Written Answers Nos. 51-70
51. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to proposals to use the frequent replacement of the State car fleet as one method of building a second-hand electric vehicle car market to help reduce transport emissions; if he has plans in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62401/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the transport sector accounts for approximately 20% of Ireland’s national greenhouse gas emissions, with car use responsible for over half of these emissions. In recognition of this, the Climate Action Plan contains commitments to significantly increase electrification within the national fleet, including an ambitious target of 945,000 electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. Meeting this target will be extremely challenging; however, it represents the scale of transformation needed in the transport sector if emissions are to be reduced to the extent required.
The State has an important role to play in normalising EVs and promoting their uptake. A positive policy environment has been fostered with a generous suite of financial and taxation incentives in place for those buying an EV as well as an extensive publicly accessible recharging infrastructure network. Presently, there are approximately 47,500 EVs on Irish roads; a significant step-up is required if Ireland is to achieve its Climate Action Plan EV target.
To assist in this aim, the work of Phase 1 of the LEV Taskforce, established by my two Departments to consider a full suite of potential measures available to Government, concentrated on EVs and, as part of this work, the important leadership role that Public Bodies and Government Departments can play in encouraging LEV uptake was considered. The Taskforce recommended the introduction of a new public procurement framework for EVs by 2020 and this recommendation was echoed in the 2021 Climate Action Plan where Action 276 is to "Set a roadmap for more LEVs in Public Sector Fleets".
In addition, the former Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport established the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway Working Group to consider the optimum mix of regulatory, taxation and subsidy policies available to Government to significantly accelerate electric vehicle sales. This Group focused on mechanisms to achieve an immediate increase in EV uptake to attain over 180,000 EVs by 2025 in the line with the Climate Action Plan trajectory and, thereafter, to be well placed to reach full electrification by 2030. In its report, published in September, the Group made a recommendation to:
- Develop proposals to support EV sales in the commercial fleet, including but not limited to car
- rental/leasing companies, company vehicles and car sharing services, in order to stimulate a greater second-hand EV market having regard to potential Exchequer costs
The Office of Government Procurement has drawn up fixed price procurement frameworks for the supply of long and medium range battery electric passenger cars and vans to public sector bodies. Full details on how to use the framework as well as pricing and supplier contact details can be found on the www.ogp.gov.ie website. These Frameworks will greatly assist Government departments and bodies to purchase electric cars and vans. As battery and recharging technologies develop and a greater range of vehicles become commercially available I expect an increasing number of public bodies to transition to EVs.
I am supportive of all appropriate and proportionate supports for the EV industry providing momentum towards achieving the Government’s emission reduction commitment.
52. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will issue an order for HEPA filters to be used on all public transport while Covid-19 infection rates are at high levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62358/21]
View answer87. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will issue an order for public transport to operate at 50% capacity while Covid-19 infection rates are at high levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62357/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 87 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport. That is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority in conjunction with the relevant public transport operators.
The continued operation of public transport services has been a priority throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The Government is committed to ensuring that essential transport services, and passengers utilising these services, are protected and supported.
The Chief Medical Officer and the Health Service Executive (HSE) are responsible for the issuing of guidelines in relation to public health and these advices apply across all modes of public transport. Public transport operators have been advised of, and are guided by, public health instructions issued by the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in relation to COVID-19.
As part of the further easing of a range of Covid-19 restrictions, the Government decided that from 01/09/2021 public transport could return to operating at 100% capacity. This decision was taken as demand for public transport services had steadily continued to increase week-on-week, with the return of schools, third level education, and the return of more employees to the workplace. The National Transport Authority (NTA) continue to liaise with transport operators to monitor passenger trends and any challenges that may arise as transport returns to full capacity.
A number of measures have been implemented by public transport operators to ensure the safe operation of services, including:
- enhanced cleaning regimes for vehicles and stations;
- distribution of personal protective equipment to public transport staff;
- distribution of hand sanitizer on vehicles and at stations; and
- display of public health advice and guidelines on vehicles and in stations
In addition, notices have been applied within vehicles where windows can be opened, to encourage passengers to leave them open for ventilation purposes.
The NTA continues to engage with public transport operators regarding the safe operating of services during the pandemic. In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this area, I have also referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
54. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of, and position regarding, the steps he is taking to prioritise rural transport needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61604/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
The Connecting Ireland plan is a major national public transport initiative developed by the 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.
I joined the NTA to launch its Connecting Ireland consultation which ran from 2 November to 10 December 2021. 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. Hundreds of rural villages and areas will for the first time be served by a viable public transport link.
I have 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.
55. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the fulfilment of the programme for Government commitment to develop hydrogen as a fuel for the transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62066/21]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the answer I provided to Parliamentary Question 61036/21 on 9th December 2021.
56. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport the financial supports he will put in place over the next two to three years to ensure the recovery of Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62310/21]
View answerDuring the Covid crisis the aviation sector, including Cork Airport, has benefited considerably from a suite of measures to support businesses across the economy, including but not limited to, the wage subsidy scheme, grants, a commercial rates waiver, deferred tax liabilities and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme.
The Government recognises that aviation makes significant direct and indirect contributions in the regions, providing for high quality jobs within the aviation sector as well as through the various ancillary services that are provided to airports, the airlines, and in the local economy.
In addition to the horizontal supports, over €25 million in aviation sector-specific supports have been allocated to Cork Airport in 2021. €10 million of this funding was in the form of a capital grant towards the airport’s runway overlay project. €6.7 million was provided in operational supports, which will cover 100% of eligible operational costs at Cork Airport in 2021.
Following the acknowledgement in the National Economic Recovery Plan that additional support may be required to support the aviation sector’s recovery a further €8.4 million has been allocated to Cork Airport in 2021 under the Department's Covid Supplementary Support Scheme. This funding will provide Cork Airport with flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity into 2022.
Next year, funding of €36 million will be provided under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, supporting regional airports of Cork, Shannon, Ireland West, Donegal and Kerry. This budget allocation represents a significant increase in funding available under the Programme in 2022 which takes account of the broadening of the Programme to include both Cork and Shannon Airports.
The level of funding provided to Cork Airport is a clear indication of the importance Government attaches to Cork Airport being well positioned to weather the current crisis and for recovery and growth into the future. The Government is fully cognisant of the ongoing and deep impact of the pandemic on the aviation sector. As was the case in 2021, the Government will continue to keep Aviation Supports under review in 2022.
58. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the use of biofuels in the transport sectors; if there are indicators of the rate at which the usage of biofuels is reducing the use of fossil fuels in the different transport sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62067/21]
View answerBiofuels continue to be an important transitional measure in the decarbonising of transport. The biofuel obligation, provided for under Part V of the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 (as amended), requires fuel suppliers to include a certain proportion of biofuels in fuels for use in road transport. Currently, the biofuel obligation rate is 11% (i.e., not less than 11 litres in every 100 litres of road transport fuel is biofuel) and will increase to 13% next year.
The Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement which I published last month sets out a future trajectory of increase in biofuels use in land transport in line with Climate Action Plan targets to 2030, as well as a range of measures and incentives for future supply of renewable fuels such as biomethane and green hydrogen. My Department also intends, in early 2022, to carry out an assessment concerning the future availability of renewable fuels, which will inform implementation of this Policy beyond 2025.
The National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA), as administrator of the biofuel obligation, publish monthly statistics on volumes (litres) of oil consumption which is subject to the NORA levy and Biofuel levy obligation. NORA and obligated parties under the biofuel obligation submit raw data on biofuels to the OLA (database) in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, primarily in the context of blending biofuels with fossil fuels to adhere to the biofuel obligation.
In 2020, over 239 million litres of biofuels were placed on the Irish road transport fuel market, mainly biodiesel and ethanol and to a lesser extent bio-liquid petroleum gas (LPG). Small quantities of biomethane were also placed on the market. Biofuels in transport replaced c. 209 million litres of fossil fuels and avoided approximately 520ktCO2eq greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, under the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021, biofuels will deliver approximately 18% of the GHG reductions projected in the transport sector.
While the reporting of biofuel supply is for road transport consumption currently, considering the future planned and potential demand for renewable fuels across all sectors, it is expected that biofuel volumes may be reported in the various transport sectors over the coming years. As indicated, the recently published Policy Statement includes a commitment to expand the biofuel obligation to the rail sector from 2024 or earlier, subject to the readiness of the rail sector.
The EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ package of proposals also set out increased ambitions for renewable energy across all sectors of the economy and transport modes. The proposals include directives that will increase the share of renewable fuel in land, aviation and maritime transport.
59. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to assess the impact of biofuels on biodiversity, indirect land use change and pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62363/21]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021 contains actions on renewable fuels, including biofuels. These include targets for increasing the amount of biofuel blended in road transport fuels by 2030, with an interim 2025 target and a commitment to carry out a review of the supply or renewable transport fuels in Ireland, such as biofuels, advanced biofuels, e-fuels, synthetic fuels, green hydrogen and biogas.
I published the Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement on the 25th November. The Policy Statement sets out the future trajectory of increase in renewable fuels use in land transport, including incentives for future supply for use in transport of fuels such as biomethane and green hydrogen.
As set out in the first action of the Renewable Fuels Policy and further to the Climate Action Plan target, my Department will engage with the Industry, Academia and others to ensure that the supply of indigenous and imported biofuels undergoes a rigorous assessment on full life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction to ensure it is consistent with recast Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) greenhouse gas reduction levels. This assessment will also include consideration of impacts concerning indirect land-use change (ILUC), biodiversity pollution and a value assessment in terms of cascading use of bio-materials. As part of this my Department intends, in early 2022, to carry out an assessment concerning the future availability of renewable fuels, which will inform implementation of this Policy beyond 2025.
The EU Fit for 55 proposals also set out increased ambition for renewable energy across all sectors of the economy and transport modes, which will increase the demand for feedstocks for renewable fuels and biofuels. My Department will undertake further analysis to assess the impacts of such future increased demand for biofuels across all transport modes.
60. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport his plans in relation to electric vehicles, to increase the public electric vehicle fleet and to facilitate an increase in the number of private electric vehicles; and his plans to upgrade fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles to ensure there is a sufficient car charging point infrastructure throughout the State and to deal with the difficulties of home charging in which charging points cannot be accommodated. [62416/21]
View answerProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. Electrification will be key to achieving this objective in the transport sector.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 945,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years.
Considerable progress has been made, as a result of the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, to ensure that conditions and policies are in place to support citizens in making greener vehicle choices. As the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive suite of measures is available to EV drivers, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable motor and BIK tax rates, as well as a comprehensive charging network. These measures have collectively contributed to increased take up of EVs in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a low base, to over 47,500 now.
In addition, my Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. The EVPP Working Group comprises senior officials and has considered regulatory, financial, and taxation policies to help drive a significant ramp-up in passenger EVs and electric van sales.
The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government and the full report is available online.
The Working Group examined the issue of price parity between EVs and ICE vehicles. The Report finds that there is divergence within the research community as to when TCO in economic terms cost parity will be achieved with some studies estimating that it is likely to occur in the middle of this decade, driven by falling battery prices and savings due to economies of scale, while others argue that the cross-over point may not occur until towards the end of the decade.
In the meantime, in order to support the transition to EVs, the Group recommended that:
- The generous suite of EV supports already in place in Ireland should be retained until at least end-2022. Additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentivise fossil fuelled vehicles will also be necessary. Cost-effective, targeted policy supports should continue to be developed and strengthened over the coming years; and
- An Office for Low Emission Vehicles should be established, as a matter of priority, to co-ordinate the implementation of existing and future EV measures and infrastructure. The new Office should also take charge of developing and launching an extensive communication and engagement campaign, whole of Government in coverage, to drive the availability and understanding of key information regarding EVs, tailored to household, business and public sector consumers.
Overall, the Department is acutely aware that the cost of electric vehicles remains an issue for many consumers. To this end, electric vehicle policy is being kept under continuous review to endeavour to make low emission vehicles affordable.
The 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 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
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.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Charging at home is the most convenient and cheapest way to recharge. Targeting the installation of smart home chargers is a priority as we look to moving towards more energy efficient and sustainable ways to charge. A grant is available from the SEAI for those individuals seeking to install a home charger. 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.
There is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging, and workplace charging.
€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022. This intervention alone will result in:
- 90 additional high power chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles
- 52 additional fast chargers, which may replace existing standard chargers
- 264 replacement standard chargers with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points
Further details on the progression of this project can be found at esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.
My Department is also developing a new scheme which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as hotels, visitor centres and parks. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
The Department is aware of initiatives to retrofit internal combustion engine cars to electric vehicles, and is giving the matter active consideration. Innovations that provide reliable solutions for people willing to transition to electric vehicles are to be welcomed, particularly if they provide options for people who might be unable to purchase a new vehicle.
There are various measures to consider when determining the effectiveness of this type of initiative. Department officials are actively engaging with car conversion companies on this matter.
61. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe within which the all-island strategic rail review is expected to deliver its conclusions. [61887/21]
View answer74. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the all-island strategic rail review will help shape the development of rail infrastructure in the Border region; the way that communities in the local area can participate in the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62238/21]
View answer84. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if the all-island strategic rail review will consider the proposal to develop a new rail line from Dublin to the north west servicing County Monaghan and other counties. [61886/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 74 and 84 together.
As the Deputies are 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. This will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years providing a framework to develop a much-improved rail network for our future.
The Review will consider the potential for improved rail services along the various existing or future potential corridors of the network. Also in scope is the potential afforded by disused and closed lines. The Review will examine issues relating to inter-urban and inter-regional rail connectivity, the potential for high-/higher speed(s) and improved connectivity to the North West and the border region. I expect to receive a final report by Q4 2022.
The public consultation is underway and is open until 21st January 2022. I would encourage all interested parties throughout the island to participate and engage.
62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure an increase in the financial allocations to Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council for the 2022 non-national roadworks programme in view of the urgent need to upgrade a considerable part of this road network in both counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62288/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.
My objective will be to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network and traffic factors into account. The main focus of the grants will continue to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
Grant allocations for 2022 will be notified to local authorities early next year.
63. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport when capacity for recharging of electric vehicles along the motorway network will be increased. [62372/21]
View answerThe Deputies 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 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
Preparations are underway to establish an Office of Low Emission Vehicles. This Office will play an important role in our transition to zero emission vehicles. It will co-ordinate measures to support the uptake of EVs and the rollout of charge point infrastructure including along the motorway network.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Charging at home is the most convenient and cheapest way to recharge. Targeting the installation of smart home chargers is a priority as we look to moving towards more energy efficient and sustainable ways to charge. A grant is available from the SEAI for those individuals seeking to install a home charger. 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.
There is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging, and workplace charging.
€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022. This intervention alone will result in:
- 90 additional high power chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles
- 52 additional fast chargers, which may replace existing standard chargers
- 264 replacement standard chargers with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points
Further details on the progression of this project can be found at esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.
My Department is also developing a new scheme which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as hotels, visitor centres and parks. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
64. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in respect of the introduction of half-price transport for young persons as set out in budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62108/21]
View answer69. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the introduction of half-price transport for young persons as stated in budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62101/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 69 together.
As 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.
The National Transport Authority 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. The new card will be available to all young adults in the 19 to 23 age bracket nationally and will apply all year round. Young adults and children aged 18 and under can avail of student / child fares, which are already heavily discounted.
The NTA is continuing to work on the development of the Youth Card and the application of a 50% discount to young adults. In view of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputies' questions to the NTA for attention. Please inform my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when it is proposed to notify local authorities of the financial allocations for the national road network and the non-national road network for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62289/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.
Grant allocations for 2022 will be notified to local authorities in late January or early February next year.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements for 2022 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.
Noting the above position, regarding national roads I can confirm that grant allocations for 2022 will be notified to local authorities on Friday December 17th. The allocations will also be published on TII's website.
66. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is considering plans for extending the Raheens to Turlough Greenway through Castlebar, County Mayo; if there has been progress on extending it to the Great Western Greenway on its western side; if there has been progress on extending it to the monasteries of the Moy on its eastern side; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62359/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, it will be vital that any proposed Greenway have the support of the relevant Local Authority as funding is only provided by TII to Local Authorities. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
67. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to increase transport accessibility in public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62344/21]
View answerI refer the Deputy to her identical Question on 14 December (Ref PQ 61241/21).
I advised the Deputy in that reply that, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
68. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the service and frequency of the Castleconnell to Limerick rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62414/21]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
70. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if the draft Connecting Ireland plans in relation to counties Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Galway and Clare are entirely bus-based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62346/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
The Connecting Ireland plan is a major national public transport initiative developed by the 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.
I joined the NTA to launch its Connecting Ireland consultation, which ran from 2nd November 2021 to 10th December 2021. 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. Hundreds of rural villages and areas will for the first time be served by a viable public transport link. I understand the plan also examines measures to improve bus-rail connectivity.
I have 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.
