Seán Sherlock
Question:228. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he is in receipt of an application for a greenway project (details supplied). [1125/22]
View answerGreenways Provision
Questions (228)
Written answers
As Minister, I have responsibility for the policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the allocation of funding to specific projects and oversight of their development, in cooperation with relevant local authorities. The NTA is also responsible for the development of urban Greenways, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Noting their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Licences
Questions (229)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:229. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter regarding the transfer of a driver licence in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1144/22]
View answerWritten answers
The issuing of driving licences is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). To apply to exchange an Australian driving licence for an Irish driving licence, the person must contact the RSA. As Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (230)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:230. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the financial supports that will be in place over the coming years to support the recovery of Cork Airport following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1160/22]
View answerWritten answers
During 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.
In addition to the horizontal supports available, over €25 million in aviation sector-specific supports were 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 covered 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 was allocated to Cork Airport in 2021 under the Department's Covid Supplementary Support Scheme. This funding has provided 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 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.
Cycling Facilities
Questions (231)
Cathal Crowe
Question:231. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to install a bike share station on the Cork University Hospital campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1176/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure. The management of the public bike schemes is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), which works closely with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply . Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days .
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Cycling Facilities
Questions (232)
Cathal Crowe
Question:232. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to install safe cycling infrastructure on the Model Farm Road in Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1177/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister, I have responsibility for the policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. The National Transport Authority (NTA), meanwhile, has responsibility for the allocation of funding to specific projects and oversight of their development, in cooperation with the relevant local authorities.
Noting their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Cycling Facilities
Questions (233)
Joe Carey
Question:233. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a query (details supplied) in relation to cycling infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1188/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister, I have responsibility for the policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. The National Transport Authority (NTA), meanwhile, has responsibility for the allocation of funding to specific projects and oversight of their development, in cooperation with the relevant local authorities.
Noting their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Licences
Questions (234)
Niall Collins
Question:234. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport when a licence will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1197/22]
View answerWritten answers
The referenced licence application has been assigned to the Marine Survey Office and I can assure the Deputy that it will be processed as a matter of priority.
Cycling Facilities
Questions (235)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:235. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the funding drawn down by each local authority for spending on cycling infrastructure in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1217/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister, I have responsibility for the policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel and Greenways. The National Transport Authority (NTA), meanwhile, has responsibility for the allocation of funding to specific projects and oversight of their development, in cooperation with the relevant local authorities. TII have responsibility for the allocation of funding to Greenway projects, in cooperation with the relevant local authorities.
Noting their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded your question to the NTA and TII for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The NTA is currently working with the local authorities to ensure effective and efficient delivery of Active Travel funding. Details of the Active Travel projects to be funded and delivered next year are being developed by the NTA at present and can be made available to the Deputy when this is finalised in January. It is anticipated that circa €290m will be available next year to help roll-out walking and cycling infrastructure across our cities, towns and villages.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Tolls
Questions (236, 237, 238, 239)
Pa Daly
Question:236. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the number of times that each toll operator responsible for toll locations nationwide has been audited since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1235/22]
View answerPa Daly
Question:237. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the number of cases in which customer service amended charges following a complaint or query related to the M50 barrier free toll in each of the years 2010 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1236/22]
View answerPa Daly
Question:238. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the amount refunded to users of the M50 barrier-free toll in each of the years 2010 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1237/22]
View answerPa Daly
Question:239. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the number and value of the charges issued to users of the M50 barrier-free toll and fines later refunded or removed in each of the years 2010 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1238/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 to 239, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Noting the above position, I shall request that TII provide you with details of audits carried out on each toll operator since 2010. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 237 answered with Question No. 236.
Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 236.
Question No. 239 answered with Question No. 236.
Public Sector Staff
Questions (240)
Brendan Howlin
Question:240. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the policy in relation to the age of retirement in State companies under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1241/22]
View answerWritten answers
The issue raised is a matter for the agencies under the aegis of my Department.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the Commercial agencies under the aegis of my Department 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
Road Safety
Questions (241, 242)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:241. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the number of tonnes of salt used to salt roads in County Kerry; the cost of same in each of the years 2017 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1261/22]
View answerDanny Healy-Rae
Question:242. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the amount in tonnes of salt used to salt roads in each county; the cost of same in each of the years 2017 to 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1262/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has been tasked with managing the central purchase of salt stocks for national, regional and local roads to ensure there are adequate stocks in place for each winter season. The upfront cost related to the purchase and stocking of salt for national roads is funded from TII’s grant allocation while the cost for regional and local roads is funded from the Department’s regional and local road budget. Where local authorities use centrally purchased salt on regional and local roads, the cost associated with salt usage in the previous season is deducted from each authority’s annual Discretionary Grant, where applicable, or recouped to the Department by the self-funding authorities based on a standard cost per tonne which is €50/tonne at present. While most local authorities avail of this central purchasing facility, two authorities make their own salt purchase arrangements.
The following table indicates the number of tonnes of salt used by each Local Authority on regional and local roads from the 2017/2018 winter season, up to and including the 2020/2021 season.
|
Local Authority |
2017/2018 |
2018/2019 |
2019/2020 |
2020/2021 |
|
Carlow |
1586 |
371.4 |
591 |
1059 |
|
Cavan |
6160 |
2125.35 |
3675.94 |
4801 |
|
Clare |
2791.8 |
852 |
1479 |
2228 |
|
Cork County |
3885.91 |
1491.34 |
2999.49 |
4113 |
|
Donegal |
10274.7 |
5386.87 |
8084.87 |
8644 |
|
Dublin City |
4045 |
840 |
1400 |
3277 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
2159 |
435 |
508 |
1030 |
|
Galway City |
325 |
128.7 |
384.1 |
462 |
|
Galway County |
4070 |
1330 |
2470 |
3900 |
|
Kerry |
201 |
139 |
350 |
704 |
|
Kildare |
5708 |
2249 |
3923 |
5230 |
|
Kilkenny |
3022 |
838.55 |
1404.95 |
2059 |
|
Laois |
3340 |
1482 |
2342 |
2209 |
|
Leitrim |
2040 |
1203 |
2315 |
3210 |
|
Limerick |
5685.25 |
1001.27 |
2308.44 |
2872 |
|
Longford |
2065 |
725 |
1170 |
1775 |
|
Louth |
4406.1 |
954.87 |
1798.1 |
4007 |
|
Mayo |
4158 |
1503 |
2081 |
3136 |
|
Meath |
4415 |
1505 |
2165 |
3044 |
|
Monaghan |
3555 |
1715 |
2391 |
2771 |
|
Offaly |
2661.27 |
838.68 |
1048.92 |
2100 |
|
Roscommon |
3628 |
1080 |
2040 |
4320 |
|
Sligo |
2533.2 |
1029 |
1913 |
2791 |
|
South Dublin |
2560 |
703 |
1592 |
2042 |
|
Tipperary |
5811.24 |
2432.07 |
4084.27 |
4548 |
|
Waterford |
2617.35 |
946.1 |
1499.45 |
1916 |
|
Westmeath |
3294 |
1411 |
2268 |
2570 |
|
Wexford |
1707 |
475.5 |
1051 |
1963 |
|
Wicklow |
4362 |
1625 |
2567.12 |
2746 |
|
Totals |
107847.83 |
39448.7 |
66192.65 |
91265 |
With regards to the amount of salt used on national roads, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 242 answered with Question No. 241.
Cycling Facilities
Questions (243)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:243. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Finglas to Killester cycleway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1282/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and active travel infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. This includes the project mentioned by the Deputy, namely the Finglas to Killester cycle route.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Licences
Questions (244)
Kathleen Funchion
Question:244. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport the assistance which can be provided in the case of persons (details supplied). [1297/22]
View answerWritten answers
Irish driving licence law is based on a framework of EU law. The current extensions to the validity of driving licences were granted under EU Regulation 2021/267. The Regulation applied to driving licences with expiry dates up to 30 June 2021. Ireland subsequently received authorisation from the EU under Commission Decision 2021/1362 to extend this applicable period to cover licences that will expire up to 31 October 2021. It is not possible to extend individual licences.
Question No. 245 answered with Question No. 197.
Public Transport
Questions (246)
Peter Burke
Question:246. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate the possibility of including the R392 in the Connecting Ireland plan by the National Transport Authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1464/22]
View answerWritten answers
Whilst 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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
In this role, the NTA has launched the Connecting Ireland Plan which looks to expand the public transport network and increase service levels in rural areas specifically. It is expected that an overall increase of approximately 25% in rural bus services will be delivered as part of the five-year Connecting Ireland plan. As a result, hundreds of rural villages and areas will, for the first time, be served by a viable public transport link.
The Deputy's question here would fall under the remit of the NTA. As such, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Departmental Reviews
Questions (247)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:247. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him in tabular form; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [1563/22]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by Minister for Transport |
Scheduled Date of Completion |
|
All Island Strategic Rail Review |
Q4 2022 |
|
Sustainable Mobility Policy Review |
Q1 2022 |
|
Roadside emissions in Dublin: measurements and projections (RED-MAP) (co-funded with the EPA) |
Q1 2022 |
|
Five Year Assessment Report (5YAR) - Writer Support Award – Volume 4 (Realising the benefits of transition and transformation) (Co-funded with the EPA) |
Q4 2024 |
|
An international best practice review of the localised and wider pollutant contribution of large railway hubs on air quality, in large urban centres (Co-Funded with the EPA) |
Q1 2025 |
|
Just resilience and adaptation in Ireland: sectors and regions (Co-funded with the EPA) |
Q1 2023 |
|
Transboundary Climate Risks for Island of Ireland (TCRII) (Co-funded with the EPA) |
Q1 2023 |
|
Low Emission Bus Trial Phase 2: Hydrogen bus trial |
Q1 2022 |
|
Study to Devise pathway to deliver an additional 0.9 Mt CO2 reduction in the transport sector by 2030 (CAP 2021 Action 301) |
End Q2 2022 |
|
Research tender to inform the EV Infrastructure Strategy (Systra) |
Q1 2022 |
|
National Cycle Network (TII) |
Q3 2022 |
|
Irish Ports Capacity Study |
Q2 2022 |
|
Review of the Potential for Government Support to renewed viable air routes between Ireland and Northern Ireland |
Q1 2022 |
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (248)
Seán Sherlock
Question:248. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent on social media by his Department and agencies under his remit in 2021; and the platforms the monies were spent on in tabular form. [1710/22]
View answerWritten answers
Deputy, Please see below a breakdown of the amount spent in my Department in 2021 on social media.
|
Department |
Social Media |
Amount |
Total |
|
MSGD/Irish Lights |
Facebook, Twitter,Linkedin,You Tube & Instagram |
€5,310 (€3,450 relates to use of Social Media for recruitment advertising) |
€5,310 |
I have referred your question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51