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Tuesday, 26 Apr 2022

Written Answers Nos. 124-143

Rail Network

Questions (124)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

124. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek to have the Western Rail Corridor included in the TEN-T programme in advance of the publication of the all-Ireland strategic rail review as has been done in the case of the DART+ project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21091/22]

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Written answers

The EU Commission published its proposal to revise the TEN-T Regulation in December and negotiations on the text are underway in Brussels. These negotiations are expected to continue until at least the first quarter of 2023.

In its proposal, the Commission updated the map of Ireland's TEN-T rail network to reflect the alignment of the DART+ South West project. The design phase of this project is underway and was awarded €8.8 million in funding from the EU's Connecting Europe Facility in 2020.  Information on this and other elements of the DART+ Programme can be found on the DART+ website. 

Regarding Ireland's wider rail network, the all-island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland, is ongoing. This Review will set the direction of the development of Ireland's rail network for years to come. It will consider the scope for improved rail services along existing and potential rail corridors, such as the Western Rail Corridor. As the Review is focused on inter-urban and inter-regional connectivity, Dublin commuter rail including the DART+ project is not included in its scope.

The results of the Review are expected in towards the end of this year and my Department will seek to have these results reflected in the TEN-T maps. 

Transport Policy

Questions (125, 128)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which adequate provision has been made or is being made to meet the commuter requirements throughout north Kildare now and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21019/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which commuter rail and bus routes throughout north Kildare are adequately provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21020/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 128 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.   

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific questions in relation to public transport services in North Kildare, to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Question No. 126 answered orally.

Road Safety

Questions (127)

James O'Connor

Question:

127. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the details of the installation cost of the new average speed camera system on the M8 and if his Department has carried out a cost-benefit analysis prior to the installation of the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21094/22]

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Written answers

Transport Infrastructure Ireland have confirmed that no average speed camera system has been installed on the M8, nor is there currently any plan to install such cameras.  I refer the Deputy to my response to his question 21093/22 regarding the installation of average speed camera system on the M7.

Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 125.

Transport Policy

Questions (129)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

129. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Connecting Ireland review following the recent public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21071/22]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.   

The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is a major national public transport initiative developed by the NTA with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns. As announced on 21st April, an acceleration of Connecting Ireland services has taken place in order to serve the dual purpose of meeting the demands of local communities and providing emergency public transport services to Ukrainian refugees housed in rural or isolated locations to ensure better access to our local communities. This acceleration of works will include additional stops, route modifications, and more services with the aim to increase connectivity. 

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the development of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (130)

Neale Richmond

Question:

130. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the status of the provision of electric vehicle charging points in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21067/22]

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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. 

€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 including the rollout of charge points in the Greater Dublin Area 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. 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. In addition, my Department continues to liaise closely with the Dublin Local Authorities on the delivery of the DLA's EV charging strategy.  

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.

Bus Services

Questions (131)

Bríd Smith

Question:

131. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the estimated €98 million spent to date on the Dublin BusConnects project that relates to planning, surveys and various consultation fees represents good value for money given the limited introduction of new routes; the oversight that his Department has of National Transport Authority operations in relation to the spending involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20973/22]

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Written answers

As I noted in my reply to the Deputy regarding Dáil Question no. 27 of 6th April 2022, public transport infrastructure projects on the scale of BusConnects require a planning and design phase that can take several years and involve the input of a wide range of people and stakeholders.

The planning and design phase is essential in order to achieve buy-in and support for the project and to bring it successfully through the planning permission process and then on to the construction phase, prior to delivery for the public.

The amount referred to was incurred on the BusConnects programme as part of that planning and design phase and is a necessary part of the overall programme costs.

In relation to the oversight of this programme, procedures are in place to comply with the Public Spending Code within my Department and agencies under its aegis. Government approval will also be required under the Public Spending Code at certain key decision gates for the programme, and I will be advising Government in relation to those decision gates.

Parking Provision

Questions (132, 155)

Pauline Tully

Question:

132. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to prevent non-disabled persons parking in disabled parking bays given that the penalty point system does not seem to deter this from taking place; his plans to increase the deterrence for non-disabled persons parking in disabled parking bays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21087/22]

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Pauline Tully

Question:

155. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing penalty points for non-disabled persons parking in disabled parking spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21066/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 155 together.

In 2018, the fixed charge penalty for parking in a disabled space was substantially increased, to €150, to reflect the gravity and anti-social nature of the offence. This rises to €225 if it is not paid within 28 days. This is the highest fixed charged penalty for driving and parking offences.

Penalty points are applied for driving offences and the only exception is for dangerous parking, which is included as a penalty point offence because it affects moving traffic. Accordingly, I do not consider it appropriate that this offence be included in the penalty point system.

While I cannot condone the selfish and irresponsible practice of parking unlawfully in disabled bays, I believe that the current level of penalty is proportionate to the offence and I have no plans to increase it at this time.

Transport Policy

Questions (133)

Brian Leddin

Question:

133. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the safeguards that are in place to ensure that all new investment into active travel is used on active travel projects that are built to up-to-date design standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21086/22]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to active travel infrastructure.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities, are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.

Any new active travel infrastructure funded by my Department must be designed in compliance with the guidance and standards set out in the National Transport Authority's National Cycle Manual which is currently being revised and updated. I expect the revised version of the National Cycle Manual to be published before the end of Q2. 

In tandem, my Department officials have convened a Standards Working Group to examine the various guidance and standards documents which should be taken into account by local authorities when constructing new walking and cycling infrastructure. These include the National Cycle Manual, as well as the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland's (TII's) standards. The Working Group will seek to identify any gaps or contradictions between these various guidance documents to ensure that new walking and cycling infrastructure is designed safely and efficiently in order to encourage more and more people to use Active Travel transport modes over the private car.

Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 119.

Road Projects

Questions (135)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

135. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Coonagh-Knockalisheen Road, Limerick following the receivership of a company (details supplied); if an alternative contractor has been identified to complete the project. [21007/22]

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Written answers

The improvement and maintenance of 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. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. 

Limerick County Council is the contracting authority for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road project.  The Council has advised my officials that following on from the main contractor entering receivership, revised contract documents are currently being drafted in order to progress, as soon as possible, the works that have already commenced on the Ballygrennan Bridge which is over the Galway-Ennis railway line.

Separately, contract documents are also being prepared to retender for the construction of the remainder of the project.

Haulage Industry

Questions (136)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Question:

136. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport the steps that his Department is taking in relation to consolidation of road freight deliveries across the freight sector in order to address the issue of Ireland freight transport having an above European Union average of partial and empty truck cargo loads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20497/22]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish a 10-year strategy for the haulage sector. The Government’s aim is to develop a strategy that will focus on generating efficiencies and improving standards, and helping the sector move to a low-carbon future. The strategy will include considerations on the consolidation of road freight deliveries. Work on the strategy is ongoing with a plan for further consultation with the public and stakeholders in the coming months.

Minister Ryan and I will continue to proactively engage with industry representatives and individual firms in the haulage and logistics sector to discuss issues affecting the sector and to get their perspective on key actions.

Public Transport

Questions (137)

Duncan Smith

Question:

137. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to introduce 50% fares for under-24s and students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20888/22]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

In recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services.

It is envisaged that the YAC 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.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the current status of the YAC, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Aviation Industry

Questions (138)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

138. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if legislation can be enacted to stop airlines overcharging Ukrainian refugees fleeing to Ireland for unprinted boarding passes and extra luggage. [15288/22]

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Written answers

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 setting air fares and air rates for intra-Community air services and other related services such as baggage.

The 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.

These are common rules underpinning the operation of commercial air services in the European Union, Ireland could not take unilateral action to deny airlines freedom to set pricing.

Within this 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.

Ports Policy

Questions (139)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Question:

139. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to improve the sustainable transport access and infrastructure at all ferry ports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20496/22]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future makes two commitments regarding passengers travelling by sea without a car.  These relate to increasing the numbers of cycling and foot passengers and improving access.

In line with these commitments, my department reviewed the services and facilities available to accommodate foot and cycle passengers at our seaports and on ferry services out of Ireland.  While the impacts of Brexit, COVID-19 and the current war in Ukraine have delayed this work, engagement with the shipping operators on the issue will resume shortly, with the matter already being flagged by my department at the most recent meeting of the National Maritime Facilitation Committee in March.

My department will also engage with the passenger ports in Dublin, Rosslare and Cork on their plans for ensuring continued access to ferry services for foot passengers and their work with the ferry companies in this regard.  Based on the outcome of that engagement, my department will assess what changes need to be encouraged to enhance the passenger experience and make it a more attractive option for the travelling public.

Providing sustainable transport connections to ferry ports widens the potential passenger catchment for ferries and delivers convenient alternatives to car only access. The overall transport system currently supports and facilitates travel to and from ferry ports by sustainable transport in several ways.   In terms of planning a journey, the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Journey Planner app includes ferry details for ferries within Ireland.  In terms of public transport networks, the location of ferry ports is factored into the planning of the transport networks.  In particular, during the development of recent bus network redesigns in various cities, the need to provide an appropriate level of bus connectivity to ports has been factored into the redesign process, and appropriate service provision included.

Further work is needed in some areas to provide a more integrated transport experience between public transport services and ferry services, and this will be examined, particularly when new public transport services are being introduced, as will be the case under BusConnects and Connecting Ireland, or where existing services are being amended.   

Substantial funding for active travel infrastructure has been provided by the Government, equating to €360 million per year, and local authorities can avail of that funding stream, which is largely managed by the NTA, to enhance and develop active travel links to the relevant port.

Additionally, port companies themselves have been planning and developing improved cycle connections within their own estate area, to link with the external infrastructure provided by the local authorities.  Dublin Port Company in particular have advanced plans to enhance cycle accessibility with the Dublin Port lands, and plan to provide significant cycling routes within the Port.

With regard to rail access, my department, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), is undertaking a Strategic Rail Review which will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the period to 2040. The Review will consider, amongst other matters, connectivity to our air and seaports.  This will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and will provide a framework to develop a much-improved rail network in the years ahead. A final Report is due by the end of this year.

Haulage Industry

Questions (140)

Richard O'Donoghue

Question:

140. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport the way in which hauliers that transport their own goods, sand and gravel can apply for the new diesel allowance as they do not need a haulage licence to carry their own goods. [19270/22]

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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.

On 15 March 2022, Minister Ryan and I proposed to Government an emergency support measure – the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme. The Scheme will provide support of €100 per week for eight weeks for each eligible heavy goods vehicle (HGV) authorised on the licence of a road haulage operator as of 11 March 2022. I can confirm that the scheme is available only to operators holding a road haulage operator licence.

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 addition to the Emergency Scheme however, the Government has provided for an excise duty reduction on mineral oil taxes with effect from 10 March. This saw a 20 cent reduction in the excise rate for petrol and a 15 cent reduction on auto diesel,  proposed to last until 31 August 2022. On 11 April the Government extended the period of the reduced excise rates out to Budget Day. This measure is a benefit to all citizens and business to mitigate the impact of recent fuel price increases.

In general, however, it should be noted 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. 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 must continue the progress we have made to date on the implementation of climate policies which are critical to ensuring we reduce emissions and mitigate climate change.

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 increasing costs.

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

Airport Policy

Questions (141)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

141. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he is concerned regarding travel delays caused by staffing shortages given the importance of Dublin Airport for business connectivity and trade. [18629/22]

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Written answers

daa has the statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin 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 over recent weeks where I expressed concern at the situation and the impact the delays were having on passengers. I have 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 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.

While recruitment of new staff required is ongoing, over 100 new security staff were employed recently and this should assist in the alleviation of the excessive queue times over the coming period. These security staff are being deployed following the necessary training.

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.

Rail Network

Questions (142)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

142. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to provide ringfenced funding to Iarnród Éireann to reduce and eventually eliminate unmanned manually operated farm and road level crossings on our railway lines thus increasing line speeds and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20985/22]

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Written answers

For the Deputy's information, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework to Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure. 

This is the third year of the five year IMMAC programme and last December Government approved an additional €94.55m for the IMMAC which means that over the five years of the programme a total of just over €1.1billion in Exchequer funding will be made available to support delivery. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services.

The usage of level crossings is reviewed on an annual basis through an on-going programme of inspections by IÉ.  Closures of level crossings are continually sought by IÉ where opportunities arise.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (143)

Richard Bruton

Question:

143. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if the lifetime costs of electric versus fossil fuel vehicles justifies recommending to public bodies under his auspices to switch procurement strategies bearing in mind the likely trends in fuel costs. [21000/22]

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Written answers

Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. The transport sector, which accounts for about 20% of Ireland’s overall carbon emissions, must play a central role in the national decarbonisation effort. The national car and van (LGV) fleet accounts for almost 60% of all land transport emissions, and so a transition to low emissions vehicles, including EVs, is a necessary step-change to effect a substantial reduction in transport emissions.  

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the 2019 Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 936,000 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.

There are 11 commercial and 8 non-commercial agencies under the remit of my Department.  I have forwarded the Deputies question to each agency for direct response.  Please contact my Office if no reply is received within 10 working days. 

The Climate Action Plan and the Programme for Government commits to developing and implementing a sustainable public procurement policy, to ensure that what are we buying and building is consistent with our climate ambition. When vehicles fall to be replaced, my department will replace them with electrically powered alternatives, where the cost and suitability of the vehicles for the purpose required allows.

The Office of Government Procurement has drawn up fixed price procurement frameworks for the supply of long and medium range battery electric passenger cars and vans to public sector bodies. Full details on how to use the framework as well as pricing and supplier contact details can be found on the www.ogp.gov.ie website.  These Frameworks will greatly assist Government departments and bodies to purchase electric cars and vans.   As battery and recharging technologies develop and a greater range of vehicles become commercially available I expect an increasing number of public bodies to transition to EVs. 

The use of EVs within public sector vehicle fleets and the installation of associated EV infrastructure is an important exemplar and market driver, providing the necessary public leadership and raising consumer awareness of EVs.

There are also several initiatives and programmes underway across the public sector that encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.

- The Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy encourages public sector fleets to test new technologies and facilitate/accelerate their market uptake.

- Green Public Procurement can act as a driver for innovation and competitiveness in the industrial sector, encouraging the development of new technologies.

- The recast Clean Vehicles Directive set minimum Member State procurement targets, with the main objective of increasing the uptake of clean (low- and zero-emission) vehicles.

- The Local Authority Climate Action Charter is a key action in the Climate Action Plan and will ensure every local authority embeds decarbonisation, sustainable development and climate resilience into every aspect of the work they do.

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