Written Answers Nos. 219-238
220. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of all official engagements and meetings attended by him and Ministers of State within his Department during the period 3 March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16603/22]
View answerThere were no official engagements or meetings attended by me as Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications or by Ministers of State in their capacity as a Minister of State in my Department on 3 March 2020.
221. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of houses passed under the national broadband plan to date per county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16604/22]
View answerI refer to my response to Parliamentary Question No.34 of 2 February last and I wish to advise that the Deputy that while NBI is making a considerable body of information available with respect to the deployment of the NBP network, that the specific information requested by the Deputy is not currently a part of the published information. I can further advise the Deputy, that my Department has requested that going forward, NBI publish information on the numbers of premises on a per county basis.
222. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if homeowners or businesses which use solar panels and provide surplus electricity to the grid will receive a payment for their contribution; the estimated timeline for such payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16637/22]
View answerThe introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland which allows them to receive payment from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value of the electricity. The CEG became available upon the transposition of Article 21 of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) into Irish law on 15 February 2022, to both new and existing micro and small-scale generators.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the interim arrangements for implementation including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis. Some suppliers have advertised their CEG tariff rates and the CRU is advising micro-generators to contact their supplier for further details.
The CRU is not setting a date or deadline for the timing of the first payment. You can expect an initial payment or credit from your supplier within a reasonable time after June 2022. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision on when initial CEG payments will be made – at the earliest opportunity. The supplier may offer back-payments in the form of a credit to customers accounts, if this approach is considered to be the most appropriate. The CRU also expects back-payments to be communicated clearly to customers of each supplier.
Furthermore, a tax disregard of €200 was introduced in Budget 2021 in respect of personal income received by households who sell residual renewable electricity, which they generate, back to the grid.
223. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of civil servants in his Department currently on secondment to the private sector; if he will list the entities that they are working for in each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17149/22]
View answerThere are currently no civil servants on secondment to the private sector from my Department .
224. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 9 March 2022, the manner in which the remuneration of the CEO of the Port of Cork diverged from the range that applied in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16169/22]
View answerThe Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies provides that the CEO of each Commercial State Body shall hold office subject to the terms and conditions as determined by the Board of the State Body with the consent of the relevant Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The statutory framework governing remuneration for CEO posts is set out in the relevant legislation governing each post.
The terms and conditions of remuneration for the Port of Cork CEO are in line with the relevant statutory framework. These terms and conditions were set in accordance with the conditions of the previous CEO who was appointed to the role prior to 2011 and therefore diverge from the range applied in 2011. No increase or change in remuneration was offered to the current CEO.
225. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if Ukrainian drivers’ licences are transferable to Ireland; if not, if there are plans to make them transferable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15776/22]
View answerIreland does not have a driving licence exchange agreement with Ukraine. Ukrainian citizens entering Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55 EC) can apply for an Irish licence in the normal way, by obtaining a learner permit and then sitting a practical test.
People who have held a full Ukrainian licence for more than two years can avail of the shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons, instead of the usual 12, and not have to wait the minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
This is a Europe-wide issue which may require a European solution. Ireland has already raised it at EU level with the Transport Directorate, DG Move, and other member states.
226. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if the Government will pay the €100 per week to milk trucks that are not registered with a haulage licence that are exempt given that they haul milk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15784/22]
View answerOn 15 March 2022, the Government approved an emergency support measure - the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme to address cost pressures arising from current high fuel prices. I can confirm that the scheme is available only to operators holding a road haulage transport operator licence.
In deciding on this targeted, temporary scheme, the Government considered that the licensed haulage sector is a specific case for several reasons, primarily that the sector is of national strategic importance as a critical enabler of a functioning supply chain, bringing essential supplies into and around the State, supporting key infrastructure and enabling the maintenance of economic and social activity. While this is true for certain other operators also, in addition fuel represents a greater overall proportion of overhead cost for hauliers than would be the case for other businesses who self-provide transport as part of their wider business.
Given the rapid increase in fuel prices linked to the crisis in Ukraine, the haulage sector reported to the Government a serious risk of cessation of business among haulage companies that would have had significant implications for supply chains into the State, including for essential goods.
You will be aware that on 09 March 2022, in recognition of rising fuel costs for all citizens and businesses, the Government 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.
The Minister for Finance has written to the European Commission to ask what flexibilities might be available on an emergency basis to reduce the tax on fuel. Currently, however, the EU Energy Tax Directive limits the possibility of further reducing the tax on fuel. Specifically, the Directive requires a minimum tax of €0.33 per litre and the measures already decided have reduced the tax on diesel to the minimum.
In general however, it should be recalled that the causes of these fuel price pressures are not within the control of Government and are being directly influenced by external factors, including the Ukraine crisis.
The Government has limited resources but through the Excise measure announced on 09 March, as well as the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme approved on 15 March 2022, it has responded to help to ease the impact of these price increases. However, we must accept that it will not be possible to insulate citizens and businesses from the full impact of these fuel price increases.
In providing 8 weeks support with these sudden increased costs, the Government is seeking to cushion the shock of the rapid spike in fuel prices. While it remains to be seen how fuel prices evolve it is imperative that haulage businesses engage with their customers on the need for the prices for their services to reflect the increasing costs.
227. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the body responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of roads (details supplied) as Galway County Council has advised that these three roads are not in its charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15793/22]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of public regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. The maintenance of roads not taken in charge by local authorities is the responsibility of the relevant landowners.
The decision to take a road in charge is a matter for each local authority in accordance with Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993.
Galway County Council may be able to advise if there are any other potential funding sources available for the maintenance of these specific roads which have not been taken in charge by the Council.
228. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport his position on a fifth freedom permit application from an airline (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15818/22]
View answerThe Ireland - Ethiopia Bilateral Air Services Agreement, signed in 2014, allows for the grant of fifth freedom air traffic rights for airlines of both countries, subject to the approval of the respective aeronautical authorities.
Ireland traditionally has applied a liberal aviation policy that has proven hugely successful in expanding the international connectivity that is critical in underpinning business, foreign direct investment and tourism. As such we remain positively disposed towards the development of competitive air services. Applications for fifth freedom air traffic rights are considered on a case-by-case basis taking into account all relevant considerations.
For summer 2022, my department has received an application by Ethiopian Airlines to fly between Addis Ababa and Dublin, via Manchester, and has concluded a process of stakeholder engagement. A decision on the application to be made shortly.
229. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a report on progress with regard to the provision of a rail spur to Shannon Airport from the main Ennis-Limerick rail line; when he expects a study to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15897/22]
View answerAs stated in the National Development Plan the issue of a rail spur from Limerick to Shannon Airport is being considered in the context of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS).
As the Deputy may be aware, that Strategy is being developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. A draft Strategy was published in September 2020 and was open for public consultation for 8 weeks.
Since the conclusion of that public consultation exercise, the NTA has conducted further analytical work to inform the next iteration of the Strategy. I understand that among the issues raised during the public consultation were issues related to the role of rail in the region, including potential connectivity to Shannon Airport, and that role is under further examination by the NTA for inclusion in a revised draft Strategy.
I understand that the NTA intends to undertake a second round of public consultation to cover a revised draft strategy shortly. Following receipt of feedback from the second round of public consultation, it is intended to finalise the Strategy and publish it as the completed transport investment framework for the metropolitan area.
When finalised, the Strategy will set out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years including proposals for rail investment.
230. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the new financial support scheme announced for hauliers of €100 per lorry per week in the wake of the fuel price crisis; when applications can be lodged; if consideration will be given to extending the duration and rates of support if fuel prices remain at record levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15898/22]
View answerOn 15 March 2022, the Government approved an emergency support measure - the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme to address cost pressures arising from current high fuel prices. Details on how to avail of the scheme will be communicated directly to licensed hauliers as soon as possible by my officials using the contact email address held by the Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit office in Loughrea.
In deciding on this targeted, temporary scheme, the Government considered that the licensed haulage sector is a specific case for several reasons, primarily that the sector is of national strategic importance as a critical enabler of a functioning supply chain, bringing essential supplies into and around the State, supporting key infrastructure and enabling the maintenance of economic and social activity. In addition fuel represents a greater overall proportion of overhead cost for hauliers than would be the case for other businesses who self-provide transport as part of their wider business.
Given the rapid increase in fuel prices linked to the crisis in Ukraine, the haulage sector reported to the Government a serious risk of cessation of business among haulage companies that would have had significant implications for supply chains into the State, including for essential goods.
You will be aware that on 09 March 2022, in recognition of rising fuel costs for all citizens and businesses, the Government 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.
The Minister for Finance has written to the European Commission to ask what flexibilities might be available on an emergency basis to reduce the tax on fuel. Currently, however, the EU Energy Tax Directive limits the possibility of further reducing the tax on fuel. Specifically, the Directive requires a minimum tax of €0.33 per litre and the measures already decided have reduced the tax on diesel to the minimum.
In general, it should be recalled that the causes of these fuel price pressures are not within the control of Government and are being directly influenced by external factors, including the Ukraine crisis.
The Government has limited resources but through the Excise measure announced on 09 March, as well as the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme approved on 15 March 2022, it has responded to help to ease the impact of these price increases. However, we must accept that it will not be possible to insulate citizens and businesses from the full impact of these fuel price increases.
In providing 8 weeks support with these sudden increased costs, the Government is seeking to cushion the shock of the rapid spike in fuel prices. While it remains to be seen how fuel prices evolve it is imperative that haulage businesses engage with their customers on the need for the prices for their services to reflect the increasing costs.
231. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the actions his Department is taking to reduce the backlogs in waiting lists for the national car test, NCT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15932/22]
View answer232. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will grant further extensions to motorists who have had their NCT date pass due to being unable to obtain a test within a four-month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15933/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.
The operation of the National Car Test Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question regarding waiting list management to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
With reference to the Deputy’s question regarding an extension of the validity of test certificates, the frequency of testing is set out in the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415 of 2017), as amended.
The Road Traffic (National Car Test) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 provided for a permanent four-month extension to test due dates for certain qualifying vehicles. This was in direct response to the suspension of the National Car Test service (NCT) on 28 March 2020 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The extension was automatically applied to vehicles with an NCT certificate in force on 28 March 2020 and those with a first test due falling during the period between 28 March and 31 July 2020. Cars first registered on or after 1st August 2016 were not eligible for the extension.
All Member States of the European Union are required by law to carry out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles at regular intervals throughout the vehicle's lifecycle. The changes made to legislation in 2020 were permitted only by way of special derogation in the context of the exceptional circumstances facing Europe due to COVID-19.
There are currently no plans to further amend this legislation.
233. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the incentives he will offer to any airline that is willing to reinstate the direct flights from Donegal Airport to Glasgow and also to establish a direct flight from Donegal Airport to a London airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15951/22]
View answerThe operation of air services is a commercial decision for air operators to make, in consultation with airports and other involved market actors. The provision of incentives to attract the operation of air services is a decision for Donegal airport to make, again in consultation with air operators and other involved market actors.
My Department recognised that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on Donegal airport and as such funding was allocated to Donegal under both the Regional Airports Programme and the Supplementary Support Schemes in July and December 2021. The total amount of funding allocated to Donegal airport during 2021 was approximately €1.5 million.
234. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on the provision of a rail stop at Crusheen, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15961/22]
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 former station referred to at Crusheen, Co Clare, 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.
235. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with Irish Rail regarding the inability to book all train travel online given the increased costs associated with purchasing tickets in the station and the dramatic increase in the cost of petrol and diesel recently. [15977/22]
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 operation of public transport.
The query raised in relation to Irish Rail's online booking policy is an operational matter for the company. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to Irish Rail for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
236. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of times the LUAS red line services have been stopped from 2020 to date by month and by reason for suspension of service and duration of suspension of service in tabular form. [15996/22]
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 operation of public transport.
The issue raised regarding the number of times the Luas red line services have stopped, the reason for suspension of service and duration of suspension of service is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the Luas operator Transdev. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
237. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will request Irish Rail to begin the process of automating the 12 remaining manual level crossings on the Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh railway line. [16033/22]
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 Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line.
This is the third year of the five-year IMMAC programme, as approved by Government in 2020, and over the five years of the programme in excess of €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. Usage of level crossings is reviewed on an annual basis through an on-going programme of inspections.
The Deputy may wish to note that the IMMAC programme supports an enhanced programme of track relaying on the Ballybrophy line.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's (IÉ) responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matter raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
238. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport his plans to deal with the current condition of tertiary roads in County Galway; if funding will be increased to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16046/22]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority and Exchequer funding is intended to supplement local authorities’ own resources.
The major cuts to funding for regional and local roads during the post 2008 recession resulted in the build-up of a substantial backlog of works across the country. The estimated cost of the backlog is in excess of €5 billion.
Because of the pressures on the regional and local road network, approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or for road realignments.
In this context there has been significant increases in Exchequer grants for regional and local roads particularly in recent years. The 2022 regional and local road grants were notified to local authorities on the 15th February and Galway County Council has been allocated a total of €37.6 million this year which compares to an allocation of €19.6 million in 2017. All regional and local road grant monies for 2022 have been fully allocated.
The Department's grant funding for the maintenance of regional and local roads is allocated to local authorities on a pro-rata basis, determined mainly by the length of the regional and local road network in a local authority functional area. The Department appreciates that, within the overall parameters set for the grant programme, local authorities might need to target funding at particular problem areas and there is sufficient flexibility in the structure of the grant programme to allow for this. It is also open to each local authority to allocate its own resources to priority areas.
