Written Answers Nos. 77-100
77. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide additional funding to the National Transport Authority in order to increase the frequency of the LocalLink service in a town (details supplied) from two days per week to four days per week given the demand for the service and the ability of the service provider to provide the increased service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44119/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has responsibility for local and rural transport, including the management of Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
There has been a substantial increase in funding for Local Link services since 2016, going from €12.2 million in 2016 to €28.206m in 2021, comprising RTP Current and Capital funding, Covid related funding and PSO funding for Rural Regular Services.
The additional funding since 2016 has enabled the introduction of 85 new Rural Regular Service routes, as well as improvements to DRT services and the piloting of evening/night-time services in certain rural areas which have now been mainstreamed. The new Rural Regular Services operate at least five times per day over a 5,6,7 days per week schedule. They are specifically designed to ensure connectivity with other public transport services and better linkage of services between and within towns and villages.
In terms of potential new Local Link services, the NTA is developing its Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which has the objective of providing better connections between villages and towns through enhanced and new local routes. These local routes will be integrated with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide
The NTA has advised that Connecting Ireland is being developed by identifying and measuring the extent of gaps in connectivity between settlements, outside of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford; and also through developing a set of proposals to address those gaps, by enhancing existing services and introducing new ones.
In developing the Connecting Ireland initiative, the NTA undertook workshops with local authorities nationally, including Roscommon.
The NTA has also advised that it will shortly be undertaking a public consultation on the proposals emanating from Connecting Ireland. The consultation will provide all interested parties and the general public with an opportunity to review and comment on the proposals.
78. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the funding his Department has made available to facilitate the design and construction of relief roads around towns and villages, such as Castlemartyr, County Cork; his policy on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43932/21]
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 planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for 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 (NPF) and the NDP.
Background
Within the overall context of Project Ireland 2040, the NDP was developed to underpin the successful implementation of the NPF. This provides the strategic and financial framework for the National Roads Programme for the period from 2018 to 2027. The focus of TII's activities is, accordingly, being directed towards the development of the major national road improvement schemes that are included in the NDP, along with the maintenance of the existing national road network.
It should be noted that the NDP is currently under review, in compliance with the Programme for Government and taking account of the different circumstances now prevailing. Work has been undertaken within my Department to contribute to this review, with funding for national roads being finalised and a prioritisation of projects to follow.
The strategic transport issues for all regions, including for national roads, are being considered in the context of the ongoing review of the nationwide NDP. As part of this review for national roads, I am focused on how to help achieve compact growth, removal of congestion within our towns, and decarbonisation, among other objectives. Towns such as Castlemartyr will be considered in this light.
The review of the NDP is a broad and wide ranging review. It seeks to strengthen the alignment with the National Planning Framework as well as take into account key developments since the launch of the current NDP in 2018. It will examine developments in the context of each National Strategic Outcome. It will take into account the commitments set out in the Programme for Government. It will also take into account the impacts of Brexit and Covid-19 as well as reflect key policy developments in areas such as Climate Change and the completion of Regional, Economic and Spatial Strategies for the three Assembly Regions.
I would also like to highlight that all national road projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, are subject to applicable statutory approval and compliance with the Public Spending Code.
Furthermore, the 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.
Under the current NDP, there has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding for regional and local roads, particularly in the last four years. Funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate protection and renewal of regional and local roads and so for this reason, the primary focus for capital investment continues to be the protection and renewal of the network with some limited investment in road improvement projects including a number of bypass/relief projects such as the Portlaoise Southern Distributor Road, Dingle Relief Road, Sligo Western Distributor Road, Sallins Bypass, Tralee Northern Relief Road, Athy Southern Distributor Road and Shannon Crossing/Killaloe Bypass/R494 Upgrade, Athenry Relief Road and the Edenderry Inner Relief Road.
Enhanced Regional Accessibility
A core priority under the NPF is to enhance and upgrade accessibility between urban centres of population and their regions, in parallel with fostering compact growth of urban centres. This has an important role to play in maximising the growth potential of the regional urban centres and the economy as a whole. Substantial progress has been made since 2000 in improving the road linkages between Dublin and most of the other urban areas and regions. Under the current NDP, the objective is to complete those linkages so that every region and all the major urban areas, particularly those in the North-West, are linked to Dublin by a high-quality road network.
N25 Congestion & Castlemartyr Bypass
The proposed N25 Castlemartyr Bypass was not included amongst those national road projects identified for development during the period of the current NDP. However, in 2020 Cork County Council, which is the road authority for the area, completed the review of a Feasibility Report in relation to a relief road at Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, which considered constraints and issues in the area. The study indicates significant constraints will need to be examined in the planning of such a scheme and that a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) would be required.
The report also indicates that a feasible Outer Bypass would have to be progressed as a Major Scheme, which is not provided for in the current NDP.
In the meantime, TII has requested Cork County Council to further assess whether an inner relief road that represents value for money, could be a more feasible option than a major bypass. Geophysical and geotechnical surveys have been procured.
TII has provided an allocation of €100,000 to the Council for 2021 to progress this further study on scheme feasibility.
Possible Benefits
The Castlemartyr Bypass scheme, if found to be viable and feasible, could remove a significant portion of national through traffic from the village, thereby improving safety and facilitating the reliability of journey times for public transport. It could also lead to environmental benefits with an improvement in the air quality and noise in the village itself. In addition, it could provide more Active Travel opportunities and facilitate the development of public space within the village.
79. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to take measures to accelerate the provision of active travel infrastructure as pandemic restrictions recede; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44133/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to walking and cycling, supported by an increased multi-annual budgetary allocation over the lifetime of the Government. From 2021 to 2025 we will see the equivalent of 20% of the 2020 transport capital budget, approximately €360 million per annum, invested into Ireland’s walking and cycling infrastructure. This investment will help support the planned delivery of around 1,000 kilometres of improved walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025 as well as additional investment in Greenways.
As we emerge from a difficult time of COVID-19 restrictions, I am cognisant of the fact that we also have a major opportunity to change the way that we travel in this country. The ongoing delivery of Active Travel infrastructure across the country will be important for us to implement changes to encourage more people to walk/cycle more, which will not only to ease traffic congestion in our urban areas but also reduce carbon emissions from private vehicles.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development, implementation and oversight of public and sustainable transport infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities to ensure that projects are delivered as intended.
In 2021, the NTA allocated just over €240 million to active travel infrastructure projects in Dublin, the Greater Dublin Area and the regional cities. This funding will support the addition of 233 projects to the NTA's urban investment programme this year, bringing the total to over 450 projects.
In addition, 2021 has seen the launch of the first ever major active travel investment programme for rural Ireland. €72.8m was allocated by the NTA to the 19 remaining local authorities, which is greater than the entire 2019 funding allocation for walking and cycling. The NTA had initially earmarked €50m for this scheme but was increased due to the volume of project proposals being developed by local authorities.
In March I was delighted to launch the Safe Routes to School Programme in conjunction with the NTA and An Taisce's Green Schools Programme, which will see the roll out of safer walking and cycling routes within communities, aiming to alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycling to school by providing the necessary infrastructure. I was delighted with the uptake of this Programme, with applications from over 900 schools received. 170 schools around the country will receive funding under the first round of the Safe Routes to School Programme; I would like to note that the remaining schools who applied initially for the Programme will not be required to reapply as all schools which applied will come into the Programme on a rolling basis.
With the allocation of additional funding comes the problem of local authorities actually having the capacity to spend it and deliver the projects as planned. To this end, earlier this year I wrote to the County and City Management Association to advise that around 250 additional staff would be allocated to local authorities around the country to work on the delivery of Active Travel projects. I understand that recruitment processes are ongoing and I hope to see these staff fully in place by early 2022.
The increase in funding and resources signal a commitment by Government to accelerate the provision of Active Travel infrastructure around Ireland, and I look forward to the delivery of these projects as a matter of priority.
81. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the railway order application for MetroLink to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43941/21]
View answerImproving public transport services and infrastructure is central to improving citizens' quality of life.
Within the Greater Dublin Area, MetroLink will have an important part to play in the integrated transport system of the future and enable more and more people to make the switch to sustainable mobility.
In an Irish context, MetroLink is no ordinary project and is likely the largest ever public investment project in the history of the State.
As one might expect for a project of this scale preparation of a railway order application is an enormous undertaking. There has been a huge amount of work already completed in terms of getting the project to the point it is today.
However, I understand there remains an extensive body of work in relation to finalizing the preliminary design, completing the required environmental impact assessment reports and closing out property referencing issues before the railway order application will be ready for submission to An Bord Pleanála. Aspects of this work were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions earlier in the year and I understand that it will likely be Q1 2022 before the Railway Order application will be ready, with submission to An Bord Pleanála expected shortly thereafter.
In parallel, and as required under the Public Spending Code, the Preliminary Business Case for the project has been submitted to my Department. This is known as Decision Gate 1 and the Code stipulates that the Preliminary Business Case must be reviewed by my Department and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform prior to presentation to Government.
Approval under “Decision Gate 1: Preliminary Business Case” is required prior to any application to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) for a Railway Order and therefore I expect to bring the matter to Government in advance of the Railway Order application being finalised in Q1 2022.
82. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the future extensions to the Luas in Dublin. [44223/21]
View answer99. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand capacity on the Luas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43994/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 99 together.
I thank the Deputies for their questions and propose to take both together as they relate to the improvement of Luas generally.
I think there are three aspects to be considered in the context of improving Luas services in Dublin –
- The introduction of new and extended trams on the existing system;
- The ongoing planning and design of proposed extensions; and
- The potential for future new and additional Luas lines.
On the first point I have no doubt we all welcome this year’s entry into service of the last of the 8 new trams and 26 extended trams on the Luas Green Line. This has resulted in a capacity expansion of around 30% as compared to before and will be very welcome I am sure to passengers on the Line in the coming months and years. There are further plans under consideration to boost capacity even further through the provision of a turn-back at Stephen’s Green for example and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is considering options in that regard.
Secondly, there is the ongoing planning and design of extensions to the network as referenced in the existing NDP. Last year I was delighted to launch the first public consultation in relation to the proposed Luas Finglas extension. Work has continued on the development of a preferred route for that extension and I understand a second public consultation is expected to be held toward the end of the year. Luas Lucan is at a much earlier stage of development and I understand TII is undertaking a feasibility study with regard to that proposal.
Finally, there is the ongoing review of the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy which the National Transport Authority launched late last year. The Strategy will address the future requirements for public transport in the Greater Dublin Area, including the requirement for Luas, both in terms of meeting the capacity requirements on existing lines, as well as the need for new Luas corridors. A public consultation on the revised strategy will be held later in the year with a final strategy submitted for my approval in early 2022.
83. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the creation of safe walking and cycling space on rural roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44159/21]
View answer129. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he will initiate a radical rethink in the way existing space on rural roads is utilised; his views on whether there is underutilisation of space that could be more appropriately utilised for safer walking and cycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44160/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 129 together.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this year, we have seen a significant increase in funding, in line with the Government’s prioritisation of Active Travel and Greenways. I was delighted to announce earlier this year an allocation of €72.8 million towards a Rural Active Travel Investment Programme which will support 340 sustainable transport projects in towns and villages across 19 local authorities. This funding stream constitutes the first ever major Active Travel investment programme for rural Ireland and will support the roll out of high-quality active travel infrastructure in rural towns and villages across the country.
My Department is also working with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) who are leading on the development of a National Cycle Network which will both map the existing Active Travel infrastructure around the country, including Greenways, and identify gaps which will inform future planning decisions for walking and cycling infrastructure in our cities, towns, villages and rural areas. It aims to provide a basis for the delivery of a high-quality, integrated Active Travel network which will seek to connect footpaths, cycle tracks and Greenways, potentially via improving Active Travel infrastructure on existing rural, local, regional and national roads. This has the potential to also identify areas where reallocation of road space would be more appropriate than the development of new infrastructure, such as on more lightly trafficked roads in rural areas. Following a period of public consultation next Spring, the final National Cycle Network Strategy is due to be delivered to the Department in Q4 2022.
84. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the RSA regarding the need to increase driving testing and theory testing capacity to clear the current waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44227/21]
View answerMy Department is in constant contact with the Road Safety Authority since the start of the pandemic regarding all of its services, the impact of Covid-19 on those services, and how they can best be maintained in the current circumstances.
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 who need to drive as part of their job (this does not include commuting to their job). 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.
The RSA intend to increase the number of tests from 6 to 7 per tester per day from late September.
The Road Safety Authority 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.
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 Driver Theory Test service has significantly increased its capacity since it reopened in June 2021.
The number of tests provided has now increased from an average pre Covid19 level of 15,000 to over 25,000 appointments monthly. This number continues to increase and almost 50,000 tests were provided during the month of August.
The RSA has also been working to extend its online theory testing service. The new offering will see up to 10,000 online theory tests available for all categories of vehicles per month. Tests are available on a first-come-first-served basis with the new online service becoming more widely available later in the year.
However, it is disappointing that 1 in 6 customers are failing to show up for their Driver Theory Test. The RSA would ask any customer that is unable to attend for their test to let the Driver Theory Test service know in plenty of time so the appointment can be allocated to another candidate who needs a test.
The Department and the RSA are very conscious of the significant number of people waiting to take their tests. Every possible measure is being put in place to ensure that the maximum number of customers can be served while public health guidance is strictly adhered to. The public’s continued patience and understanding is requested as plans are put in place to safely and gradually increase capacity.
85. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has held in relation to the directly elected mayor of Limerick regarding the provision of powers to the mayor in relation to Limerick’s transport strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44127/21]
View answerAs stated in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to making local government stronger, more accountable, and more responsive to the communities it serves. I certainly believe that an important element of that overall commitment is the enactment of legislation in relation to the office of a directly elected mayor in Limerick and I welcome the publication of the General Scheme of the Local Government (Directly Elected Mayor with Executive Functions in Limerick City and County) Bill earlier this year.
It is already the case that local government has extensive powers in relation to transport, in important areas such as active travel, permeability, public realm enhancements, road improvements and traffic calming measures to name but a few. Assignment of these existing powers is a matter for consideration generally in terms of the assignment of powers between the directly elected mayor, elected members and the executive under the proposed new arrangements.
I can confirm that I met with Minister of State Burke during the summer to discuss the General Scheme as published, as well as to discuss whether other additional transport related functions might be suitable for assignment to the newly created office. Since that meeting my Department has been actively engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the development of the General Scheme and that engagement is ongoing.
The Deputy is presumably aware that the General Scheme already proposes the creation of a new Project Ireland 2040 City Delivery Board to be chaired by the directly elected mayor. One of the functions of this newly created Board will be to oversee the implementation of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, which will be a vitally important role in the years to come as that Strategy is rolled out.
I am also aware that the General Scheme proposes to establish an Implementation Forum to consider new functions and powers to be assigned to the directly elected mayor and it may be that this Forum might be the appropriate mechanism to consider in detail the potential for certain other transport related functions, over and above those already vested in local government.
87. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the measures he and his Department intend to undertake to address the workplace relations concerns between the Irish Aviation Authority and air traffic control workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44103/21]
View answer120. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the reason there were no air traffic controllers available at State airports, namely Cork and Shannon airports, during dates in July 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44128/21]
View answer137. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has received representations from air traffic controllers requesting his immediate intervention and investigation into the activities and conduct of members of the executive team of the Irish Aviation Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44097/21]
View answer175. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate the activities and conduct of the executive management team of the Irish Aviation Authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44241/21]
View answer183. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport his views on correspondence in relation to the Irish Aviation Authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44324/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 87, 120, 137, 175 and 183 together.
In recent days I have received email correspondence from many individual air traffic controllers outlining their concerns regarding workplace issues within the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). This correspondence was also copied to members of the Oireachtas, the IAA, and my Department. The issues raised in this correspondence are matters which fall to be addressed by the Board and Executive of the IAA. I have sought and received a briefing from the IAA, on the concerns raised in the correspondence, and on the unofficial industrial action which in recent months has resulted in temporary staff shortages at State airports.
As with any industrial relations matter, it is in the best interests of all parties to utilise established dispute resolution processes, which I understand in the IAA's case includes the Internal Dispute Resolution Charter and processes, the adoption and operation of which have been jointly utilised by the IAA and its staff representative bodies for some time now.
With this in mind, and in the wider context of an aviation sector that, like so many others in society, has been severely impacted by Covid-19 and is now trying to get back on its feet as we see the first tentative signs of economic recovery, perhaps now is an opportunity for reflection and re-engagement by the parties involved.
88. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the status of the N26 in County Mayo; and if a commitment will be given for its inclusion in the forthcoming review of the NDP. [43217/21]
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), 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 (NPF) and the NDP.
In that context, TII provides my Department with regular updates on its delivery of the National Roads Programme. The following information is the most up to-date information available to me on TII’s delivery of projects on the N26.
Background
Within the overall context of Project Ireland 2040, the NDP was developed to underpin the successful implementation of the NPF. This provides the strategic and financial framework for the National Roads Programme for the period from 2018 to 2027. The focus of TII's activities is, accordingly, being directed towards the development of the major national road improvement schemes that are included in the NDP, along with the maintenance of the existing national road network.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the review of the NDP from 2022 and to use the review to set out an updated NDP for the period out to 2030. The review of the NDP will be aligned with the NPF and Project Ireland 2040. Work has been undertaken within my Department to contribute to this review, with national roads funding being finalised and a prioritisation of projects to follow.
I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight that all projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, are subject to applicable statutory approval and compliance with the Public Spending Code.
Enhanced Regional Accessibility under the NDP
A core priority under the NPF is to enhance and upgrade accessibility between urban centres of population and their regions, in parallel with fostering compact growth of urban centres. This has an important role to play in maximising the growth potential of the regional urban centres and the economy as a whole. Substantial progress has been made since 2000 in improving the road linkages between Dublin and most of the other urban areas and regions. Under the current NDP, the objective is to complete those linkages so that every region and all the major urban areas, particularly those in the North-West, are linked to Dublin by a high-quality road network.
In 2020, there was significant progress in developing new transport links through the appraisal, planning and procurement stages. As set out in Project Ireland 2040, improving access to the north-west is a strategic aim to support balanced national development. National road projects in the region at or close to construction phase are as follows:
- The N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin project in Sligo received Government approval in January 2019. Construction on the project is ongoing and it is expected to be complete in late 2021. This will deliver 14.7km of improvements, including the provision of safe overtaking opportunities, appropriate road alignment and a reduction in junctions and private accesses onto the road.
- The N5 Westport to Turlough project in Mayo received Government approval in October 2019 and construction is ongoing. This will deliver 20km of dual carriageway and a 2.5km bypass of Westport which will deliver improved journey times and an improvement of the urban environments of Westport and Castlebar with the reduction of traffic within the towns.
- The N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project received Government approval in June 2021 and is due to commence construction over the coming months. This will deliver 33.4km of single carriageway bypassing Frenchpark, Bellangare, Tulsk and Strokestown, increasing the safety and capacity of the N5.
N26 Road Projects
While there are currently no specific projects on the N26 included in the current NDP, there is a general commitment for targeted improvements to address bottlenecks and enhance safety on this route. The following are a number of projects that are ongoing on the route to achieve these targeted improvements.
- The construction contract for the Cloongulane Bridge Scheme was awarded in October 2020, and TII provided an allocation of €2.5 million in 2020 and a further allocation of €7 million in 2021 to Mayo County Council to progress this project through construction, which commenced in November 2020. It is expected to be complete by Q3 2022.
- An allocation of €50,000 was provided by TII to Mayo County Council in 2020 for the preparation of a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the proposed link road between the N26 and N59. The SAR was approved by my Department in March 2021 and TII have provided an allocation of €100,000 in 2021 to progress this minor safety scheme through the early planning and design phases. The project is currently at Phase 2 Route Selection. Should an option be identified during this phase that would deliver on the scheme objectives and provide value for money, It is likely that the scheme would progress to planning and publication of statutory orders in early to mid 2023.
89. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to sign the statutory instrument to allow for agreed pension entitlement changes to the CIÉ regular wages scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43681/21]
View answer128. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will meet representatives of workers in CIÉ who face reduced pension entitlements as a result of the delay in signing a statutory instrument to give effect to agreed changes to the CIÉ regular wages scheme; the timeframe for signing the statutory instrument given the numbers of workers adversely affected by the continued delay in signing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43682/21]
View answer178. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport when he will sign the statutory instrument to give effect to agreed changes to the regular wages scheme pension of CIÉ workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44267/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 128 and 178 together.
The CIÉ Group has two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”) and issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
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. These changes involve significant amendments to the Scheme which are necessary in order to address the Minimum Funding Standard requirements under the Pensions Act. These changes have been agreed by the trustees of the schemes, the employees and the CIÉ Group following extensive and prolonged engagement between all parties. There are a number of steps involved before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process. In this context, I would like to reassure the Deputies that my Department, in consultation with advisors in NewERA, are working on the draft SIs as expeditiously as possible.
90. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport the status of the work being carried out in relation to the issuing of driver licences to applicants for international protection, that is, asylum seekers which is currently not permitted; the timeline for introduction of legislation to the Houses of the Oireachtas as committed to in the Government White Paper to end Direct Provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43725/21]
View answerAs set out in the Programme for Government, the Government will act on interim recommendations from the Chair of the Expert Group on the Provision of Support, including Accommodation, to Persons in the International Protection Process (Asylum Seekers) to improve conditions for asylum seekers currently living in the system. This includes the ability to apply for driver licences.
To provide for the change in policy, there are a number of complex legal, administrative and technical issues to consider and resolve. 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.
91. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is taking to ensure better air connectivity to Ireland’s regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44117/21]
View answerGovernment supports for the airports, airlines and companies in the aviation sector have been provided throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, it is estimated that the sector will have received over €300 million through a number of the supports available. The bulk of the support is through the wage subsidy scheme which was specifically designed to maintain the link between employers and employees. Liquidity support has also been made available by ISIF to large aviation enterprises.
In November 2020, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the aviation sector, the Government agreed a revised funding package of €80 million specifically for Irish aviation in 2021. As part of this package, €21 million is being provided under the Regional Airports Programme (2021-2025) this year. This gives funding certainty to Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West Airports and also supports the PSO services. In addition, €32 million is being provided to Cork and Shannon airports through a new one-year COVID-19 regional State airports programme. A €26 million EU approved state aid scheme is available to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed to limit its spread. The scheme will augment the supports already in place and help the industry to maintain connectivity and make a recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Officals in my Department are also considering if further targeted supports may be required in 2021.
92. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Transport the progress in reducing the use of fossil fuels in the public transport fleet including the use of electric vehicles; the timeline for the use of such vehicles in cities such as Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44226/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of the public transport PSO fleet. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
93. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he has had any engagement with Dublin Bus drivers or their trade unions in relation to the current industrial relations dispute at the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44114/21]
View answerAt the outset I would like to clarify that industrial relations issues in Dublin Bus, as is the case for all public transport operators, are a matter for the company, its employees and trade union groups. While my Department receives regular updates from Dublin Bus on industrial relations issues, neither I nor my Department have a direct role in and nor do we intervene in such operational matters.
As you will be aware, the Agreement was rejected by c. 98% following a ballot of members on the 12th August. I understand that the primary reason for the rejection of the proposal was the concern of drivers in relation to the proposed changes to work-practices.
I have been advised that both Dublin Bus Management and the relevant Trade Union officials believe that there remains an appropriate industrial relations process to engage with and the parties confirmed that they have commenced further engagement on this matter.
I would like to reiterate that, ultimately, all issues related to pay and productivity negotiations are a matter solely for the transport company, employees and trade unions.
94. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with a company (details supplied) and all other employers at Cork Airport to ensure that no worker is laid off or disadvantaged in terms of pay and conditions whilst runway works are ongoing for a period of 10 weeks from now until November 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44110/21]
View answer96. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport the financial supports he will put in place over the next two to three years to secure the recovery of Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44111/21]
View answer170. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with employers at Cork Airport to ensure that no worker is laid-off or disadvantaged in terms of pay and conditions whilst runway works are ongoing for a period of ten weeks from now until November 2021; and if aviation workers will be protected generally over the course of the recovery of the industry in the next two to three years. [43756/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 96 and 170 together.
As the Deputy is aware, Cork Airport has closed to undertake a major runway reconstruction for 10 weeks until 22 November, when it will reopen for the busy Christmas period.
Given the mix of business and operational demands at different stages of this project, Cork Airport has engaged extensively with employees during the planning process. Some employees will be required to continue working their full contracted hours and others will not. Cork Airport will strive to maintain current pay arrangements at 100% during the 10-week closure. However, where full contracted hours are not available and to enable the airport to maintain wages at 100%, this will be achieved through a combination of working hours and annual leave or time in lieu. In some cases, team members have been asked to support other areas of the business for the duration of the project.
Employment issues of other personnel employed through contracted services are matters between those personnel and their respective employers. While there are no specific financial supports being rolled out by my Department for companies/employees directly impacted by the closure of Cork Airport, I understand that the local Intreo Office is aware of the situation in respect of Cork Airport and will be able to offer practical, tailored services and supports for those affected by the closure.
In addition, more generally speaking, in response to the impacts of COVID-19, Government has put in place a number of economy wide financial supports.
In this regard, wage subsidies have served as the keystone of the Government’s provision of financial supports in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This began with the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and, to date, is continued by the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), which operates across all sectors of the economy.
I can assure the Deputy that Government is fully committed to protecting jobs for aviation workers and helping the sector get back on its feet. State-aid compliant Schemes, with a budget of €26m were developed by my Department, to help address liquidity issues at our State and Regional airports as a result of COVID-19 and Cork airport has received funding under one of these Schemes. This funding will provide Cork with the flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity when the airport reopens in November. I understand that the daa has already developed major new airport charges discount schemes at Cork (and Dublin airports) to help kickstart air travel to and from Ireland.
The State aid schemes are part of an overall €80 million aviation-specific support package in 2021. To date in 2021 Cork Airport has been allocated €10m in Exchequer funding for their runway overlay project, under the Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021. Cork Airport is also eligible for a share (with Shannon Airport) of €15.6m in operational supports under this Programme and my Department has recently invited Cork to apply for funding under this Scheme which will be disbursed later this year. This operational funding is in addition to €1.4m allocated to Cork Airport under the Damages Measure of the aforementioned State aid scheme.
By virtue of its size and passenger numbers, Cork Airport has not previously been eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. However, in light of the impacts of Covid-19 resulting in suppressed passenger numbers, Cork airport (along with Shannon Airport) will be eligible for supports under the Programme in 2022. The level of funding that might be available under this Programme next year is currently being considered in the context of the Estimates process in relation to Budget 2022.
Government is willing to keep under review any additional supports that may be necessary. The Economic Recovery Plan published by Government on the 1 June, explicitly references this and recognises that additional supports may be required to assist the restoration of Ireland's air links, protect jobs in the sector, and support the aviation sector’s recovery and my officials are currently considering options in this regard.
95. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for the implementation of regulations for escooters and ebikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44233/21]
View answerMy intention is to legislate for e-scooters and e-bikes 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 shortly. As with all legislation, it is not possible to provide a definitive timeline for enactment.
When the Bill is enacted, it will give the Minister for Transport powers to make regulations for the use of these vehicles and other powered personal transporters.
97. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the public consultation process on a company (details supplied) proposal of the preferred red corridor route including accessibility of information being provided, availability of one-on-one meetings, the short timeframe and a lack of a public meeting in view of the considerable impact this proposal could have on a large number of residents in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44158/21]
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), the planning, design and consruction 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 all aspects 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.
98. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to phase out fossil fuel powered vehicles from the fleet operated by the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44136/21]
View answerEarlier this year the revised Clean Vehicles Directive Directive (EU) 2019/1161 was given effect by means of Statutory Instrument No 381 of 2021 European Communities (Clean and Energy Efficient Road Transport Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, with effect from 02 August 2021.
The specific aim is to increase the up-take of low-emission and zero-emission vehicles in the public sector fleets, by setting binding minimum targets for procurement undertaken by public sector bodies. This builds on the positive leadership and market impacts that green public procurement policies can have on the development and uptake of innovative lower-carbon goods and services; and, complements wider Government commitments to transition public and private transport fleets from fossil fuel technologies.
Ireland now has a legal obligation to ensure that a proportion of public vehicle procurement is low-emission or zero-emission.
Definitions of what constitute ‘clean’ vehicles are established in the legislation based on vehicle type. Light duty clean vehicles are defined by specified low tail-pipe emissions levels. For the heavy duty sector, ‘clean’ vehicles are defined by low or zero-emission power - with a range of alternative fuel technologies included in this definition (such as battery, hydrogen fuel cell, biofuel, synthetic-fuel and gas-powered vehicles).
All public sector bodies will be compelled to apply the Directive if the value of their vehicle procurements is above relevant procurement thresholds as set out in Regulations amending the EU thresholds for the Directives 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU. Public sector bodies will also be required to report these vehicle procurements to facilitate national-level reporting to the EU.
The Directive applies to cars, vans, trucks and buses (excluding coaches), procured through:
- Purchase, lease, rent or hire-purchase contracts under obligations set by EU public procurement rules;
- Public service contracts for the provision of passenger road transport services;
- Services contracts for public road transport services, special-purpose road passenger-transport services, non-scheduled passenger transport, refuse collection services, and mail and parcel transport and delivery.
There is considerable variation in the technological maturity of alternative fuel technologies for the different vehicle categories and types included in the Directive's provisions. The Directive and the associated regulations have been designed to take this into account and two reference periods for procurement targets have been set between now and 2030 with different minimum procurement targets applying to each. Between now and 2025, 38.5% of light-duty vehicles, 10% of trucks and 45% of buses procured under the relevant procurement value thresholds must be clean vehicles.
Between 2025 and 2030, the minimum procurement target of 38.5% clean vehicles will still apply to light duty vehicles, but more stringent targets will apply to heavy vehicles included in the Directive’s provisions. In this later reference period, 15% of trucks and 65% of buses will have to be clean vehicles.
Due to the current limitations of alternative fuels technologies, certain categories of vehicle have also been excluded or have been exempted from the provisions of the Directive. These include coaches, specialised heavy duty vehicles used in agriculture and forestry, special vehicles used by the police, defence forces, civil and fire protection, as well as ambulances, hearses, wheelchair accessible cars and mobile cranes. As alternative fuel technologies for these vehicle segments develops, it is intended that these exemptions will be reviewed in future iterations of the Directive, and that national procurement targets will be amended as appropriate.
My Department will continue to work with public bodies to ensure that they are aware of the requirements of the Directive as provided for under the new Regulations and will support industry in developing relevant guidance material in this regard.
100. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for the delivery an updated national cycle manual in view of the letter received from 28 groups (details supplied); if the guidance in the manual will be integrated with the design manual for urban roads and streets; his views on whether there is a need to adopt interim standards to ensure quality of infrastructure rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44082/21]
View answerThe National Cycle Manual was first published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2011 and is the principal source for guidance on the design of cycle facilities in Ireland. As ten years have since passed, it was decided that a review of the National Cycle Manual was required and in April 2021 consultants were appointed by the NTA to carry out this review. It is expected that this piece of work will take approximately six months, following which a period of consultation will take place, most likely in Quarter 4 2021. I understand that a revised and updated Manual will be finalised by early next year.
Once finalised, the NTA intends to complement the publication and dissemination of the new Manual with a series of training sessions for relevant stakeholders and it is my expectation that this work, together with other initiatives planned in the area of National Roads Offices and local authority resourcing, will result in improved cycling outcomes across the country.
The Deputy may also interested to know that my Department is currently undertaking a piece work in relation to the various safety standards and guidelines that apply in relation the development and delivery of cycling infrastructure. There is currently some overlap and interaction between such guidelines which suggests a need to improve their coordination and implementation to avoid potential conflicts and to provide for a consistent and integrated approach to the quality of new cycling infrastructure. My officials along with representatives from the NTA, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) will form a working group, with the first meeting to be held this month, to help facilitate this coordination.
