Written Answers Nos. 1-30
12. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when his attention was drawn to the delays to the MetroLink project from the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62296/21]
View answerI am aware of media reports regarding internal documents from the MetroLink project team released under Freedom of Information.
And I can obviously appreciate the intense frustration among lots of people with regard to the timing of MetroLink’s delivery. An awful lot of the discussion around delays relates to graphics used back in 2019 which set out an indicative timeline, premised on a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála in Q2 2020. That Railway Order application has still not happened and there should not be any surprise that timelines premised on it happening are therefore out of date. That issue has been in the public domain since Q2 2020.
There are three determining factors at this point to MetroLink’s progress –
1. Government approval of the Preliminary Business Case under Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code;
2. The completion of all necessary documentation by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to allow it make the Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála; and
3. The Railway Order process itself and the time it might take.
My attention, and the attention of my Department, has been constantly focused on the first of these factors – securing Government approval of the Preliminary Business case. This is the issue where Ministerial attention is focused as without that Government approval the project cannot proceed.
I understand that a revised draft of the Preliminary Business Case is expected to be submitted very shortly to the Department for review in line with the Public Spending Code. Minister Ryan expects to seek Government approval for MetroLink during Q1 2022, if approved by Government then the project can proceed to the planning system
At a project level, work is continuing to finalise all the necessary documentation needed for a Railway Order application and should be completed by Q2 2022. At that point Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be able to lodge its Railway Order application.
These are the key dates and milestones for MetroLink right now.
14. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the terms of reference of the upcoming review of the Galway Transport Strategy; the expected timeline for the completion of the review; the timeline for the feasibility study for light rail in Galway, which will be carried out as part of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62326/21]
View answerThe review of the Galway Transport Strategy will be undertaken next year and will be led by the National Transport Authority (NTA), in cooperation with Galway City Council and Galway County Council.
I believe there is a need to review the Strategy and take stock of developments since its publication in 2016. As I have stated previously, my view is that a feasibility study for light rail in Galway would best be considered within the context of this review rather than carrying out a stand-alone study. This approach allows for a multi-modal perspective and integration within an overall land-use plan.
It’s worth noting that the review will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns since the finalisation of the current Strategy. This analysis will be utilised to reassess the public transport needs across Galway city and the potential role all modes of transport, including light rail, can play in meeting those needs.
I know from meeting many different stakeholders in the region the urgent need to focus on delivering the key elements of the existing Galway Transport Strategy such as BusConnects. A significant amount of planning and design has already taken place which will enable construction activity in the coming years across active travel, bus and rail related projects including BusConnects. I will continue to provide support in that regard with funding and other assistance offered through the NTA. I look forward to the Deputy's support as we seek to deliver on this ambition in the years ahead.
15. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve the booking system through Irish Rail for persons with a travel pass. [62341/21]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, Minister Ryan holds responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I note that he is not involved in the day-to-day operations, provision, or maintenance of public transport services, including matters related to subsidised rail services.
The Free Travel Scheme is a non-statutory scheme administered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (D/EASP), which is available to persons aged 66 years or over who are permanently resident in the State, and to all carers in receipt of Carers' Allowance. The Scheme is also available to certain people with disabilities and people who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
The fundamental principle of the Scheme as originally envisaged, is to utilise spare capacity on public transport services which operate, in any case, with or without eligible persons.
I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that the company currently make available two booking options for free travel pass holders who wish to reserve seats for travel. Holders of a free travel pass have the option to book free of charge up to 60 minutes before departure on the company website at www.irishrail.ie; or they can phone Iarnród Éireann's Customer Call Centre for further assistance if they are not familiar with the online booking process, where customer care representatives will be happy to assist them with their queries.
Iarnród Éireann have further advised that their digital channels roadmap has identified continuous improvements to their booking system. The roadmap includes plans for a redesigned ticket selection process in 2022, subject to successful testing and technical feasibility.
Additionally, Iarnród Éireann have recruited in excess of 100 Customer Service Officers across the rail network who will operate on-board the majority of Intercity services, and who can issue Free Travel Pass tickets and other tickets while on-board, including cross-route tickets, to eligible persons.
16. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport his views on the way public confidence in the security of public transport can be improved, particularly given recent heightened concern regarding safety, particularly that of women on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62100/21]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for her question and the opportunity to discuss the very serious issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport systems.
Anti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue that we are currently facing to which public transport is not immune, and I recognise that those who work and commute daily using our public transport network are most directly impacted by any incidents which occur.
I am particularly aware of the concern of women regarding safety for women travelling on public transport and this was highlighted in the 2020 study commissioned by Transport Infrastructure Ireland "Travelling in a Woman's Shoes". That study highlighted that 55% of women stated they would not use public transport at night and 34% of women stated that feelings of insecurity have prevented them from travelling. The report also highlighted that 1 in 3 public transport users have seen or experienced some form of harassment or violence while using public transport. This presents a challenge at a time when we are committed to increasing usage of public transport and to achieve modal shift.
While it should be noted that the vast majority of public transport passenger journeys occur without incident, I am of course concerned to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to protect the safety of all passengers and staff.
The safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that, first and foremost, must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, where appropriate.
My Department has been engaging regularly with the NTA and the three CIÉ companies, on the issue of anti-social behaviour. The companies have advised me of a number of initiatives being undertaken to help ensure the safety and security of both the travelling public and their staff.
Iarnród Éireann have advised that, in conjunction with an Garda Síochána, a joint focus on public order and anti-social behaviour has been in place since May 2021, with a particular emphasis on the Greater Dublin Area and the DART, Northern Line and Heuston to Portlaoise services.
As of the 13th of December, four Garda Response Hubs are now in operation to support on-board staff at: Mallow; Limerick Junction; Thurles; and Portlaoise.
Furthermore, an Athlone Garda Response Hub has been approved and will commence operations on 1st January 2022, with additional Response Hubs in Kildare (Kildare Town or Newbridge) and Roscommon (Castlereagh) in negotiation.
An Garda Síochána is currently supporting Iarnród Éireann in carrying out on-board patrols on scheduled late night services over the Christmas period across the network in addition to ongoing joint Garda/Iarnród Éireann operations, including high visibility patrols of stations where specialist Garda Teams included the Garda Dog Unit will be deployed.
A text alert service has also been introduced to enable customers to discreetly report anti-social behaviour incidents
Transdev Dublin Light Rail, who operate the Luas network on behalf of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, employ 50 security staff. These staff liaise with An Garda Síochána regularly as part of their work, such as through the Operation Citizen initiative, commenced in October, which has increased the visual presence of Garda patrols, particularly in the city centre where heavy footfall Luas Stops are located. Concurrently they have reported that they are seeing a decrease in anti-social behaviour of circa 40% - at the same time as experiencing an increase in tram travel.
Both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann have reported that the level of anti-social behaviour is relatively low on their services and also noted a declining trend, which is positive.
The entire Dublin Bus fleet is fully fitted with CCTV cameras, with up to 10 internal cameras and two external cameras fitted on the more modern vehicles in the fleet. Each vehicle is equipped with a radio, which facilitates immediate contact to the Central Control Centre.
All of the company's buses are in radio contact with Central Control. Any instances of disruption or concerns around security are immediately reported and services are suspended as necessary. The company also has mobile inspectors in the city centre, who are available to attend incidents as required.
Bus Éireann has invested in extensive CCTV coverage throughout its fleet for the protection of passengers and staff and driver security screens are fitted to the entire low-floor, single-deck and double-deck bus fleet. Emergency support for drivers is provided through 24-hour control centres and any incidents of anti-social behaviour are fully investigated and followed up with An Garda Síochána as required.
The combined interventions implemented to date have had a number of successes in tackling anti-social behaviour, particularly on the northern DART through teamwork between IÉ’s security provider, the Howth Junction Security Centre, Revenue Protection Unit staff, station staff and An Garda Síochána, however this is an issue which will require continuing joint action.
As Minister for Transport, both Minister Ryan and I will continue to work collectively with all stakeholders to ensure the safest possible travel environment for members of the public, and safest possible working environment for the employees providing our valuable public transport services.
17. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Government approval of the DART+ West project; the planning timeline of the project; if it is possible the approved business case could change by the time planning is approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62299/21]
View answerI thank the Deputy for the question although I think there are probably three linked but separate questions I need to address.
Firstly, both Minister Ryan and I were delighted to secure Government approval last week for DART+ West. The approval Government issued is known as Decision Gate 1 approval in the Public Spending Code and means that DART+ West can now move forward into the statutory planning system which is a hugely significant milestone for the project and the programme as a whole.
The second part of the question relates to the planning process itself and there’s two aspects to that:
Firstly, there is the work required to get the planning application ready and then there is the length of time that will be required to consider the actual planning application. At the moment Iarnród Éireann are considering the submissions received during the most recent public consultation on DART+ West. I understand there are a couple of issues in particular that they need to consider further before they are ready to lodge any planning application, so it is expected that won’t happen until Q2 next year.
Secondly, there is the length of time a significant application like this will take in the statutory planning system. I cannot say definitively how long that will take, but past experience would suggest 12 -18 months is not unusual for a decision on an application of this nature.
The final part of the question relates to the business case for the project and whether it might be updated by the time planning approval is granted. In short, the business case must be updated as that is a requirement of the Public Spending Code. The business case submitted at Decision Gate 1 is known as the Preliminary Business Case and it will be refined as the project moves through Decision Gate 2 – Pre-Tender Approval before it reaches Decision Gate 3 which is Final Business Case stage.
18. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to deliver a train station in Moyross, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62415/21]
View answer35. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed capital project on a rail line between Limerick city and Shannon Airport; the projected and total cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62413/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 35 together.
As stated in the National Development Plan these issues are being considered in the context of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS).
As the Deputies may be aware, that Strategy is being developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. A draft Strategy was published in September 2020 and was open for public consultation for 8 weeks.
Since the conclusion of last year’s public consultation exercise, the NTA has conducted further analytical work to inform the next iteration of the Strategy. I understand that among the issues raised during the public consultation were issues related to the role of rail in the region, including potential connectivity to Shannon Airport and additional stations such as Moyross, and that role is under further examination by the NTA for inclusion in a revised draft Strategy.
I understand that the NTA intends to undertake a second round of public consultation on a revised draft strategy early next year. Following receipt of feedback from the second round of public consultation, it is intended to finalise the Strategy and publish it as the completed transport investment framework for the metropolitan area.
When finalised, the Strategy will set out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years including proposals for rail investment. Importantly the Strategy will be integrated within relevant land-use plans and that integration is crucial if we are to enable the emergence of a more sustainable Limerick. A Limerick that provides better access for citizens to work, education and leisure opportunities through improved active travel, bus and rail infrastructure.
Minister Ryan and I look forward to working with the Deputies as we look to improve the transport network in the Limerick area in the years ahead.
19. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on recent engagements between his Department, the Department of Health and the Revenue Commissioners in regard to the interim secondary use of the Kilrane State Facility, Kilrane, County Wexford for overflow HGV parking to alleviate the road safety issues at Rosslare Europort and surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62294/21]
View answerMy Department is undertaking an assessment of the feasibility of using part of the Kilrane State facilities site to facilitate HGV drivers for parking up purposes at the Port.
The primary purpose of the State site at Kilrane is to ensure that all of the appropriate statutory customs, SPS and health checks and controls required for HGVs arriving from Great Britain are undertaken in a secure, timely and efficient fashion with the minimum of delay.
My Department is engaging with the key agencies and met with Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine and the HSE on Friday, 10 December last. Current average occupancy levels are low and there is potential for parking on the site. However, any additional use of the site would need to have regard to the overall priority function of the site in addition to the relevant operational and safety considerations.
My Department is now following up with OPW to assess the operational and safety requirements of using the site for the purpose of HGV parking.
I understand that there has also been engagement locally with An Garda Síochána, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Local Authority and Rosslare Port to discuss possible alternative measures that can be taken.
I would encourage HGV drivers to use the service stations with welfare facilities en route to the Port for resting up before travelling to the Port.
20. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if Ireland has taken a decision to phase out subsidies for hybrid vehicles in favour of all-electric vehicles. [62373/21]
View answerThe SEAI grant scheme aims to encourage behavioural change and support the Government’s commitment to achieving a 51% reduction in transport emissions by 2030.
The grant schemes are kept under continuous review to ensure that they are as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.
In the past year, many new BEVs with ranges of over 400km on a single charge have been introduced to the Irish market. Range anxiety is no longer an issue for electric vehicle purchasers, and while PHEVs provided an interim option, but emit both CO2 and air pollution emissions, this interim option is no longer necessary. Government supports should be provided to full electric vehicles, which will be the most effective means of reaching our carbon reduction pathway.
Minister Ryan and I announced after the budget that grant support for PHEVs will be removed from 1 January 2022. Any PHEV which registers for the grant in accordance with the scheme rules before this date will be approved and the commitment carried forward into Q1 2022. However, from 1 January 2022 the SEAI will no longer accept grant applications in respect of PHEVs.
Under the Terms and Conditions of the grant process, drawdowns normally need to be made by year end (31 Dec). However, due to the slowdown in global car manufacturing, we will be extending this drawdown date to 31 March 2021, to allow time for customers to take final possession of the vehicle.
It should be noted that PHEV owners will still be able to avail of other incentives currently in place including:
- Tolling reductions of 25% up to a threshold of €500 per annum per household for private vehicles and a maximum annual threshold of €1,000 for commercial vehicles;
- Low rate of annual motor tax; and
- Home charger grant of €600 per household.
21. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the commitments in the programme for Government to examine the development of national tourism trails linking ferry ports and the rail network and to work with the ports and ferry companies to increase the number of foot and cycle passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62256/21]
View answerThe Deputy refers to specific commitments under the Programme for Government. These two commitments relate to the examination of "the development of national tourism trails linking our ferry port and rail network” and working "with the ports and ferry companies to increase the number of foot and cycle passengers”.
In relation to the first commitment, the development and promotion of tourism product experiences, such as tourism trails, are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland – the National Tourism Development Authority. Queries on such matters should be addressed to my colleague Catherine Martin, TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
I understand from that Department that the new National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP) provides for the delivery of enhanced amenity through investment in tourism product development. Accordingly, the new NDP supports the delivery of projects – such as the Wild Atlantic Walkway – that will support a tourism sector that is sustainable from an environmental, social and economic perspective, with the development and enhancement of quality tourist attractions/experiences and activity-based tourism amongst the priority areas for tourism capital investment.
In relation to the second commitment under my remit as Minister for Transport, as well as another commitment to "work to ensure that ferry companies provide access for foot passengers without cars", my officials undertook a review of the services and facilities available to accommodate foot and cycle passengers at our seaports and on ferry services out of Ireland. While the travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19 and the impacts of Brexit delayed this work for a time, a resumption of engagement with the shipping operators on the issue of foot passengers will commence shortly.
The Department will also engage with the passenger ports at Dublin, Rosslare and Cork on their plans for ensuring continued access to ferry services for foot passengers, working with the ferry companies in this regard. Based on the outcome of that engagement, the Department will assess what changes need to be encouraged to enhance the passenger experience and make it a more attractive option for the travelling public.
A key priority for all Government departments, including Transport, is meeting the carbon emissions targets under the Climate Action Plan. It is acknowledged that both rail and shipping contribute a smaller proportion to the total volume of atmospheric emissions compared to road vehicles and air transport. As such, increased use of these modes is a more sustainable form of transport and should be encouraged.
22. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he remains confident that existing or established bus and rail transport has sufficiently linked up with the newer public transport systems, with a view to giving modern, reliable public transport options in all areas throughout the country, urban and rural; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62301/21]
View answerThe Deputy has highlighted a very important issue which must be addressed in both rural and urban Ireland – the need to integrate and increase the capacity of our sustainable mobility services and infrastructure. Integrated and reliable transport helps us meet our climate obligations by enabling more people to switch to a sustainable option as their preferred transport mode.
As I’m sure the Deputy will agree, transport needs are not uniform across the country and tailored solutions are needed for both urban and rural areas. Active travel initiatives together with improved and expanded public transport services across the country are essential for promoting modal shift. Projects like BusConnects in cities and Connecting Ireland in rural areas will help provide viable alternatives to the private car.
BusConnects aims to support citizens’ travel needs by offering affordable, frequent and high-quality services throughout the day across the city-regions. It will overhaul the current bus system in the cities by implementing a network of ‘next generation’ bus corridors, which includes segregated cycling facilities, on the busiest routes. This will make journeys faster, predictable, and reliable.
BusConnects will also introduce a new system of ticketing known as Next Generation Ticketing and cashless payments. This will enable seamless transfers between bus services by reducing time consuming interactions with drivers and cutting boarding times. The ticketing equipment that is procured for BusConnects will be required to be capable of being used anywhere and will act as a foundation to introduce modern payment methods across all modes of public transport.
But improved public transport can’t be just about cities. The Connecting Ireland plan is a major national public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns. It will significantly increase both the number of routes and the frequency of existing services right across the country.
The Deputy will be pleased to learn that Connecting Ireland proposes to specifically expand the public transport network in rural areas and to increase service levels. Under Connecting Ireland, the NTA is proposing an overall increase of approximately 25% in rural bus services as part of the five year Connecting Ireland plan. It will extend public transport services into many rural villages and areas for the first time and is a hugely important initiative .
Finally, I would draw the Deputy’s attention to the Strategic Rail Review which my Department has undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will strategically examine the rail network on the island of Ireland in relation to improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities, enhancing regional accessibility, and supporting balanced regional development.
23. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of delaying the M20 process and the timeline for delivery of the M20 project. [62340/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Taking account of available funds, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) plans and delivers the National Roads Programme with local authorities. The development of the National Roads Programme takes account of all relevant Government policies and programmes including the National Development Plan (NDP), the Climate Action Plan and the Programme for Government.
In the new NDP launched on 4th October, approximately €5.1 billion is earmarked for new national road projects to 2030. This funding will contribute to Enhanced Regional Accessibility across the country as well as Compact Growth which are national strategic outcomes in the National Planning Framework. The funding will provide for the development of a number of national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage, as well as the development of a number of others.
The N/M20 project is included in the list of projects to be progressed in the NDP. This year TII allocated €5 million to Limerick City and County Council to progress the scheme.
The corridor options to augment and/or replace the existing N20 Cork-Limerick road are currently being progressed. These options include a new motorway, the M20, or the upgrading of various sections of the existing N20. These road options largely follow the existing route corridor. Two rail scenarios are also being considered as potential solutions in improving Cork-Limerick connectivity.
Following a recent public consultation on route options, the scheme is currently at Route Options Selection stage. All the options mentioned above are being considered, with the preferred transport corridor expected to be announced by TII in the first half of 2022.
Following this, work on design and environmental evaluation will be undertaken by the TII project team, and the Business Case for the scheme which is required under the Public Spending Code will be developed. The Business Case will include a cost-benefit analysis and is expected to be submitted to my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in 2023 for review prior to any Government decision. This process will include an independent review as part of the External Assurance Process for Major Public Investment Projects. Subject to Government approval, the submission of any necessary statutory documents for the project to An Bord Pleanála would follow. The timing for the following steps would depend on the outcome of the planning process.
24. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if his Department intends progressing immediately to the next stage of the development of the ring road around Galway city; the steps that will be involved in progressing this project to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61419/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Taking account of available funds, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) plans and delivers the National Roads Programme with local authorities. This occurs in line with Government policy, including the Programme for Government, National Development Plan (NDP) and Climate Action Plan.
In the new NDP launched on 4th October, approximately €5.1 billion is earmarked for new national road projects to 2030. This funding will enable Enhanced Regional Accessibility across the country and Compact Growth, among other objectives. The funding will provide for the development of a number of national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and the development of a number of others.
The N6 Galway City Ring Road project is included in the list of projects to be progressed during the period covered by the NDP. The proposed project comprises of 12km of motorway and 6km of single carriageway. The route would run between the existing N6 at Coolagh (northeast of the city) to the existing Ballymoneen Road (in the northwest of the city) and continues as a single carriageway road for a further 6km of protected road, west of Bearna. The new orbital route would travel around the city and include a new bridge crossing of the River Corrib.
Galway County Council published the road scheme and submitted the planning documentation to An Bord Pleanála for approval in October 2018. An Bord Pleanála wrote to Galway County Council in April 2019 requesting further information in relation to the environmental impacts of the scheme, which was submitted in August 2019. As requested by An Bord Pleanála, Galway County Council also published this information for inspection by the public.
An Oral Hearing commenced on 18th February 2020 and concluded on 4th November 2020, inclusive of a 7-month gap in proceedings due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Galway County Council received planning approval from An Bord Pleanála for the project on 7th December.
Galway County Council will now study the conditions in the planning approval. If there are no legal challenges, the project will move to the next stage, to provide for land acquisition and to develop a strategy to enable procurement of a construction contractor(s). The project will be assessed under the Public Spending Code under a range of criteria, before a Government decision is made on whether the project will finally proceed to construction. This process shall include an independent review as part of the External Assurance Process for Major Public Investment Projects.
25. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as a result of criteria laid down by the NTA, bus drivers on some routes in the Dublin Bus network are being instructed to wait at specific locations en route and to drive at reduced speeds, regardless of the prevailing traffic volumes, and that this is resulting in delays for passengers and other road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62352/21]
View answer79. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin Bus has informed drivers on certain routes that the NTA may tender out their route as a result of the failure of that route to reach NTA-determined criteria and that such criteria, as laid down in the contracts with Dublin Bus, seem incapable of reflecting or adapting to prevailing traffic congestion issues in the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62353/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 79 together.
As Minister for Transport, Minister Ryan holds responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I note he is not involved in the day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport.
The issues raised are a matter in the first instance for Dublin Bus, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise Minister Ryan's private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
26. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if the continuation of the N86 major improvement scheme will be ensured in 2022 given its vital requirement for the Dingle peninsula; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62407/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and 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, management and upgrading 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 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.
27. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if the all-Ireland rail review consultation paper makes no reference to the Western Rail Corridor despite Dáil Éireann passing a motion in November 2021 supporting the extension of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62347/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. The Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network. That scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor.
The consultation process included in the scope of this Review is open until 21st January 2022. The consultation paper comprises a number of questions and allows citizens and interested stakeholders to contribute views and ideas on the future of rail on the island. The purpose of the consultation process is to genuinely engage with people to seek their views rather than prejudge outcomes or direct people towards any particular perspective.
My intention is to consider all aspects of the Review upon receipt of the final report which is expected in Q4 next year. This will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and will provide a framework to develop a much-improved rail network in the years ahead.
28. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of commissions of investigation currently ongoing under the remit of his Department; the duration of each commission of investigation; the deadline for each commission of investigation; and the actual and projected cost of each commission of investigation. [54098/21]
View answerThe Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 provides for the establishment of Commissions of Investigation which can investigate matters of significant public concern.
While the Department undertakes certain investigations as part of its various functions and responsibilities, no Commissions of Investigation under the Act of 2004 have been established under the remit of my Department.
29. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the reason he has not provided the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications with a copy of the Clinch report despite a recommendation in the July 2021 Report on Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) (Amendment) Bill asking him to do so; if he will now publish this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62397/21]
View answerThe report by Clinchmaritime Ltd. was received in July 2021. The report and its recommendations are currently being considered by officials in my Department as part of the review of organisational structures for marine casualty investigation in Ireland. There has been a necessary delay in the publication of the report which is still the subject of an engagement with the Office of the Attorney General to obtain legal advice on certain aspects of the report.
30. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the way a study on the merits of previously closed railway stations can be facilitated; if such a study can be commissioned into the Avoca and Glenealy stations in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61737/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network including the former stations referred to, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance and in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in the context of the development of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA)
In this regard, the Deputy may be aware of the NTA's ongoing review of the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. This Strategy also includes Wicklow, and issues such as that referred to by the Deputy could usefully inform its review as it looks to develop a revised twenty year framework for transport infrastructure and services across the region.
A draft Strategy has recently been published along with all of the background papers that informed its development. The publication of the documentation by the NTA coincided with the launch of a public consultation which is open until 17th December. I would encourage all interested parties to participate in that consultation.
Related but on an all-island level, the Deputy may also wish to note that a public consultation is also open relating to the All Island Strategic Rail Review. Consideration will be given to the potential afforded by disused and closed lines which could potentially include closed stations such as those mentioned. Again, I would encourage all interested parties to engage in this consultation.
Finally, I would also note the recently concluded consultation on the National Transport Authority's Connecting Ireland - Rural Mobility Plan and the opportunity afforded by it to input proposals regarding improved rail and bus connections in rural Ireland. I would note the draft Plan as published for public consultation proposed a new bus route linking Sallins in Kildare with Arklow and serving both Avoca and Glenealy.
