Written Answers Nos. 142-161
142. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the supports available to private business to encourage the increase of cycling infrastructure particularly parking for cyclists; his plans to increase this support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42603/21]
View answerIn addition to the significant increases in funding to our Active Travel infrastructure programme in 2021, my Department also supports a number of behavioural change programmes specifically aimed at encouraging employees and third level students to choose to commute via walking or cycling.
The Smarter Travel Workplaces, Smarter Travel Campus Programme, which is overseen by the National Transport Authority (NTA), is a national, voluntary, behaviour change programme that works with large employers and third level institutions to implement workplace travel plans that facilitate sustainable travel on the commute and beyond. While these travel plans are primarily focused on 'soft' measures such as promotion, marketing and events, they can also include some 'hard' measures such as cycle parking, cycle lanes, showers or lockers. The NTA plans to build on the current Programme by expanding the number of businesses and organisations engaged in the Programme in order to encourage as many employees as possible to consider sustainable transport modes such as cycling in their commute to and from work.
It is also worth noting that the Cycle to Work Scheme, which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Finance, also assists employees with purchasing a bicycle to commute to work. Given its role in promoting Active Travel, I very much welcomed the announcement of increased thresholds under the Scheme as part of the July 2020 Stimulus package. The increases are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government.
The issue of facilitating Active Travel both for employees and across the general public will also be considered in the context of my Department’s review of Sustainable Mobility Policy which is currently ongoing. I intend that the new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including Active Travel, and I look forward to the completion of this important work in 2021.
143. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the status of his plans to legislate for e-scooters; the expected timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42629/21]
View answerMy intention is to legislate for e-scooters, in accordance with the Programme for Government. Department officials have drafted the necessary changes to primary legislation as part of the forthcoming Road Traffic Bill. The Bill has completed pre-legislative scrutiny and is expected to come before the Oireachtas in the coming months.
When the Bill is enacted, it will give the Minister for Transport powers to make regulations for the use of e-scooters and other powered personal transporters.
144. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the wearing of protective clothing and head gear when using bicycles, e-scooters and skateboards will be made mandatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42630/21]
View answerMaking the wearing of protective clothing and helmets compulsory for cyclists is an issue which has arisen a number of times over the years. It is a long standing Government policy to recommend and promote the wearing of helmets. The Rules of the Road booklet encourages the use of cycle helmets and draws attention to their safety benefits, and the Road Safety Authority, the agency responsible for public education and awareness, strongly encourages their use.
To create a statutory obligation on the wearing of reflective clothing would entail making it a criminal offence under Road Traffic legislation for any person guilty of not wearing high visibility clothing. A person in breach of such a provision would fall to be issued with a fixed charge notice or summonsed to court, depending on what procedure would be put in place for the processing of such offences.
I believe that the wearing of such clothing is best pursued by way of educational and publicity campaigns rather than by pursuing a punitive approach to the issue. In this regard, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness, advertising and the dissemination of road safety information, undertakes a number of campaigns to promote awareness among pedestrians and cyclists of the need for visibility on our roads.
International evidence is that mandatory helmet legislation acts as a major disincentive to cycling such that the net impact of the legislation on public health is significantly negative. Therefore I do not propose to introduce such legislation.
145. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport his plans in his capacity as shareholder and the implementation date for a new pension plan for employees of Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42635/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
The CIÉ Group has two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”).
In relation to the Regular Wages Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme. There are a number of steps involved before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process.
Concerning the 1951 scheme, members of the scheme were balloted regarding the Labour Court Recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020, with a majority voting to accept the proposals. CIÉ has recently prepared and submitted a consolidated draft Statutory Instrument to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme - this is now being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA.
146. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a recent assessment estimated that Wexford County Council requires €196 million to bring secondary roads in the county up to standard; his plans to address this urgent issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42682/21]
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, where applicable.
There were major cutbacks in funding for the road network in general during the post 2008 recession. As a result there is a backlog of road repair works in all local authority jurisdictions across the country. The National Development Plan (NDP), as it stands, provides for a gradual increase in funding for regional and local roads and there has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding particularly in the last four years. In this context, Wexford County Council received a total allocation of €18,569,130 for 2021 which is an increase of 59% when compared to 2017. In addition, in June this year I 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. Wexford County Council received an allocation of €650,830 under the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Works programme.
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. Within the budget available to the Department, funding is allocated on as fair and equitable a basis as possible to eligible local authorities. In this context, grants in the main grant categories are allocated based on the length of the road network within a local authority's area of responsibility with some account taken of traffic.
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.
147. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to facilitate remote working within his Department in particular to encourage remote working for those who live in the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42716/21]
View answerMy Department has robustly facilitated remote working for staff in roles across all office locations, where feasible, over the last 18 months. We have been particularly conscious of the need to minimise the pressure on the public transport system to support essential workers travelling safely. This has included the supply of IT equipment to enable an effective and productive working environment at home for our people. Departments and Offices are currently working in line with Government COVID-19 guidance, which provides for home working to continue where possible. With restrictions now lifting, there are extensive plans being implemented to enable staff to transition to a mix of working together in the office while maintaining an element of working from home, gradually and safely, until a blended working scheme is in place.
A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months. This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department/Office, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across key policy areas.
My Department will develop its own Blended Working arrangements in line with the central policy framework. Officers of the Department in all office locations will be invited to apply once these arrangements have been finalised.
148. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the current wait-time for driver tests in locations (details supplied); the number of persons who are currently waiting to be tested; when this backlog will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42720/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test. Specific details on individual test centres are held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the 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.
I can assure the Deputy that the Department is very aware of the challenges facing the RSA as they work hard to further manage the backlog in the Driver Testing Service.
Since last October, the driver testing service has been prioritising essential workers. Since May 2021, the RSA has been returning to delivering tests for all customers, while continuing to prioritise critical frontline workers. This means, in the interest of fairness, the RSA targeted test appointments to those waiting longest who are ready and eligible to take the test.
The service continues to operate under restrictions in the interest of making it safe while there is an ongoing presence of Covid.
In order to deal with the backlog, the RSA received sanction to hire 40 new temporary testers, in addition to 36 they were sanctioned to retain or rehire in 2020. These new testers have completed their training and are now conducting live tests since July 2021. Sanction has also been granted to recruit a further 40 testers and the process has commenced.
An extra 10 temporary test centres have been opened (and are effectively an expansion of existing locations or replacing unsuitable locations), and a further 9 locations have been expanded within the existing premises, to accommodate more testers.
Other measures being taken include increasing the number of tests carried out per tester per day as well as additional opening hours.
149. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the information that must be supplied to the RSA for a driver test applicant to confirm that they are a critical frontline worker; if the information supplied is verified or checked by the RSA; the way the RSA then treat this information under GDPR; the legislation that underpins the right of the RSA to request such personal information from driver test applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42721/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test. This is an operational matter for the RSA. I have therefore 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.
150. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the way in which his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are accommodating requests for persons to work from home. [42766/21]
View answerMy Department has robustly facilitated remote working for staff in roles across all office locations, where feasible, over the last 18 months. We have been particularly conscious of the need to minimise the pressure on the public transport system to support essential workers travelling safely. This has included the supply of IT equipment to enable the majority of Departmental staff to work effectively and productively at home. Departments and Offices are currently working in line with Government COVID-19 guidance, which provides for home working to continue where possible. With restrictions now lifting, there are extensive plans being implemented to enable staff to transition to a mix of working together in the office while maintaining an element of working from home, gradually and safely, until a blended working scheme is in place
A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months. This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department/Office, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across key policy areas.
My Department will develop its own Blended Working arrangements in line with the central policy framework. Officers of the Department will be invited to apply once these arrangements have been finalised.
I have asked the aegis bodies to respond directly to you on this matter. If you do not hear from them within 10 days, you should contact my office.
151. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the motorbike initial basic training certificate to all persons who could not take their driver test due to restrictions and cancellations by the RSA. [42808/21]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority and the Department of Transport announced a further extension to certificates for motorcycle Initial Basic Training (IBT), in order to take account of the impact of the pandemic.
The extension is being made depending on when an IBT cert was issued, with three groupings as follows –
(a) an IBT certificate issued during the period beginning on 01 March 2018 and ending on 30 June 2018 is valid until 01 October 2021,
(b) an IBT certificate issued during the period beginning on 01 July 2018 and ending on 31 August 2018 is valid for a period of 3 years and 2 months from the date of issue, and
(c) an IBT certificate issued during the period beginning on 01 September 2018 and ending on 30 June 2019 is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issue.
By way of example:
If a person received an IBT cert on 19 of March 2018 it would have expired on 19 March 2020 but will now be valid until 1 October 2021;
If a person received an IBT cert on 15 July 2018 it would have expired on 15 July 2020 but will now be valid until 15 September 2021;
If a person received an IBT cert on 10 February 2019, it would have expired on 10 February 2021 but will now be valid until 10 February 2022.
No further extensions are being considered at this time.
152. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure asylum seekers are permitted to apply for a driver licence. [42809/21]
View answerIn line with the Programme for Government, the Department is committed to providing access to the driving licence system to asylum seekers.
As Irish driving licence legislation is based on a framework of EU law, consideration must be given to the relevant EU Directives. While the legislative requirements are being examined, work is continuing on the administrative and technical solutions needed in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority and the Department of Justice to address the Programme for Government commitment.
153. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce regulations for e-scooters. [42810/21]
View answerMy Department is committed to decarbonising the transport sector by encouraging modal shift away from travel by private car towards less carbon-intensive and more sustainable alternatives. Micro-mobility options like e-scooters have an important role to play in this transition to a cleaner and greener society and economy. The Deputy will be aware that the forthcoming Road Traffic Bill includes provisions to allow for the development of e-scooter regulations accordingly.
The Bill will define a new category of vehicle in the Road Traffic Act 1961 called “powered personal transporters” or ‘PPTs’, which will include e-scooters, and amend the current definition for mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs) to remove PPTs from its scope. Establishing this new category will enable us to subsequently set out appropriate technical and safety standards and rules for the use of e-scooters in secondary legislation, without the same need for registration, licencing and taxation associated with MPVs.
The preparatory work to draft these technical Regulations has already commenced. Earlier this year, my Department undertook a comprehensive consultation process with key stakeholders to inform the development of these Regulations, including the Road Safety Authority, the National Transport Authority, An Garda Síochána, Local Government and representation from a range of industry, advocacy and accessibility groups. My Department will consider these submissions, in tandem with the learnings from the introduction of e-scooters in other jurisdictions, to ensure that we can foster a supportive environment for micro-mobility vehicles while tackling the implementation challenges associated with innovative modes of travel. It should be noted that maintaining the highest standards of road safety, particularly for the most vulnerable road users, will continue to be a priority for my Department.
It is expected that the Bill will shortly be introduced in the Dáil with a view to finalisation and commencement before the end of this year.
154. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the status of an application for a driver test for a person who requires a licence for work (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42811/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test.
Individual appointments are a matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. 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.
155. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if there are any powers in place or under consideration which would require that premises which are open to the public would have designated safe parking for cyclists. [42818/21]
View answerI very much agree that the provision of secure cycle parking is important to support the development of cycling as a sustainable transport choice and I am also aware that a lack of secure cycle parking is citied as a barrier for cycling and bike ownership. Requirements in relation to the provision of cycle parking in public areas fall under the remit of the various local authorities, who issue standards and guidance on this matter; my Department is responsible for the provision of funding and policy direction in relation to such issues.
The issue of facilitating and encouraging Active Travel across the general public will be a key priority in the context of my Department’s review of Sustainable Mobility Policy, which is currently ongoing. The issue of cycle parking is being considered as part of this exercise. I intend that the new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including Active Travel, and I look forward to the completion of this important work in 2021.
It is also worth noting that the Smarter Travel Workplaces, Smarter Travel Campus Programme, which is overseen by the National Transport Authority (NTA), is a national, voluntary, behaviour change programme that works with large employers and third level institutions to implement workplace travel plans that facilitate sustainable travel on the commute and beyond. These partners could include premises which are open to the public.
While these travel plans are primarily focused on 'soft' measures such as promotion, marketing and events, they can also include some 'hard' measures such as cycle parking, cycle lanes, showers or lockers. The NTA plans to build on the current Programme by expanding the number of businesses and organisations engaged in the Programme in order to encourage as many employees and customers/clients as possible to consider sustainable transport modes such as cycling in their travel to and from the premises.
156. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if he will bring forward initiatives to encourage shopping centres and businesses to provide bicycle parking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42832/21]
View answerThe provision of secure cycle parking is important to support the development of cycling as a sustainable transport choice, as the lack of same is often cited as a barrier to cycling and bike ownership. Requirements in relation to the provision of cycle parking in public areas fall under the remit of the various local authorities, who issue standards and guidance on this matter; my Department is responsible for the provision of funding and policy direction in relation to such issues.
The issue of facilitating and encouraging Active Travel across the general public will be a key priority in the context of my Department’s review of Sustainable Mobility Policy, which is currently ongoing. The issue of cycle parking is being considered as part of this exercise. I intend that the new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including Active Travel, and I look forward to the completion of this important work in 2021.
It is also worth noting that the Smarter Travel Workplaces, Smarter Travel Campus Programme, which is overseen by the National Transport Authority (NTA), is a national, voluntary, behaviour change programme that works with businesses and third level institutions to implement workplace travel plans that facilitate sustainable travel on the commute and beyond.
While these travel plans are primarily focused on 'soft' measures such as promotion, marketing and events, they can also include some 'hard' measures such as cycle parking, cycle lanes, showers or lockers. The NTA plans to build on the current Programme by expanding the number of businesses and organisations engaged in the Programme in order to encourage as many employees and customers/clients as possible to consider sustainable transport modes such as cycling in their travel to and from their premises.
157. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lift at Howth Junction and Donaghmede railway station which allows access for persons with limited mobility is out of order; the steps he is taking to address this and prevent this happening again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42845/21]
View answer158. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lift at Clontarf Road railway station which allows access for persons with limited mobility is out of order; the steps he is taking to address this and prevent this happening again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42846/21]
View answer165. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that lifts at Irish Rail stations are operational given that there has been a number of instances of lifts being non-operational for weeks at a time, denying access to persons with limited mobility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42896/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 158 and 165 together.
As 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.
Irish Rail has developed a 5-year programme, involving upgrades, renewals and improved maintenance strategies for its lifts and escalators which will provide direct benefits to customers through improved reliability and availability of lifts and escalator assets. Subject to funding, lifts in 52 stations across the rail network are earmarked for investment up to 2024. The intent of this programme is to renew and replace life-expired lifts and lifts in poor condition, to ensure the reliability and availability of lift access.
In 2020 the National Transport Authority (NTA) established a rail lift refurbishment/replacement programme, under the Capital Programme, with a €3.3m ring fenced allocation. A major part of the programme in 2020 was the upgrading of lifts at 12 stations in the Dublin Suburban area. For 2021, €3.84m was originally ring-fenced by the NTA from the Capital Programme to the Lift and Escalator Renewal Programme. An additional €2m was allocated to the Programme in November 2020, as part of Budget 2021, bringing the total allocated to the Lifts and Escalator Renewal Programme to €5.84m this year. The additional allocation will enable the acceleration of the delivery of the 5-year programme.
I have also referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct reply in relation to the specific stations mentioned. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 157.
159. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a timetable for clearing the backlog in driving test waiting times due to the easing of restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42853/21]
View answerCovid-19 has had on profound effect on the delivery of the Road Safety Authority’s driver testing services resulting in a significant backlog.
Due to suspension of driver testing services in the first 2020 lockdown, along with the health protocols since resumption of service and the further curtailing of services during subsequent level 5 restrictions, a significant backlog has developed.
Since last October, the driver testing service has been prioritising essential workers. Since May 2021, the RSA has been returning to delivering tests for all customers, while continuing to prioritise critical frontline workers. This means, in the interest of fairness, the RSA targeted test appointments to those waiting longest who are ready and eligible to take the test. The number of tests being offered weekly
continues to grow
The service continues to operate under restrictions in the interest of making it safe while there is an ongoing presence of Covid. Given the necessity for a tester to be in close proximity to a test candidate, and to get into vehicles brought by the candidates which are therefore not a controlled environment, this places limits on the capacity of the test service.
When the service resumed in June 2020, testers were conducting 5 tests each per day, as against 8 before the pandemic. This increased to 6 tests from 14 September 2020. The RSA is looking to increase the number of tests to 7 per tester per day from late September 2021, subject to compliance with health protocols.
In order to deal with the backlog, the RSA received sanction to hire 40 new temporary testers, in addition to 36 they were sanctioned to retain or rehire in 2020. These new testers have completed their training and are now conducting live tests since July 2021. Sanction has also been granted to recruit a further 40 testers and the process has commenced.
An extra 10 temporary test centres have been opened (and are effectively an expansion of existing locations or replacing unsuitable locations), and a further 9 locations have been expanded within the existing premises, to accommodate more testers.
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.
160. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when a driver test is expected for a person (details supplied). [42860/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driver Test.
Individual cases are a matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process.
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.
161. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when a driver licence renewal may be expected to be processed for a person (details supplied). [42861/21]
View answerAll enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to individual applications.
