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Wednesday, 19 Jan 2022

Written Answers Nos. 249-268

Departmental Contracts

Questions (249)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

249. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent on consultancy services by his Department in 2021; the reason for each consultancy; and the name of the consultancy in tabular form. [1728/22]

View answer

Written answers

Deputy , the total amount spent on Consultancy in my department in 2021 was €940,455 .  Please see below a breakdown of the Consultancy for my Department in 2021 as requested. 

Division

Consultancy

Reason

Amount

MSPD

Clinchmaritime Ltd

Review of the Current Organisational Structures Underpinning Marine Casualty Investigation in Ireland in the context of national, EU and international obligations

€24,430

SMPID

Arup Consultancy

All island Strategic Rail Review

€265,470.90

Airports

Altitude Aviation Advisory

Advisory services supporting the delivery of a tender on the provision of Public Service Obligation air services

€18,316.24

 

Aviation Advocacy SARL

Appeals Panel to consider the appeals of the Determination of the Commission for Aviation Regulation on an Interim Review of the 2019 Determination in relation to 2020 and 2021

€9,692.40

 

H Nixon Consulting

Appeals Panel to consider the appeals of the Determination of the Commission for Aviation Regulation on an Interim Review of the 2019 Determination in relation to 2020 and 2021

€5,330.82

 

Eoin McCullogh

Appeals Panel to consider the appeals of the Determination of the Commission for Aviation Regulation on an Interim Review of the 2019 Determination in relation to 2020 and 2021

€18,415.56

 

Public Appointment Service

PAS ran an executive search for the campaign of Chairperson to the Board of Shannon Group

€4,516.56

ASSD

Helios Technology Limited

Section 32 examination of the IAA - Final invoice on completion of SAR addendum

21,816.30

RECP

 

This consultancy relates to the establishment and proceedings of the R116 Review Board, which was set up under statute.

€261,148.21.

SRAD

Jacobs Engineering

Environmental services in respect of the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland

€ 6,760

 

Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)

Development of the Aviation Carbon Tax Interim and Final Reports

€47,405

CSAGD

Quadra Risk Management Consultants

Building Risk Analyses

€9,594

Climate Delivery

Ipsos MRBI

Focus group tender for the EV Infrastructure Strategy

€14,980

MSO

Antaris Consulting

To review and update Health and Safety documentation

€11,070

MSGD/IRCG

Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services

Project Management Office Consultancy

€72,109

 

Corporate Health Ireland Partnership

Medical Consultancy (Re COVID)

€3,690

 

KPMG

Financial and Economic Advice

€165,442

 

Graphite HRM

HR Consultancy

€16,607

 

TMS Consultancy T/A Antaris

Management System Consultancy

€33,210

 

Aerossurance Ltd

Aviation Consultancy

€101,268

 

Great Place to Work (Ireland) Ltd

HR Survey/Consultancy

€20,627

 

Bid & Tender Management Services Ltd

Procurement Consultant

€11,001

 

Jane Beattie

Advisory Services and Valuations

€1,815

 

Access Rescue Consulting at Height Ltd T/A ARCH

Health and Safety Advisory

€56,703

 

Terence Woods Architect Ltd

Architectural and Building Consultancy

€185

TOTAL :

 

 

€940,455

Road Network

Questions (250)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

250. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the status of the revision of the European Union Trans-European Transport Network regulation; if the western arc will be restored to the TEN-T core network; if the Government will continue to lobby the European Commission for the restoration of the western arc to the core network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1750/22]

View answer

Written answers

The European Commission’s review of the 2013 Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation commenced in 2019 and the Commission published the results of this review in May 2021. 

This evaluation is available at the following link: eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021SC0117  

My Department participated fully in the review process, engaging directly with the European Commission on a number of occasions during and subsequent to the review in order to ensure that any amendment to or revision of the TEN-T Regulation recognises the concerns of Ireland and the national policy developments that have occurred since the Regulation came into force in 2013. 

During these engagements, the Commission was advised that, in order to ensure alignment between national and EU policy, our position on the TEN-T rail network will be informed by the results of the ongoing all-island Strategic Rail Review. 

The Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) and will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.  The Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network.  That scope includes the Western Rail Corridor.

In December 2021, the EU Commission published its proposal for a revised TEN-T Regulation. In this proposal, the map of the TEN-T rail network in Ireland remains largely unchanged and does not include the Western Rail Corridor. My Department is currently examining the proposal in depth to ensure that Irish concerns can be identified and addressed during the negotiation process. My Department will also be re-engaging with the European Commission regarding the final TEN-T rail network when the outcome of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is known. 

The full text of the proposal is available here: eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=COM:2021:812:FIN 

Rail Network

Questions (251)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

251. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an overview of upgrading works to take place at Ennis railway and bus station in 2022; if these works will include the provision of new CCTV camera infrastructure in the car park area; when these works are likely to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1764/22]

View answer

Written answers

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 bus and train infrastructure.  

Noting their responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for 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

National Car Test

Questions (252)

Michael Lowry

Question:

252. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter regarding national car test, NCT, test centres waiting rooms that are closed to the public due to Covid-19 restrictions; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that customers who attend NCT test centres with no waiting room facilities are required to wait outside without adequate protection from the winter elements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1784/22]

View answer

Written answers

The operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service, including the implementation of health and safety arrangements at test centres in response to Covid-19, is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. 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.

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

Departmental Data

Questions (253)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

253. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of all client and or customer facing and or orientated services that his Department provide via a contracted service provider; the contractor that provides the service; and the cost of same for the past five years to date in 2022. [1810/22]

View answer

Written answers

Below is a schedule of all client and or customer facing and or orientated services that my Department provide via a contracted service provider; the contractor that provides the service; and the cost of same for the past five years to 2021. We do not have a figure for this service to date in 2022. 

Division

Year

Service Provider

Service

Amount

Facilities Management

2021

National Council For the Blind

Telephone Service to the general public

€15,998.26

 

2020

National Council For the Blind

Telephone Service to the general public

€10,223.45

 

2019

National Council For the Blind

Telephone Service to the general public

€18,975.90

 

2018

National Council For the Blind

Telephone Service to the general public

€13,974.50

 

2017

National Council For the Blind

Telephone Service to the general public

€4,927.85

Total

 

 

 

€64,099.96

Coast Guard Service

Questions (254)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

254. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the details of the current tender for Irish Coast Guard aviation services, rotary and fixed wing and in particular the location for these services during the next tender period; if the current four search and rescue bases are being maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1816/22]

View answer

Written answers

On 27 July 2021, the Government agreed to commence the formal procurement process for a new Coast Guard aviation service.  The decision was based on a detailed appraisal and business case prepared in accordance with the Public Spending Code.  The procurement process is being undertaken in line with the Government Decision of 27 July 2021 and with EU procurement law, most notably European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulation 2019 (Statutory Instrument No. 284/2016.)

On 20th December 2021, the first stage of the process commenced, with the release on eTenders of a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) and Response document for candidates to complete.

The PQQ sets out certain criteria to determine which Operators have the capacity to perform the contract.  

It would not be appropriate to speculate on the detailed specifications of the tender, or on the outcome of the process, at this stage. 

Road Projects

Questions (255)

Duncan Smith

Question:

255. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the provision of a road (details supplied) in County Kildare; the timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1826/22]

View answer

Written answers

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. State grants, where applicable, are intended to supplement the funding allocated to the maintenance and improvement of roads by local authorities from their own resources.

The Athy Southern Distributor Road is one of the limited number of strategic regional and local road improvement schemes being undertaken under the National Development Plan.  Following the conclusion of the tender process for the main construction contract for the scheme, the contract was awarded in late 2021 and the construction programme is now underway.  Kildare County Council is responsible for the implementation of the scheme and my understanding is that the estimated project completion date is 2024.

Road Projects

Questions (256)

Duncan Smith

Question:

256. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the provision of a roads project (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he or his Department have had contact and meetings with the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1827/22]

View answer

Written answers

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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. 

Under the National Development Plan (NDP), the primary focus for capital investment in regional and local roads continues to be the protection and renewal of the network with some limited investment in road improvement projects.

Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code (PSC) and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF).

No application has been received by my Department from Kildare County Council in relation to the proposed second bridge in Newbridge. It is my understanding that Kildare County Council previously applied for funding for the proposed second bridge in Newbridge under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 

Public Transport

Questions (257)

Duncan Smith

Question:

257. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he or his Department have had meetings with the National Transport Authority, NTA, on the provision of one pricing structure for rail transport in the greater Dublin area; his views on such a structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1828/22]

View answer

Written answers

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, nor decisions on fares. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for regulating fares charged by public transport operators. I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's question regarding pricing structure for rail transport in the greater Dublin area to the NTA 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 (258)

James Lawless

Question:

258. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if an issue with a bus service (details supplied) will be examined and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1844/22]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters. 

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.   

I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA 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

Public Transport

Questions (259)

Robert Troy

Question:

259. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport when the reduced public transport rate for third-level students which was announced in budget 2022 will come into effect. [1851/22]

View answer

Written answers

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. As Minister for Transport, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares; however, I do have responsibility for public transport policy and overall funding, and as such, I was delighted as part of Budget 2022, to secure €25m to provide for the introduction of a youth travel card (YTC).

The YTC will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services.

The NTA have commenced work in relation to the implementation of the new fares structures for young adults. I have therefore forwarded the Deputies questions to the NTA 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 Authority

Questions (260)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

260. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full year cost in 2022 of recruiting 40 extra full-time enforcement transport officers and 40 extra full-time enforcement vehicle inspectors for the Road Safety Authority. [1885/22]

View answer

Written answers

Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for recruiting enforcement transport officers and vehicle inspectors. The information requested is held by the Authority.

This question is therefore being referred 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.   

Legislative Measures

Questions (261)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

261. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when each remaining section of the Road Traffic Act 2016 will come into force. [1886/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Road Traffic Act 2016, like many Road Traffic Acts, addressed a range of matters.  Many of the most significant, in particular the provisions relating to intoxicated driving, have been commenced.  However, a number of provisions have not yet been commenced, and I am happy to set out the position in relation to these provisions.

Sections 3 to 6 of the 2016 Act relate to the creation of records of written-off vehicles.  These have not been commenced to date due to administrative issues, and also due to the need to update the definition of 'vehicle insurer' in the Road Traffic Acts.  An update to that definition is included in the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, currently before the Dáil.

Section 30 was partially commenced, except insofar as it relates to section 78A(1A)(g) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.  That provision requires further amendment before commencement, and this is addressed in the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021.

Section 31 amends the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, but this matter has been subject to further consideration.  My Department is currently undertaking a process of stakeholder consultation on proposals for the regulation of Horse Drawn Carriages and, once this process is completed, I will be seeking approval from Government to publish the finalised General Scheme without delay.

Sections 34 and 35 make a number of small changes to penalty points.  Commencement will be considered in due course.

Section 36(a)-(c) represent small technical changes to Part 3 of the Road Traffic Act 2010.  Part 3 was commenced in 2017, but on reflection it was not deemed essential to commence these additional small changes.  There are no plans to do so at present.  

Section 38 amended section 50 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, which proposed a 'payment deposit scheme' in cases of traffic offences by out of state drivers.  It is not intended to proceed with this scheme due to legal issues, and there are therefore no plans to commence this section or section 50 of the 2010 Act.  

Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that section 39 of the Act was repealed and replaced by the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (262)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

262. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when the post of chairperson for both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann will be filled. [1887/22]

View answer

Written answers

Appointments to State Boards are carried out through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). 

All State Board appointments made by the Department, including the current live campaign to fill the posts of Chairperson of both Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus, follow the DPER 'Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards' (2014) and DPER's 'Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies' (2016). 

The positions of Chairperson of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus Board respectively were advertised by the PAS and the closing date for receipt of applications was 9 November last.  There are a number of steps involved in the process of appointing a new Chair. An Assessment Panel has been convened by PAS to consider the applications received, with shortlisting in progress. I hope to be in a position to appoint the new Chairpersons to the Boards of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus shortly.

In line with normal arrangements for the appointment of Chairs to State Boards, the Chair designates will be required to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications before being formally appointed as Chairperson of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus respectively.  

Road Projects

Questions (263)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

263. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he has withdrawn funding for the N25 corridor Midleton to Youghal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1921/22]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.  Once funding arrangements 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 planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.

I can confirm that an allocation has been made by TII to Cork County Council for the N25 Castlemartyr and Killeagh bypass, which is on the N25 Midleton to Youghal corridor. TII is best placed to provide information concerning the current status and funding of this proposed 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.

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

Road Projects

Questions (264)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

264. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if funding is secure for the N73 Mallow to Mitchelstown Road; and if he will re-examine the amount allocated. [1922/22]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements 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 planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for 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 on the current status and funding of this proposed 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.

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

Road Projects

Questions (265)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

265. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the funding that has been allocated to the N25 Castlemartyr-Killeagh bypass as per his press release on 17 December 2021. [1923/22]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements 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 planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. 

TII is best placed to provide information concerning the current status and funding of this proposed 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.

Road Projects

Questions (266)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

266. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a road (details supplied) in County Kerry will be examined and deemed eligible for emergency funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1928/22]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements 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, management and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for 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, on this occasion, 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

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Questions (267)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

267. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the purpose of the mast erected at a CIÉ property in Whiteford and Bohernacrusha, Holycross, Thurles, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2031/22]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. 

The property affairs of CIÉ are matters for the Board in accordance with the provisions of the Transport Acts 1950 and 1964. Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company 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 Programmes

Questions (268)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

268. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a proposal by a group (details supplied) for it to be included permanently under the Regional Airports Programme as opposed to temporary inclusion for Covid-19 related reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2064/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Regional Airports Programme 2021 to 2025 supports Ireland’s smallest airports i.e. those that provide connectivity and handle less than 1 million annual passengers.  In addition to targeting funding at safety and security projects and activities, the programme encourages airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience. As the Deputy will be aware, by virtue of their size and passenger numbers, Shannon and Cork Airports have not in the past been eligible for funding under this Programme.  

However, in light of the impacts of Covid-19 and taking account of the recommendations of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, the Government provided both Shannon and Cork airports with access to capital and operational supports in 2021 under a one-year Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme. This Programme mirrored the focus, including the sustainability objectives, of the Regional Airports Programme. Shannon Airport was allocated almost €11.9m in funding under this Programme in 2021. 

This funding was in addition to the provision of an allocation of capital funding to Shannon Airport of almost €6.3m for a Hold Baggage Screening project and an Embankments project in 2021.  An additional €5.5m was also provided to Shannon Airport under the Department's Covid Supplementary Support Scheme to Irish airports. This funding will provide Shannon Airport with flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity.

In 2022, due to suppressed passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021 Shannon Airport has now become eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025.  This year, funding of €36 million is available under this Programme, supporting Shannon Airport and the other eligible regional airports of Cork, 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 Shannon and Cork Airports.

Beyond 2022, Shannon Airport will only remain eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme while annual passenger numbers, in the preceding two years,  remain suppressed under 1 million.  However the aviation supports totaling over €23.6m provided to Shannon Airport in 2021 is a clear indication of the importance Government attaches to Shannon Airport being well positioned to weather the current crisis and for recovery and growth into the future. As was the case in 2021, Government will continue to keep Aviation Supports under review in 2022. 

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