Wednesday, 19 Jan 2022

Written Answers Nos. 187-206

Vehicle Clamping

Questions (187)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

187. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport his plans to further regulate private clamping companies and the areas in which they operate; and if he has considered the establishment of a sub-office within the National Transport Authority to manage and review the way clamping operates in Ireland. [62982/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As outlined previously, in my response to Dáil question No. 245 of 15/09/2021, the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 gave the National Transport Authority (NTA) responsibility for the regulation of vehicle clamping activities in both statutory and non-statutory (privately-owned) clamping places throughout the State.  Therefore, I have again forwarded 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.  

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Licences

Questions (188)

Denis Naughten

Question:

188. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if online CPC courses will be offered for heavy goods vehicle drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62998/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

At the current time, the Road Safety Authority does not facilitate on-line driver CPC training. EU Directive 2003/59/EC, which introduced driver CPC, was updated in 2018 (EU Directive 645 of 2018). While the amended Directive allows for the use of ICT tools such as e-learning and blended learning as part of CPC training, a substantial amount of the training is required to be completed in an approved driver CPC training centre.

The Authority believes that delivering part of the training online is the way forward and it intends to consult with the industry, including driver CPC training organisations, to establish how training can be improved within the scope of the EU legislation. It is hoped that this review will start in the New Year.

Bus Services

Questions (189)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

189. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with a company (details supplied) to reinstate a bus stop at a location to ensure that persons from East Wall, Ringsend and Irishtown, Dublin have access to bus transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62999/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and shelters. 

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Bus Services

Questions (190)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

190. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with Dublin Bus to reinstate the 747 and 757 bus routes to and from Dublin Airport in view of the need to provide more public transport options to try and reduce transport emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63002/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; the 747 and 757 services referred to are commercial services. Therefore, any decision regarding a possible reinstatement of these services would be a matter for Dublin Bus. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Bus Services

Questions (191)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

191. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some bus stops previously served by the 747 and 757 Dublin Bus routes are no longer used by new private providers making it more difficult to travel to and from Dublin Airport by public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63003/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, neither I, nor the National Transport Authority, have a role in relation to route planning for commercially operated bus services. As such, the issue raised does not fall under the remit of my Department.

Driver Test

Questions (192, 193)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

192. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport when driving instructors will be permitted to access the RSA national test centres as they continue to be locked out in the cold for almost two years; the reason with the reopening of most sections of society the RSA testing centres are not fully reopened to driving instructors (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63065/21]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

193. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will address issues at RSA national test centres (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63066/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.

While operational arrangements at driving test centres are a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA), I understand that prior to COVID 19 some centres did offer toilet facilities. In some cases, indoor waiting rooms were also made available to driving instructors or other accompanying persons while learner drivers underwent their test. 

However, in the interests of current public health requirements, as part of the RSA’s COVID-19 Resumption of Services Protocols, toilet facilities are only made available to the learner driver. Waiting area facilities are not available in any test centre – either for the learner driver or others.

I am advised that as well as the need to comply with public health considerations, safely returning to pre-pandemic arrangements at this time, would in effect reduce the number of tests being provided in a situation where the RSA is already working to reduce backlogs built up during the pandemic.

 

While adherence to the existing protocols has enabled the RSA to continue to deliver driver testing at a time when this public service has been suspended in many other jurisdictions, the RSA looks forward to the day when it can restore the facilities for driving instructors and any other person accompanying learner drivers for their test.

Question No. 193 answered with Question No. 192.

Grant Payments

Questions (194)

Peter Burke

Question:

194. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport the number of grants that were provided in 2020 and 2021 for wheelchair accessible taxis in counties Longford and Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63106/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.  

Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (195)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

195. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the exact nature of the state aid changes made and approved recently by the European Commission to the Irish scheme to compensate airport operators in the context of the coronavirus outbreak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63108/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

As the Deputy is aware my Department developed a Covid Supplementary Support Scheme for Irish airports to help address liquidity issues as a result of Covid-19.  Under this Scheme, aid is available under the EU’s Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current emergency of COVID-19, and Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).  

This Scheme, with an initial budget of €26 million in 2021, was approved by the European Commission on 24 February.

Further to this, and following the announcement by Government on 12 October of an additional €90 million in funding under this Scheme, my Department re-engaged with the European Commission to amend this Scheme by increasing the overall budget to €116 million.  The European Commission approved the amendment of this Scheme on 3 December 2021.

The qualifying criteria for funding under the Temporary Framework was also amended at that time.  The criteria were amended to include airports that deliver connectivity and have fewer than 3 million annual passengers.  Previously only airports that delivered connectivity and have fewer than 1 million annual passengers were eligible. This amendment allowed my Department greater flexibility in dispersing aid under the Temporary Framework after our smaller regional airports (Donegal, Kerry and IWAK) were fully compensated, to the maximum amount of grant aid possible, in accordance with the Scheme.  

Overall funding allocations under this Scheme in 2021 are as set out in the table below.

Airport	Covid-19 Supplementary Support Scheme
Donegal	€0.26m
Kerry	€1.80m
IWAK	€2.81m
Dublin	€97.24m
Cork	€8.38m
Shannon	€5.49m
Total	€115.98

This funding will compensate our smaller regional airports for the damage caused to them by Covid as well as providing our State airports with flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity.

Rail Network

Questions (196)

Duncan Smith

Question:

196. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider an extension to the 17 December 2021 deadline for the public consultation on the DART+ South West project due to the delays incurred by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63124/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and the public consultations associated with it.

I understand the public consultation on the DART+ South West project, as referenced by the Deputy, closed on 17 December as planned. This was the second round of non-statutory public consultation on the project and it will of course be again subject to public consultation once it enters the statutory planning system in due course. 

Electric Vehicles

Questions (197, 198, 245)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

197. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of grants for electric vehicles provided in 2021, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63160/21]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

198. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle home charging grants provided in 2021, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63161/21]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

245. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle grants provided in 2021 by car make and model in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1341/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 197, 198 and 245 together.

Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to a 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. The national car and van fleet accounts for almost 60% of all land transport emissions, and so a transition to low emissions vehicles, including

EVs, is a necessary step-change to effect a substantial reduction in transport emissions.

An overview of the number of EV purchase grants and home charger grants by county in 2021 and the number of electric vehicle grants provided in 2021 by car make and model is set out in the following tables:

Carlow	163
Cavan	114
Clare	255
Cork	1560
Donegal	346
Dublin	5087
Galway	529
Kerry	224
Kildare	872
Kilkenny	208
Laois	153
Leitrim	29
Limerick	479
Longford	49
Louth	345
Mayo	198
Meath	545
Monaghan	68
Offaly	145
Roscommon	73
Sligo	169
Tipperary	333
Waterford	330
Westmeath	290
Wexford	399
Wicklow	477
Total	13440

Figure 1. Number of vehicle grants paid per county address

County	Total
Dublin	3,113
Cork	1,018
Kildare	632
Meath	437
Galway	395
Wicklow	384
Limerick	242
Wexford	209
Louth	202
Tipperary	171
Clare	169
Donegal	165
Waterford	153
Kerry	150
Westmeath	124
Kilkenny	117
Laois	108
Mayo	107
Sligo	85
Offaly	82
Carlow	80
Cavan	75
Roscommon	72
Monaghan	41
Longford	28
Leitrim	22
Total	8,381

 

Fig 2. Number of home charger grants paid per county  

Make	Model	Category		Number
Audi	A3	M1	PHEV	107
Audi	A6	M1	PHEV	24
Audi	A7	M1	PHEV	9
Audi	e-tron	M1	BEV	92
Audi	e-tron GT quattro	M1	BEV	12
Audi	Q4 e-tron	M1	BEV	97
Audi	Q5	M1	PHEV	123
Audi	Q7	M1	PHEV	4
BMW	2 series	M1	PHEV	3
BMW	3 series	M1	PHEV	341
BMW	5 series	M1	PHEV	151
BMW	7 series	M1	PHEV	13
BMW	i3	M1	BEV	13
BMW	iX3	M1	BEV	27
BMW	MINI Cooper	M1	PHEV	98
BMW	MINI Cooper	M1	BEV	144
BMW	X1	M1	PHEV	139
BMW	X2	M1	PHEV	12
BMW	X3	M1	PHEV	157
BMW	X5	M1	PHEV	509
Citroen	Berlingo	N1	BEV	4
Citroen	C5 Aircross	M1	PHEV	28
Citroen	e-C4	M1	BEV	33
Citroen	e-Space Tourer	M1	BEV	1
Cupra	Formentor	M1	PHEV	51
Cupra	Leon	M1	PHEV	28
DS Automobiles	DS7 Crossback	M1	PHEV	7
DS Automobiles	DS3 Crossback	M1	BEV	4
Ford	Kuga	M1	PHEV	328
Ford	Mustang Mach E	M1	BEV	17
Honda	e	M1	BEV	38
Hyundai	Ioniq 5	M1	BEV	59
Hyundai	Ioniq	M1	BEV	168
Hyundai	Ioniq	M1	PHEV	22
Hyundai	Kona	M1	BEV	216
Hyundai	Kona	N1	BEV	7
Hyundai	Santa Fe	M1	PHEV	254
Hyundai	Tuscon	M1	PHEV	348
Jaguar	E-Pace	M1	PHEV	2
Jaguar	F-Pace	M1	PHEV	29
Jaguar	I-Pace	M1	BEV	13
Jeep	Renegade	M1	PHEV	6
Kia	Ceed	M1	PHEV	248
Kia	e-Niro	M1	BEV	733
Kia	e-Soul	M1	BEV	75
Kia	EV6	M1	BEV	22
Kia	Niro	M1	PHEV	464
Kia	Sorrento	M1	PHEV	406
Kia	Xceed	M1	PHEV	276
Land Rover	Discovery	M1	PHEV	91
Land Rover	Range Rover Evoque	M1	PHEV	174
Land Rover	Range Rover Velar	M1	PHEV	51
Lexus	UX300E	M1	BEV	16
Maxus	e-Deliver 3	N1	BEV	52
Mazda	MX-30	M1	BEV	94
Mercedes	C300E	M1	PHEV	1
Mercedes	C300DE	M1	PHEV	4
Mercedes	CLA 250E	M1	PHEV	38
Mercedes	E300DE	M1	PHEV	113
Mercedes	E300E	M1	PHEV	54
Mercedes	EQA	M1	BEV	51
Mercedes	EQC	M1	BEV	16
Mercedes	EQV	M1	BEV	1
Mercedes	e-Sprinter	N1	BEV	7
Mercedes	GLA 250E	M1	PHEV	35
Mercedes	GLC 300DE	M1	PHEV	73
Mercedes	GLC 300E	M1	PHEV	18
Mercedes	GLE 350DE	M1	PHEV	28
MG	HS	M1	PHEV	96
MG	ZS	N1	BEV	1
MG	ZS	M1	BEV	243
MG	MG5	M1	BEV	127
Mitsubishi	Outlander	M1	PHEV	94
Mitsubishi	Outlander	N1	PHEV	6
Nissan	eNV200	N1	BEV	89
Nissan	Leaf (40kWh)	M1	BEV	452
Nissan	Leaf (62kWh)	M1	BEV	219
Nissan	Leaf (40kWh)	N1	BEV	1
Nissan	Leaf (62kWh)	N1	BEV	8
Nissan	Evalia	M1	BEV	1
Opel	e-Corsa	N1	BEV	1
Opel	e-Corsa	M1	BEV	141
Opel	Grandland	M1	PHEV	47
Opel	Mokka-e	M1	BEV	37
Opel	Vivaro-E	N1	BEV	12
Peugeot	e-208 van	N1	BEV	1
Peugeot	3008	M1	PHEV	246
Peugeot	508	M1	PHEV	60
Peugeot	Expert	N1	BEV	9
Peugeot	e2008	M1	BEV	192
Peugeot	e208	M1	BEV	254
Porsche	Taycan	M1	BEV	54
Renault	Captur	M1	PHEV	307
Renault	Kangoo	N1	BEV	38
Renault	Megane	M1	PHEV	108
Renault	Zoe	M1	BEV	314
Renault	Zoe	N1	BEV	4
SEAT	Leon	M1	PHEV	39
Skoda	Enyaq	M1	BEV	173
Skoda	Octavia	M1	PHEV	42
Skoda	Superb	M1	PHEV	56
Tesla	Model 3	M1	BEV	475
Tesla	Model S	M1	BEV	4
Tesla	Model X	M1	BEV	2
Toyota	Prius	M1	PHEV	1
Toyota	Rav4	M1	PHEV	3
Volvo	S90	M1	PHEV	5
Volvo	V60	M1	PHEV	8
Volvo	XC-40	M1	PHEV	351
Volvo	XC-40	M1	BEV	20
Volvo	XC-60	M1	PHEV	107
Volvo	XC-90	M1	PHEV	235
VW	Arteon	M1	PHEV	4
VW	e-Golf	M1	BEV	2
VW	Golf	M1	PHEV	38
VW	ID.3	M1	BEV	946
VW	ID.4	M1	BEV	828
VW	Passat	M1	PHEV	30
VW	e-Transporter	N1	BEV	1
VW	e-Shuttle	M1	BEV	1
VW	Touareg	M1	PHEV	28

 

Fig 3. electric vehicle grants provided in 2021 by car make and model

The 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.

Further funding of over €70m has been allocated to the EV purchase grant scheme and home charger grant scheme in 2022.

Question No. 198 answered with Question No. 197.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (199)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

199. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle charging points constructed under the public charge point scheme in 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63162/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 infrastucture strategy is due to be published for public consultation early this year which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030.

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.   

In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme, which is administered by the SEAI, continues to be available during 2022 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. It should be noted that this scheme facilitates the installation of standard charge points.

Thirteen local authorities have been in touch with SEAI in relation to the scheme.  To date, letters of offer have issued to Louth County Council and Dublin City Council in 2021, to install a total of 29 charge points within their administrative areas.

Item	Count	Charging Stations	Charging Points*	Value (Total)
Applications Approved	3	19	29	€143,038
Applications Expired/Cancelled/Rejected	-	-		-
Applications Under Review	-	-		-
Total Applications	3	19	29	€143,038

*A charging station can be dual which results in two charge points being available for cars to use.

There were no charge points constructed under this scheme in 2020 or 2021 respectively. My Department is currently reviewing the Scheme to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.

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.

Public Transport

Questions (200)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

200. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will cost a free public transport system as an option to encourage the uptake of public transport in Ireland in line with recommendation 22 in the report on reducing emissions in the transport sector by 51% by 2030 by the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63179/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

To help tackle our climate challenge, I am strongly committed to achieving substantial carbon abatement within the transport sector. Accounting for approximately one fifth of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions, there can be no question, but that transport must feature strongly in contributing towards the national decarbonisation effort. As such, I welcomed the report from the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action on reducing emissions in the transport sector by 51% by 2030 and read the recommendations with great interest.  

However, as Minister for Transport, while I am responsible for the policy and overall funding of public transport, I am not responsible for its day-to-day operations nor decisions on fares. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and for securing the provision of those services by way of public transport services contracts, in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.

Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.  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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Local Authorities

Questions (201)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

201. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the counties that have car club bye-laws in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63204/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The enactment of bye-laws are a matter for each individual local authority.

I have no role in such bye-laws. 

Rail Network

Questions (202)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

202. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if a level crossing elimination project will be carried out on the Ballybrophy-Limerick railway line, similar to the one recently announced for the Limerick-Waterford line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63214/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy is aware the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure, including the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line. 

This is the third year of the five year IMMAC programme, and in December Government approved an additional €94.55m for the programme which means that over the five years of the programme a total of just over €1.1billion in Exchequer funding will be made available to support delivery. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services.

Closures of level crossings are continually sought by Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) on an ongoing basis where opportunities arise.

Noting IÉ's responsibility in the matter, in the first instance, I have referred the Deputy's questions to IÉ for a more detailed reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days. 

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Departmental Reports

Questions (203)

Duncan Smith

Question:

203. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the response of his Department to the findings of the Cost of Disability in Ireland research report; the plans that will be made in quarter one 2022 in response to these findings; if he will implement an all-Department response which will be timescaled and measured to ensure everyday costs are reduced for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63220/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy will be aware, through the response I provided to his similar question on 16 December 2021 (Ref 62300/21), I welcome the Cost of Disability report published by the Department of Social Protection. I am acutely aware of the concerns outlined in the report in relation to the cost of transport, particularly personalised or individualised transport requirements for Persons with Disabilities, and acknowledge the important role that transport plays in all our lives.

I must emphasis to the Deputy that specialised non-public (closed) door-to-door services do not fall under my aegis; nevertheless, I am fully committed to strengthening our public transport offerings and progressively making them accessible for all, especially for Persons with Disabilities, Persons with Reduced Mobility and Older People. In this regard, I have secured €15.35 million to retrofit older infrastructure and facilities, and through the National Transport Authority (NTA), we will use this funding in 2022 to roll out more accessible bus stops, wheelchair accessible taxis and improve train stations accessibility. In addition, the NTA will continue to support Persons with Disabilities to travel independently on the public transport network through initiatives such as the Just A Minute (JAM) Card and the provision of Disability Awareness Training to public transport staff. Furthermore, in rural Ireland, where currently more than 90% of Local Link services are accessible, the new Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan aims to provide greater access to public transport services for all users, through increasing the frequency and number of routes provided.

My Department is also spearheading a number of initiatives focused on reducing the cost of public transport services, including the recently introduced 90-minute fare and the development of Next Generation Ticketing. Furthermore, I have secured €25 million to introduce a youth travel card which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old to avail of discounted travel costs. Collectively, these measures will benefit all members of society, including those with hidden disabilities and/or who may not qualify for the Free Travel Scheme.

Additionally, starting Q1 2022, my Department and the NTA will be actively collaborating with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, through a Working Group arising from National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) and Make Work Pay Report, to review of the current provision of disability transport and mobility schemes across Government Departments, agencies, and local authorities. The aim of the group is to develop a plan to enhance options for travel to work or employment for persons with Disabilities, efficiently utilising available transport resources. We will also continue our membership on the NDIS Steering Group, working together with the other Departments and Agencies that have responsibility for individualised, personalised transport support schemes.

Public Sector Pensions

Questions (204)

Joan Collins

Question:

204. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport when the pension scheme for Dublin Bus drivers will be signed off on (details supplied). [63246/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The CIÉ Group has two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme ("RWS") and 1951 superannuation scheme ("1951 Scheme").

In relation to the RWS, CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme. These changes involve significant amendments to the Scheme which are necessary in order to address the Minimum Funding Standard requirements under the Pensions Act. These changes have been agreed by the trustees of the schemes, the employees and the CIÉ Group following extensive and prolonged engagement between all parties.

There are a number of steps involved before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process. In accordance with the provisions of Section 44(3) of the Transport Act 1950, I directed CIÉ to publish a statutory notice in Iris Oifigiúil, which was advertised on the 14th of January 2022. Within 45 days from the publication of the notice, any person may make objections and representations in relation to the Schemes, addressing same to the Minister for Transport.

Regarding the 1951 Scheme, members of the Scheme were balloted regarding the Labour Court Recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020, with a majority voting to accept the proposals. CIÉ has prepared and submitted a consolidated draft Statutory Instrument to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme which is being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA.

I further wish to advise that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. As such, being sub-judice, it is not appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.

Taxi Licences

Questions (205, 206, 207, 208)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

205. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of taxi licences issued in Athlone, County Westmeath. [63262/21]

Sorca Clarke

Question:

206. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of taxi licences issues by county in tabular form. [63263/21]

Sorca Clarke

Question:

207. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of wheelchair accessible taxis registered in Athlone, County Westmeath. [63264/21]

Sorca Clarke

Question:

208. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of wheelchair accessible taxis per county in tabular form. [63265/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 205, 206, 207 and 208 together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.  

Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Question No. 206 answered with Question No. 205.