Written Answers Nos. 192-215
193. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns in Northern Ireland in relation to limited access to RTÉ channels for many viewers, with further difficulties emerging with the availability of television streaming services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62784/21]
View answerI have no function in this area. This is an operational matter for RTE, which is independent in its day-to-day functions in accordance with section 98 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
196. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it will be ensured an application by a school (details supplied) for upgraded broadband connectivity will be progressed without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62848/21]
View answerThe school referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department’s website at www.broadband.go.ie. BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Complaints about service provision are a matter to be dealt with between the consumer and the service provider in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
I am advised that there has been previous contact with my Department in relation to the provision of high speed broadband at this school and that my Department has determined that the school in question should be capable of getting download speeds up to 70Mbps from the local exchange in Butler’s Bridge. I understand that the commercial operator has indicated that there could be a fault with the modem device on site which may be preventing the maximum speed from being achieved. The commercial operator has suggested that the service provider should run a test with an alternative modem to see if this will resolve the problem. I understand that the Department of Education are continuing to work with the service provider to see if they can improve the service to the school.
197. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on remediation works at a location (details supplied); the stage the works are at; when the works are expected to be fully completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62873/21]
View answerWork is well under way at this site following the completion of planning and procurement requirements. In December 2020 Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown County Council entered into a contract (valued at approx. €2,000,000) for remediation works on the site. These works are expected to take approximately 9 months to complete. While work commenced in May this year, due to delays as a result of the national response to Covid-19, the work is now due for completion mid-2022.
To date provision of €420,000 has been made under the Landfill Remediation grant programme to Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown County Council in respect of this project, with grant funding of over €340,000 in 2021.
198. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to a person (details supplied) who is experiencing a delay with completing a Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland application; if he will request his officials to review the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62875/21]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to lower income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme leaving them better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level.
Applications under SEAI schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function with regard to individual grant applications. However, my officials have made contact with SEAI in relation to the case referred to by the Deputy. I have been informed by the SEAI that the applicant’s home, referred to by the Deputy, has been surveyed by the SEAI and they expect this home to be assigned to a contractor in the next allocation in Quarter 1, 2022.
Budget 2022 has allocated €202 million for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes and a further €10 million for the Solar PV scheme next year. Of this amount, €109 million will be used to provide free energy efficiency upgrades to households that are in, or at risk of, energy poverty.
In addition to the significant capital allocation for the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme next year, resources have been provided to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme. In addition, delivery capacity in the supply chain has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020.
199. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus in respect of the scheduling of services over the Christmas period; if his attention has been drawn to issues regarding same (details supplied); and the steps he will take in order to remedy and or mediate in the situation. [62423/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the development of public transport policy and its funding. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport. That is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with public transport operators, in this case Dublin Bus.
I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA in the first instance for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days
200. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the way his Department and the Government overall will support Shannon Heritage sites as they continue to operate through the Covid-19 pandemic and prepare for the management of the sites they currently operate to be divested to local authorities. [54695/21]
View answerI would like to thank Deputy Crowe for his question in relation to Shannon Heritage which has been transferred to me for reply from my colleague, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
I can advise the Deputy that Shannon Group, and specifically Shannon Heritage, has received, and continues to be in receipt of Exchequer supports. In compliance with State aid rules, funding on an exceptional basis was provided to Shannon Heritage at the end of December last to cover the incremental costs incurred to keep heritage sites open during the winter of 2020. This funding is in addition to funding provided to Shannon Heritage under Fáilte Ireland's COVID Adaptation Grant Programme; the economy-wide supports Government has put in place including the TWSS/EWSS; and the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS).
The operation and management of Shannon Heritage sites is an operational matter for Shannon Heritage and Shannon Group plc. As a commercial State Body it is the responsibility of the Group to operate and manage the Shannon Heritage business in accordance with its commercial mandate. Shannon Group has advised that it is not financially viable to keep the heritage sites open in line with its pre-COVID-19 operating model given the lack of international visitors and the losses incurred as a result of that. However, while Shannon Group had planned to close Bunratty and King John's Castles following the Christmas period until Easter, the decision by the Government to continue the EWSS into next year has allowed the Group to decide to keep the heritage sites open in the new year.
The Deputy will be aware that Shannon Group is currently engaging with the relevant Local Authorities with a view to the transfer to them of the Shannon Heritage sites. My Department continues to engage with Shannon Group on this matter and I have been informed that discussions between the parties are progressing well and that the required due diligence exercises are underway. This due diligence must be concluded before the relevant Ministerial consents can be given to execute any transfer of the sites, with the agreement of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I understand that while Shannon Group had planned for this work to be complete by the end of the year, the complexities involved in the transfer of the business and the due diligence required mean that it will be next year before the transfer of the sites can be completed.
201. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied at levels of compliance with the requirement to wear face masks on public transport; if his Department and the CIÉ group of companies are monitoring compliance with and enforcement of the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62465/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for the policy and overall funding of public transport. The National Transport Authority is responsible for the day-to-day operations of public transport in conjunction with the public transport operators.
The Regulations for the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport were introduced under Health legislation on 10 July and came into effect on Monday 13 July 2020, and were recently extended to February 2022. These Regulations require passengers, with some exceptions, to wear face coverings while utilising public transport and gives additional protection to both passengers and transport staff.
The Regulations are implementable by a “relevant person” who is defined as any officer, employee or agent of a public transport operator or of the NTA. A relevant person implementing the Regulations can seek the assistance of An Garda Síochána where needed. Where a passenger is not wearing a face covering, a relevant person under the Regulations may:
- request the passenger to wear a face covering;
- refuse the passenger entry to the public transport vehicle; or
- request the passenger to alight from the vehicle.
Failure to comply is an offence and there are penalties (on summary conviction) for non-compliance.
Public health advice tells us that face coverings are an important safety measure, especially in interior spaces, but that they not suitable for every individual. Recognising this, the Regulations do not apply to children under the age of 13. On a temporary basis, subject to review in mid-February 2022, the wearing of face masks/coverings will be recommended for children:
- aged 9 years and over on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as currently required for those aged 13 and over, with exemptions as appropriate.
Reflecting public health advice, the Regulations also allow that wearing a face covering is not required where a person has a “reasonable excuse".
People understand the importance of protecting their fellow passengers and the staff of the public transport operators. It is not intended that enforcement or penalties will be needed often, but they are available if necessary. The NTA is engaging regularly with public transport operators regarding implementation of the Regulations, and monitoring compliance levels across the network.
My Department and the NTA take the safety of both passengers and transport workers very seriously, and are continuing to monitor the effects of the measures in place very closely, in conjunction with public transport operators.
202. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to significant disruption to a route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62512/21]
View answer227. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address issues in relation to a bus route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62786/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 227 together.
As 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 provision of public transport services in association with the relevant transport operators i.e., in this case, Go-Ahead Ireland.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
203. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of State boards under the remit of his Department or its agencies, in tabular form; the number of members of each board; the number of persons with a declared disability on each board; and the percentage of each board that is made up of persons with a declared disability. [62535/21]
View answerI am wholly committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on the State Boards under my remit as Minister for Transport, to widen access to a broader range of experiences, perspectives, and skillsets. My Department actively engages with our agencies to promote better diversity on our State Boards. We also engage with the Public Appointments/State Boards Service to ensure there is a broad pool of candidates for State Board positions and we will continue to work with them to make further progress on this core objective. I would encourage any individual who has the requisite skills to put themselves forward for these open competitions, which provide genuine opportunities to contribute.
There are 11 commercial bodies and 5 non-commercial bodies under the aegis of the Department of Transport. In addition, my Department also processes board appointments for 2 organisations under the remit of our agencies, namely the Railway Safety Advisory Council and the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles.
Information in relation to the membership and number of members on each board is summarised in the following table. My Department does not record statistics on the number of persons with a declared disability on each board and therefore is not in a position to provide the Deputy with a percentage.
|
State Board/Agency |
Total Board membership |
|
Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles |
18 |
|
Bus Átha Cliath |
9 |
|
Bus Éireann |
9 |
|
Córas Iompair Éireann |
12 |
|
Dublin Port Company |
8 |
|
Iarnród Éireann |
9 |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
9 |
|
Marine Casualty Investigation Board |
5 |
|
Medical Bureau of Road Safety |
5 |
|
National Transport Authority |
12 |
|
Port of Cork Company |
8 |
|
Port of Waterford Company |
8 |
|
Railway Safety Advisory Council |
14 |
|
Road Safety Authority |
9 |
|
Shannon Foynes Port Company |
8 |
|
Shannon Group PLC |
10 |
|
Transport Infrastructure Ireland |
11 |
|
daa plc |
13 |
Information relating to board appointments for agencies under my Department's remit and the basis of that appointment is available here on stateboards.ie and here on my Department’s website.
204. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if applications for the road safety improvement scheme 2022 have closed; the number of applications received from Cork City Council; the number of these in areas (details supplied); and the number of successful projects if approved. [62561/21]
View answerApplications are closed for the 2022 regional and local road safety improvement grant. Nine projects were submitted by Cork City Council for consideration, including a proposal for a new zebra crossing on Colmcille road, Churchfield. The 2022 allocations have not been decided as yet and will be notified to Councils are part of the general grant allocations early next year.
205. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a situation in which John F. Connolly Road, Cork has been in a state of serious disrepair for an extended time period (details supplied); and the role his Department will play in rectifying this issue. [62566/21]
View answer206. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if his Department received a funding application from Cork City Council for work on John F. Connolly road. [62567/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.
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, where applicable. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
As regards the John F Connolly road, therefore, it is a matter for the Council to consider options in relation to the issue regards bollards raised by the Deputy.
In relation to the condition of the road pavement, my Department provides funding for road rehabilitation works and under the Restoration Improvement Grant each Council is required to submit a 3 year programme of works. Cork City Council has submitted its 2022 to 2024 programme which provides for road pavement improvement works on the John F Connolly road in 2023.
207. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if it is his policy to only significantly improve and expand the rail network in which there is currently a high density of population rather than providing a national network that would give rail access to all parts of the State and enable the lower populated areas to grow more rapidly thus contributing to a better spatial distribution of persons and economic activity across the State. [62604/21]
View answerI wish to assure the Deputy that is most definitely not the policy or approach I am pursuing.
The National Planning Framework sets out the spatial planning context for the State’s development for the next twenty years and I certainly believe improved public transport (including rail) has a role to play in supporting NSO1: Compact Growth; NSO2: Enhanced Regional Accessibility; NSO3: Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities; NSO4: Sustainable Mobility and NSO8: Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society.
I do believe that in examining transport connectivity issues, those issues need to be examined on a mode neutral basis and that specific issues will require different solutions depending on the specific circumstances.
In terms of the transport needs of rural and regional Ireland there are two hugely significant initiatives currently underway, the Strategic Rail Review and the National Transport Authority’s Connecting Ireland – Rural Mobility Plan.
Both of these initiatives are examining improved public transport in rural and regional Ireland and in the case of the Strategic Rail Review is specifically considering the potential of rail in the context of rural and regional Ireland.
These initiatives, when finalised, will support the spatial distribution as set out in the National Planning Framework.
208. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the names of the members of the steering group that has been established to oversee the strategic rail review; the key stakeholders that have representation on the group; the way they were selected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62605/21]
View answerAs is standard in such circumstances, the High Level Steering Group for the All Island Strategic Rail Review consists of senior representatives from relevant bodies, albeit in this case it also reflects the all-island aspect of the Review.
The High Level Steering Group is chaired at Assistant Secretary level from my Department and comprises representatives from -
- Department of Transport;
- Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland);
- Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage;
- Commission for Rail Regulation;
- National Transport Authority;
- Iarnród Éireann; and
- Translink (Northern Ireland).
My Department has also engaged JASPERS, an agency of the EU / EIB, as its technical advisers on the Review.
209. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the situation at the Doolin Coast Guard station; the timeline for the Doolin unit to resume service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62655/21]
View answerI have asked the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) to begin the process of reconstituting the Doolin Coast Guard unit which was stood down from operations and training activities on Nov 1st last following a number of volunteer resignations.
The decision was made following receipt of a report and recommendation from independent mediator, Mr Kieran Mulvey, who concluded that certain relationships within the Doolin Coast Guard Unit have irretrievably broken down and that the mutual trust, respect and confidence required to effectively operate a Coast Guard Unit does not exist within the Unit.
The report concludes that the interpersonal difficulties are not capable of being resolved through the normal mediation process.
In accordance with the recommendations of Mr. Mulvey’s Report, members of the Doolin Unit will be permanently stood down. The unit will be re-constituted in the short term by temporarily appointing volunteers who Coast Guard believe can work and operate together. This will address the situation presented by the absence of a functioning Doolin Coast Guard Unit.
A broader appointment process will commence with a view to permanently restoring the Coast Guard Unit in the Doolin area.
I understand that this is a difficult decision and outcome for all concerned. Inaction on the matter is not an option where there is a situation that a person may find themselves in trouble on or near the water into the future and require the assistance of a locally-based Coast Guard Unit. The provision of a robust and fully operational Coast Guard Unit to the Doolin area is the priority.
A number of further recommendations in the report will also be implemented including further engagement with volunteers and a review of procedures affecting the unit around training, operations, equipment and activities.
I also support the work of the Coast Guard Representative Group, the Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) which represents volunteers interests within the Coast Guard. To enhance CUAGs role as a representative body for volunteers a review of CUAGs existing Terms of Reference and grievance procedures within the Irish Coast Guard will be carried out.
210. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the steps that have been taken by his Department to resolve the issues at the Doolin Coast Guard unit; if an independent mediator has been appointed; the stage of the arbitration process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62656/21]
View answerI have asked the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) to begin the process of reconstituting the Doolin Coast Guard unit which was stood down from operations and training activities on Nov 1st last following a number of volunteer resignations.
The decision was made following receipt of a report and recommendation from independent mediator, Mr Kieran Mulvey, who found that certain relationships within the Doolin Coast Guard Unit have irretrievably broken down and that the mutual trust, respect and confidence required to effectively operate a Coast Guard Unit does not exist within the Unit.
The report concludes that the interpersonal difficulties are not capable of being resolved through the normal mediation process.
In accordance with the recommendations of Mr. Mulvey’s Report, members of the Doolin Unit will be permanently stood down. The Unit will be re-constituted in the short term by temporarily appointing volunteers who Coast Guard believe can work and operate together. This will address the situation presented by the absence of a functioning Doolin Coast Guard Unit.
A broader appointment process will commence to permanently restore the Coast Guard Unit in the Doolin area.
I understand that this is a difficult decision and outcome for all concerned. The provision of a robust and fully operational Coast Guard Unit to the Doolin area is the priority concern.
A number of further recommendations in the report will also be implemented including further engagement with volunteers and a review of procedures affecting the unit around training, operations, equipment and activities.
I also support the work of the Coast Guard Representative Group, the Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) which represents volunteers interests within the Coast Guard. To enhance CUAGs role as a representative body for volunteers a review of CUAGs existing Terms of Reference and grievance procedures within the Irish Coast Guard will be carried out.
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure that commuters in north County Kildare can rely on an increase in commuter rail capacity by one or other means over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62742/21]
View answer221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the total commuter passenger requirement on a daily basis to and from the various rail stations throughout north County Kildare; the extent to which he expects to be in a position to enhance the availability of rail services to these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62752/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 221 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport but am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant public transport operator, i.e. Iarnród Éireann. Therefore, I have 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.
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects extra rail carriages to be made available throughout the north County Kildare commuter belt in the course of the next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62743/21]
View answer217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the total expected investment in the rail service throughout County Kildare with particular reference to increasing the services to meet increased demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62748/21]
View answer228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which rail carriages on all lines throughout the country have been upgraded or are in course to so be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62793/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 212, 217 and 228 together.
As the Deputy is aware, Government continues to invest substantially in the rail network. This is apparent on several fronts:
- through the increased funding in recent years through the IMMAC for the safety and maintenance of the network;
- the very recent approval by Government of the Preliminary Business Case for DART+ Programme; and
- previous Government approval for the purchase of additional 41 ICRs.
All of the above will allow for increased services to meet increased demand not just in County Kildare but across the rail network.
The DART+ Programme will extend and enhance the current DART system and services west to Maynooth and Celbridge/Hazelhatch. The DART+ Fleet project which will introduce electric and battery electric units to the DART network over time, and may allow for the introduction of DART services in County Kildare in advance of electrification of lines. It is expected that the delivery of the 41 additional InterCity Railcars will commence in Q3 next year allowing for enhanced services across the rail network when introduced into service in 2023.
As the Deputy will observe, new carriages and the subsequent redeployment of existing carriages will allow NTA and IÉ address the issue of growing demand. Specific to the Deputy's query on the upgrading of carriages, the operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network is in the first instance a matter for Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) and noting same, I have referred the Deputy's question to it for detailed direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure that the extension of the DART on the western route will continue to an area past Kilcock to facilitate the maximisation of space for parking and a wider catchment area with consequent beneficial impact towards alleviation of traffic concentration on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62744/21]
View answer214. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he will influence the extension of the DART to facilitate the catchment areas of Kilcock and Enfield as requested by the vast majority of interest in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62745/21]
View answer215. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that the extension of the DART or other rail extensions will fully utilise the opportunity to provide increased capacity and frequency of commuter rail services to existing stations such as Maynooth, Kilcock, Leixlip, Confey, Hazelhatch and Sallins and in such a way as to ensure that as the population increases, enhancement of the services can become more readily achievable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62746/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 213 to 215, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the DART+ Programme is a cornerstone programme of projects for the development of rail in the Greater Dublin Area. As well as DART+ West which the Deputy refers to, the Programme comprises of DART+ Fleet, DART+ South-West, DART+ Coastal (South) and DART+ Coastal (North) projects. Collectively these projects will extend and enhance the current DART system and services west to Maynooth and Celbridge/Hazelhatch, south to Greystones and north to Drogheda. In consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including rail in the Greater Dublin Area, is progressing the various projects which are at different stages of planning and development.
The recent approval by Government of the DART+ Preliminary Business Case, permits the purchase of additional DART fleet and also permits the DART+ West project enter the statutory planning process, subject to the completion of the necessary planning and environmental documentation.
I obviously welcome Government’s approval of both DART+ Fleet and DART+ West and look forward to their progress in the coming years.
Further extensions to DART services in the years ahead are being considered as part of the NTA’s review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area which is currently subject to public consultation. The revised Strategy does propose extending DART services beyond Maynooth; however, any such extension is a separate project to the recently approved DART+ West.
The Deputy may recall, in addition to the DART+ Fleet project, Government had previously approved purchase of 41 additional InterCity Railcars. These additional carriages will arrive toward the end of next year and allow for enhanced services in the GDA upon entry into service in 2023.
