Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:269. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the technical advice that is needed to create access for those in the international protection system to driving licences. [2065/22]
View answerDriver Licences
Questions (269)
Written answers
On 17 December 2021, the Minister for Transport issued a statement clarifying that applicants for international protection can now apply for driving licences and learner permits.
Road Safety Authority
Questions (270)
Catherine Murphy
Question:270. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to parliamentary question No. 64 of 12 May 2021, the cost of the research and surveys commissioned by the Road Safety Authority, RSA, on the naming and shaming project regarding the RSA proposals since 2015 to set up a database to name and shame disqualified drivers; the cost incurred in setting up the relevant database and all other costs incurred in relation to work carried out on plans to name and shame disqualified drivers; the date when the findings of the research report was reviewed by the RSA and decision made to scrap the plans; the proposed date that he will publish the result of the research and survey carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2128/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority, this question is 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Licences
Questions (271)
Catherine Murphy
Question:271. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of his programme of work to streamline the process of court information on drivers disqualified in court; his plans to automate the current manual process of receiving notification of driver disqualifications from the Courts Service via the National Driving Licence Service; the timeframe for his Department and the Road Safety Authority to complete this work; the cost to date for the RSA to use the external provider (details supplied) to input the data from the Courts Service on disqualified drivers manually onto the information technology systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2129/22]
View answerWritten answers
The disqualification of drivers is an important road safety measure; it keeps dangerous drivers off our roads and it acts as a deterrent to possible disqualification, thereby reducing the risk of drivers engaging in bad behaviour. Accordingly, proper administration and enforcement of driver disqualification is critical to safety on our roads. The disqualification of drivers and the enforcement of the various provisions is a shared responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), the Courts Service, An Garda Síochána and my Department.
Where a driver is convicted and given a driving disqualification by the Courts, the current process involves the Courts Service entering the details on their own Criminal Case Tracking System (CCTS), and then manually printing and sending the disqualification notices to the RSA external provider. The external provider subsequently records the details of the disqualification on the driver record on the Department National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF), on behalf of the RSA.
A project is now underway to provide for electronic transfer of such driver disqualifications details to the NVDF, once the time period to lodge an appeal has passed, and no appeal has been lodged. My officials have been engaged with both the Courts Service and the RSA on the matter for the past number of months, and the business requirements and the technical specifications of how this automated interface will work are now being finalised. It is envisaged that the new automated process will be completed by the end of Q1, 2022.
I understand that the role of the provider itself is broader than just entry of such driver disqualifications on the NVDF. The cost to date of the external provider is a matter for the RSA, and I have forwarded that part of 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
Road Safety Authority
Questions (272)
Catherine Murphy
Question:272. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the total cost to produce the road safety Crashed Lives campaign advertisement by the Road Safety Authority on unaccompanied learner drivers featuring a person (details supplied) in December 2018; the cost to have the advertisement broadcast; the number of weeks the advertisement was aired; the reason the advertisement was discontinued by the Road Safety Authority in February 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2130/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority, this question is 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Transport Policy
Questions (273)
Matt Carthy
Question:273. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made to ensure that customers of non-PSO routes will be able to avail of decreased fares as outlined in Budget 2022; when such reduced fares are due to come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2134/22]
View answerWritten answers
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 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. The Authority has commenced work in relation to the implementation of the new fares structures for young adults, and this includes examining how to integrate private operators into the scheme.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have 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
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (274)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:274. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the levels of compliance in relation to the requirement to wear face masks on public transport; if his Department and the National Transport Authority are monitoring compliance and enforcement of the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2154/22]
View answerWritten answers
Public health advice tells us that face coverings are an important safety measure, especially in interior spaces; subsequently, regulations for the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport were introduced back in July 2020. Failure to comply with these regulations is an offence and there are penalties (on summary conviction) for non-compliance. However, as people understand the importance of protecting their fellow passengers and the staff of the public transport operators, it is not intended that enforcement or penalties will be needed often, but they are available if necessary.
The NTA is engaging regularly with public transport operators regarding implementation of the Regulations, and monitoring compliance levels across the network. My Department and the NTA take the safety of both passengers and transport workers very seriously and are continuing to closely monitor the effects of the measures in place, in conjunction with the various public transport operators.
National Transport Authority
Questions (275)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:275. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given by the National Transport Authority to establish a dedicated transport police unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2155/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport. As such, the safety and security of public transport passengers and staff are matters for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. Decisions regarding a dedicated transport police unit and the allocation of Garda resources are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
I am given to understand that the views of An Garda Síochána are that effective local community policing can meet the policing needs of the public transport network and that the Garda authorities do not propose to establish a specialist or dedicated transport policing unit at this time.
That being said, I am of course concerned to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to safeguard the safety of all passengers and staff. In that regard, the National Transport Authority (NTA) regularly engages with public transport operators on the issue and I am advised that their Working Group on Antisocial Behaviour meets monthly to discuss any developing trends and share best practices.
I also welcome the strong ongoing engagement between An Garda Síochána and the transport operators and the range of regional and local operations that have been put in place to address incidents/issues that have arisen at specific locations. For example, since May 2021, Iarnród Éireann and an Garda Síochána have joined forces to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Greater Dublin Area and on the DART, Northern Line and Heuston to Portlaoise services. An inter-agency operation was established targeting incidents of graffiti and criminal damage to train carriages; as part of this operation Gardaí conducted patrols of rail lines in an effort to target groups involved in this activity. In addition, five Garda Response Hubs are now in operation to support on-board staff at: Mallow; Limerick Junction; Thurles; Portlaoise; and Athlone, with additional Response Hubs in Kildare (Kildare Town or Newbridge) and Roscommon (Castlereagh) in negotiation. In relation to our light rail network, there are approximately 50 security staff who liaise with An Garda Síochána regularly as part of their work.
Regarding security measures on our public bus and coaches, the entire Dublin Bus fleet is fully fitted with CCTV cameras and radios, which facilitate immediate contact to the Central Control Centre and An Garda Síochána if required. Bus Éireann has also invested in extensive CCTV coverage throughout its fleet for the protection of passengers and staff. Emergency support for drivers is provided through 24-hour control centres and any incidents of anti-social behaviour are fully investigated and followed up with An Garda Síochána as required.
The combined interventions implemented to date help to tackle anti-social behaviour; however, this is an issue which will require on-going monitoring. As such, I am committed to continuing to work collectively with all stakeholders to ensure the safest possible travel environment for members of the public, and safest possible working environment for the employees providing our valuable public transport services.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (276, 277)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:276. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of fatalities on Irish roads in each county in the State in each of the past ten years in tabular form. [2188/22]
View answerPeadar Tóibín
Question:277. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who died in car accidents on Irish roads who were not wearing seat belts in each county in the State in each of the past ten years in tabular form. [2189/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together.
Statistics and analysis of road deaths in Ireland are in the public domain, and are published by the Road Safety Authority. The Deputy can consult these reports here -
rsa.ie/docs/default-source/about/provisional-review-of-fatalities-2021.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=989299e1_3 - and here -
rsa.ie/road-safety/statistics/road-collisions-annual-report.
The former reports refer to seatbelts as a factor and the latter include county-by-county statistics. As it takes time for analysis of the figures, annual collisions reports are currently available up to 2018 only. The information will become available when the RSA have analysed the data received from An Garda Síochána and the results of inquests.
Question No. 277 answered with Question No. 276.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (278)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:278. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the number of road accidents involving HGV or commercial drivers that occurred in Ireland in the past three years; the number of the accidents that were during periods in which derogation was allowed; the number of the accidents that involved fatalities or serious injury; and the number of drivers that have been prosecuted for an offence as a result of death or serious injury in a road accident involving a HGV or commercial vehicle. [2198/22]
View answerWritten answers
In respect of prosecutions, this data is not immediately available and must be compiled from data held by An Garda Síochána (AGS). I have asked for this data to be compiled, and shall forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
In regard to the other information sought, I have asked the Road Safety Authority (RSA). However, it is not possible to match collisions involving HGVs to the derogation. Statistics on goods vehicles involved in collisions are based on the distinction between light goods vehicles - i.e. under 2,000kg – and heavy goods vehicles - i.e. over 2,000kg. However, the derogation in question applied to only heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. This means that the data available cannot be used to indicate where vehicles involved in collisions were also subject to the derogation.
There is at present no evidence to suggest that the derogations had a bearing on these collisions. These collisions are part of ongoing Garda investigative processes, and it is not possible to determine responsibility.
That said, the available data are as follows.
Fatal and serious injury collisions, 2019-2021
|
Collision severity |
Total number of collisions |
Collisions involving a goods vehicle* (LGVs and HGVs) |
Collisions involving a goods vehicle during derogation period** |
|
Fatal Collision |
386 |
108 (28%) |
7 |
|
Serious injury collision |
3,379 |
513 (15%) |
14 |
|
Total |
3,765 |
621 (16%) |
21 |
Figures are provisional and subject to change.
* In these collisions at least one road user was injured. This could be from the goods vehicle, another vehicle or a vulnerable road user.
**Derogation period includes 18 March 2020-31 May 2020.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (279)
Neale Richmond
Question:279. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the measures that are being taken to reduce the levels of fatalities on roads from road traffic collisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2216/22]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has had multi-annual Road Safety Strategies since 1998, and we have made great strides in reducing deaths on our roads in that time. There were 472 deaths on our roads in 1997, the last year before the first Strategy. Last year, 2021, there were 130 deaths, the lowest level ever.
In our Programme for Government, we committed to introducing “an ambitious road safety strategy targeting the Vision Zero principle” – that is the EU plan to eliminate road deaths by 2050 – and made a further commitment that the new Strategy would be “focused on reducing death and injuries of vulnerable road users, pedestrians, and cyclists.” The Road Safety Strategy 2021 - 2030, published in December, meets these objectives.
The Strategy’s primary aim is to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% over the next 10 years. This means reducing deaths on Ireland’s roads annually from 144 to 72 or lower and reducing serious injuries from 1,259 to 630 or lower by 2030. It will also be the first step in Ireland’s journey towards realising Vision Zero, i.e., no deaths or serious injuries by 2050.
The Strategy will be conducted over three phases, with Action Plans for each. The Action Plan for the first phase, 2021-2024, is available here - rsa.ie/docs/default-source/default-document-library/government_road_safety_strategy_action_plan_2021_2024_13th_dec21_final.pdf?sfvrsn=ec8d58d1_3. Action Plans for the subsequent phases (2025 – 2027 and 2028 – 2030) will be developed in the 6 months leading up to those phases and will take account of the prevailing circumstances at those times.
Greenways Provision
Questions (280)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:280. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the budget for greenways for 2022; the number of projects and total number of kilometres that will be funded in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2319/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and in line with Section 32(2) of the Road Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The exchequer capital funding available for Greenways and Active Travel from the Department of Transport in 2022 is €360m. Within this total €60m is available for Greenways and €290m for Active Travel, with the remaining funds for cross-border Greenway projects, Smarter Travel, etc.
TII has confirmed grant allocations to local authorities of €56.7m for the development of regional and national greenway projects cumulatively totalling 900km approximately. Details of the 2022 Greenways allocations have been published on my Department's website 93b047d2-77b7-4fed-a4cd-4160e749de7b.pdf (www.gov.ie)
Focusing on 2022 allocations, the €60m for Greenways includes the following.
Greenway Projects - €57m
As expected, the vast bulk of the funding, €57m, is for the roll-out of Greenway infrastructure. The Greenway projects to be funded are shown in Appendix 1 below, showing the status of each project. As can been seen, eight projects (including two divided into phases) will be under construction next year, some of which will be completed. There are many more Greenway projects further back in the project lifecycle. Overall, next year circa 40 projects will be progressed (some further divided into phases). Approximately 900km of Greenways will be in pre- construction and 150km will be constructed in 2022; this compares to circa 850km and 125km respectively for 2021.
NCN - €0.4m
The development of a National Cycle Network (NCN) will be allocated circa €0.4m for 2022. The NCN should provide for a coherent and integrated national cycle network, combining Active Travel and Greenways, to guide both cycling users and future investment. The NCN is being developed by TII, in conjunction with the NTA and other stakeholders, under Departmental oversight. It is under development with a view to issuing a draft for public consultation in the Spring.
Research - €0.13m
Funding is to be allocated to TII for research which will assist with the monitoring and evaluation of the Greenway network, for example user and surveys and “Value for Money” analyses.
Greenway Interpretation, Failte Ireland - €0.75m
It is estimated that a budget of up to €750K will allow for the development of a comprehensive suite of content (drones, video, stills etc) by Fáilte Ireland specific to each of the Greenways already established and also for those coming on stream in 2022. This content will be available for use in a variety of marketing and promotional channels.
Departmental Funding
Questions (281)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:281. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the proposed breakdown in spending of the active travel budget in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2320/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport generally. 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.
Discussions are ongoing with the National Transport Authority to determine the projects and precise funding allocations for 2022. I understand that this work is likely to be completed later this week and I expect to announce these details shortly.
In December I announced funding of €60m for the development of Greenways in 2022 by TII.
The commitment in the Programme for Government to provide a step-change in funding for Cycling and Walking is being delivered. This year will see infrastructure delivered all around the country that will provide safe, segregated cycling infrastructure along with improved footpaths and crossing points that will make crossing the road safer for all pedestrians.
I will arrange for the Deputy to be sent the breakdown of Active Travel funding allocations when these are finalized.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (282)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:282. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the new supports he is putting in place for taxi drivers to account for the significant downturn in business due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2321/22]
View answerWritten answers
I recognise that the SPSV industry has been badly affected by COVID-19 which, for an extended period, brought about an almost complete collapse in passenger demand for taxi and other Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) services. While recent months saw a welcome return of demand, with the National Transport Authority (NTA) reporting 86% of drivers back working in October, the recent increase in infection rates late last year gave rise to the necessary reintroduction of a number of Covid related restrictions. Conscious of the potential impact of such restrictions on affected sectors and society in general, the Government has sought to ensure that any restrictions are targeted and appropriate and is continuing to closely monitor the situation as it develops.
In the meantime, I can confirm that the vast majority of measures that we have taken to support the taxi industry from the start of the pandemic remain in place and, as such, I do not consider that there is a need to introduce new or additional supports.
I understand that as many as 70% of SPSV drivers availed of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment at the height of the pandemic. As the Deputy may be aware, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) has been reopened for a limited time to support people who lose their employment as a result of the new COVID public health restrictions from Tuesday 7 December 2021. Self-employed SPSV operators can continue to claim the PUP and earn up to €960 in a given 8-week period, net of expenses.
In addition, support for SPSV operators continues to be available through a series of specific measures designed to support the sector, with a view to addressing statutory costs faced by operators which cannot be deferred. Standard licence renewal fees for SPSVs were waived in 2021 and are being waived again in 2022 at an estimated cost of €3 million. The NTA has put in place schemes to refund the Motor Tax paid by SPSV operators in the period 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022 and to waive NCT fees for the same period. Further details on these schemes are available on the NTA website.
The NTA has also waived standard age limits for taxis and hackneys through to the end of 2022, thereby ensuring no operator exits the industry simply because of the need to replace a vehicle.
Many of the major costs faced by SPSV operators, such as insurance and dispatch operator fees, can be deferred or cancelled during a period of inactivity.
Recognising that the replacement of a vehicle is the single largest cost faced by any SPSV operator, and in view of my commitment to support the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles, we have confirmed that there will be a further reiteration of the current eSPSV Grant Scheme this year, following the allocation of funding as part of the Budget 2022 process.
There was an exceptionally high take up rate for the eSPSV grant scheme in 2021: it received a total of 1,488 applications, and, at the beginning of November, approximately €8.5 million had been paid to applicants with the remainder of funding allocated to applicants with current provisional grant offers. In addition, Microfinance Ireland announced on 9 September that a loan finance up to €25,000 was available to support applicants to the Scheme, as many SPSV owners were finding it difficult to secure finance from banks and other commercial lending providers. Further information on this facility is available from Microfinance Ireland.
Driver Test
Questions (283)
Michael McNamara
Question:283. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who are waiting for a driving test and a theory test in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2417/22]
View answerWritten answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test and Driving Test. The information requested is held by the RSA. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
National Car Test
Questions (284)
Michael McNamara
Question:284. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed delivery of a new national care test, NCT, centre in Shannon, County Clare; if consideration is being given to the provision of a NCT centre in west County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2418/22]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service, including the allocation of resources, 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
Cycling Facilities
Questions (285)
Holly Cairns
Question:285. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport when the Transport for Ireland, TFI, bike share station on Connaught Avenue adjacent to University College Cork will be operational. [2622/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport generally. 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 projects mentioned by the Deputy, namely the Bike Share Scheme.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities 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 (286)
Holly Cairns
Question:286. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand the TFI bike share network in Cork city to suburban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2623/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport generally. 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 projects mentioned by the Deputy, namely the Bike Share Schemes.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities 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
Departmental Data
Questions (287)
Holly Cairns
Question:287. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent in 2021 on active travel projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2624/22]
View answerWritten answers
2021 saw a significant increase in delivery and expenditure on Active Travel infrastructure, with the provisional spend for 2021 at €186m. This is a near quadrupling of expenditure when compared to the €45m spent in 2019 and a near doubling of the €107m spent in 2020.
Approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects were progressed during the year across the country, in our cities, towns and rural areas. For the first time the National Transport Authority funded Active Travel measures outside the Greater Dublin Area and the Regional Cities of Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford. We are investing all around the country providing safer infrastructure for people to choose to cycle or walk as part of their everyday journeys.
We will see an even greater level of expenditure this year as many of the projects that started or progressed in 2021 will come to construction. We are also seeing additional staff in the local authorities, funded by the NTA, bedding into their roles and progressing more projects through planning and design towards construction.
Details of the Active Travel projects to be funded and delivered this year are being developed by the NTA at present. It is anticipated that circa €290m will be available this year to help roll-out walking and cycling infrastructure across our cities, towns and villages.
I am happy that 2021 has been a year of very significant delivery on cycling and walking infrastructure despite COVID and other challenges. It is apparent all around the country that progress is being made. I am confident that 2022 will see an even greater level of expenditure and delivery, providing people with greater opportunities to walk and cycle in their daily lives.
A Vision for Change
Questions (288)
Holly Cairns
Question:288. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of monthly TFI bike share scheme users in Cork, Galway and Limerick in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2625/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport generally. 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 projects mentioned by the Deputy, namely the Bike Share Schemes.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities 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
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (289)
Holly Cairns
Question:289. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of road deaths and accidents recorded for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2626/22]
View answerWritten answers
The total number of road deaths recorded for 2021 was 130, the lowest figure on record.
I should caution that this figure could still change. There may unfortunately be cases where people injured in one year die of their injuries during the following year, and those deaths are therefore counted for the year in which they sustained the fatal injury. On the other hand, there may be cases initially listed as road traffic fatalities which are determined following a coroner's inquest to have been due to natural causes.
The Road Safety Authority, which comes within my remit, publishes data on road collisions. This data, which needs to be analysed for publication, is provided by An Garda Síochána. Data for all collisions in 2021 are not yet available in my Department, although I understand that the total number of collisions leading to a fatality in 2021 was 119.
Driver Licences
Questions (290)
Holly Cairns
Question:290. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if a person is required to have a public services card to apply for or renew a driver's licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2627/22]
View answerWritten answers
The options for applying for or renewing a driving licence are by appointment at an NDLS centre, applying online if you have a public services card and a verified MyGovID account or by post if you are aged 70 or over.
The online option is the only option where a public services card is required.
Cycling Facilities
Questions (291)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:291. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of introducing a bike sharing scheme in a regional town in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2653/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport generally. 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 Bike Sharing Schemes.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities 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.