Mary Lou McDonald
Question:124. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff employed in his Department by gender and by civil service salary scale, in tabular form. [27607/22]
View answerDepartmental Staff
Questions (124)
Written answers
The headcount of staff employed in my Department by gender and Civil Service equivalent salary scale is set out below. Professional/Technical grades have been mapped separately to their equivalent administrative grades by salary.
Generalist
|
Grade |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
4 |
6 |
|
Principal Officer |
15 |
11 |
26 |
|
Assistant Principal |
43 |
30 |
73 |
|
Administrative Officer |
19 |
21 |
40 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
39 |
35 |
74 |
|
Executive Officer |
65 |
41 |
106 |
|
Clerical Officer |
82 |
40 |
122 |
|
Service Officer |
2 |
8 |
10 |
|
Total |
267 |
191 |
458 |
|
Professional & Technical |
|
|
|
|
Grade |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|
P/T PO Equivalent |
2 |
19 |
21 |
|
P/T AP Equivalent |
3 |
50 |
53 |
|
P/T A.O./H.E.O. Equivalent |
3 |
51 |
54 |
|
P.T C.O. Equivalent |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Total |
8 |
122 |
130 |
|
Department Total |
275 |
313 |
588 |
*The two Special Advisers detailed are assigned to Minister of State Naughton. Minister Ryan's advisers will be included as part of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communication's response.
Rail Network
Questions (125, 126)
Dara Calleary
Question:125. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a number of rail projects have been given approval to proceed whilst others are delayed under the All-Ireland Rail Review; the method of selection for the projects that are proceeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27683/22]
View answerDara Calleary
Question:126. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the work that has been completed to date on the All-Island Rail Review; the timeline for the completion and publication of the review; the monies spent to date; the remaining budget to be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27684/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is considering the future development of the rail network in Ireland. The Review, which is ongoing and for which Arup Consultants have been appointed, is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The cost is expected to be approximately €1 million and as per the contract, payments are being made to ARUP over the duration of the Review. Upon completion later this year, the Review will inform the future development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
I look forward to its completion and the final report which is expected in Quarter 4.
Separate to the Strategic Rail Review and as the Deputy may be aware, the revised National Development Plan establishes the funding parameters for investment for the coming decade and the outcomes for the rail network to be achieved with that funding.
Under the NDP, there are a number of heavy rail-related projects already underway and continue to be progressed. These projects include –
- National Train Control Centre : Implementation of a range of enabling works packages will continue on the new National Train Control Centre;
- Track relaying / ballast cleaning / signalling improvements etc.: work will continue across the network on these important aspects of protection and renewal as part of the Exchequer’s €1.1billion commitment to the protection and renewal programme, during the period 2020 - 2024, which cumulatively increases service reliability and punctuality, improves journey times and ensures continued safety of the network; and
- New InterCity Railcars (ICRs): these 41 carriages are under construction and scheduled for delivery commencing in the coming months and due to enter into service in 2023.
Furthermore and separate to the above, in each of the five metropolitan areas work will continue in relation to progressing plans for their metropolitan area rail networks and / or rail termini. This work includes –
- Cork: preparatory work will continue on the EU funded programme to improve rail infrastructure in the Cork metropolitan area;
- Dublin: as part of the DART+ Programme it is expected that a railway order will be lodged in relation to DART+ West in the coming months. It is also expected a railway order will be lodged in relation to DART+ South West by end year subject to Government approval of an updated Preliminary Business Case;
- Galway: planning and design is continuing in relation to the proposed redevelopment of Ceannt Station and Oranmore Station, while next year will see a review of the current Galway Transport Strategy;
- Limerick: plans for the development of the metropolitan area rail network are being considered as part of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. A Draft Strategy has recently been published and a Public Consultation is currently open until 10 June; and
- Waterford: planning and design continues in relation to the previously announced relocation of Plunkett Station, while a metropolitan area transport strategy is under development.
Question No. 126 answered with Question No. 125.
Road Projects
Questions (127)
Alan Dillon
Question:127. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if a detailed timeline and breakdown will be provided in respect of a funding application from his Department to the local authority in relation to a speed calming project (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27697/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), 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 TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. 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
Bus Éireann
Questions (128)
Pearse Doherty
Question:128. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the reason the route 30 at 7 a.m. and x30 at 8.30 a.m. Bus Éireann services from Donegal town to Dublin did not operate on 22 May 2022; the operational issues which led to these cancellations; the back-up and or preventative measures that were in place in case of such operational issues arising; the steps taken by Bus Éireann to avoid the cancellations; the time at which the attention of Bus Éireann was drawn to the need to cancel the service; the time at which Bus Éireann informed passengers of the cancellation of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27740/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including routes 30 and X30, are commercial bus services and as such responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Public Transport
Questions (129, 130)
Duncan Smith
Question:129. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of leap cards that have been issued; the amount that has been raised by the National Transport Authority from the €5 deposit on each card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27767/22]
View answerDuncan Smith
Question:130. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of leap cards that have not been activated in the past 12 months and 24 months, respectively; the amount of credit that is available in total on those cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27768/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 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. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions regarding Leapcards to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Question No. 130 answered with Question No. 129.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (131)
John Lahart
Question:131. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the number of incidents and injuries for the past five years that have been reported due to cyclists getting caught in the Luas tracks in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27783/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport.
The issue raised regarding the number of incidents and injuries for the past five years that have been reported due to cyclists getting caught in the Luas tracks is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the Luas operator Transdev. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Airport Security
Questions (132, 133, 134)
Catherine Murphy
Question:132. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the number of airport police in this State; and if he will provide the date on which the airport police embarked on workforce planning in the context of providing policing in Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports. [27795/22]
View answerCatherine Murphy
Question:133. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of airport police in the State by rank; and the number of civilians that directly support airport police operations. [27796/22]
View answerCatherine Murphy
Question:134. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of airport police based at Dublin airport pre-construction of terminal 2; the number of airport police as of 25 May 2022 and the number of airport police that work per shift at Dublin airport. [27797/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 to 134, inclusive, together.
Airport police, as employees of the relevant airport, are "authorised officers" under the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998, as amended.
Staffing issues, including the number of authorised officers at our State airports are a matter for each individual airport.
I have therefore forwarded your questions to the daa and Shannon Group for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 132.
Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 132.
Public Transport
Questions (135)
Chris Andrews
Question:135. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if public bus routes could be reinstated on Beach Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4. [27798/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these 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 bus routes on Beach Road, Sandymount, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (136)
Emer Higgins
Question:136. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the electric vehicle apartment charging grants scheme will be in operation and open for applications; the percentage of a grant the scheme will provide to apartment dwellers looking to install EV chargers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27802/22]
View answerWritten 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 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 to include multi-unit developments such as apartment blocks. There is an onus on the Department to ensure that this extension of the EV Home Charger scheme is fully compliant with state aid obligations. The final legal checks are currently being completed and I expect to be able to launch this scheme shortly.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (137)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:137. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide e-charge points in villages and towns across County Clare. [27870/22]
View answerWritten 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 majority of EV charging is done at home and 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 to include multi-unit dwellings. 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 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 in Summer 2022. 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. I anticipate that the Residential Charging Scheme will be open to applications for funding later this year.
National Car Test
Questions (138)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:138. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given for a grace period for car owners whose National Car Test certificate has expired, but are booked in for a test and would ordinarily have completed the test before certificate expiration only for the current excessive waiting times. [27923/22]
View answerWritten answers
Under Directive 2014/45/EU all Member States of the European Union are required by law to carry out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles at regular intervals throughout the lifecycle of the vehicle. The minimum requirements regarding frequency of testing is transposed into Irish law by means of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415 of 2017)
There are currently no plans to amend this legislation and consequently it remains an offence for any person to drive a vehicle on public roads and in public places without a valid NCT.
Coast Guard Service
Questions (139)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:139. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding a coastguard station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27966/22]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to confirm that my office has recently been in contact with the Deputy regarding this request.
Rail Network
Questions (140)
John Brady
Question:140. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the plans or discussions that have taken place to close the level crossing that is located at Daly Station on the Quinsboro Road, Bray, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28014/22]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
The issue of the closure of the level crossing mentioned by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Bus Éireann
Questions (141)
Seán Sherlock
Question:141. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the cost of hiring security staff on Bus Éireann routes in 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; the routes that required security staff; and the organisation that provided same. [28028/22]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
The queries raised in relation to the cost of hiring security staff on Bus Éireann routes in 2021 and 2022 are operational matters for the company, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Taxi Licences
Questions (142)
Marian Harkin
Question:142. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider extending the age limit so that taxi licence holders can recoup losses and build finance and a good financial record to allow them purchase replacement vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28030/22]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
In this regard, the Deputy should be aware that the NTA has extended vehicle age limits several times since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with standard age limits for taxis and hackneys now waived through to the end of 2022, thereby ensuring no operator exits the industry simply because of the need to replace a vehicle.
The NTA's extension of age limits is an emergency measure, taken in recognition of the particular challenges occasioned by COVID-19. The ten-year rule was recommended by the 2011 Taxi Regulation Review and came about following a public consultation on vehicle standards for taxis, hackneys, and limousines held that year. It was adopted in recognition of the need to strike a balance between achieving standards that offer the customer confidence, comfort and safety, and allowing industry members to operate successfully, cogniscant of the fact that the replacement of a vehicle is a SPSV operator's single largest cost. There is no consideration being given to amending these age-related rules now, or at any time in the future.
I remain committed to supporting the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles. The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by the Department and administered by the NTA. €15m was allocated in 2022 to support the industry to switch to electric. The Scheme is kept under continuous review and is currently paused to allow for the drawdown and payment of provisional grant offers. Once these grant offers have been drawn down, there will be a clearer picture of the funding available for the second half of the year and, at this stage, I anticipate the scheme will reopen for applications in the summer, allowing SPSV operators again to apply for the supports on offer.
Public Transport
Questions (143)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:143. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that only two train stations in Dublin are excluded from the TFI 90 ticket (details supplied); the reason that these stations are excluded; if consideration has been given to including these busy stations in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28039/22]
View answerWritten 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 service, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the TFI 90 minute fare to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.