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Tuesday, 26 Apr 2022

Written Answers Nos. 104-123

Departmental Strategies

Questions (104)

Holly Cairns

Question:

104. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the progress made towards action 100 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [21098/22]

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Written answers

As 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. To this end, all new transport infrastructure and services are accessible from the start and older facilities are gradually being retrofitted.

I welcome the significant progress that has been made by the NTA and public transport operators on delivering NDIS Action 100. A few examples of this progress include: the Lift Renewal and Replacement Programme in Irish Rail as well as the planned lift upgrades for the Luas network; audio and visual ‘next stop’ announcements on all Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead buses; greater accessibility requirements for operator websites and apps; and an improving standard of disability awareness training for staff. Progress and further engagement is monitored and facilitated through the regular NDIS Steering Group meetings which my Department attends.

Additional action, particularly around upgrading older facilities, is still required. To this end, my Department is funding a multi-annual Accessibility Retrofit Programme which will deliver more accessible bus stops in rural and regional areas, upgrade bus bays and train stations, improve access for wheelchair users, and provide grant support to increase the number of wheelchair accessible taxis. Over €15m has been allocated to advance these measures this year.

Furthermore, in line with the NDIS action, a number of initiatives are also underway to promote independent travel for Persons with Disabilities. Such measures include Disability Awareness Training for public transport 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. The NTA also plans to roll out the Travel Assist Scheme to Cork later this year. This Scheme has been successfully operating for 13 years in the Greater Dublin Area and has proven to give people with disabilities the confidence to use public transport.

While my Department and its Agencies has responsibility for open public transport services only, we will also continue to work with other Departments and Agencies which have responsibility for dedicated and specialist disability transport services. Together we are ensuring a more accessible network across the country.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (105)

Alan Dillon

Question:

105. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the status of the roll-out of electric vehicle charging points in County Mayo. [21096/22]

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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. A national charging infrastructure strategy was published for consultation at the end of this March which sets out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2025.

Preparations are also underway to establish Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland. This Office will play an important role in our transition to zero emission vehicles. It will co-ordinate measures to support the uptake of EVs and the rollout of charge point infrastructure.

Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home. This means that the majority of EV users will never need to access the public network except for longer journeys.

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.

There is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible such as non-residential neighbourhood charging, destination charging, and motorway charging. 

There are over 50 public charging points in Co. Mayo presently, not including private home charging points.

A significant increase in funding for public charging points will be rolled out in the latter half of this year.

The Public Charge Point Scheme 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. My Department has reviewed the Scheme and has announced through the draft Infrastructure Strategy a number of additional actions to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the de-carbonisation effort.

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

Ferry Services

Questions (106)

Bríd Smith

Question:

106. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the actions that his Department has taken in view of dismissal of staff by a company (details supplied); if his Department has undertaken or plans to inspect these ferries to ensure new working arrangements are compliant with Ireland's safety regulations; the meetings that his Department has had with the International Maritime Organisation to ensure the protection of seafarers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20971/22]

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Written answers

Firstly, let me reiterate that this Government is seriously concerned by the lack of consultation or notice offered by P&O in relation to its decision in the United Kingdom, which is contrary to all acceptable industrial relations practice.  

On the matter of Irish employees, the Department understands that approximately 25 of the P&O seafarers made redundant were Irish citizens. However, when serving on ships of another flag, they are not subject to Irish law.

Irish employment rights legislation applies to workers – national and non-national - on board Irish registered ships. In relation to ships that are not Irish registered, the flag state (i.e. the state where the ship is registered) has the exclusive right to exercise legislative and enforcement jurisdiction over ships on the high seas.

In terms of inspections, the Marine Survey Office (MSO) is the competent authority for port state control inspections, which  ensures compliance with safety requirements after the owner/operator and the flag state.

The MSO has been liaising closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) of the United Kingdom in relation to the one affected vessel which may operate to Ireland, the M/V Norbay.  The MSO attended the MCA's inspection of the ship in an observer role last week. Yesterday, 25 April, the MSO inspected the M/V Norbay in Dublin Port in accordance with EU Directive 2009/16.  The vessel has now been cleared to enter into service. 

Maritime transport is a global and mobile industry and requires a global response to ensure effective regulation.  

The main instrument dealing with seafarer living and working conditions is the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention, 2006  which Ireland ratified in 2014.  The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation has overall responsibility for ILO issues, supported by the Department of Transport for shipping matters.  It is important in the first instance that flag states take responsibility for their fleet and that the Maritime Labour Convention is appropriately applied and enforced.  Only then can seafarers have confidence in maintaining a sustainable career.  In the case of P&O, I understand the relevant flag states are Cyprus, Bahamas, Bermuda and the Netherlands.  

My Department continues to work at international level through the International Maritime Organisation, the International Labour Organisation and the EU to strengthen the protection of seafarers.

Haulage Industry

Questions (107)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

107. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to extend the €100 weekly payment per vehicle for the haulage industry; if he plans to amend and update the diesel rebate scheme; if so, the way he plans to amend the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21012/22]

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Written answers

The European and global oil markets are currently volatile, due to the conflict in Ukraine exacerbating pre-existing market shortages, primarily of diesel. This has caused a spike in the price of crude and in the price of refined products on the retail market.

In response to the pressures caused by increased fuel costs,

Recognising that escalating fuel costs were a problem in particular for the licensed haulage sector, on 15 March 2022, the Government approved an emergency scheme to provide support of €100 per week for eight weeks for each eligible heavy goods vehicle authorised on the licence of a road haulage operator as of 11 March 2022.

In deciding on a targeted 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 some own account operators also, in addition fuel represents a greater overall proportion of overhead costs for licensed hauliers than would be the case for other businesses who self-provide transport as part of their wider business.

In relation to the Diesel Rebate Scheme, this is a matter for my colleague Minister Donohoe. It should be noted however that support under the Scheme was increased 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 cent per litre and in recognition of the vital role that the haulage sector plays in the economy, this increase in the DRS has been maintained since.

In addition to the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme and the Diesel Rebate Scheme, on 09 March the Government announced a 20 cent reduction in the excise rate for petrol and a 15 cent reduction on auto diesel, to the benefit of all businesses and citizens facing increased fuel costs. On 11 April, it was agreed that these reductions will remain in place until Budget Day.

In general, however, it should be recalled that the causes of these increases are not within the control of Government and are being directly influenced by external factors, including the Ukraine crisis.

Unfortunately, we must accept that it will not be possible to fully insulate citizens and businesses from the impact of these fuel price increases. In addition, we cannot compromise the progress we have made on implementing climate policies which are critical to ensuring we reduce emissions and address climate change impacts.

In light of these last two factors, it is important that haulage and other businesses now engage with their customers on the need for the prices for their products and services to reflect the increased costs.

The Government has limited resources but through the Excise measure, as well as the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme and the continuing Diesel Rebate Scheme it has responded to help to ease the impact of these price increases.

Fishing Industry

Questions (108)

John Brady

Question:

108. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he will meet with a person (details supplied) to discuss the case of a former fishing vessel which was purchased in the Netherlands in 2007 and subsequently deemed as unstable and thus unseaworthy; the contact that he has had with the European Union Commission in relation to this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21005/22]

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Written answers

The fishing vessel “MFV Mary Kate” at the time when it was first presented for registration in Ireland came within the 15m to 24m sector of the fleet. At that time there was no safety survey or certification scheme for such vessels and there were no regulations for the structure, stability or machinery. At that time when the “MFV Mary Kate” fishing vessel was registered on the Irish flag it just required a tonnage survey carried out by the Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department.

New safety regulations, SI (2007) 640, were introduced by my predecessor to address the safety of fishing vessels in this length category. These regulations had a phase in timeline and required compliance for existing fishing vessels over a number of years from 2007 to 2010 depending on the keel laying date of the vessel. For the “MFV Mary Kate” this meant that compliance was required in 2009. In some cases, the MSO would not be able to issue a safety certificate to an existing fishing vessel which came within the scope of the new regulations until it had been brought into compliance and this was the case for the “MFV Mary Kate”.

It appears that the issue in this case relates to the differing safety standards applicable to fishing vessels in the 15m to 24m length category in EU member states. I wish to advise that my Department did make both the European Commission and all other Member States aware of potential safety concerns with other similar fishing vessels. 

I further wish to advise that any issues relating to fisheries aspects of this case fall under the purview of my colleague the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Rail Network

Questions (109)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

109. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to a feasibility study to investigate the reopening of the Navan to Kingscourt rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20753/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority's draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, is recommending the development of a rail link to Navan by 2042. Among the potential options for this rail link is an option that would utilise the old Kingscourt Line over a short distance to connect the proposed Navan Central station and the proposed Navan North station.

Separately, as well as looking at issues relating to inter-urban and inter-regional rail connectivity and the potential for high-/higher speed(s), the Strategic Rail Review will also consider improved connectivity to the North West and the border region.  The Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network, and that scope includes the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Kingscourt line.

National Development Plan

Questions (110)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way that the rising cost of construction will impact major transport infrastructure projects in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21015/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, the construction industry is currently experiencing significant inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints. These factors have implications for progress on construction projects including transport projects. The potential impacts on transport projects are being monitored by my Department and its agencies. The potential impact on transport projects in the NDP is uncertain as there may be different impacts depending on the stage a project is at; for example, projects at planning and development stage or nearing completion of construction may not be significantly impacted but projects in construction or at contract award stage may be impacted more significantly.

As regards the overall position regarding the impact of construction inflation on public works contracts, as the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), which operates as an office of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, is responsible for implementing national policy on public procurement, particularly in relation to construction procurement. I understand that the Minister for Public Expenditure is considering options at present with regard to the impact of construction inflation on public works contracts.

Park-and-Ride Facilities

Questions (111)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

111. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 13 of 3 March 2022, the progress made to date on the roll-out of park and ride facilities in Galway; the expected timeline for the completion of the site options analysis and feasibility studies for each of the areas identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20075/22]

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Written answers

As outlined to the Deputy in previous replies on this matter, the National Transport Authority has established a Park and Ride Design Office (PRDO), which works with Galway City and County Councils and Irish Rail. The focus of the current work of the PRDO is looking at options, and the feasibility of zones along corridors for the east and north east serving the city centre and Parkmore. 

Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to this the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for an update/direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (112)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

112. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport his targets for the deployment of electric vehicle charging points in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21088/22]

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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. A national charging infrastructure strategy was published for consultation at the end of this March which sets out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2025.

Preparations are underway to establish Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland. This Office will play an important role in our transition to zero emission vehicles. It will co-ordinate measures to support the uptake of EVs and the rollout of charge point infrastructure.

Having 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.

There is also a need 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, destination charging, and workplace charging.

€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022. This intervention alone will result in:

- 90 additional high power chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles - Seventeen high-power chargers distributed across 14 multi-vehicle hubs have been delivered as part of the programme to date.

- 52 additional fast chargers, which may replace existing standard chargers - This work is completed at 36 locations.

- 264 replacement standard chargers with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points - This work is substantially complete. 258 of the chargers have now been successfully replaced.

Further details on the progression of this project can be found at esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.

The Public Charge Point Scheme 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. My Department has reviewed the Scheme and has announced through the strategy a number of additional actions to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the de-carbonisation effort.

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

While the public consultation regarding the charging infrastructure strategy is ongoing, my Department continues to engage directly with stakeholders to ensure that a sufficient number of chargers, as well as a sufficient spread of charger types, will be in place to meet demand as we move towards our 2030 target of circa 1 million EVs on the road.

Public Transport

Questions (113)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

113. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 28 of 3 March 2022, 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 promised 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. [20076/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware the 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 noted previously 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. 

Bus Services

Questions (114)

Pa Daly

Question:

114. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport his views on significantly increasing the LocalLink budget to serve significant sites of Ukrainian refugees in local areas. [19261/22]

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Written answers

In line with the whole of Government approach, my Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) have been working on practical and meaningful responses to the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis. Local Link has a key role to play in supporting those refugees located in rural Ireland.

From the beginning of the crisis, Local Link services have been providing newly arriving Ukrainians with free travel to their end destination. And further to my announcement last week regarding the provision of emergency public transport services to those refugees housed in rural or isolated locations, I envisage Local Link having a significant role to play here too.

Work will be undertaken to accelerate improvements across the Local Link network, including additional stops, route modifications, and more services with the aim to increase connectivity between communities. Areas such as the Ring of Kerry will avail of such improvements, in practice catering for both existing demands as well as responding to the increased pressures on services where the local population has grown in response to the humanitarian crisis.

Additional bus services will also be deployed to cater for those refugees housed away from the existing public transport network. For instance, the NTA is looking at options to provide transport from the Earl of Desmond - where many refugees have been accommodated - to Tralee town. Such measures will provide better access to a range of amenities, employment opportunities and to onward public transport connections to larger centres.

I expect TFI Local Link offices to be fundamental in the management and administration of the newly introduced Community Transport Fund. This Fund will support occasional social travel requests to enable our Ukrainian guests to join in the many activities that are available in our towns, in particular, activities focused on youth, integration, culture, and education.

Collectively, these endeavours aim to provide a means of greater integration between rural and Ukrainian communities. I was pleased to be able to increase the Rural Transport Budget this year to accommodate these worthy amendments.

Road Safety

Questions (115)

James O'Connor

Question:

115. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the details regarding the costs of the new average speed camera system on the M7 Motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21093/22]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

In March 2021, An Garda Síochána and TII announced a pilot scheme for average speed safety cameras on the M7 between Junction 26 (Nenagh West) and Junction 27 (Birdhill). This section of motorway was selected as there are road safety issues which are particular to this region. This includes a higher than average frequency of adverse weather events, particularly hail storms, which contribute to collisions when combined with driving at excessive speeds. The data available to TII had indicated that the number of cars driving in excess of 120km/h on this section of motorway is relatively high. The objective of the system is to ensure a reduction in the incidence of speeding on this section of motorway, thereby improving the safety of road users.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question regarding the new average speed camera system on the M7 to TII for a more detailed response, to include details to the cost of the pilot and projected operating costs. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Ukraine War

Questions (116)

Pa Daly

Question:

116. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if his officials are represented within the newly-established Ukraine unit within the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (details supplied). [19262/22]

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Written answers

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth sought additional resourcing through the Temporary Reassignment Scheme from all Departments to assist with the Ukrainian crisis response. On 19th April, four of my officials, 1 Higher Executive Officer, 1 Administrative Officer and 2 Clerical Officers were assigned to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to assist with this critical work. 

All assignments are temporary in nature and in accordance with the Temporary Assignments Scheme. It is currently envisaged that my officials will be required for this work for three months initially.

Airport Policy

Questions (117)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

117. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way that he plans to improve security check waiting times across Irish airports; the additional resources that will be provided to Dublin Airport to ensure that the long delays for passengers are not repeated during the busy summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21013/22]

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Written answers

I am very much aware of the recent delays experienced by passengers, particularly those departing from Dublin Airport, and the negative impact these delays have had on those passengers.

In relation to Dublin Airport, daa has the statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop the airport, including all the operations associated with security screening at the Airport.

I have met with and had briefings from the daa CEO Dalton Philips and other senior staff where I expressed concern at the situation and the impact the delays were having on passengers. I established a daily crisis management meeting between the Department and daa to monitor the situation.

The company has undertaken significant work to address and mitigate the security queue times at Dublin Airport. It has put in place a number of measures including stepping up recruitment efforts; redeployment of staff where possible; establishing a senior management taskforce; opening security lanes on a 24/7 basis and enhancing communications with passengers. These measures are having a positive impact on passenger queue times at the airport. This positive impact was seen over the Easter weekend, even as passenger numbers reached around 200,000 departing passengers between Good Friday and Easter Monday. The vast majority of passengers went through security in under 40 minutes, and I am informed by daa that no passenger missed their flight as a result of security delays.

On 19 April daa published revised advice for passengers following consistently improved queuing times over the last few weeks, including over Easter weekend. Passengers are now advised to arrive at the airport up to 2.5 hours before the departure of short-haul flights to Europe and the UK. The recommendation for long-haul passengers remains up to 3.5 hours.

Dublin Airport is planning for a significant increase in passenger volumes over the coming months. It does note that this increase will present a considerable challenge. Management is reviewing the experience of the last number of weeks to further develop and refine measures to cater for the increased passenger numbers. I will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days and weeks and continue to engage with daa to ensure the positive impacts seen recently are maintained for passengers using Dublin Airport.

Public Transport

Questions (118)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

118. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if the preferred locations for the proposed Metro North underground stations have been selected; when work will commence and be completed on these stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21039/22]

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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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including MetroLink.

The MetroLink project has been subject to extensive non-statutory public consultation and comprises the 19km route, including station locations, from north of Swords to the southern edge of the city centre, as outlined in the Preferred Route published by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, available here: MetroLink

MetroLink faces two imminent and important milestones in the coming months, the first being Government approval of the Preliminary Business Case in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.

When approved, the Railway Order application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála. Construction will begin on the project once planning permission has been obtained.

Road Network

Questions (119, 134)

Brendan Smith

Question:

119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if a further financial allocation will be made during 2022 to local authorities for the non-national road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21084/22]

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Brendan Smith

Question:

134. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be provided for the non-national road network in the event of a reallocation within his Department of capital funding during 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21083/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 134 together.

The 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.

While funding is not at a level that would allow the backlog of roadworks across the country to be addressed, there has been significant increases in Exchequer grants for regional and local roads particularly in the recent years. The 2022 allocation for regional and local roads is €597 million approximately - €46m Current and €551m Capital. This represents an increase of about 46% compared to 2017.

I announced the 2022 grant allocations on the 15th of February and all road grant funding available for regional and local roads has now been allocated and a further allocation is not anticipated at this point. Given the uncertainty that exists in the construction sector at present due to high inflation in material costs and disruption to supply chains, it is expected that the main focus for local authorities will be on getting existing approved work programmes completed.

Rail Network

Questions (120)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

120. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the research that has been carried out for his Department in relation to increase in usage that occurs on non-urban railways lines as frequency of service is increased; if the results of such research will inform his policy as to the way non-urban rail services should be improved as more carriages become available to Iarnród Éireann later in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20984/22]

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Written answers

The Deputy may be aware of the All Island Strategic Rail Review which my Department, in consultation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, is undertaking.  I am sure the Deputy is also aware of the recently launched Sustainable Mobility Policy.  Both the Review and the Policy will inform how to improve and provide a more sustainable public transport system and rail system within that.

The specific type of research referenced by the Deputy may have informed decisions taken by the National Transport Authority and/or Iarnród Éireann pertaining to the provision of services and the deployment of fleet, particularly in the context of the availability of new carriages. Accordingly I am referring the Deputy's question to the NTA for detailed consideration of the specific issue raised and direct response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

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

Electric Vehicles

Questions (121)

Duncan Smith

Question:

121. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the ownership and maintenance model that is intended for infrastructure developed from the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20890/22]

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Written answers

The Climate Action Plan 2021 set a target of 945,000 EVs by 2030.  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, to facilitate the expansion of EVs in the Irish car fleet. A draft National Charging Infrastructure Strategy has been published for public consultation which sets out a pathway for the provision of charging infrastructure to stay ahead of demand.

The Infrastructure Strategy proposes that for those who cannot charge at home, provision of residential charging solutions that give the same benefits and mirror the home charging option should be the first objective.

There is an onus on national and local government to facilitate the provision of these charging solutions for citizens who do not have access to a home charge point.

The Strategy proposes a new Residential charging scheme that will replace the existing Public Points scheme. It is envisaged that this new scheme will provide significant co-funding of 75% to Local Authorities to support the design of local area charging networks, as well as the delivery and installation of these networks which are intended to comprise both on-street charging in areas where residents do not have access to home charging solutions, and destination charge points. 

It will be a matter for the relevant Local Authorities to make decisions on ownership and operating models for such infrastructure, whereas the Strategy lays down the expected standards for publicly accessible charging points, such as ease of use, interoperability of equipment and availability of a universal payment method. 

For other charging solutions, such as en-route charging, the ownership and operation of charging hubs and similar facilitates will depend on the site ownership as well as any commercial or contracted agreements for operation, which are not a matter for my Department. 

Electric Vehicles

Questions (122)

Duncan Smith

Question:

122. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department plans to review the current relief grant for purchase of electric vehicles as part of the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20889/22]

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Written answers

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the 2021 Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 945,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years.

As the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive suite of measures is available to EV drivers, 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 55,000 now.

In addition, the Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. In particular, the group examined the optimum mix of regulatory, taxation and subsidy policies. 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 Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, as a matter of priority, to co-ordinate the implementation of existing and future EV measures and infrastructure.  

A cross-departmental Implementation Committee has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the EVPP report and is due to report on its progress to Government in Q4 of this year.

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 endeavor to make low emission vehicles affordable.

The Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy, published at the end of March, concurrently sets out a pathway for the provision of charging infrastructure to stay ahead of demand for EVs as we move towards our 2030 targets.

Aviation Industry

Questions (123)

Bríd Smith

Question:

123. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will detail the outcome of any discussion that he or his officials have had with a company (details supplied) in relation to allegations of price gouging and profiteering on its routes from eastern Europe as a result of the increase in Ukrainian refugees coming to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20972/22]

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Written answers

Officials from my Department have recently sought information from Ryanair regarding the level of utilisation of the services it operates between Poland and Ireland.  

Ryanair indicated that it provides up to 100 flights per week on 16 routes between the major airports in Poland to Dublin, Cork and Shannon, and has seen strong but not excessive demand on these routes into Ireland in recent weeks. The airline suggested that it had sufficient capacity in place to cover demand in the region as it stands, and in particular in respect of capacity on flights from Polish airports.

On the issue of air fare pricing and related charges, under European Union Regulation 1008/2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community, airlines have pricing freedom in relation to air fares and air rates for intra-Community air services and other related services such as baggage.

Regulation 1008/2008 requires that air fares be transparent i.e. that passengers booking a flight must be aware of the final price of a flight including any supplemental elements selected by the passenger, at all times during the booking process.

Within this legal framework airlines regularly take into account varying operational realities in setting these fares and charges over time, for example flights at peak times or with short advance bookings may attract higher prices which is an industry norm.

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