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Tuesday, 22 Mar 2022

Written Answers Nos. 188-214

Haulage Industry

Questions (188)

John Brady

Question:

188. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the assistance his Department will provide to the haulage sector who are greatly impacted as a result of the recent rise in fuel costs [14298/22]

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Written answers

The current spike in energy prices arises from the global recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic in conjunction with current international tensions and supply constraint issues. The causes of these price pressures are not within our control. This is being witnessed across the European Union as well as many other regions.

Minister Ryan and I have been closely engaged with the haulage sector since last December, exploring options that might address cost burdens while at the same time tackling the decarbonisation challenge for heavy goods vehicles.

The recent crisis in Ukraine has had a further dramatic impact on fuel prices.

Following discussions with the sector, on 11 March 2022, my Department announced an emergency support measure for licensed hauliers to address cost pressures arising from current high fuel prices. This targeted, temporary grant scheme will provide a fixed payment of €100 per week for each heavy goods vehicle (over 3.5 tonnes) as listed on a road haulage operator’s licence. The scheme will operate for a period of 8 weeks and will be reviewed thereafter. The estimated cost to the State for the temporary measure is €18 million. Details on how to avail of the Scheme will be communicated to hauliers.

In addition to the Scheme, you will also be aware that the Government on 9 March 2022 reduced Excise duty by 20 cent per litre of petrol, 15 cent per litre of diesel and 2 cent in the excise duty charged on marked gas oil in order to reduce the cost of fuels.

Further, the Diesel Rebate Scheme offers a partial excise refund to qualifying operators when the price of diesel is high. In Budget 2020, in light of the challenges arising from Brexit uncertainty facing the industry, the marginal rate of compensation at prices over €1.32 (VAT inclusive) was doubled up to the maximum repayment rate of 7.5 cents per litre. In recognition of the vital role that the haulage sector plays in the economy, this increase has been maintained since.

In addition, businesses that are registered for VAT may deduct the VAT charged to them on the purchase of business inputs, such as road diesel and other motoring costs.

There are also supports available for operators to switch to alternatively fuelled vehicles. These include a purchase grant and reduced tolls for vehicles powered by a number of alternative fuels including hydrogen, electric, and gas. In addition, Budget 2022 announced an expansion of the Accelerated Capital Allowance (‘ACA’) scheme for Gas Vehicles and Refuelling Equipment. This ACA scheme provides an accelerated wear and tear allowance for capital expenditure incurred on qualifying vehicles and refuelling equipment.

The past two years have presented many challenges for the sector - the measures I have outlined above reflect Government understanding of that pressure and recognition of the important role that the haulage industry plays in keeping the country going.  Minister Ryan and I will continue to monitor this issue as it evolves.

Question No. 189 answered with Question No. 162.

Fishing Industry

Questions (190)

Mick Barry

Question:

190. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if fishing vessels above 15 m in length overall must not switch off their automatic identification system and thereby impair their ability to detect the presence of other vessels and, conversely, impair the capacity of those in other vessels to detect their presence under SI No. 640 of 2007 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14432/22]

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Written answers

The Merchant Shipping (Safety of Fishing Vessels) (15-24 Metres) Regulations 2007, require that vessels in this category shall be fitted with an automatic identification system (AIS), which shall meet the performance standards drawn up by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Similar provisions apply to fishing vessels of 24m length and over and these are set out in the European Communities (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information System) Regulations 2010, as amended.

In accordance with IMO Resolution A.1106(29), AIS should always be in operation when vessels are underway or at anchor. If the Master believes that the continual operation of AIS might compromise the safety or security of the vessel or where security incidents are imminent, the AIS may be temporarily switched off for as short a period as possible, unless it would further compromise the safety or security of the vessel. In such circumstances, the Master is obliged to record this in the vessel’s logbook together with the reason for doing so and to report this action to the Marine Survey Office of my Department.

In addition to the above, Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 requires that a fishing vessel exceeding 15 metres in length overall shall be fitted with and maintain in operation AIS, which meets the performance standards drawn up by the IMO according to Chapter V, Regulation 19, Section 2.4.5 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention.

Question No. 191 answered with Question No. 162.

Dublin Airport Authority

Questions (192)

Emer Higgins

Question:

192. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if Aer Rianta International, as a subsidiary of the Dublin Airport Authority, currently operates or oversees retail spaces in Russian airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14463/22]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that Aer Rianta International (ARI) is not operating any retail space in Russian airports and that ARI divested from Russia in 2013.

Hedge Cutting

Questions (193)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

193. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if there is financial assistance available to landowners who are requested to undertake substantial works to cut back roadside trees and hedges which can sometimes necessitate closing the public road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14538/22]

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Written answers

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.

Works on regional and local roads are funded by local authorities' own resources supplemented by State grants. Within the overall resources available to it, the selection and prioritisation of works including the maintenance of road verges is a matter for each local authority.

Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 sets out the responsibility of landowners to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or could not become, a danger to people using a public road or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road.

A local authority can serve notice requiring a landowner to take action to address a hazard. This section also allows the relevant road authority to step in where a landowner fails or is unable to take action to remedy a hazard and to seek recovery of reasonable costs from the landowner.  This is, therefore, a matter for management between the landowner and the relevant local authority.

As Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the relevant local authority are responsible for maintenance of national roads, I have referred the Deputy's Question to TII for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within 10 working days please advise my Office.

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

Bus Éireann

Questions (194)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

194. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses in the Bus Éireann fleet, excluding the school transport fleet, as of 31 December 2019, 31 December 2020 and 1 March 2022, in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14540/22]

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Written answers

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 management and operational aspects of public transport.

Bus Éireann fleet comprises PSO (procured by the National Transport Authority), school transport and commercial buses (Expressway). Therefore, the query raised regarding the number of buses in the Bus Éireann fleet excluding school transport fleet as at 31/12/2019, 30/12/2020 and 01/03/2022 is a matter for the company.

Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Aviation Industry

Questions (195)

Neale Richmond

Question:

195. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to so-called ghost flights being flown from Dublin Airport; if he is concerned at the climate impact of these flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14555/22]

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Written answers

I am aware of media reports of so called "ghost flights" being flown by airlines to maintain control of slots at congested European airports. I have no specific information of this practice occurring at Dublin Airport.

Slots at congested European airports are governed by European regulations. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU has adopted measures to address the impact the introduction of travel and public health restrictions has had on the ability of airlines to maintain their historic slots at congested airports throughout Europe. This has enabled airlines to retain the airport slots they historically held even during a period of decreased demand for air services.

The alleviation measures applied have been gradually  reduced as European aviation has recovered from the impacts of COVID.  The purpose of the alleviation measures was intended to reduce the commerical risks to airlines of not utilising slots where trafic had fallen away.  Any airline operating empty flights solely to retain control of certain airport slots is a cause for concern particularly from a climate impact perspective.

In this regard, the European Commission is monitoring the situation and may make proposals for continuing alleviation measures should evidence suggest that it is necessary.

Public Transport

Questions (196, 197, 199, 223)

Bríd Smith

Question:

196. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or the NTA will consider waving the requirement for new taxi vehicles to have clear glass at the rear of their vehicle given that most new EVs come with tinted rear windows and the cost of replacement is over €800; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14582/22]

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Bríd Smith

Question:

197. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider providing sectoral supports to taxi drivers who purchase new EVs in cases where there is a requirement to adapt new vehicles to comply with NTA or other regulations such as the removal of tinted windows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14583/22]

View answer

Paul Murphy

Question:

199. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that most electric vehicles come with tinted glass in the rear as standard given that the cost to change these windows is around €800 plus; if the clear glass windows are available if he will discuss with the National Transport Authority the idea of allowing tinted rear glass in taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14642/22]

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Darren O'Rourke

Question:

223. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport , further to Parliamentary Question No. 230 of 15 September 2021, if there has been any change in position regarding tinted glass for SPSVs; if the Taxi Advisory Council has considered a change in position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15075/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 196, 197, 199 and 223 together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including vehicle standards for taxis, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

The NTA has developed a comprehensive and detailed set of standards by which all vehicles operating in the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry must comply. These standards are explained in the SPSV Initial Suitability Inspection Manual (available at Forms and guides - National Transport).

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 grants will enable owners of taxis and hackneys, to buy electric vehicles (EVs).

Administered by the NTA, SPSV drivers can apply for grants of up to €10,000 towards the purchase of a new, full-battery eSPSV, with a further €2,500 available to convert it to a wheelchair-accessible model.  Taxi drivers are eligible for double the normal grant when they scrap an older, more polluting or high mileage vehicle and make the switch to electric. By scrapping and switching, up to €20,000 can be available for a new, fully electric SPSV and if the taxi is a wheelchair-accessible electric vehicle, the supports rise to €25,000.  A driver can apply to combine both the eSPSV grant scheme and the WAV grant scheme up to a maximum of €32,500.

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.  The operation of the Scheme is a matter for the NTA and details of the Scheme are available on the NTA's website.

Considering the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have forwarded the Deputies questions to the Authority for consideration and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

Question No. 197 answered with Question No. 196.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (198)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

198. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided to each relevant local authority under the public charge point scheme in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [14599/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years.

As part of this policy pathway, my Department is developing plans for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible such as on-street and residential charging, and destination charging.

A national charging infrastructure strategy is due to be published for public consultation shortly which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030.

The Public Charge Point Scheme, which is administered by the SEAI, continues to be available during 2022 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs.

A number of local authorities have been in touch with SEAI in relation to the scheme. To date, letters of offer have issued to Louth County Council and Dublin City Council in 2021, to install a total of 29 charge points within their administrative areas. It is anticipated that Tipperary County Council will receive an offer of funding shortly from the SEAI.  The scheme remains open to Local Authorities to apply. 

Item

Count

Charging Stations

Charging Points*

Value (Total)

Applications Approved

3

19

29

€143,038

Applications Expired/Cancelled/Rejected

-

-

 

-

Applications Under Review

-

-

 

-

Total Applications

3

19

29

€143,038

*A charging station can be dual which results in two charge points being available for cars to use.

In the interim, my Department is currently reviewing the Scheme to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort, and a revised Scheme is likely to be launched shortly after publication of the EV Infrastructure Strategy.

My Department is also developing a new scheme which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as visitor centres, leisure facilities and parks. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.

Question No. 199 answered with Question No. 196.

Public Transport

Questions (200)

Denis Naughten

Question:

200. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update in respect of the development of a tax saver travel pass that will provide for those who are now in a blended working arrangement that splits time between home working and being office-based; the current status of the engagement between his Department, the Department of Finance and the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14647/22]

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Written answers

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, nor decision making 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 impact of COVID on commuter travelling patterns, with a potential move away from a regular 5-day commute, the NTA is evaluating the possibility of a new flexi taxsaver commuter ticket. My Department has held discussions with the NTA and also with the Department of Finance on this issue.  The NTA is proceeding with the detailed technical work associated with the introduction of a more flexible Taxsaver product.

Further, from the beginning of April, Taxsaver fares on all subsidised public transport services are to be reduced by an average of 20 per cent. This is the first phase in the implementation of the programme to reduce public transport fares. The reduced Taxsaver fares apply to customers on all subsidised public-service obligation (PSO) public transport services, including those provided by Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Luas and Go-Ahead Ireland. Customers purchasing annual or monthly Taxsaver tickets in 2022 that are valid from the beginning of April will see an immediate 20 per cent reduction in the cost of their ticket.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in relation to Taxsaver area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to an update on the matter to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Taxi Licences

Questions (201)

Michael Lowry

Question:

201. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a local hackney licence application was turned down in areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14676/22]

View answer

Written answers

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

I have, therefore, forwarded your question to the NTA for attention.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Legislative Measures

Questions (202)

Peter Burke

Question:

202. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport his views on the use of section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994; the regularity with which this mechanism is used; if his attention has been drawn to an increased use in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14684/22]

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Written answers

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many local authorities sought to implement certain transport related measures on roads and streets. The types of measures developed included widening of footpaths to accommodate social distancing, developing temporary cycling facilities, enhancing pedestrian movement including additional pedestrianisation, alterations to bus stops/routes, plus the introduction of lower speed limits. Most of these interventions were implemented through temporary construction involving bollards, pencil cones, plastic barriers, road markings and signage.

The two main legislative provisions to enable the implementation of the above types of measures are:  Section 95 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended by Section 37 of the Road Traffic Act 1994) and Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994.

The Government has committed to a significant step-change in investment for Active Travel with €360m per annum to be invested in walking and cycling infrastructure in all parts of the country. It is to be expected, therefore, that there will be an increase in planning applications of all types, be that Part VIII or Section 38 or applications to An Bord Pleanála due to the increased number of projects that this funding will support.

I do not have any data on whether or not Section 38 has been used more frequently in recent years. However, we have seen some fantastic examples of local authorities using it to great effect to make improvements to the public realm in towns and villages by re-orientating streets toward the pedestrian, the cyclist and public transport. Dublin City Council and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, to name just two, have demonstrated how infrastructure can be delivered quickly, safely and appropriately, using this legislative provision.

We do not tend to hear about the many uncontroversial projects that are progressed using Section 38 which I consider to be a very useful piece of legislation. We should not shy away from utilising the expertise of our town planners and engineers to progress projects that benefit society and help to reduce our emissions by improving the accessibility of our towns and villages for people walking and cycling.

Road Tolls

Questions (203)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

203. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider a monthly cap on toll charges for daily commuters who pass through a toll twice a day every day in view of the increased fuel costs that they are also experiencing. [14708/22]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII.  More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).

Given the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. I ask the Deputy to please advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Córas Iompair Éireann

Questions (204)

Bríd Smith

Question:

204. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the signing of a statutory instrument to give effect to the changes agreed in the CIÉ regular wages scheme given that the proposed scheme changes have now been published for over 45 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14733/22]

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Written answers

CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the Regular Wages Scheme (RWS).

As the Deputy is aware, in accordance with the provisions of Section 44(3) of the Transport Act 1950, I directed CIÉ to publish a statutory notice of the draft SIs in Iris Oifigiúil, which was advertised on the 14th of January 2022. Within 45 days from the publication of this notice, any person may make objections and representations in relation to the Scheme to me. I must consider any objections or representations which have been made during this period, prior to confirming a Scheme or any amendments to such Scheme.

The consultation period ended on the 28 February 2022 and officials in my Department are currently examining the submissions received. Following this process, preparations will be made to allow for signing of the SIs, including consultation with the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform as required under the Transport Act 1950.

Road Safety

Questions (205)

Dara Calleary

Question:

205. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the introduction of a reduced speed zone outside all schools and childcare facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14754/22]

View answer

Written answers

The setting of special speed-limits on public roads is a reserved function of Members of Local Authorities. The Elected Members already have the power to introduce special speed limits including lower speed limits outside schools and these limits can apply on a 24 hour basis or on a periodic basis.

In addition, both the NTA (in respect of schools in urban areas) and TII (in respect of schools on national roads) provide assistance to local authorities to improve safety on roads outside schools. In the case of urban roads, the NTA, where appropriate, may also look at improving safety on the approach roads leading to a school.

Under action number 6 of the Road Safety Strategy a working group has been established to examine and review the framework for the setting of speed limits. As part of this review there will be a specific consideration of the introduction of a 30 km/h default speed limit in urban areas. It is also appropriate for this working group to consider what speed limit arrangements should apply outside schools and childcare facilities on a general basis.

Bus Services

Questions (206)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

206. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if more urgency will be given to rolling out a bus route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14773/22]

View answer

Written answers

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.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the role in relation to the roll-out of the Brown bus route, to the NTA for direct reply.  I ask the Deputy to please advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.

Bus Services

Questions (207)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

207. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if a support similar to that being introduced for hauliers will be introduced for bus drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14787/22]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.

Licensed bus and coach operators are an integral part of the overall public transport system particularly in areas which are not covered by existing public service bus and rail services. In recognition of this, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Government have provided temporary financial supports for certain licensed commercial services with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis.

The temporary support was initially introduced for a period of 6-months in June 2020, however owing to the continued impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers and the associated drop in fare revenue, these supports have been extended a number of times. I am aware of the issues facing the sector and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I recently approved an extension of the supports for a further 3 months, up to the 30 June 2022.

Driver Licences

Questions (208)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

208. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport when the Road Safety Authority expects to conclude consideration of licence exchange agreements with several non-EU licensing authorities, including Ukraine and Argentina; when a decision will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14898/22]

View answer

Written answers

The RSA has been in discussions with the Ukrainian authorities with a view to considering a licence exchange agreement. However, this process is currently paused.

The RSA has received a completed questionnaire from the Argentinian authorities. This is the first step in examining licensing systems. This information is currently being considered by the RSA.

Fuel Prices

Questions (209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

209. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport his Department's policy with regard to uncertainty with fuel prices leading to very difficult trading conditions for private operators in which volatility in prices cannot be offset by operators increasing fares at this time due to competition from State service providers which may lead to a reduction of private operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14920/22]

View answer

Matt Shanahan

Question:

210. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport his Department's understanding that passenger numbers for private bus operators has not recovered to anything near pre-pandemic levels with many operating at 60% or less of pre-pandemic levels and with the prospect of the current direct award contract scheme ceasing at the end of March 2022, which will severely impact on the viability of certain services; the plans his Department has to deal with the suspension of vital services for rural communities due to the lack of Departmental support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14921/22]

View answer

Matt Shanahan

Question:

211. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the way the proposal to grant 20% fare reduction to persons availing of PSO services is grossly unfair to private operators and will impact dramatically on the viability of services, the way that it will result in much needed transport services terminating due to the inability of operators to provide services commercially as approximately half of the travelling public will not be able to avail of this scheme; the reason private service operators are excluded from this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14922/22]

View answer

Matt Shanahan

Question:

212. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he has decided that the youth card travel scheme, which will offer a 50% fare reduction to 18 to 23-year olds, will not be available to commercial bus operators until a time into the future to be determined by the National Transport Authority; if he has considered the way the exclusion of the commercial bus operators from this scheme will distort competition within the market place rendering many commercial services commercially unviable resulting in route terminations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14923/22]

View answer

Matt Shanahan

Question:

213. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that commercial bus operators are currently operating in a direct award contract with the National Transport Authority and that the Authority is provided with monthly reports detailing revenue and passenger numbers which is overseen by a company (details supplied) in which submissions to the scheme are self-certified thus placing full responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided on to the operators and yet the authority claims that it does not have the capacity to include commercial operators from the outset of the youth scheme; if, given the aforementioned, the reason and the grounds on which commercial operators have been excluded from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14924/22]

View answer

Matt Shanahan

Question:

214. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the real-life example of inequity in the proposed policy system regarding bus transport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14925/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 to 214, inclusive, together.

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 Public Service Obligation (PSO) transport services until the end of 2022. These discounted fares will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use PSO services every day. €54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares; this funding does not include an extension of the scheme to private coach and bus operators. As the Deputy will be aware, unlike with PSO services, the National Transport Authority (NTA) do not set, monitor or regulate fares on services run by commercial operators.

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 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.

Licensed bus and coach operators are an integral part of the overall public transport system particularly in areas which are not covered by existing public service bus and rail services. In recognition of this, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Government have provided temporary financial supports for certain licensed commercial services with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis.

The temporary support was initially introduced for a period of 6-months in June 2020, however owing to the continued fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue, the support has been extended a number of times. I am aware of the issues facing the sector and am pleased to inform the Deputy that I recently approved an extension of this support for a further 3 months, up to the 30 June 2022.

Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. I ask the Deputy to please contact my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 days.

Question No. 212 answered with Question No. 209.

Question No. 213 answered with Question No. 209.

Question No. 210 answered with Question No. 209.
Question No. 211 answered with Question No. 209.
Question No. 214 answered with Question No. 209.
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