Tuesday, 26 Jul 2022

Public Transport

Questions (206)

Gerald Nash

Question:

206. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to publish the full business case for the planned Metrolink development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39806/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

I can confirm to the Deputy that the NTA intends to publish the MetroLink Preliminary Business Case and supporting documentation, with commercially sensitive information suitably redacted, before the end of July 2022.

Bus Services

Questions (207)

Michael Lowry

Question:

207. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided to deliver a town bus service in Clonmel, County Tipperary (details supplied) concerning the previous service which has not stopped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39834/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the allocation of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding to the individual transport operators.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question regarding the provision of funding for a town bus service in Clonmel, County Tipperary, to the Authority 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

Driver Licences

Questions (208)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

208. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the National Driver Licence Service will not accept cash in its office as payment for driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39839/22]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) ceased handling cash during Covid19 and has continued this practice under the new NDLS Front Office contract. Payment can be made by credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay or by Payzone vouchers. Payzone vouchers can be purchased from retailers in towns and villages nationwide, in over 3,500 outlets. The NDLS also allows another person to make a card payment on behalf of a customer without a card.

Retail transactions are governed by contract law in Ireland. Where advance notice is specified that payment must be in a form other than cash, retail businesses or service providers can refuse to accept payment in cash.

Legislative Measures

Questions (209)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

209. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the relevant legislation that is currently in place regarding the ownership and use of scrambler and quad bikes in public places including on public roads; if these vehicles are subject to road tax; and his plans to address the continued widespread misuse of these vehicles. [39866/22]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of any scramblers or quad bike designed for on-road use is governed by the Road Traffic Acts 1961-2018 and all relevant rules of the road apply. These vehicles must be registered, taxed and insured and operated by an adult in possession of the appropriate licence.

A quad bike is taxed at either the private rate of motor tax or the general haulage tractor rate. If it is being used in a private capacity, it is taxed on the basis of engine capacity. If a quad bike is being used to haul another vehicle or trailer, it is taxed at the general haulage tractor rate, currently €333 per annum.

In respect of scramblers and quad bikes designed for off-road use, the Deputy will know that the Programme for Government committed us to enhancing the powers of An Garda Síochána to limit anti-social scrambler and quad use. Accordingly, the Road Traffic and Roads Bill, which has completed committee stage before the Dáil, will put in place a range of measures to assist the Gardaí in tackling antisocial use by giving powers to regulate for restriction or prohibition of these vehicles in certain places, to prosecute dangerous driving in any place and for the Gardaí to seize and dispose of scramblers, including at the place where they are kept. It is hoped that the Bill will be finalised later in 2022.

Taxi Licences

Questions (210, 211)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

210. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the number of current taxi licences in operation for each year from 2012 to date in 2022, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39870/22]

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Thomas Pringle

Question:

211. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the number of current taxi licences that will be affected by the ten-year rule in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39871/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

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

Question No. 211 answered with Question No. 210.

Driver Licences

Questions (212)

Niall Collins

Question:

212. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if advice will be provided in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39917/22]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

European Union Regulation (EU) 2022/1280, which comes into force on 27 July, will allow Ukrainians residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive to drive here on their current national driving licences.

All categories held on a Ukrainian licence will be recognised. However, a person with C or D categories on their licence (trucks and buses) must have a driver certificate of professional competence (CPC) to drive a truck or bus professionally in Ireland. The EU Regulation will allow for the recognition of Ukrainian CPCs, subject to the holder undergoing additional compulsory training. The Road Safety Authority is in the process of developing a programme of compulsory training.

The Regulation will apply to driver documents held by Ukrainians admitted to the EU under the Temporary Protection Directive and for the period of temporary protection only.

Road Projects

Questions (213, 214, 215)

Noel Grealish

Question:

213. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the N6 Galway City Ring Road project; if he is firmly committed to funding the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39934/22]

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Noel Grealish

Question:

214. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the costs that have been incurred to date on the development of the Galway City Ring Road project by year; the details of the costs incurred; the further costs that are expected to be incurred before construction begins; the expected cost of construction; and the estimated total overall cost of the project. [39935/22]

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Noel Grealish

Question:

215. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the projected timeline for the development of the Galway City Ring Road; the length of the delay that is expected to result from the judicial reviews currently before the High Court; the work that can be undertaken pending the outcome of the High Court proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39936/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 to , inclusive, 215 together.

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the 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.

Planning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanála on 6 December 2021, subject to conditions. Three Judicial Reviews have since been lodged. The progression of this project is dependent on the outcome of these reviews. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of the N6 Galway City Ring Road 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.

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

Question No. 214 answered with Question No. 213.

Question No. 215 answered with Question No. 213.