Written Answers Nos. 241-260
241. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the criteria for application under the farm and community biodiversity initiative which saw Lough Ennell excluded from the 17 projects announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46810/21]
View answerThe administration and management of the Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) Habitats and Conservation Scheme 2021 is an operational matter for IFI and I and my Department have no function in this matter. IFI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI's objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.
242. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he plans changes to driver licensing arrangements in order that AM class vehicles will be allowed to be driven on a B licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45958/21]
View answerPrior to October 2006, full category B (car) licence holders, on passing a driving test, were permitted to drive category M (the old category for mopeds) vehicles. This practice ceased for new category B licence holders with the implementation of the third EU driving licence Directive in 2013. Currently, to apply for a driving licence for category AM (mopeds) a person must have completed initial basic training, which consists of a series of modules set out in legislation. I do not have plans to change this policy.
243. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will re-examine licensing laws surrounding mopeds recognising the excessive qualification criteria for use in Ireland which are out of step with the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46055/21]
View answerPrior to October 2006, full category B (car) licence holders, on passing a driving test, were permitted to drive category M (the old category for mopeds) vehicles. This practice ceased for new category B licence holders with the implementation of the third EU driving licence Directive in 2013. Currently, to apply for a driving licence for category AM (mopeds) a person must have completed initial basic training, which consists of a series of modules set out in legislation. I do not have plans to change this policy.
244. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if a timeline for the completion of the DART+ coastal north project will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46081/21]
View answerThe DART+ Programme will transform rail services across the Greater Dublin Area when fully rolled-out.
As the Deputy is probably aware, DART+ actually comprises five different, but complementary, projects of which DART+ Coastal North is one. The other four projects are :
- DART+ West;
- DART+ South West;
- DART+ Coastal South; and
- DART+ Fleet.
Naturally there is a sequencing to the delivery of these different projects as each sits within the overall programme framework and it is also the case that the success of some of the projects depends on the early delivery of other projects.
Key to the overall programme is the delivery of DART+ West which is the most advanced project. Its early delivery is particularly important due to the new depot to be constructed which will facilitate the huge expansion of the fleet. I understand the second round of public consultation is underway in relation to the project with a closing date of 6th October.
Next is DART+ South West on which an initial public consultation has already taken place, with a second one planned before the end of the year.
Turning to the DART+ Coastal projects, I am informed that a design team was appointed earlier in the year. Work has begun on the preliminary design and the preparation of an emerging preferred option which will then be the subject of a public consultation and will inform the preparation of the necessary planning documentation. It is only when these necessary steps are much more advanced that a more definitive project timeline will emerge.
Finally, there is DART+ Fleet which is of particular importance to the current Northern Line as it will enable improved services on the line in advance of the later electrification. This will be achieved through the use of battery-electric units on the current Northern Line and will mean improved and expanded services for passengers. A preferred bidder has been identified however, it is too early at this stage to give an indicative date as regards when one can expect to see the new fleet introduced into service but that should become a lot clearer in the next few months as contracts are signed and commitments made.
However, I would note that the Northern Line will also benefit from the introduction in 2023 of new ICRs which are currently under construction and which will provide a welcome boost to capacity and services in the short term.
245. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the reason he has refused to appoint a new chair of the Shannon Group; and when he plans to do so. [46085/21]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for this question.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that following the conclusion of the process administered by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) in relation to filling the Chair vacancy on the board of Shannon Group, and having met the shortlisted candidates identified by PAS as being suitable for appointment, I am happy to advise the Deputy that I have decided to appoint Mr Padraig Ó'Céidigh to the position.
In line with normal arrangements for the appointment of Chairs to State Boards, the Chair designate will be required to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications before being formally appointed as Chair of Shannon Group.
246. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if he has had any communication from the Taoiseach or his office regarding the need for funding of a new pedestrian bridge at Ardfinnan, County Tipperary; and if so, the details and dates of such communications. [46087/21]
View answerA request was received by my office on 14 September 2021 seeking a briefing note for An Taoiseach outlining the current road traffic system for Ardfinnan bridge along with details of funding options for structural repair works and a new pedestrian bridge. Subsequently, an additional request from the Office of An Taoiseach seeking further information on the topic was received on 20 September 2021. Responses to these requests were provided on 15 September and 27 September 2021 respectively.
The responses outlined the details of the works on the existing Ardfinnan bridge which are being funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA). These include the construction of a permanent footpath on the bridge, a pedestrian crossing on the north side of the bridge to facilitate safe crossing onto the existing Barrack Street footpath, and the installation of traffic-sensor traffic lights on both ends of the bridge which will result in shorter waiting times for motorists and should improve the traffic flow.
The responses also outlined that the NTA are happy to consider any proposal for an additional pedestrian bridge in Ardfinnan, provided that Tipperary County Council submit all necessary economic analyses and any additional required assessments as part of that proposal, as is the case with all capital project applications from local authorities.
247. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of investment in the Cork light rail project under CMATS. [46094/21]
View answerThe Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), which was published last year, adopts the multi-modal approach to transport planning that has proven successful in many city regions internationally; it provides the necessary evidence-based, and plan-led framework that can guide investment in Cork over the short, medium, and longer term.
CMATS has a number of significant public transport proposals across bus, commuter rail and light rail, together with the proposed transformation of active travel infrastructure in the city region. including the proposal to develop a light rail service running on an east to west corridor across the city.
As required under the Public Spending Code, the National Transport Authority has submitted the Strategic Assessment Report for Cork Light Rail to my Department. This is known as Decision Gate 0 and the Code stipulates that the Strategic Assessment Report must be reviewed by my Department and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform.
This Decision Gate is a Ministerial approval point rather than a Governmental one, and, if approved, the project will then proceed to the next Decision Gate in the Public Spending Code - Decision Gate 1 Preliminary Business Case.
248. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the status of the provision of a bypass for Killaloe, County Clare including the construction of a new bridge crossing the River Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46107/21]
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, identifies 12 regional and local road improvement projects for development, subject to necessary approvals, and the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and the R494 improvement scheme is one of those projects.
Under the Public Spending Code and the terms and conditions applying to regional and local road grants, capital projects are subject to review and approval at a number of stages. In this context, my Department gave approval in June 2021 for this project to proceed to tender for the main construction contract. This process is currently under way.
249. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when the F spine of the BusConnects programme in Dublin will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46125/21]
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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects.
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.
250. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the status of progress of the Finglas to Killester cycleway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46126/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and active travel infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. This includes the project mentioned by the Deputy, namely the Finglas to Killester cycle route.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
251. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if the lack of lighting at the entry and exit ramps of junction 6 Celbridge and Leixlip, County Kildare will be examined (details supplied); if the matter will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46131/21]
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 operation and management 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.
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.
252. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 15 September 2021, if tenders for the courses and training provided were issued; if so, the persons who responded; the criteria by which the course provider was ultimately chosen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46194/21]
View answerContinuous development is an important feature of the work of my Department to ensure that work is delivered by individuals with up to date skills.
In terms of the course in question, at that time the course provided a good development opportunity for 2 senior staff in my Department, including facilitating senior managers from both the private and public sectors. My Department has not sent staff on the course since 2015.The cost of the course was such that the Department was not required to publish a public advertisement under the National Public Procurement guidelines. The Department's Staff Development Unit reviewed the market to ensure that the training was relevant and cost appropriate.
253. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of and position regarding the DART interconnector in the context of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035. [46260/21]
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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including the ongoing review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035, in the first instance.
I understand DART Interconnector (also known as DART Underground and now DART+ Tunnel) is being considered as part of that review. The review will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns across the Greater Dublin Area. The draft Strategy will be published in Q4 along with all of the background papers that informed its development. The publication of the documentation by the NTA will coincide with the launch of a public consultation process on the revised Strategy and I would encourage all interested parties to participate in that consultation process.
254. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of air routes and airlines he has engaged with in respect of the restoration of pre-pandemic air routes: if he plans to financially incentivise airlines to reinstate routes; and the amount in total he has to expend on this project. [46296/21]
View answerMinister Ryan and I have engaged extensively with aviation stakeholders, including through the Aviation Recovery Taskforce and the National Civil Aviation Development Forum.
To mitigate the negative economic impact of COVID-19 the Government has put in place a range of supports for all businesses, including those in the aviation sector. These include the wage subsidy scheme, the waving of commercial rates, the deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the Working Capital Scheme. At end June it was estimated that ore than €300 million has been made available to the aviation sector through a number of these general cross-economy schemes. Liquidity support through commercial lending in the order of €190m has been made available to Aer Lingus and the daa through the Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).
In addition, a further €80 million is being provided to support the airports, as announced last year, through the Regional Airports Programme and the additional flexibility that is a allowed under EU State aid rules to redress damage arising from exceptional events such as the global pandemic. This will enable the airports to offer route incentives to restore connectivity.
The Economic Recovery Plan launched, in June this year, with the goal of achieving rapid job creation and economic growth after the COVID-19 pandemic, set out new measures, and provided for the continuation of business supports. This plan also recognised the potential need for additional supports for the aviation sector. Officials in my Department are currently considering options for further targeted supports for aviation, with a view to accelerating the restoration of connectivity.
255. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of fully electric buses and separately plug-in electric buses that have been purchased by the State in each of the past five years. [46297/21]
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 procurement of the PSO bus 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.
256. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the budgets allocated by or on behalf of his Department for transport projects in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 in Dublin, Galway, Cork and Limerick cities in terms of roads, rail, light rail, bicycle-related and other transport allocations by city in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46305/21]
View answerThe information requested is being collated by my officials and a reply will issue within 10 working days.
257. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the anomaly by which if a person has paid their motor tax online, but not yet received the motor tax certificate, they are unable to book a driving test. [46307/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be pleased to learn that he has been misinformed. There is no such anomaly.
There is nothing in the Road Safety Authority driver test booking system which links the driving test with motor tax, so that not having motor tax, or proof of motor tax, at the time of booking is irrelevant to the test application process. The only motor tax requirement connected to the driving test is that the vehicle in which the person presents themselves to take their test must have a valid tax disc on the day of the test.
I would like to point out that people can use another vehicle – they do not have to undertake their test in their own if for some reason (tax, insurance, NCT) it is not available on the day. Many people rent the car for their test from their driving school, for example.
258. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons currently on the waiting list for the standard driver test in test centres in County Wicklow; the mechanisms being put in place to alleviate this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46341/21]
View answerSpecific details on individual test centres are an operational matter for 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.
Due to the suspension of driver testing services in the initial pandemic response, along with the health protocols required since the resumption of services, services are operating well below normal capacity and a significant backlog has developed.
In line with the gradual reopening of services this Summer, driving tests for all those who are eligible to take the test and have been waiting longest have now recommenced. Critical frontline workers continue to be the priority for the driver testing service.
My Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to meet the growing demand for tests. An additional 40 temporary driver testers have been authorised along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. These testers have been recruited and trained and commenced testing in July.
In addition, sanction was granted at the end of June to add a further 40 testers to the cohort.
The RSA is looking to increase the number of tests from 6 to 7 per tester per day shortly as well as extending operating hours and expanding facilities at existing centres or opening new centres where appropriate.
The health of both the public and the testers themselves must take priority, and as a result it is important to recognise that it will take time to get driver testing waiting times back to normal pre-Covid levels.
259. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport the number of public power points for electric vehicles in County Donegal; the locations of same; and his plans to increase this number. [46343/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A national charging infrastructure strategy is being developed which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030. My Department has begun an engagement with relevant stakeholders to inform this work and it is envisaged that the strategy will be published later this year.
€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund (CAF) to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022. This intervention alone will result in:
- 90 additional high power chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles
- 52 additional fast chargers, which may replace existing standard chargers
- 264 replacement standard chargers with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points
Further details on the progression of this project can be found at esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.
In light of the ESB eCars responsibility in the matter of the installation of charge points per county, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the ESB for direct response. Please contact my Office if no reply is received within 10 working days.
In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme continues to be available during 2021 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs. My Department has committed to reviewing the Scheme shortly to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.
Thirteen local authorities have been in touch with SEAI in relation to the scheme but this does not include Donegal County Council.
260. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to raise the fixed-charge penalty that may be issued by traffic wardens and members of An Garda Síochána for parking offences related to preventing use of active and sustainable transport infrastructure, including parking on footpaths, cycle lanes and bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46432/21]
View answerMy Department is currently working with both the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and An Garda Síochána in relation to such offences.
