Written Answers Nos. 207-227
209. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the current situation in which approved driving instructors at RSA test centres have been prevented from entering these centres and have had no access to toilet or sanitary facilities for almost two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63298/21]
View answerWhile operational arrangements at driving test centres are a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA), I understand that prior to COVID 19 some test 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 again restore facilities for driving instructors and any person accompanying learner drivers for their test.
210. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied); the estimated cost to return the rail line to the standard required for passenger use; his views on the benefit of rail connectivity being maintained between Dublin to Rosslare to Waterford to Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63301/21]
View answerI am not specifically aware of the document the Deputy refers to, however I understand there are often a wide range of costs associated with re-opening any disused railway line.
As the Deputy is aware, I do believe our rail network requires a broad strategic review to better understand its role and assess its future potential. A review is underway to consider whether opportunities exist to better utilise currently underused lines, or closed lines such as the Rosslare to Waterford line.
The Strategic Rail Review is being led by my Department, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland). It will inform the development of inter-urban and inter-regional rail 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. A public consultation is underway, open until 21st January. I would encourage all interested parties to participate. For the Deputy's information, I expect a final report from the Review to be available by Q4 2022.
211. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport his views on the feasibility of using St. Stephen’s Green as the interchange station between the Luas and MetroLink in the context of the Programme for Government commitment to prioritise plans for the delivery of MetroLink, Luas and other light rail expansion projects. [63312/21]
View answer221. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the status of the MetroLink project; and his views on the feasibility of using St. Stephen’s Green as the interchange station between the Luas and MetroLink. [63513/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 221 together.
The MetroLink project is currently at Decision Gate 1: Approval in Principle under the Public Spending Code.
The key document at Decision Gate 1 is the Preliminary Business Case and a Preliminary Business Case has been submitted to my Department for initial review in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. Once the review process is completed, I will then be in a position to seek the relevant Government approval for the project.
Approval at Decision Gate 1 will permit MetroLink enter the statutory planning system. At a project level I understand work is ongoing to complete all the necessary planning, environmental and property referencing documentation required for a planning application, with an expectation that this work will be completed by Q2 this year.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including light rail infrastructure.
Therefore I have referred the Deputy's question regarding the feasibility of using St. Stephen's Green as an interchange between Luas and MetroLink to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
212. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the measures that will be introduced to address the difficulties persons are experiencing in applying for and successfully installing EV charger infrastructure in communal areas and residential units that do not have private car spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63364/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A national charging infrastructure strategy is due 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.
I am also aware that a report was published by the County and City Management Association (CCMA) on the provision of guidance to local authorities on the provision of charging infrastructure. The document is available for viewing online at www.lgma.ie/en/publications/general-publications/local-authority-electrification-of-fleet-and-ev-charging-guidance.pdf
The Government’s policy regarding the increased usage of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is primarily driven by the Climate Action Plan which sets a target of 945,000 EVs by 2030.
Home charging is considered the primary method of charging for the majority of EVs in Ireland and is a convenient, cost effective and environmentally friendly means of charging, especially when using night rate electricity. It accounts for circa 80% of EV charging sessions and will continue to be the primary method of charging in the future.
The Government has introduced a requirement that new buildings and those undergoing substantial renovation works will have to include charging points for electric vehicles if they have more than 10 car parking spaces.
The EV Home Charger Grant Scheme has been in operation since January 2018 to support the installation of home chargers for purchasers of new and second-hand BEVs and PHEVs. The grant provides generous support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger up to a maximum of €600. As regards existing apartment buildings, work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for apartments to open shortly.
In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme 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. My Department is reviewing the Scheme at present to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort and which will support installation of public chargers particularly in areas without own driveway.
In addition, the national charging infrastructure strategy will consider this issue in particular and develop proposals to address the current disparity between homeowners with and without off street parking.
213. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Meath County Council draft appraisal for the proposed Julianstown bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63365/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant 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.
In relation to the appraisal of possible measures to manage traffic in the vicinity of Julianstown, the Department understands that Meath County Council intends to carry out an origin and destination information gathering exercise to obtain a clear indication of the traffic movements and patterns in and around Julianstown. My Department also understands from Meath County Council that the collection of origin and destination data has not yet commenced. Accordingly, I can confirm that the Department has not yet received the required project appraisal.
214. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the details of the individual repair works in the section of the M7 after the toll bridge at Portlaoise on the way to Nenagh (details supplied); and when each was carried out. [63384/21]
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 maintenance, upgrading and improvement of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to provide you with details of individual repair works on the M7.
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.
215. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport if there will be an allowance made for drivers unable to get a NCT retest within the 30 day time limit due to the current backlog to not be forced to pay for a full retest through no fault of their own. [63387/21]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
216. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he is giving consideration to the position for persons with particular needs who bring their dog with them on the bus (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63390/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport, whereas it is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
As it would seem that the issue raised comes under the remit of the NTA, 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.
217. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the reason a learner driver permit application by a person (details supplied) is taking several months to process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63425/21]
View answerEnquires relating to driver licensing are dealt with by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to individual applications.
218. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the proposal to grant disabled parking badges to severely autistic persons and persons with an intellectual disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63427/21]
View answerThe Disabled Parking Permit (also known as the European Parking Card or Disabled Parking Badge) is available to people living in Ireland whose mobility is severely restricted, whether they are drivers or passengers, and also to those who are registered blind.
In 2010 the Department conducted a review of the Disabled Parking Scheme, in consultation with various stakeholders. One of the issues examined was eligibility for the scheme. Disability groups in particular were unhappy at the fact that some people were being issued with Disabled Parking Permits because they had particular medical conditions rather than an actual mobility impairment. As a result of the review, the scheme was revised so that permits are now given on the basis of mobility impairment rather than the diagnosis of a particular condition or illness. This is in line with the original intention of the scheme.
The possibility of extending the eligibility criteria for the scheme, to include people with autism or with certain forms of intellectual or cognitive impairment, has been raised on a number of occasions. My department has consulted extensively with the joint issuing authorities of the scheme, who also represent people with disabilities, the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association, on this matter. In light of this consultation, there are currently no plans to change the criteria.
I must particularly emphasise to the Deputy that issuing a large number of extra permits by extending the eligibility criteria would put the existing scheme under significant additional pressure and compromise the availability of disabled parking spaces for those with restricted mobility who are currently eligible.
219. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the formula used in calculating the distribution of funding among Irish airports of the €108 million approved under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, the Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021 and the Covid-19 supplementary supports scheme for Irish airports recently approved by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63428/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, on 15 December last I announced the provision of almost €108 million in direct Exchequer supports to the airports of Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal. This funding was administered under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, the Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021, and the Covid-19 Supplementary Supports Scheme for Irish Airports, as follows:
|
Airport |
Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 |
Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021 |
Covid-19 Supplementary Support Scheme |
Total Allocations |
|
Donegal |
€0.461m |
|
€0.116m |
€0.577m |
|
Kerry |
€1.298m |
|
€0.884m |
€2.182m |
|
IWAK |
€1.018m |
|
€0.874m |
€1.892m |
|
Dublin |
|
|
€79.560m |
€79.560m |
|
Cork |
|
€6.690m |
€6.979m |
€13.669m |
|
Shannon |
|
€5.527m |
€4.574m |
€10.101m |
|
Total |
€2.777m |
€12.217m |
€92.987m |
€107.981m |
Of the €108m, almost €15 million was provided in operational support under the Regional Airports Programme and the Regional State Airports Programme to Shannon, Cork, Donegal, Knock and Kerry airports. This funding represents 100% of eligible operational expenditure, in the areas of safety and security, at these airports in 2021. Targeting funding at vital operations at the airports such as air traffic control, fire services and security, ensures airports can continue to remain compliant with regulatory requirements in these areas.
The remaining €93 million was provided under the Supplementary Supports Scheme to Irish Airports. 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), provide the basis for funding under this Scheme.
Funding to our smaller regional airports under the Temporary Framework covers the difference between earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) from 1 March 2020 and 31 December 2021, up to a maximum of €1.8m per airport, compared to a comparable period in 2019. The aid is in the form of a direct grant. Uncovered fixed costs incurred during the period between 1 March 2020 and 31 December 2021 have also been supported under the Temporary Framework.
I am pleased to say that the funding allocated to our smaller regional airports of Donegal, Knock and Kerry means that these airports are being fully compensated for the damage caused by Covid during 2020 and 2021, to the maximum amounts allowable under the Temporary Framework.
Funding to Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports has been allocated under a Damages Measure under the TFEU. The purpose of this measure is to compensate the State airports for losses incurred as a direct effect of the containment measures adopted by the Irish Government in the period 1 April to 30 June 2020. The difference in EBIT from 1 April to 30 June in 2020 and 2019 was assessed when determining funding allocations. Funding was then allocated to each airport on a pro-rata basis in line with 2019 passenger numbers and calculated in accordance with the eligibility criteria of all measures under the approved State aid Scheme. This funding will continue to compensate airports for the damage caused as a result of Covid, by providing State airports with flexibility to roll out discounts on airport charges, with a view to supporting the recovery and restoration of strategic connectivity, including on long-haul routes, for Ireland.
Further information on the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, the Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021 as well as the Supplementary Support Scheme to Irish Airports, including eligibility criteria, is available here gov.ie - Irelands Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 (www.gov.ie)
220. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport his plans to implement an ongoing extension into the future for taxi drivers that have cars reaching the age of nine or ten years of age under part 31 of SI Number 33 of 2015, Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015; the details of his work; his further plans for this area going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63501/21]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
In this regard, the Deputy should be aware that the NTA has extended age limits several times since the start of the pandemic, with standard age limits for taxis and hackneys now waived through to the end of 2022, thereby ensuring no operator exits the industry simply because of the need to replace a vehicle.
222. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way a person can obtain a certificate of good repute required for transport managers as outlined in Regulation EC 1071/2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63526/21]
View answerChapter V of Regulation 1071/2009 concerns the mutual recognition of certificates and other documents related to the good repute of road transport operators where such certificates or documents are issued by EU Member States. There is no obligation in the Regulation for Member States to issue such certificates.
In Ireland, the requirements for good repute are assessed by the Department of Transport when an individual is a relevant person in an application for a Road Transport Operator Licence. The Department has no authority to examine good repute other than in the context of a licence application made in Ireland.
Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No. 1071/2009 sets out the requirements that must be met by applicants for or holders of a Road Transport Operator Licence, and by any relevant person in the transport undertaking including the Transport Manager. Article 6 of the Regulation requires that in relation to the requirement of good repute Member States shall consider convictions, penalties, infringements and conduct of the undertaking itself, its transport manager(s) and any other relevant person.
In relation to the requirement of good repute, all relevant persons associated with a Road Transport Operator Licence issued in Ireland must undergo Garda vetting. They must also complete a Good Repute Declaration Form in which any penalties or infringements must be declared, along with any non-Garda prosecutions. A check is carried out among the other EU Member States using the European Register of Road Transport Undertakings (ERRU) system to determine if the Transport Manager has been declared unfit in any Member State. The Department reviews the resulting collated information to determine if the requirement of good repute is met. Existing licence holders may be checked at any time during the currency of their licence to ensure that they continue to satisfy licensing requirements, including that of good repute.
223. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if an extension of a driver’s licence can be granted in exceptional circumstances to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63571/21]
View answerA person who is normally resident in Ireland but currently working or studying abroad can apply by post to renew or replace their driving licence. Details are available on the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) website at www.ndls.ie/licensed-driver/driving-abroad.html#are-you-living-abroad-to-study-or-working-abroad-to-carry-out-a-task-of-a-definite-duration.
A person living and working in another EU country cannot renew their driving licence in Ireland. They must contact the licensing authority in that country to exchange their current Irish driving licence.
224. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the level of immediate and emergency funding his Department will be providing for repair and renewal of the road network in County Wexford following the Christmas Day flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1036/22]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant 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 Department has committed to provide funding in the 2022 Regional and Local Road grant allocations to assist Wexford County Council with road repair works arising from the flooding event that occurred in Wexford on Christmas Day. My Department is currently liaising with the Council in relation to establishing an estimate of the cost of the repair works.
225. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the all-island Strategic Rail Review; if the review will be seeking public submissions; when the review is expected to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1062/22]
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. 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.
A consultation process is currently underway, open until 21st January. I would encourage all interested parties throughout the island to participate and engage.
I expect to receive a final report by Q4 this year.
226. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if a feasibility study has been undertaken to assess if the old disused rail line between Enfield, County Meath and Edenderry, County Offaly could be converted into a greenway thus linking both the Royal Canal and Grand Canal Greenways which is approximately 18 kilometres in length; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1082/22]
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.
227. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of a business case for a project (details supplied). [1124/22]
View answerThe Cork Light Rail project is actually at an earlier stage of development than Preliminary Business Case stage as referred to by the Deputy.
As previously informed, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has submitted the Strategic Assessment Report for Cork Light Rail to my Department, as required under the Public Spending Code. This is known as Decision Gate 0 under the Code and precedes the formal development of a Preliminary Business Case. My Department is currently engaging with the NTA on the matter.
The Code stipulates that the Strategic Assessment Report must be reviewed by my Department and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform. It will then be submitted for my approval as this Decision Gate is a Ministerial approval point rather than a Governmental one.
I can inform the Deputy that at project level an options selection study is underway to inform the development of an ‘Emerging Preferred Route’ which will then be subject to non-statutory public consultation later this year.
