Written Answers Nos. 144-163
144. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the plans to upgrade the N11, M11 Junction 4 to Junction 14; the timeframe for the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21006/22]
View answerAs 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 planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. This includes the N11/M11 Improvement Scheme. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
145. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the steps that are being taken to increase the uptake of the electric vehicle public charge point grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21057/22]
View answerThe 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 EV Home Charger Grant Scheme has been in operation since January 2018 to support the installation of home chargers for purchasers of new and second-hand BEVs and PHEVs. The grant provides generous support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger up to a maximum of €600. Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant. This scheme will be launched shortly.
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.
To coordinate the provision of EV supports and grants and the delivery of charging infrastructure, the Government will establish an office of Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) within the Department of Transport. ZEVI will coordinate and support the development and roll-out of publicly accessible charging infrastructure. ZEVI will therefore provide co-funding to support Local Authorities in developing local area network plans for EV infrastructure.
146. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the engagements that he has had with public transport providers on combatting antisocial behaviour on public transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21090/22]
View answer432. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to improve security on public transport; if he has engaged with the Minister for Justice regarding the possibility of establishing a dedicated unit in An Garda Síochána to tackle violence, intimidation and anti-social behaviour on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21030/22]
View answer433. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to improve security on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21031/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 146, 432 and 433 together.
The safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that, first and foremost, must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is also engaged with public transport operators regarding the issue of anti-social behaviour.
As such, decisions regarding a dedicated transport police unit and the allocation of Garda resources are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner. I am given to understand that the views of An Garda Síochána are that effective local community policing can meet the policing needs of the public transport network and that the Garda authorities do not propose to establish a specialist or dedicated transport policing unit at this time.
Nonetheless, the Department has been engaging regularly with the NTA and the three CIÉ companies, on the issue of anti-social behaviour and a significant number of actions have been taken. These include;
- Iarnród Éireann have significantly increased their security resources with up to 20 security teams operating daily on-board and in stations (spend on security has increased from €3.7 million to €5.2 million pa since 2016).
- Since May 2021, Iarnród Éireann and an Garda Síochána have joined forces to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Greater Dublin Area and on the DART, Northern Line and Heuston to Portlaoise services.
- Iarnród Éireann liaises on a minimum quarterly basis with An Garda Síochána in major districts to address trends and issues on an area basis.
- An Iarnród Éireann/AGS inter-agency operation was established targeting incidents of graffiti and criminal damage to train carriages; as part of this operation Gardaí conducted patrols of rail lines in an effort to target groups involved in this activity.
- CCTV is available on most trains and has successfully been used on numerous occasions in securing prosecutions. They are also in place in stations.
- A DART text alert line has been established for discrete reporting of Anti-Social incidents.
- There has been an increase in the number of Garda response hubs (to 8) on InterCity routes to support both customers and staff.
- Appointment of Senior Security Advisor in addition to Security Enforcement & Compliance Manager and Crime Prevention Officer, all of whom are former members of An Garda Síochána with extensive knowledge in the area of crime and crime prevention.
- Increased number of Prohibition Notices issued to persistent offenders across rail network.
- Reportable ASB incidents have reduced from 654 in 2020 to 549 in 2021.
- An Garda Siochana is to co-ordinate a number of Joint Awareness Days (Operation Twin Track) on the Railway and LUAS during 2022. Joint Garda & Iarnród Éireann high visibility public safety operations took place across the network over the Easter period with a number of fines issued.
Transdev Dublin Light Rail, who operate the Luas network on behalf of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, employ 50 security staff. These staff are involved in maintaining safety and security on the Luas, along with enforcing the Luas bye-laws. They liaise with An Garda Síochána regularly as part of their work.
In relation to security on our public bus services, the entire Dublin Bus fleet is fully fitted with CCTV cameras, with up to 11 internal cameras and three external cameras fitted on the more modern vehicles in the fleet. Each vehicle is equipped with a radio, which facilitates immediate contact to the Central Control Centre.
Any instances of disruption or concerns around security are immediately reported and services are suspended as necessary. The company also has mobile inspectors in the city centre, who are available to attend incidents as required, and all Dublin Bus employees are fully trained on the comprehensive procedures for dealing with specific challenging situations including anti-social behaviour.
Dublin Bus has also re-introduced their Schools Education Programme (previously suspended due to Covid-19) which involves educating young people about the importance of the bus in their lives and in their local community. The work of their School and Community Co-ordinators has also proven highly successful in encouraging young people to respect their bus and has assisted greatly in the reduction of incidents of anti-social behaviour.
Beyond this Dublin Bus has a strong and close working relationship with An Garda Síochána and have set up a number of community forums in different areas across the city. These forums are made up of Dublin Bus representatives, the Gardaí, local area representatives, community groups and Trade Union Representatives.
Bus Éireann has similarly also invested in extensive CCTV coverage throughout its fleet for the protection of passengers and staff. Emergency support for drivers is provided through 24-hour control centres and any incidents of anti-social behaviour are fully investigated and followed up with An Garda Síochána as required.
All Bus Éireann city and town buses are fitted with driver security screens. Security personnel are employed in our larger bus stations and extensive CCTV is also in operation throughout all stations to ensure the security of our staff, customers and property. Furthermore, customer research shows that 93% of Bus Éireann customers feel safe and secure during their journeys.
The combined interventions implemented to date across our public transport services have substantially helped to tackle anti-social behaviour; however, this is an issue which will require on-going monitoring. As such, I am committed to continuing to work collectively with all stakeholders to ensure the safest possible travel environment for members of the public, and the safest possible working environment for the employees providing our valuable public transport services.
147. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if arrangements will be put in place to ensure persons fleeing the war in Ukraine are able to exchange their driving licence for an Irish driving licence; the other measures that are intended to support their transport needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21011/22]
View answerMy colleague Minister Ryan signed the Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences) (Ukraine) Order 2022 into law on 22 April 2022. This means a person with temporary residence in Ireland, because of the conflict in Ukraine, can exchange their Ukrainian driving licence for an Irish licence. The licence will be valid for 12 months and will be for cars only.
My Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) will provide emergency public transport services to Ukrainian refugees placed in rural locations. To facilitate this, a series of network improvements, identified through the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan public consultation, will be accelerated to support increased overall demand for public transport services. Improvements will include additional stops, route modifications and more services, to increase connectivity for those based outside bigger towns and cities. This acceleration serves a dual purpose, by catering for existing demand and responding to the increased pressures on services where the local population has grown in response to the humanitarian crisis.
In addition, to support Ukrainian refugees housed away from existing public transport services, the NTA will provide supplementary transport connections to local centres, to enable better access to a range of amenities and to onward public transport connections.
Further, free travel is being provided for newly arrived Ukrainian refugees on any Public Service Obligation (PSO) or Local Link public transport service, from port of entry to their end destination. This initiative is being applied across all PSO contracted services, including commercial bus services included in emergency PSO contracts, and those services that are part of the emergency commercial bus operator grant scheme. The situation is being monitored on an ongoing basis. To avail, intending passengers should present the driver/relevant operator employee with the following:
- Ukrainian passport or other Ukrainian government issued ID and evidence of arrival in Ireland within the previous seven days, such as an airline booking email or boarding card stub, or
- confirmation of status from a coordinating group or charity involved in the Ukrainian crisis.
148. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to increase the frequency of services on existing rail lines within Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21008/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of 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 question in relation to the possible increase in the frequency of services on existing rail lines within Limerick, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
149. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the status of the east west link which is urgently needed in the north east; the most recent engagements his Department has made on this project; the persons and bodies with whom he has engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20752/22]
View answerProposals to deliver an upgraded East-West route linking Dundalk to Sligo, taking in Cavan, involve linking elements of the national road network and regional roads along as direct a route as possible. Essentially the route involves upgrade/realignment works on the regional routes from Dundalk to Cavan and on national routes from Cavan to Sligo.
As regards the regional road aspect of the proposal, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
My Department provided funding to Cavan County Council (acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils) with over €2m in the period 2007-2014 to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design.
In light of subsequent appraisal work that pointed to a very substantial cost if the full route were to be upgraded, the Department engaged with Cavan County Council in relation to carrying out a risk-based analysis for the east-west route between Dundalk and Cavan which involves exploring the possibility of a series of interventions which might improve the safety of the route, improve journey times and bring consistency to the travel speed along the route. The report on this analysis is expected shortly.
It is envisaged that individual local authorities will examine, taking into account each Council's overall priorities and available resources, how projects identified in the risk analysis could be brought forward. The Department has allocated some grant funding this year to Cavan County Council and Louth County Council for the initial assessment of two possible schemes subject to the receipt of the required project appraisal documentation from the relevant local authorities.
As regards the national road element of an east-west link, I have referred the question to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
150. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport the initiatives that he is undertaking in 2022 to reduce the carbon footprint of the transport sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21089/22]
View answerTransport activity and demand are closely linked to employment and economic activity. Anticipated demographic growth will lead to increases in these areas. As a result, transport is one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. Nonetheless, immediate action is necessary.
In recent months, my Department has advanced a variety important policy initiatives which will make a significant impact - notably a new Sustainable Mobility Policy, a new Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy, the National Transport Investment Framework, a Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement and a 5 Cities Demand Management Study and associated toolkit. Later this year, we will be publishing a 10 year Haulage Strategy which will inter alia, consider the long term decarbonisation options for this sector
In terms of investment, through the NTA, we are advancing work on rural public transport (Connecting Ireland), Bus Connects and Active Travel programmes which will seek to promote modal shift to more sustainable transport, along the continued electrification of the public transport fleet and expansion of DART services. My Department is also considering how we can refine current commitments in order to deliver additional emissions reductions in a fair and equitable manner over the next 8 years.
Reducing car dependency and implementing a radical shift towards sustainable mobility is the ultimate goal. As investments and projects in transport often materialise over the medium-term, my Department is taking action now that will pay dividends in future years.
151. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider extending the recently announced Government support for the haulage sector to address cost pressures arising from high fuel prices; if consideration will be given to including own account haulage given that these heavy good vehicle operators face the same difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21058/22]
View answerThe 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.
152. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport his plans to install new bus shelters in south west County Cork. [21099/22]
View answerAs 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 bus stops and bus shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
153. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has assessed the potential to move travel requirements to a service model by using sharing platforms, vehicle sharing and ride sharing; and if he will consider providing a fund to stimulate innovation in this area. [20999/22]
View answerShared mobility has a role to play in changing how we think about our daily travel and facilitating that change. We already have successful examples here in Ireland both in terms of shared car schemes and shared bike schemes which operate across the country, mainly in the five cities. In relation to shared car schemes specifically, these are principally market-driven initiatives which are supported by local authorities through a variety of means such as access to on-street parking.
I published the National Sustainable Mobility Policy on 7 April 2022. The policy sets out a strategic framework to 2030 for active travel (walking and cycling) and public transport journeys to help Ireland meet its climate obligations. My Department developed this policy over a number of years engaging in robust sectorial research and stakeholder engagement. One of the emerging themes from this process was the concept of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) as a tool to encourage modal shift by offering customised information and integrated transport for users.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is actively developing a number of projects to enable a MaaS system in Ireland including Next Generation Ticketing, Automated Vehicle Location and an upgraded National Journey Planner app. Under Action 82 of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, the NTA has committed to publishing a governance framework on the implementation and operation of MaaS in Ireland to encompass all transport modes nationally by 2024.
154. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. [21095/22]
View answerGovernment has maintained a strong commitment to the aviation sector during the Covid crisis and has allocated an unprecedented €161 million in aviation specific supports to Irish airports in 2021 alone. Last year, €11.6 million of this amount was issued under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025.
Building on that commitment, last week (19 April), I announced a further €16.4 million in capital supports to airports under the Regional Airports Programme for 2022, as follows:
2022 Capital Funding Allocations under the Regional Airports Programme
|
Airports |
2022 Capital Funding Allocations |
|
Donegal |
€722,169 |
|
Ireland West |
€4,760,485 |
|
Kerry |
€1,084,482 |
|
Shannon |
€4,347,750 |
|
Cork |
€5,462,385 |
|
TOTAL Allocations |
€16,377,271 |
The Regional Airports Programme 2021 - 2025 supports Ireland’s smallest airports i.e. those that provide connectivity and handle fewer than 1 million annual passengers, in the preceding two years. Donegal, Knock and Kerry Airports were eligible under the Regional Airports Programme in 2021 and have remained eligible in 2022. By virtue of their size and passenger numbers, Shannon and Cork regional State airports have never, before now, been eligible for funding under this Programme. However, due to suppressed passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021 as a direct result of Covid, both airports have become eligible for funding under the Programme in 2022.
This capital funding will continue to support a great number of safety and security related capital projects, ensuring that these airports can continue to remain compliant with regulatory requirements in these areas. In addition, and in line with the broadening of the scope of the Programme, a significant number of this year’s projects have a sustainability focus, facilitating the sustainable growth of the sector.
Donegal, Ireland West, Kerry, Shannon and Cork airports will also be eligible to apply for operational funding, later this year under this Programme. Almost €22 million in operational support is available in 2022 to support air traffic control, fire services and security related operations at airports.
156. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for delivery of the Northern Ring Road. [21042/22]
View answerAs 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 planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. This includes the Cork City Northern Transport Project. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
157. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport his views on the benefits that more focused strategic planning to ensure a minimum level of rail services and standards for rural and regional railways would have for rural Ireland and for regional connectivity; his further views on extending public service obligation services to foster greater development in and use of these rail services with particular reference to the Limerick-Ballybrophy line and services involving Limerick junction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21065/22]
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 operations of public transport.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the all-island Strategic Rail Review being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland will include in its consideration the potential for further development of rural and regional railways, and as a consequence, the scope for improved rail services to enhance regional connectivity.
The issue of the strategic planning of rail services and the extension of public service obligation services is a matter first and foremost for the National transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response from the NTA within ten working days.
158. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend the SEAI grants scheme for electric vehicles to smaller and lighter electric vehicles, including e-bikes and e-cargo bikes as an energy saving initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21085/22]
View answerI am keen to encourage greater adoption of e-bikes and e-cargo bikes. My Department is examining various options which could involve direct and/or indirect financial supports either through existing or new schemes.
159. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport when the all-Ireland strategic rail review will be completed; if he will request the conclusion on well-developed projects such as the Western Rail Corridor in advance of the full report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21092/22]
View answer454. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the further timeline that is expected on the current rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21204/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 454 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), will inform the development of inter-urban / inter-regional rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. This will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years, providing a framework to develop a much-improved rail network for our future.
The Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network, and that scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor. I expect to receive one report, the final report, in quarter 4 of this year.
160. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to make public transport more affordable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21068/22]
View answer162. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce public transport fares to combat the cost of living crisis as is being done in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20891/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 162 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, a suite of new measures is being introduced by Government to help with this issue, including a 20% average fare reduction on all PSO services until the end of 2022.
On Monday 18th April, the first phase of the 20% discount was rolled out with online fares for Irish Rail intercity services, as well as for Bus Éireann and TFI Local Link services. Fares for Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Luas, DART & Commuter Rail and all other Iarnród Éireann services will also reduce by an average of 20% from 9 May.
These discounted fares will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use PSO public transport every day. €54m in Exchequer funding was secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares. Local Link services will also apply the 20% fare discount – under Connecting Ireland €5.6m has been allocated in 2022 alone to enhance and expand rural connectivity.
Also, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services. It is envisaged that the discount will initially be made available on PSO services, and then broadened to include commercial operators at a later date. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.
161. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he or his officials will examine the impact of a pilot scheme for fare free transport in Boston and its benefits for all commuters, especially poorer minorities and general climate goals; if he will reconsider his policy in relation to the possible future provision of fare free public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20974/22]
View answerAs 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 the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.
The provision of public transport services is heavily dependent on passenger fare revenue as it normally contributes about 65% of the operational cost. The remaining 35% of cost is covered by the PSO grant and the Department of Social Protection grant under the free travel scheme.
Prior to COVID-19, €287 million of Exchequer funding was provided for PSO services in Budget 2020; however, since 2020, additional funding has been required to continue to address the significant COVID impacts on public transport provision.
In 2022, I secured €538m to support PSO services including over €200m to address COVID expenses (i.e. loss of fare revenue, cleaning costs). Up to €12m will be provided as ongoing support for the licensed bus sector; while, over €15m has also been allocated to support Local Link regular service provision in rural Ireland.
The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, a suite of new measures is being introduced by Government to help with this issue, including a 20% average fare reduction on all PSO services until the end of 2022. These discounted fares will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use PSO public transport every day. €54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares.
Also, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services. It is envisaged that the discount will initially be made available on PSO services, and then broadened to include commercial operators at a later date. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.
The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the possible examination of the impact of a pilot scheme for fare free transport in Boston along with future provision of fare free public transport, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
163. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Taoiseach the rationale behind the establishment of the Civil Service Accountability Board; the date it was established; the names of the members of the board; the chairman and the process of appointment; the number of meetings held by the Board; and if the minutes of each meeting are available in hard copy or online. [18742/22]
View answerThe Civil Service Renewal Plan, published in October 2014, included the establishment of an Accountability Board for the Civil Service to strengthen accountability and performance across the Civil Service by introducing greater oversight of delivery. It also recommended that the Board focused on providing oversight of a limited number of priorities actions including;
- overall governance role across the Civil Service and advise on and support the development of the capacity and capability of the Civil Service;
- the implementation of cross-cutting priorities set by Government; and
- a performance management process for Secretaries General.
The Civil Service Accountability Board, at the time, comprised a mix of senior Government ministers, including the then Taoiseach; Secretary Generals from the Departments of the Taoiseach, Public Expenditure and Reform, Education and Skills and the Chairperson of the Revenue Commissioners; and a number of external members selected following an expressions of interest process by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
The Board met four times in carrying out its work under the 2014 Civil Service Renewal Plan: in Q3 and Q4 2015 and Q3 and Q4 2016. Work on that Plan was completed with the publication of its fourth progress report, available on the Gov.ie website, which contains a complete list of members.
The successor to the 2014 Plan is Civil Service Renewal 2030, which is a ten-year strategy that will build on the achievements of the 2014 Plan. There are a number of mechanisms to ensure the Strategy is successfully implemented including:
- A Programme Management Office to manage, track, and report on the progress of the Strategy;
- A series of three year action plans which will detail the precise goals and initiatives to progress each the strategic priorities under the Plan along with designated milestones, outcomes, and metrics
- Progress Reports on the status of the priorities within the renewal Strategy will be published on an annual basis.
