Written Answers Nos. 28-50
28. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of local authority staff who are undertaking inspections of premises and vehicles being used for the sale and distribution of solid fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62151/21]
View answer29. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of prosecutions that were made under the Air Pollution Act 1987 for breaches of the regulations in 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62152/21]
View answer30. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of fixed payment notices that were issued in 2020 and to date in 2021 for alleged offences relating to the marketing, sale and distribution of prohibited fuels in low smoke zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62153/21]
View answer31. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of residential properties that have been reported to local authorities for the burning of smoky coal in 2020, by the local authority's functional area; the number of alleged offences that were investigated by local authority staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62154/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 to 31, inclusive, together.
Enforcement action against breaches of the Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 326 of 2012) is a matter for Local Authorities and my Department does not compile statistics in relation to prosecutions taken or fines imposed. Local Authorities report information to the Environmental Protection Agency annually regarding enforcement activities under environmental legislation.
The number of Local Authority staff involved in air quality enforcement activities, such as undertaking inspections of premises and vehicles being used for the sale and distribution of solid fuel, is an operational matter for the individual Local Authorities themselves, and my Department has no direct role in this regard.
Further details of Local Authority enforcement of environmental legislation, including staffing levels, are available from the series of Local Authority Environmental Performance Assessment reports compiled by the EPA. These reports can be accessed at: www.epa.ie/our-services/compliance--enforcement/support-and-supervision-of-local-councils/la-performance/
The most recent report relates to 2019 enforcement activities, and the 2020 performance report will be published in the near future.
32. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to tackle air pollution, particularly in urban areas and cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62155/21]
View answerAir quality in Ireland is protected by a range of legislation and policies, in line with EU and international policy, and is monitored by the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme, operated by the Environment Protection Agency, and funded by my Department.
Data from monitoring stations shows that the measures to protect our air quality have on the whole been effective and where issues with air pollution levels have been observed, particularly in urban areas, it has been primarily due to the burning of solid fuel or traffic related pollution.
Each year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning. I am committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge through enhanced regulation of all solid fuels. Next year, new emissions standards will be introduced across a range of fuels to ensure that the most polluting will no longer be available for sale on the Irish market. Introducing these standards will improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public that we serve.
The UTRAP (Urban Transport-Related Air Pollution) group was established in 2019 to look at the key measures required in order to reduce transport related pollution in our urban areas. The final report from the group will also consider the details of the Five Cities Demand Management Study, published recently by the Department of Transport. This report contains measures aimed at reducing emissions, tackling congestion, improving air quality, and improving the overall urban environment of Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway.
The national Clean Air Strategy, currently being finalised by my Department, will commit us to further cutting levels of the most damaging and dangerous pollutants in order to help us move towards the guideline limits recommended by the World Health Organisation. The Strategy will also identify and promote the integrated measures and actions across Government that are required to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air, while delivering on wider national objectives.
33. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will review correspondence (details supplied); the reason a property 100 mfrom the fibre cable will have to wait a further four years to receive high-speed broadband; his views on whether this is acceptable; if contact will be made with National Broadband Ireland in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62166/21]
View answerThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 3 December 2021 over 282,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed or have surveys underway with almost 150,000 premises under construction or complete. NBI has advised that premises are connected in Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Louth, Monaghan, Roscommon, Tipperary and almost 35,000 premises are available to order and pre-order across 13 counties.
In Cavan surveying is complete in the Deployment Areas of Kilnaleck and Cootehill and network build is complete in the Deployment Area of Cavan, with some 3,539 premises now available for order or pre order.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cavan through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the Intervention Area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries. NBI has recently published details of its full deployment schedule on its website which enables all premises within the Intervention Area to have an anticipated service activation date range. Given the scale and complexity of delivery of the new high speed broadband network under the NBP, I am advised that any dates provided by NBI on its website are based on the best available information at the time and may be subject to change.
In addition to the challenges to the delivery of the NBP due to the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has faced a range of other challenges due to the sheer scale and complexity of rolling out fibre to the home in a rural environment. These include significant tree trimming to ensure cable can be placed on overhead poles, remediation of ducting that has been in place for many decades, the co-ordination of hundreds of contracting crews and addressing the many issues arising week on week which could not have been foreseen until the build crews commenced work on the ground. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract. This plan addresses delays experienced by NBI, primarily arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and re-baselines milestones for 2021. Work is underway to re-baseline milestones for 2022 and beyond. This has resulted in some changes to timeframes for connection for end users.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 3 December 2021, 424 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are installed at Mullahoran Community Centre (approx. 4.2km from the premises referred to), Bunnoe Community Centre, Templeport Community Centre, Drumavaddy Community Centre, Glengevlin Community Hall, Gallonray House, Castlerahan Community Centre, Cornafean Community Centre, Kill Gaelic Football Club, Kildallan Parish Hall, Killenkere Leisure Centre and Castle Saunderson Scout Centre. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/ .
Corlis National School, Laragh National School, Corlea National School, Kilmore National School, Lackan National School, Dromaili S N, Saint Patrick's School, Kildallan National School, Greaghrahan National School and Killoughter National School have been installed by NBI for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
34. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 192 of 20 June 2018, the status of an annual support towards pay-by-weight bin charges for homes in which a family member is using incontinence pads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62183/21]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No 60 of 9 September 2021. The position is unchanged.
35. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the main policy achievements and initiatives undertaken by his Department during 2021; and his main priorities for 2022. [62193/21]
View answerMy Department's Statement of Strategy for the period 2021-2023 was approved by Government and published in March of this year. The Statement of Strategy sets out the strategic goals for the Department, in line with the Programme for Government, and identifies the Department's long-term vision of a climate neutral, sustainable, and digitally connected Ireland. In 2021, my Department has continued to make significant progress on the development and implementation of a wide range of policies and programmes in line with this Strategy. While these will be set out in full in the Annual Report for the department which will be published in 2022, I have set out below some of the main deliverables achieved by the department this year:
Goal 1: Be a recognised leader in climate action:
In 2021:
- Enactment of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, setting Ireland on the path to net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and to a 51% reduction in emissions by the end of this decade.
- Publication of the Climate Action Plan 2021 detailing the actions needed to deliver on our climate targets.
- 51 Just Transition Fund projects have finalised grant agreements. The total value of projects in delivery mode is approximately €24 million, with €17.3 million in grant funding. The EU Territorial Just Transitional Plan is in development.
- Climate ambition full reflected in NDP 2021 – 2030.
In 2022, my Department will continue to drive the climate agenda through the implementation of the Climate Action Plan 2021, building resilience in citizens, communities, and businesses to overcome climate adaptation challenges, and maximise climate mitigation and adaptation opportunities. Goal 2: Transform our energy system for a net zero emissions future:
In 2021:
- Publication of National Retrofit Plan and progression of loan guarantee to be finalised in 2022.
- €221.5m secured for residential and community retrofit programmes in Budget 2021.
- Acceleration of timetable for second RESS auction with the process now commenced.
- Terms and Conditions for first Offshore RESS auction published and consenting process for first 7 offshore projects being developed.
In 2022, my Department will ensure continued secure and reliable supplies of energy; implement the National Retrofit Plan to support over 22,000 home energy upgrades and continue the work to deliver up to 80% of Ireland’s electricity from a combination of onshore and offshore renewable sources of electricity by 2030. Goal 3: Transition to a circular economy:
- Publication of Circular Economy Bill for enactment in 2022.
- Publication of a Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy.
- Regulations to underpin introduction of Deposit and Return scheme signed to come into force next year.
In 2022, work relating to the Circular Economy will continue as Ireland aims to be an EU and global leader in the circular economy transition, protecting our natural resources, environment and health while also assisting in the journey to net zero by 2050. Goal 4: Deliver world class connectivity and communications:
In 2021:
- Rollout of the National Broadband Plan with 277,000 premises surveyed and 125,000 premises at construction stage by end November.
- Capacity review of the National Cyber Security Centre completed and recommendations being implemented.
Work in 2022 will continue the delivery of high speed broadband connectivity to more premises by the end of 2022, bringing us closer to ensuring quality connectivity to all premises and business in Ireland, regardless of location and separately on improving cyber security and resilience of network and information systems to support the development of the digital economy. Finally, my Department will prioritise work to develop the Departments people, culture and organisation to ensure that it has the capacity and capability to deliver on our Statement of Strategy and strategic goals.
36. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications the number of offshore wind turbines currently in operation; the number constructed in each of the years 2001 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62266/21]
View answer37. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications the proportion of electricity produced nationally by offshore wind turbines in each of the years 2001 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; the amount of electricity produced nationally in each of the years 2001 to 2020 and to date in 2021 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62267/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.
There is currently only one offshore wind farm operating in Ireland, Arklow Bank, which has been operational since 2003. This wind farm consists of seven turbines and has an installed capacity of 25.2 MW.
The SEAI reports annually on total electricity generated and electricity generated by wind in its Energy in Ireland publication, the latest edition available here:
www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-statistics/key-publications/energy-in-ireland/
As the contribution of offshore wind is currently relatively small, it is reported together with the onshore wind figure. The total installed wind capacity in Ireland was 4,307 MW at end-2020. Offshore wind capacity therefore accounts for approximately 0.6% of total installed wind capacity currently.
38. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of electricity consumed in Dublin and nationally in each of the years 2001 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62268/21]
View answerEirGrid has provided the information requested at a national level, details of which are set out in the tale below; figures for Dublin are not available.
|
Year |
Ireland Electricity Consumption (GWh) |
|
2001 |
24,382 |
|
2002 |
25,346 |
|
2003 |
26,027 |
|
2004 |
26,789 |
|
2005 |
27,671 |
|
2006 |
28,894 |
|
2007 |
29,688 |
|
2008 |
30,366 |
|
2009 |
28,731 |
|
2010 |
28,647 |
|
2011 |
27,654 |
|
2012 |
27,557 |
|
2013 |
27,818 |
|
2014 |
27,957 |
|
2015 |
28,776 |
|
2016 |
29,509 |
|
2017 |
29,993 |
|
2018 |
30,868 |
|
2019 |
31,340 |
|
2020 |
31,825 |
|
2021 Jan to Oct |
25,549 |
Further detailed annual national energy statistics is available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in their Energy in Ireland reports at www.seai.ie.
39. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the risk analysis that has been taken regarding the proposed new gas power plants and the liabilities of the State under the energy charter treaty investor provisions. [62272/21]
View answerThe Energy Charter Treaty is a political declaration on international energy cooperation. It is designed to promote energy security through the operation of more open and competitive energy markets, while respecting the principles of sustainable development and sovereignty over energy resources. While there is an investor state dispute settlement mechanism as part of the Energy Charter Treaty, the Court of Justice of the European Union recently ruled that intra-EU arbitrations based on the Energy Charter Treaty violate EU law which significantly limits its use in an Irish context.
The Government's Policy Statement on Security of Electricity Supply sets out that the development of gas-fired generation is a national priority and should be permitted and supported in order to ensure security of electricity supply and support the growth of renewable electricity generation.
The policy statement supports the need to deliver circa 2 GW of new gas-fired generation which is set out in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Climate Action Plan 2021.
The need for this level of new gas-fired generation capacity was identified by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, which has statutory responsibility for security of electricity supply, and EirGrid, the electricity transmission system operator.
While the need for this additional generation is set out in policy by the Government, procuring and/or incentivising its development along with the associated consideration of risk is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and the Single Electricity Market Committee which oversees the all-island Single Electricity Market.
40. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to legislate for security in post offices (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62306/21]
View answerThe provision of security in post offices is an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post and not one in which I, as Minister have a role.
If the Deputy has specific security concerns or is aware of specific incidents these should be reported directly to the relevant authorities.
41. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if policies are being developed to allow householders to have kerbside chargers where they have no driveways and it would be hazardous to run chargers across public spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62279/21]
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 due for publication early next year which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030.
I am also aware that a report was published by the County and City Management Association (CCMA) on the provision of guidance to local authorities on the provision of charging infrastructure. The document is available for viewing online at www.lgma.ie/en/publications/general-publications/local-authority-electrification-of-fleet-and-ev-charging-guidance.pdf.
The Government’s policy regarding the increased usage of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is primarily driven by the Climate Action Plan which sets a target of 945,000 EVs by 2030.
Home charging is considered the primary method of charging for the majority of EVs in Ireland and is a convenient, cost effective and environmentally friendly means of charging, especially when using night rate electricity. It accounts for circa 80% of EV charging sessions and will continue to be the primary method of charging in the future.
The Government earlier this year introduced a requirement that new buildings and those undergoing substantial renovation works will have to include charging points for electric vehicles if they have more than 10 car parking spaces.
The EV Home Charger Grant Scheme has been in operation since January 2018 to support the installation of home chargers for purchasers of new and second-hand BEVs and PHEVs. The grant provides generous support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger up to a maximum of €600. As regards existing apartment buildings, work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for apartments to open in the near future.
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 is reviewing the Scheme at present to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort and which will support installation of public chargers particularly in areas without own driveway.
In addition, the national charging infrastructure strategy, due for publication early next year, will consider this issue in particular and develop proposals to address the current disparity between homeowners with and without off street parking.
42. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the status of progress of the updated pension scheme for Dublin Bus drivers; if there are reasons for the delay in implementation; and if he will provide a specific timeline for when the new scheme will come into effect. [62019/21]
View answerThe 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 RWS, 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. It is expected that the details of the SIs will be settled shortly and published thereafter as part of the 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.
43. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that driving instructors have been unable to access bathroom or sanitation facilities at RSA test centres since 2020 due to the pandemic; if his attention has been drawn to the way this impacts them in their work; and if he will work with test centres to ensure there are facilities for instructors to access safely. [62056/21]
View answerOperational arrangements at driving test centres are a matter for the Road Safety Authority(RSA).
I understand from the RSA that prior to the COVID 19 pandemic some test centres across the country offered toilet facilities, and in some cases indoor waiting rooms, where instructors or other accompanying persons could choose to wait while students were out undergoing their test.
To be clear, some test centres around the country are very small and do not have, and have never had, facilities available for accompanying persons.
At present, toilet facilities at test centres are only available to the learner driver who is undertaking his or her driving test. There are no waiting area facilities available in any of the centres for either the learner or the instructor. The learner is contacted by phone while he or she is outside the centre and is then invited inside by the driver tester.
The decision to close public toilet and waiting facilities has been taken by the Road Safety Authority in the interests of public safety and as part of its overall Covid 19 Resumption of Services Protocols and in line with Health and Safety risk assessment procedures which had to be adopted as part of the RSA's resumption plans.
Allowing additional persons to enter the test centre would mean potentially doubling the number of attendees at any given time. The only way to do this without risk to public health would be to reduce the number of tests being provided. In a situation where the RSA is already working to reduced backlogs built up during the pandemic, this would not be in the public interest.
44. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the cessation of the Bus Éireann express service from Galway to Limerick via Shannon Airport which has created a major connectivity gap (detail supplied); his views on the cessation of the service; if he will ensure that if licences are sought for provision of the service that they will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62156/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters. While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. Bus Éireann operates a substantial PSO business under contract with the NTA, providing subvented bus services outside Dublin, and in regional and rural locations throughout the country.
Bus Éireann also has a separate, commercially-run business, "Expressway", which operates a number of inter-regional bus routes in competition with other, private, commercial operators in the licensed bus market. In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services. Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
45. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to greater flexibility of current public transport incentives such as taxsaver tickets given the greater flexibility of office-based work and the hybrid approach to working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62173/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares.
Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts
In relation to the possible introduction of a part-time tax saver commuter ticket following the Covid pandemic, the NTA is currently evaluating such a proposal and my Department has held discussions with the NTA and also with the Department of Finance on this issue. The NTA is proceeding with the detailed technical work associated with the introduction of a more flexible Taxsaver product.
46. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the lack of sanitary and-or bathroom facilities for driving instructors (details supplied) at RSA facilities; and if he will take immediate action to remedy the situation. [62174/21]
View answerOperational arrangements at driving test centres are a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
I understand from the RSA that prior to the COVID 19 pandemic some test centres across the country offered toilet facilities, and in some cases indoor waiting rooms, where instructors or other accompanying persons could choose to wait while students were out undergoing their test.
To be clear, some test centres around the country are very small and do not have, and have never had, facilities available for accompanying persons.
At present, toilet facilities at test centres are only available to the learner driver who is undertaking his or her driving test. There are no waiting area facilities available in any of the centres for either the learner or the instructor. The learner is contacted by phone while he or she is outside the centre and is then invited inside by the driver tester.
The decision to close public toilet and waiting facilities has been taken by the Road Safety Authority in the interests of public safety and as part of its overall Covid 19 Resumption of Services Protocols and in line with Health and Safety risk assessment procedures which had to be adopted as part of the RSA's resumption plans.
Allowing additional persons to enter the test centre would mean potentially doubling the number of attendees at any given time. The only way to do this without risk to public health would be to reduce the number of tests being provided. In a situation where the RSA is already working to reduced backlogs built up during the pandemic, this would not be in the public interest.
Through diligent adherence to these requirements, the RSA has been able to deliver the driver testing service without any known case of transmission while conducting a driving test. The service has continued operating to date in 2021 at a time when it continued to be suspended in many other jurisdictions.
Public health advice issued in recent weeks does not allow for any further relaxation to the current restrictions. The RSA looks forward to facilitating ADIs and others use of the available facilities when it’s safe to do so.
47. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the main policy achievements and initiatives undertaken by his Department during 2021; and his main priorities for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62204/21]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the implementation of 54 specific commitments in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future and it also plays a critical role in supporting other commitments. Many actions are being rolled out under the Climate Action Plan and will be supported by the Revised National Development Plan (NDP).
Good progress has been made on these key commitments, with many policy achievements and initiatives undertaken in 2021, including agreement for ambitious actions and targets agreed for the transport sector to reduce emissions by between 42% and 50% by 2030. My Department also secured €35 billion for the sector under the Revised National Development Plan, which will allow my Department to support 500,000 extra daily walking, cycling and public transport journeys by 2030.
To support this ambition, great strides were made this year in the advancement of BusConnects in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick. Many significant transport infrastructure projects were progressed including the Dart +West project, which was given approval by Government to enter the planning system earlier this month.
In terms or rural and regional connectivity, and in addition to the launch of Connecting Ireland, new Local Link services were provided in Leitrim, Laois-Offaly and Tipperary.
Good work has also been achieved on a new Sustainable Mobility Policy Framework, which my Department is currently finalising. Stakeholder and citizen engagement has been a big feature of my Department’s work this year, with many consultations underway including an All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
In terms of accessibility, 'The Big Lift' upgrade and maintenance programme for railway stations achieved lift upgrades in twenty-two stations across the network in 2021. In relation to taxis, the 2021 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle grant scheme received 746 applications by mid-November.
My Department also published a number of policies and programmes including the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, a new Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, as well as a Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021. A Five Cities Demand Management Study was also published in November.
In 2022, my Department will also deliver a number of important policy initiatives. A few examples of the many being progressed include:
- The establishment of the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), as recommended by the Report of the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway Working Group.
- The completion and publication of the Department’s EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy.
- Continued implementation of the wide-ranging transport actions in the Climate Action Plan 2021 and the EU’s Fit for 55 Proposals
- The introduction of a Youth Travel Card which will allow any person between the age of 19 and 23 to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs to an average discount of 50% across the transport network and promote modal shift in the transport sector among this group.
- Enhanced public transport service provision via a Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, New Town Services, and the Accessibility Retrofit Programme
- Legislative developments in the areas of merchant shipping, aviation regulation, rail and road safety.
- Work on the revision of the National Aviation Policy
- Continued investment in the protection and renewal of the road network together the implementation of targeted road improvement schemes
- Completion of the Ten-Year Strategy for the Haulage Sector.
48. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify and review an application by a person (details supplied) to the National Driver Licence Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62236/21]
View answerAll enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to individual applications.
I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from the Authority in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.
49. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 41 of 8 December 2021, the size of the population of 19- to 23-year-olds upon whom the budget of €25 million for the introduction of a youth travel card is based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62264/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares.
Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. The NTA is responsible for the implementation of a Young Adult Travel Card (YATC), which will offer a 50% discount on travel on all subsidised public transport services.
I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
50. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if there will be an announcement made in 2021 for funding for the road safety improvement works on the N73 Mallow to Mitchelstown road. [62277/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and 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 operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this proposed project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
