Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to delays and congestion problems at the port of Cork, Tivoli; when the new port terminal in Ringaskiddy is due to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12108/22]
View answerThe Port of Cork is connected to a number of European container hub ports, such as Rotterdam, Antwerp and Dunkirk. Hub ports accommodate very large container vessels that trade on intercontinental trade routes, operated by global shipping lines. The majority of LoLo services to and from the port of Cork link direct to European Hub ports via smaller container vessels (feeder vessels) with seven such services currently trading between Tivoli and Hub ports in the UK and the EU.
Due to disruptions to global supply chains primarily as a result of COVID, European Ports have been prioritizing large intercontinental container vessels, with much less prioritization of the smaller “feeder” vessels that serve other ports such as Cork. This has resulted in peaks and troughs in cargo flows to the Port of Cork, resulting in port users leaving their cargo in Tivoli for longer periods than normal.
I understand from the Port of Cork Company that this, in addition to the recent spate of storms that crossed the country have led to delays in their ship operations at the Tivoli docks. The Company has put additional resources in Tivoli to alleviate these difficulties. In addition, underpinning cargo operations, the Company also operates an automated vehicle booking system for hauliers to manage waiting times and reduce delays at the terminal.
The development at Ringaskiddy will see the port over time relocate its business from the current city centre Tivoli location and the City Quays to a new facility known as Cork Container Terminal (CCT). The construction work is complete with commissioning works currently underway and the facility is expected to be operational in Quarter 2, 2022. This will bring additional LoLo capacity on stream, easing congestion at Tivoli. Ringaskiddy will future proof the Port as an international gateway for trade and will allow the Port to continue to meet the needs of its customers and the economic developmental needs locally and at regional and national level. Due to planning conditions, the continued operation of Tivoli terminal to accommodate a percentage of the current and future LoLo trade to Cork will be necessary until the M28 dual carriageway is completed.
22. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that he has had with the Minister for Finance on measures that could be implemented to assist persons who cannot avail of public transport for work with driving as their only option given the rising costs of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12077/22]
View answerMy goal as Minister of Transport is to increase the number of sustainable mobility options available to all citizens. Where possible I am incentivizing public transport use through investment in new services and infrastructure as well as reducing fare structures. In recognition that it is not always possible to provide public transport, particularly in remote areas, I also have a complementary suite of incentives to electrify private transport such as the EV purchase grant and the domestic charger grant scheme. I am also strongly committed to funding active travel infrastructure to provide more walking and cycling facilities to increase peoples green travel options.
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 PSO public transport operators in the coming weeks to commence rolling out these fare reductions across the public transport network in late April/ early May.
Also, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which 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. It is envisaged that the discount will initially be made available on PSO services, and then broadened to include commercial operators at a later date. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings. The NTA has commenced work in relation to the implementation of the new fares’ structures for young adults, and this includes the application process and establishing a definitive timeline for the introduction of the Scheme.
A new 90-minute fare has also been introduced by the NTA to coincide with Phase 2 of BusConnects which gives customers the option to transfer between Dublin Bus, Luas and most DART, commuter rail and Go-Ahead Ireland services in Dublin at no additional fare.
In addition, the Deputy will be pleased to hear that the new Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan will significantly benefit those living in rural Ireland. Starting this year, this plan is a major national public transport initiative funded by my Department and managed by the National Transport Authority. The aim of this plan is to increase public transport connectivity over a five-year period, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns. That means that by 2025, Ireland will see a 25% overall increase in rural bus services. Over 100 rural towns and villages will benefit from frequent public transport services for the first time ever. To ensure timely rollout, I have secured €5.6 million in Budget 2022 to support the NTA in planning and implementing these services.
The NTA are currently analysing the feedback received from the public consultation and will issue a report once this process is finalised. They are also in the process of finalising the proposals, with a rollout of new and improved services planned on a phased basis starting this year to 2025. I believe that Connecting Ireland will greatly improve the mobility options for many currently unable to avail of public transport services.
23. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he will alter the criteria for the active travel scheme to include villages and settlement centres that do not have speed limits which would benefit enormously from the scheme to safely link schools and amenities by means of footpaths and cycleways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12071/22]
View answerThe Safe Routes to School Programme was launched in March 2021 to support Active Travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country. This Programme aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing new or improved walking and cycling facilities. Funding is provided to local authorities as part of the Department of Transport's funding allocation to the National Transport Authority (NTA), is supported by the Department of Education and coordinated by An Taisce’s Green Schools.
€15m has been allocated for projects at the 170 schools included in Round One of the Programme. The schools not included in Round One will be engaged with on a rolling basis in each local authority area. This funding is being provided from the €1.8 billion funding earmarked in the Programme for Government to support sustainable transport
It is important to note that local authorities have the power to introduce bye-laws to set special speed limits in designated areas such as built up areas or around schools, and typically have done so. The Safe Routes to School Programme is focusing more on urban and suburban areas, as there is greater population densities within walking and cycling distance to schools in these areas. There are also a significant number of schools on the edge of towns and villages, within walking distance, which do not have continuous footpaths on the route to schools. These schools are viewed as urban/suburban for the purposes of the Programme.
However, the Programme will also work with a small number of rural schools - for example schools on 80km/h roads outside town or village boundaries - to devise some infrastructure interventions that can promote active travel in such locations. These will be based more on slower speeds and highlighting the presence of a school.
24. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to review all bus, rail and tram infrastructure to ensure transport hubs are adequately resourced and accessible for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11049/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am fully committed to strengthening public transport offerings and progressively making them accessible for all, especially for Persons with Disabilities, Persons with Reduced Mobility and Older People.
In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) my Department and its agencies are progressively making public transport accessible for people with disabilities, including in rural areas.
We are doing that by ensuring that new infrastructure and services are accessible from the start and retrofitting older (legacy) infrastructure and facilities to make them accessible.
This means that accessibility features, such as wheelchair accessibility and audio/visual aids, are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage. Newer systems such as the Luas are fully accessible, as are all new buses purchased by the NTA.
However, the real challenge is in relation to upgrading older infrastructure and facilities to make them accessible. The difficulties and frustrations experienced by people with disabilities using such legacy infrastructure, bus and train stations, have been outlined many times.
In relation to these legacy bus and trains stations, or hubs as they are sometimes called, my Department funds the multi-annual ringfenced Public Transport Accessibility Retrofit Programme. This programme, which is managed by the NTA, includes projects to upgrade bus bays at regional bus and train stations and to upgrade train stations to make them accessible to wheelchair users.
In relation to bus stations, accessibility audits have now been carried out at 18 stations, In 2021, the NTA provided funding to install wheelchair accessible bays for coaches with wheelchair lifts and other external improvements in 23 Bus Eireann stations.
Turning to train stations, accessibility works have either been recently completed or are ongoing at several stations. For example, footbridges were installed at Carlow, Ennis and Edgeworthstown stations last year, while works are underway at Dalkey and Gormanstown stations.
This is in addition to the four-year “Big Lift” programme that Irish Rail is undertaking to upgrade lifts at 52 stations across the network. On the Luas network, a system-wide upgrade of lifts is planned, with a scoping exercise currently being undertaken. These projects are particularly important as lifts out of service significantly impacts people with disabilities.
Of course, in addition, to make the “hard” infrastructure and services accessible, it is crucial to provide the “softer” type of support to enable Persons with Disabilities to travel independently on public transport, including traversing through bus and train stations.
The NTA and the transport companies have several initiatives underway which aligns with the UNCRPD, including the provision of Disability Awareness Training to frontline staff, the rollout of the Just a Minute (JAM) Card to assist anyone with a communications difficulty, and ensuring that information is provided in accessible formats for public transport services at stations and platforms.
In addition, the Travel Assistance Scheme, managed by Dublin Bus, aims to give people with disabilities the confidence they need to use public transport and has been successfully operating for 13 years in the Greater Dublin Area. To further this, the NTA plans to roll out the Travel Assist Scheme to Cork later this year.
I am fully committed to the continual improvement of accessibility within the public transport system.
25. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding prioritising the provision of a new relief road for the N80 in Mountmellick. [11271/22]
View answerAs 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, under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the National Development Plan, the planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.
The proposed N80 Mountmellick Bypass is not included among those projects which have been identified for development during the period of the NDP. However, following consultation with TII, I can advise the Deputy that Laois County Council is currently in the process of finalising the Strategic Assessment Report as required by the Public Spending Code which will set out the project rationale, the objectives and establish and assess a long-list of potential options.
I understand that an allocation of €100,000 was previously provided by TII to the Council to assist in this regard. Submission of the final report to TII for review is expected in early 2022. If TII is satisfied that the report meets the required standards and that there is a justification for developing the proposal further, it can approve the project to proceed to the next stage of Preliminary Business Case.
Any progression will be subject to compliance with government policy, availability of funding and further approvals. All projects under the NDP, or indeed any proposed projects outside of the scope of the Plan, will typically require the necessary approvals under the Public Spending Code. This will include Government approval in cases where project costs are estimated to be above €100 million.
26. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the way that the commuter belt in north County Kildare is likely to be served by proposed changes in bus and rail services in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11493/22]
View answer235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the bus services serving north County Kildare will be reorganised to provide a better service to all areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12274/22]
View answer236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which bus and rail services are likely to interact to provide a better service to the commuters of north County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12275/22]
View answer237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the revised bus services that are likely to serve Clonaugh, Maynooth, County Kildare as per previous representations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12276/22]
View answer238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to ensure that places such as Ardclough, Straffan, County Kildare receive coverage under the revised bus services currently proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12277/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 235, 236, 237 and 238 together.
As 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 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.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific questions in relation to the proposed changes in bus and rail services in the commuter belt in north County Kildare to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
27. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek to have the Western Rail Corridor included in the TEN-T programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11992/22]
View answer94. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if the all-Ireland strategic rail review will provide the basis for the inclusion of the north of Ireland within the TEN-T programme as is the case with other territories outside of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11993/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 94 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the European Commission’s review of the 2013 Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation commenced in 2019. My Department participated fully in the review process. In August 2019, my predecessor, Minister Ross, made a submission to the European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc, regarding the review. A copy of that submission, and Commissioner Bulc’s reply, is available on my Department’s website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/3c921e-submission-to-commissioner-bulc-for-a-revision-of-the-core-ten-t-net/.
Regarding the rail network, my Department informed the Commission that our position on the TEN-T rail network will be informed by the results of the ongoing all-island Strategic Rail Review and that we would hope to have the outcome of the Review reflected in the maps. 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 and connectivity with Northern Ireland.
For the Deputy’s information, the Commission completed its review of the TEN-T Regulation in May 2021 and the evaluation report is available at the following link:
eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021SC0117.
In December 2021, the EU Commission published its proposal for a revised TEN-T Regulation and negotiations on the text have now begun in Brussels. My Department is currently examining the proposal in depth to ensure that Irish concerns can be identified and addressed during the negotiation process.
The full text of the proposal is available here:
eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=COM:2021:812:FIN.
28. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 14 of 16 December 2021, the timeline for the upcoming review of the Galway Transport Strategy; the terms of reference for the review; the timeline and terms of reference for the feasibility study for light rail in Galway which will be undertaken as part of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11943/22]
View answerThe review of the Galway Transport Strategy will commence later this year and will be led by the National Transport Authority (NTA), in cooperation with Galway City Council and Galway County Council.
As I have stated previously, I believe there is a need to review the Strategy and take stock of developments since its publication in 2016. In my view, the feasibility study for light rail in Galway is best considered within the context of this review rather than carrying out a stand-alone study. This approach allows for a multi-modal perspective and integration within an overall land-use plan.
The review of the Strategy will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns since the finalisation of the current Strategy. This analysis will be utilised to reassess the public transport needs across Galway city and the potential role all modes of transport, including light rail, can play in meeting those needs.
30. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of public transport spending per county from 2015 to 2021, in tabular form [12106/22]
View answerAs 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 services. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.
Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question, in relation to the breakdown of public transport spending per county from 2015 to 2021, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
31. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport his views on a motion calling on the Road Safety Authority to set up a competitive tendering process to provide a walk-in service at multiple centres to issue and renew driving licences, which is adequately staffed and take cash payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12128/22]
View answerThe motion referred to by the Deputy was discussed in the Dáil on Wednesday 2 March 2022 as part of Private Members Business. The motion was not opposed and I would ask the Deputy to refer to my speech for my views..
33. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of safe and segregated cycle lanes in towns and villages outside of regional cities and larger urban centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12118/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government has committed to Exchequer spending of approximately €360 million per annum on walking and cycling over the lifetime of the Government, equivalent to 20% of the 2020 transport capital budget. This investment will help support the planned delivery of almost 1,000 kilometres of improved walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025 as well as additional investment in Greenways.
2021 saw the first ever major Active Travel investment programme for rural Ireland. €72.8m was allocated to 19 local authorities to support the delivery of 340 sustainable transport projects. It should be noted this allocation was more than the entire Active Travel budget for 2019.
This year has seen another increase in my Department's overall funding for cycling and walking, in line with the Government’s prioritisation of Active Travel and Greenways. As well as an increased allocation of €289 million administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA) to Active Travel, I was delighted to also announce funding of €60 million for investment in our Greenways.
The overall increase in funding across urban and rural Ireland will not only support the construction and improvement of safe and connected walking and cycling infrastructure, but also the deployment of almost 250 dedicated Active Travel staff in local authorities around the country.
In addition to the increased funding for walking and cycling infrastructure, a number of smaller-scale initiatives are being progressed by my Department to support and promote efforts to increase safe Active Travel. The Department of Transport funds the delivery of CycleRight training through Cycling Ireland, which delivers cycling training to school-children around the country and equips them with the skills to cycle safely.
In partnership with the Department of Education we also launched the Safe Routes to Schools Programme last year, which aims to accelerate the delivery of safe walking, scooting and cycling infrastructure on key access routes to schools. It has had a great response, with applications received from schools in every county in Ireland.
The step-change in funding and the introduction of various innovative measures to encourage safe and connected Active Travel is proof of the Government's commitment to this area, and I look forward to the delivery of the numerous projects and programmes around the country, including in rural areas.
Furthermore, TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) are developing a National Cycle Network that will identify routes for development all around the country that will work with the Regional and Local Cycle Networks being developed by the NTA.
34. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if an update will be provided on the roll-out of the youth travel card. [12112/22]
View answer46. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the roll-out of 50% discount fares for students and those under 23 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11048/22]
View answer54. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on the inconsistencies in public transport fares for 16- to 18- year-olds; the steps he will take to ensure that an appropriate fare is available to all young persons across all types of public transport in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12130/22]
View answer56. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the student travel card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11047/22]
View answer73. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the progress made by his Department to date in respect of the reduction in public transport fares by approximately 20% as part of measures to help with the cost of living; the timeline of when this measure will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11946/22]
View answer75. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Transport the progress on the introduction of the new half price public transport fare for 19-23-year-olds; and the timeline for the reduction of fares by 20% as part of measures to help with the cost of living [12103/22]
View answer85. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the progress made at introducing the new half price public transport fare for young persons. [12145/22]
View answer106. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the progress made by his Department in introducing a half price public transport fare for young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12082/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 46, 54, 56, 73, 75, 85 and 106 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 PSO public transport operators in the coming weeks to commence rolling out these fare reductions across the public transport network in late April/ early May.
Also, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which 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. It is envisaged that the discount will initially be made available on PSO services, and then broadened to include commercial operators at a later date. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings. The NTA has commenced work in relation to the implementation of the new fares’ structures for young adults, and this includes the application process and establishing a definitive timeline for the introduction of the Scheme.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have 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.
35. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in respect of the process to procure up to 80 double-deck battery electric buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11947/22]
View answer92. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric hybrid buses in operation on public service transport routes; when more are expected to be added to the public transport fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11828/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 92 together.
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 the procurement of the PSO bus fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
36. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing a grant to purchase electric vehicles for persons with disabilities for whom public transport is an unreliable option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11050/22]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting the roll out of EVs so as to ensure the ambitious commitments as set out in the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan are met. In this regard, this year has seen continued support to further enable the roll out of Electric Vehicles and related charging infrastructure.
As the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive suite of measures is available to assist individuals, including those with disabilities, who wish to drive an EV, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable motor and BIK tax rates, as well as a comprehensive charging network. These measures have collectively contributed to increased take up of EVs in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a low base, to over 50,500 now.
In addition, the Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government and the full report is available online. In line with the Group’s recommendations to support the transition to EVs:
- The generous suite of EV supports already in place in Ireland has been retained until at least end-2022. Work is ongoing to identify additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentivise fossil fuelled vehicles. Overall, cost-effective, targeted policy supports will continue to be developed and strengthened over the coming years; and
- Work is underway to establish An Office for Low Emission Vehicles, as a matter of priority, to co-ordinate the implementation of existing and future EV measures and infrastructure.
Overall, the Department is acutely aware that the cost of electric vehicles remains an issue for many consumers. To this end, electric vehicle policy is kept under continuous review to endeavour to make low emission vehicles affordable.
37. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the reason walk-in services at National Driver Licence Service offices across the west are no longer available; the reason a hybrid system to book an appointment is not in place for those who have limited internet connectivity or difficulties with digital illiteracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12123/22]
View answerAttendance at National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) front offices is no longer available without an appointment. Previously, people with an appointment had preference and attendance without an appointment was facilitated if time permitted.
Market analysis undertaken by the Road Safety Authority in advance of the procurement of the current service contract showed that more bids and better value for money would be attainable if the service was delivered on the basis of appointments only. An appointment-only service manages queues, gives certainty to customers and prevents overcrowding, queueing and long waits. It also allows the service provider to manage the resourcing of the service because demand is predictable rather than having peaks and troughs during different times of the day.
The decision to move to appointments only was assisted by the availability of an online licence renewal and application service (which accounts for 40% of total applications) and the option for older customers to apply by post.
Appointments to attend at a NDLS office can be made by telephone on 0818 919 090 as well as online.
38. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on the requirement of some bus routes to meet specific timing points across Dublin as part of the National Transport Authority's minimum performance standards and the impact these are having on the services provided to passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12060/22]
View answerAs 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 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.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the timetabling of some bus routes to meet specific timing points across Dublin to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
39. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the plans there are to increase the frequency of trains on the Castleconnell Station to Limerick route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10360/22]
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 provision and operation of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy regarding plans to increase the frequency of trains on the Castleconnell Station to Limerick route is an operational matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann and 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.
40. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to an issue between the ESB and electrical contractors in which the ESB is preventing electrical contractors from connecting electric vehicle chargers directly to the meter board in circumstances in which a connection to the meter cabinet is not possible even though the works are being carried out in compliance with the ESB protocols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5193/22]
View answerHaving an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Charging at home is the most convenient and cheapest way to recharge. Targeting the installation of smart home chargers is a priority as we look to moving towards more energy efficient and sustainable ways to charge. A grant is available from the SEAI for those individuals seeking to install a home charger. Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for apartments to open shortly.
I have been informed that ESB Networks contacted the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) in late 2020 around the provision of EV Home Charging connection on a customer’s electrical installation at the outside meter box.
ESBN received confirmation that installation was acceptable and in early 2021 Safe Electric published a newsletter to inform their members of the possibility of using this connection.
Safe Electric are due to publish an update shortly containing further information for registered electrical contractors.
