Written Answers Nos. 181-201
181. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements that will be put in place for public transport users who have tax saver tickets following the recent reduction in fares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9171/22]
View answerAs 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. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the treatment of Taxsaver tickets following the recently announced 20% average fare reduction on PSO services until the end of 2022, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
182. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a package of measures to support taxi drivers, particularly owner-operators, given the impact of inflation on them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9172/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the majority of supports for SPSV operators that were put in place in response to the impacts of the Covid pandemic continue to be available. These supports comprise 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.
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, I announced on February 4th last, the re-opening of the eSPSV Grant Scheme, with a further €15 million allocated to it for 2022. The take-up rate for this Scheme was exceptionally high in 2021: almost 600 drivers successfully applied for grants, with over €11 million paid out as well as €4 million in provisional grant offers.
In addition, the Deputy should be aware that the NTA has now started work on a new National Maximum Fare Review and is engaging with its service providers in the matter. This Review, which is undertaken on a regular basis by the NTA, assesses any changes in the market facing the taxi industry as well as changes in annual taxi operating costs. These costs include the fixed and running costs of an average taxi and labour costs. The objective of the Review is to determine whether changes need to be made to the current level of maximum fares and the NTA has confirmed that it is endeavouring to conclude the review process as quickly as possible in 2022 whilst still ensuring that all steps, including a consultation process, are appropriately completed.
More generally, in relation to recent price increases and their impact on consumers, Government announced a suite of policy measures designed to support all households on February 10th. These measures take account of the increase in consumer prices in recent months, especially the increase in fuel and other energy prices and come on top of the measures already taken in Budget 2022 to support households – such as increases in social welfare rates as well as increases in tax bands, and also the electricity credit for households which the Government agreed on last year in recognition of the impact of rising energy costs.
183. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the details of the investment that is planned by Iarnród Éireann for its network in County Clare during 2022; the consideration that is being given to the opening of a rail stop at Crusheen, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9186/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure, including the rail line between Limerick and Athenry, which runs through County Clare.
This is the third year of the five year IMMAC programme, and in December, Government approved an additional €94.55m for the programme which means that over the five years of the programme, a total of just over €1.1billion in Exchequer funding will be made available to support delivery. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services across the network.
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The opening of stations on the network, including the former station referred to at Crusheen, Co Clare, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of the Infrastructure Manager's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
184. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when a centralised system for processing enhanced security checks for air travel workers was introduced in Ireland; the decision-making process behind using a centralised system for the process; the reason that Shannon Airport is no longer directly processing such security checks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9187/22]
View answerArrangements were put in place to implement new enhanced background check requirements for a significant number of aviation employees from 1 January 2022. This was in line with updated European regulatory requirements aimed at guarding against the threat posed to civil aviation by terrorist activity.
These arrangements included the designation of daa as the centralised gateway through which applications for background check data are routed. An Garda Síochána requested a single point of origin for applications and a single first point of receipt of results. Daa was the only organisation with the personnel and infrastructure to deliver this service from 1 January.
Daa is undertaking this role on an interim basis and my Department is exploring options for the permanent location of this service.
185. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a motorcycle driving test, by county, in each of the past two years to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9317/22]
View answer186. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of instructors available for motorcycle testing, by county, over the past two years to date, in tabular form; his plans to reduce the current backlog in waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9318/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the operation of these tests. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
187. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport when national motor tax offices will reopen for in-person customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9335/22]
View answerMotor tax is payable online or at 46 local motor tax offices in 26 local authority areas. While I have policy responsibility for motor tax, local motor tax offices are operated by the local authority system and service provision is a matter for local management.
188. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport his views on the use of section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1961; the regularity with which this mechanism is used; if his attention has been drawn to any increased use in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9432/22]
View answerSection 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended, refers to the prohibition on driving without a driving licence. A person shall not drive a vehicle in a public place unless they hold a valid driving licence for the vehicle.
The enforcement of road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána. My Department does not hold information on road traffic offences. I recommend that the Deputy contact the Minister for Justice for details on the frequency of charges brought under section 38 and whether there has been any increased use in recent months.
189. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the amount that his Department has paid for advertising, features and so on in a magazine (details supplied). [9585/22]
View answerDeputy, I can confirm that my department has made no payment for advertising, features and or other matters, in the Public Sector Magazine.
190. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the anticipated timeline for the completion and opening of the various stages of the N22 Baile Bhuirne to Macroom road; if he will report on the progress of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9629/22]
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 planning, design and construction 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 on the status of the N22 Baile Bhuirne to Macroom 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.
191. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to options to reduce journey times between railway stations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9630/22]
View answerAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network including the station referred to at Killarney, Co Kerry, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
192. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if a tourism project (details supplied) will be considered on part of the rail network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9631/22]
View answerAs 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 operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the possible scheduling of a steam locomotive or vintage train between Killarney and Tralee in the summer months is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
193. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider the viability of the use of spare space along existing in-use railway corridors as potential cycle routes; if so, if sections of line throughout the network have been identified as suitable in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9635/22]
View answerThe Government's Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways was published in 2018, though the use of existing in-use Railway Corridors was not considered at that time. The Department, through TII, are funding over 40 Greenway projects around the country, some on disused or closed railway lines. TII are also developing a National Cycle Network Strategy that will identify routes to be developed over the coming years.
The issue with utilising in-use railway corridors is whether it is safe to do so and the views of the Commission for Railway Regulation would need to be sought in the first instance. There is also the issue of width, is there enough space within Iarnród Éireann's ownership, or would additional land purchase be required. There would need to be adequate fencing installed to separate people walking and cycling from the railway line, and bridges and tunnels pose challenges especially along in-use railway corridors. However, the balance of considerations can favour running a greenway beside a railway in the right circumstances and planning approval and Government funding has been granted for the Broadmeadow Greenway along the railway causeway across Broadmeadow Estuary which is expected to go to construction next year.
We will bring the issue to the attention of TII as they work on their National Cycle Network Strategy.
194. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will provide details, by list, map or by any other means, of railway corridors that are no longer in use but still in State ownership; if any sections of old line along these corridors have been sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9636/22]
View answerAs 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 operations of public transport. The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to details of State-owned railway corridors that are no longer in use is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
195. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the status of the An Garda Síochána automatic number plate recognition and the motor third party liability project which will enhance the ability of An Garda Síochána to identify and apprehend uninsured drivers; when the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 which relates to this project will be enacted; the length of time after the enactment of the legislation it will take for the measures relating to the project to take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9637/22]
View answerMy Department has been pursuing, with the insurance industry, the development of a database which will enable An Garda Síochána to better identify uninsured driving. Phase 1 of this project, covering approximately 92% of policies, is substantially complete, with work underway on Phases 2 and 3. This is a major IT project, with substantial costs across insurance companies, and it will take a number of years to fully implement. Essential legislation to enable completion of the project will be introduced as part of the forthcoming Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021.
The Bill completed second stage in Dáil Éireann on 18 November. It is already a wide-ranging Bill and a number of amendments will be brought forward at Committee Stage. These will deal with a range of measures, including driver licence revocation and introduction of active travel infrastructure on a trial basis, as well some of the matters already addressed in the Bill.
The Oireachtas Committee on Transport will determine when it will hold Committee Stage for the Bill and subsequent stages will depend on scheduling in the Dáil and Seanad.
As with most legislation, once the Bill is passed there will be a phased commencement. I will engage with stakeholders to ensure that the measures related to the MTPL database will be brought into effect as quickly as possible.
196. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport when the State will ratify the 2012 Cape Town Agreement for Fishing Vessel Safety. [9649/22]
View answerThe 2012 Cape Town Agreement is an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) agreement covering safety requirements for fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over.
The first attempt to regulate this larger fishing vessel sector at the IMO lead to the adoption in 1977 of the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels. During the 1980s it became clear that an insufficient number of countries were ever going to ratify the Convention. This led to the adoption in 1993 of the Torremolinos Protocol of 1993 Relating to the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977 (SFV PROT 1993). Again, the rate of ratifications was insufficient to allow the Protocol to enter into force.
The EU considered that the safety of large fishing vessels was a matter that they should legislate on. Thus, Directive 97/70/EC was adopted (later amended by Directive 2002/35/EC). The Directives were based on the provisions of the Protocol and were transposed into Irish legislation via S.I. 417 of 2002 and S.I. 418 of 2002 which remain the relevant Irish legislation in relation to the regulation of the construction standards, etc. of fishing vessels of >24m. Ireland ratified the Torremolinos Protocol and applies the requirements as contained in Directive 97/70/EC. Therefore for fishing vessels >24m, a higher level of regulation is maintained for such Irish fishing vessels or foreign-flagged fishing vessels in Irish waters compared to the level of regulation that is set out in the Cape Town Agreement. However, Ireland recognises that ratifying the Agreement will help towards reaching the threshold for its entry into force which would eventually lead to increased safety standards for fishing vessels >24m around the world.
In summary, the position on the Cape Town Agreement is that Ireland should and will ratify the Agreement to assist in the push towards reaching the threshold for its entry into force. However, primary legislation is required to ratify the Agreement. It is intended to include provisions regarding the Agreement in the next Merchant Shipping Bill that deals with international conventions.
197. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has won any award from a publication (details supplied); if so, when this award was won; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9842/22]
View answerThe Department of Transport has not won an award from the Public Sector Magazine.
198. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the regulations in respect of driver licences; if he will consider making a variation to categories (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9848/22]
View answerGroup 1 vehicles include cars (B categories) and motorbikes (A categories). Group 2 vehicles include trucks (C categories) and buses (D categories)
The categories of vehicles are set at European level. The EU Driving Licence Directives, on which national legislation is based, set out the requirements for obtaining a driving licence in each category, such as age limits, fitness to drive and training and testing standards. Applicants for a category of licence that comes under Group 2, which includes category C1, are required to meet a higher level of training and testing, and must provide a medical report to support their fitness to drive.
199. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if the 20% cut in public transport fares announced recently will apply to public service obligation routes which are operated under direct contract between a private operator and the National Transport Authority, rather than via the Rural Transport Programme and LocalLink such as Route 975 Cavan-Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9910/22]
View answer200. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if public transport services are obliged to offer reduced rates for return, weekly and monthly journeys to all fare-paying passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9911/22]
View answer201. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport his plans to enable the use of Leap card payments on public transport services given the massive reduction in cash usage over the past two years given that this function is not available on LocalLink services and most private operators with contracts with the National Transport Authority in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9912/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 199 to 201, inclusive, together.
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. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, a suite of new measures is being introduced by Government to help with this issue, including a 20% average fare reduction on PSO services until the end of 2022. These discounted fares will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use public transport every day. A further €54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares, this is in addition to the REV22 allocations.
The NTA will work with the public transport operators in the coming weeks to commence rolling out these fare reductions across the public transport network in April/May. In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific questions in relation to the particular types of services and routes involved in the scheme along with the use of Leap card payments on public transport services, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
