 |
0 |
|
A.5.2 |
Travel Protection Fund |
- |
- |
15,000 |
0 |
|
B - LAND |
|||||
|
B.7 |
PSO Payments (Non-Commercial) |
460,000 |
287,504 |
340,000 |
184,386 |
|
PSO Payments (Commercial Bus) |
- |
32,304 |
30,000 |
16,618 |
|
|
C - MARITIME |
|||||
|
C.4.2 |
Maritime PSO |
15,000 |
2,699 |
- |
- |
|
Total |
490,550 |
292,283 |
443,100 |
201,004 |
In addition to the above funding provided in the 2021 Revised Estimates for the Department, Government Decision S180/20/10/0648 authorised, and DPER sanctioned, funding of €6.5m - €16m for Covid testing for HGV drivers, of which €1.349m was required.
Covid-related expenditure, as with all Departmental expenditure, is subject to robust financial management processes and procedures to ensure that value for money is assured in all that we do.
267. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV grants provided in the first six months of 2021, by vehicle model in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41131/21]
View answer268. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number and value of EV grants provided in the first six months of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41132/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.
Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. The national car and van (LGV) fleet accounts for almost 60% of all land transport emissions, and so a transition to low emissions vehicles, including EVs, is a necessary step-change to effect a substantial reduction in transport emissions.
An overview of the number and value of EV grants provided in the first six months of 2021 by vehicle model is set out in the following table:
|
Make |
Model |
BEV/PHEV |
M1/N1 |
Number of grants |
value |
|
Audi |
A3 |
PHEV |
M1 |
61 |
€265,600 |
|
Audi |
A6 |
PHEV |
M1 |
14 |
€61,600 |
|
Audi |
A7 |
PHEV |
M1 |
4 |
€17,600 |
|
Audi |
e-tron |
BEV |
M1 |
56 |
€255,000 |
|
Audi |
Q5 |
PHEV |
M1 |
57 |
€264,800 |
|
Audi |
Q7 |
PHEV |
M1 |
2 |
€10,000 |
|
BMW |
2 series |
PHEV |
M1 |
2 |
€10,000 |
|
BMW |
3 series |
PHEV |
M1 |
225 |
€1,042,100 |
|
BMW |
5 series |
PHEV |
M1 |
99 |
€466,200 |
|
BMW |
7 series |
PHEV |
M1 |
11 |
€47,800 |
|
BMW |
i3 |
BEV |
M1 |
9 |
€36,600 |
|
BMW |
X1 |
PHEV |
M1 |
85 |
€414,200 |
|
BMW |
X2 |
PHEV |
M1 |
7 |
€31,400 |
|
BMW |
X3 |
PHEV |
M1 |
88 |
€432,800 |
|
BMW |
X5 |
PHEV |
M1 |
263 |
€1,299,000 |
|
Citroen |
C5 |
PHEV |
M1 |
22 |
€96,000 |
|
Citroen |
Berlingo |
BEV |
N1 |
4 |
€15,200 |
|
Cupra |
Formentor |
PHEV |
M1 |
17 |
€75,400 |
|
Cupra |
Leon |
PHEV |
M1 |
11 |
€43,000 |
|
Ford |
Kuga |
PHEV |
M1 |
110 |
€534,800 |
|
Honda |
E |
BEV |
M1 |
19 |
€91,600 |
|
Hyundai |
Ioniq |
BEV |
M1 |
91 |
€408,200 |
|
Hyundai |
Ioniq |
PHEV |
M1 |
14 |
€61,600 |
|
Hyundai |
Kona |
BEV |
M1 |
158 |
€695,200 |
|
Hyundai |
Kona |
BEV |
N1 |
4 |
€15,200 |
|
Hyundai |
Santa Fe |
PHEV |
M1 |
73 |
€362,600 |
|
Hyundai |
Tucson |
PHEV |
M1 |
40 |
€197,600 |
|
Jaguar -Land Rover |
Discovery |
PHEV |
M1 |
41 |
€196,600 |
|
Jaguar -Land Rover |
F-Pace |
PHEV |
M1 |
1 |
€3,800 |
|
Jaguar -Land Rover |
I-Pace |
BEV |
M1 |
6 |
€25,200 |
|
Jaguar -Land Rover |
Range Rover Evoque |
PHEV |
M1 |
71 |
€341,800 |
|
Jaguar -Land Rover |
Range Rover Velar |
PHEV |
M1 |
28 |
€132,800 |
|
Jeep |
Renegade |
PHEV |
M1 |
1 |
€5,000 |
|
Kia |
Ceed |
PHEV |
M1 |
108 |
€519,000 |
|
Kia |
e-Niro |
BEV |
M1 |
341 |
€1,682,400 |
|
Kia |
e-Soul |
BEV |
M1 |
31 |
€146,800 |
|
Kia |
Niro |
PHEV |
M1 |
335 |
€1,664,600 |
|
Kia |
Sorrento |
PHEV |
M1 |
176 |
€872,000 |
|
Kia |
Xceed |
PHEV |
M1 |
199 |
€983,000 |
|
Lexus |
UX300e |
BEV |
M1 |
8 |
€36,400 |
|
Mazda |
MX-30 |
BEV |
M1 |
46 |
€213,200 |
|
Mercedes |
C300e |
PHEV |
M1 |
1 |
€3,800 |
|
Mercedes |
C300de |
PHEV |
M1 |
4 |
€18,800 |
|
Mercedes |
E300de |
PHEV |
M1 |
75 |
€367,000 |
|
Mercedes |
E300e |
PHEV |
M1 |
34 |
€169,000 |
|
Mercedes |
EQA |
BEV |
M1 |
16 |
€68,400 |
|
Mercedes |
EQC |
BEV |
M1 |
12 |
€58,800 |
|
Mercedes |
EQV |
BEV |
M1 |
1 |
€3,800 |
|
Mercedes |
eSprinter |
BEV |
N1 |
8 |
€30,400 |
|
Mercedes |
GLA |
PHEV |
M1 |
7 |
€32,600 |
|
Mercedes |
GLC |
PHEV |
M1 |
4 |
€17,600 |
|
Mercedes |
GLE |
PHEV |
M1 |
3 |
€13,800 |
|
MG |
HS |
PHEV |
M1 |
44 |
€208,000 |
|
MG |
ZS |
BEV |
M1 |
89 |
€408,200 |
|
MG |
MG5 |
BEV |
M1 |
25 |
€119,000 |
|
Mini |
Cooper |
PHEV |
M1 |
62 |
€295,600 |
|
Mini |
Cooper |
BEV |
M1 |
68 |
€319,000 |
|
Mitsubishi |
Outlander |
PHEV |
N1 |
6 |
€22,800 |
|
Mitsubishi |
Outlander |
PHEV |
M1 |
87 |
€431,600 |
|
Nissan |
eNV200 |
BEV |
N1 |
55 |
€209,000 |
|
Nissan |
Leaf |
BEV |
M1 |
440 |
€2,172,000 |
|
Nissan |
Leaf |
BEV |
N1 |
6 |
€22,800 |
|
Opel |
Corsa-E |
BEV |
M1 |
95 |
€410,400 |
|
Opel |
Grandland X |
PHEV |
M1 |
24 |
€118,800 |
|
Opel |
Mokka |
BEV |
M1 |
4 |
€20,000 |
|
Peugeot |
3008 |
PHEV |
M1 |
144 |
€700,800 |
|
Peugeot |
508 |
PHEV |
M1 |
21 |
€97,800 |
|
Peugeot |
e2008 |
BEV |
M1 |
94 |
€442,400 |
|
Peugeot |
e208 |
BEV |
M1 |
83 |
€395,000 |
|
Peugeot |
Expert |
BEV |
N1 |
2 |
€7,600 |
|
Porsche |
Taycan |
BEV |
M1 |
18 |
€86,600 |
|
Renault |
Captur |
PHEV |
M1 |
172 |
€816,800 |
|
Renault |
Kangoo |
BEV |
N1 |
22 |
€82,000 |
|
Renault |
Megane |
PHEV |
M1 |
53 |
€247,400 |
|
Renault |
Zoe |
BEV |
M1 |
143 |
€660,200 |
|
SEAT |
Leaon |
PHEV |
M1 |
90 |
€421,200 |
|
Skoda |
Enyaq |
BEV |
M1 |
17 |
€70,600 |
|
Skoda |
Superb |
PHEV |
M1 |
43 |
€183,000 |
|
Tesla |
Model 3 |
BEV |
M1 |
317 |
€1,573,400 |
|
Tesla |
Model S |
BEV |
M1 |
2 |
€10,000 |
|
Tesla |
Model X |
BEV |
M1 |
2 |
€10,000 |
|
Toyota |
Prius |
PHEV |
M1 |
1 |
€5,000 |
|
Volkswagen |
e-Golf |
BEV |
M1 |
1 |
€5,000 |
|
Volkswagen |
Golf |
PHEV |
M1 |
19 |
€90,600 |
|
Volkswagen |
ID.3 |
BEV |
M1 |
444 |
€2,184,000 |
|
Volkswagen |
ID.4 |
BEV |
M1 |
450 |
€2,211,800 |
|
Volkswagen |
Passat |
PHEV |
M1 |
18 |
€88,800 |
|
Volkswagen |
eTransporter |
BEV |
N1 |
1 |
€3,800 |
|
Volkswagen |
eShuttle |
BEV |
M1 |
1 |
€3,800 |
|
Volkswagen |
Touareg |
PHEV |
M1 |
20 |
€88,000 |
|
Volvo |
S90 |
PHEV |
M1 |
2 |
€8,800 |
|
Volvo |
V60 |
PHEV |
M1 |
3 |
€13,800 |
|
Volvo |
XC40 |
PHEV |
M1 |
210 |
€1,030,800 |
|
Volvo |
XC60 |
PHEV |
M1 |
58 |
€272,000 |
|
Volvo |
XC90 |
PHEV |
M1 |
134 |
€642,000 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
6693 |
€32,067,900 |
269. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the value of funding for greenway development in County Meath that has been provided to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41134/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is likely aware, the Programme for Government sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to walking and cycling, supported by an increased multi-annual budgetary allocation amounting to some €360 million per annum over the lifetime of the Government.
In relation to the Deputy's question I can confirm the following funding has been provided by my Department to greenway development in Co. Meath in 2021:
- €245,396.19 is allocated to remaining work (Feasibility Study, Option Selection, Preliminary Design & Environmental Evaluation, Land Procurement / Agreements and Part 8 Planning Process) for 26.5 km of the Boyne Greenway & Navigation Scheme from Oldbridge Estate Entrance to Navan.
- €15,288 is allocated to signage and ancillary works on the Royal Canal Greenway - Meath Section.
- €150,000 is allocated for 2021 for The Boyne Greenway - Mornington to Drogheda Section.
There are also other funding programmes across Government which support walking and cycling such as the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, both of which are administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Details of funding under those programmes is available from the relevant Departments.
270. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of re-opening the Navan rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41135/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, a potential extension of the existing Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan was considered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) during the development of the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035. This proposal remains under review and will be specifically considered again as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy, which is currently underway by the NTA.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
271. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to upgrade the N2 in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41136/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), which is currently under review, the operation, management and upgrading 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.
272. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full year cost of halving all public transport fares and for providing free public transport to all in full-time education. [41182/21]
View answer273. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full year cost of making all public transport free for all users. [41183/21]
View answer274. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to restore the CIÉ subvention to 2008 levels. [41184/21]
View answer275. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to restore the CIÉ subvention to 2008 levels and add 33%. [41185/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 272 to 275, inclusive, together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. Since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the NTA. The allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.
The NTA also has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services, and has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts, in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.
Public transport’s designation as an essential service throughout the Covid-19 pandemic means that, although fare revenues have collapsed, most of the cost of operations remains and must continue to be met in order to fulfil Government’s broader policy objectives. The allocation for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) is subject to the annual Budgetary process. My priority is to ensure the continued operation of existing services and for 2021, I secured in excess of €670m from the Exchequer in respect of the PSO and Local Link allocations to public transport operators. By comparison, the level of PSO and Local Link funding provided in Budget 2020 (pre-Covid) was in the region of €303m.
Public Service Obligation (PSO) subvention provided in 2008 - the year of record funding - was €308 million. Therefore, the total funding committed toward the PSO programme in 2020 (pre-Covid 19) was approximately 98% of the 2008 figure. As is normal, the precise allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.
Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
