Darren O'Rourke
Question:246. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the total capital funding allocated for accessibility works in the National Development Plan for 2023, 2024 and 2025. [40634/22]
View answerTransport Policy
Questions (246)
Written answers
The funding allocation in 2022 for B 5.3 - Public Transport Accessibility Retrofit Programme is €15.35 million, as per REV 2022.
B5.3 is one of the programmes under the B5 Public Transport Investment funding allocation. The funding allocation for B5 Public Transport Investment for 2022 is €780.06m.
The National Development Plan 2021 - 2030 provides total funding to the Department of Transport for 2023, 2024 and 2025 as follows:
|
2023€m |
2024€m |
2025€m |
|
2,614 |
2,664 |
2,665 |
As with the other programmes under B5 Public Transport Investment, the allocations for the B5.3 Public Transport Accessibility Programme for the years 2023 to 2025 will be decided during the annual Estimates process and published in the Revised Estimates Volumes (REV) for each year.
Bus Services
Questions (247)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:247. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport If there are plans to have a Public Service Obligation bus route serving an area (details supplied). [40750/22]
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 responsibility for the provision of public transport services nationally.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to a Public Service Obligation bus route from Dublin 13 area serving Dublin Airport, to the Authority 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
Rail Network
Questions (248)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:248. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if Iarnród Éireann plans to provide one additional train service from Heuston Station to Westport in both directions each day. [40751/22]
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 additional train services on specific routes is first and foremost a matter 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 within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Tolls
Questions (249)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:249. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of times that each toll operator responsible for toll locations nationwide that have been audited since 2018. [40752/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Noting the above position, I have referred the 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
Ports Policy
Questions (250)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:250. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that the four Irish ports which applied for European Union funding to invest in infrastructure for offshore wind all got rejected; the reasons for the refusals; if he intends to intervene and provide the required funding from Exchequer resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40802/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Funding call is a competitive process and vastly oversubscribed. Under the 2021 CEF call, across Europe, 447 project proposals were submitted requesting almost €14.5 billion, whereas the call made circa €5 billion available for projects on the TEN-T network.
There were ten applications from Ireland, plus two multi-country applications that included Irish partners. Each Irish project is competing against other projects throughout Europe across the various transport modes - maritime, rail, road and air.
Four Irish projects plus both of the multi-country projects were selected for funding. Disappointingly, there were six unsuccessful Irish applicants, four of them related to ORE port projects.
Bearing in mind the confidential nature of the process, individual applications cannot be commented on. The applicants themselves have received the evaluations from the EU Commission.
I along with my officials have already met with the TEN-T Corridor Co-ordinator on the results of the call, both in relation to the successful and unsuccessful projects. On the port related projects, I clearly indicated our deep disappointment that they were not selected for funding. Departmental officials have also met with the EU Commission on the matter.
The Secretary General of my Department has written directly to the Director General of DG MOVE and I also intend writing to the Commissioner for Transport at the European Commission.
In addition, I understand that the unsuccessful applicants are seeking further direct feedback regarding the evaluations from the Commission. It is their intention to apply again for funding when the next call opens on 13th September 2022. The Department will assist, as appropriate, eligible applicants with the application process.
Our ports face challenges posed by recent changes in trade patterns of trade, including as a direct consequence of Brexit, but they also present great opportunities as facilitators in the development of one of best offshore renewable energy resources in the world. CEF support for maritime projects can be a key enabler in maintaining and strengthening our connection to Europe and in securing green energy for the future.
In line with the Policy Statement which I published in December 2021 on the Facilitation of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) by Ports, the Department has set up a Ports Co-ordination Group that meets quarterly to ensure alignment of policy and to monitor progress for the delivery of ORE port facilities. In that context, a number of ports are continuing to progress their plans for the provision of such facilities. The Department continues to encourage engagement between the ports and developers so that they are best placed to exploit the opportunities that will arise from the development of ORE.
Ultimately, only investments that are commercially viable in the long-term will progress, underpinned by a robust business case and clear identification of the revenues that will be generated. This is in line with National Ports Policy, under which ports receive no exchequer funding and must fund their developments through their own revenues, borrowings, EU grant funding or private sector involvement.
Transport Policy
Questions (251)
Seán Sherlock
Question:251. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek a pilot of a transport police model with the Department of Justice in Cork on public transport. [40839/22]
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 safety and security of public transport passengers and staff are matters for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. Decisions regarding a pilot transport police unit and the allocation of Garda resources are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
Previously, my predecessor wrote to the Minister for Justice to seek their views on how the issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport system could be best addressed. In their response, the Department of Justice advised 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.
Bus Services
Questions (252)
Seán Sherlock
Question:252. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the role that he has on BusConnects Cork; and the details of any meetings that he has held on BusConnects Cork and the persons with whom he has met in the past two months. [40841/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork.
With regard to the query in relation to details of meetings held on the project, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (253)
Brendan Griffin
Question:253. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for driving tests in each of the test centres in County Kerry; the number of applicants waiting for a re-test in these centres; the average wait time for tests and re-tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40848/22]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Greenways Provision
Questions (254)
Sorca Clarke
Question:254. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that he and his Department have had with Longford County Council regarding the funding shortfall for the Royal Canal spur in County Longford. [40880/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am not aware of any request to my Department for additional funding for this project. As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Rail Network
Questions (255)
Sorca Clarke
Question:255. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the meeting regarding the reopening of Killucan train station that took place on 15 June 2022 in relation to funding to carry out a feasibility study into the optimum location for a potential station. [40904/22]
View answerWritten answers
A high-level, initial discussion on the matter raised took place between officials in my Department and Iarnród Éireann on 15 June. Following this discussion, Iarnród Éireann are considering the level of funding that might be required to progress a feasibility study considering public transport options in the Killucan area.
Such a study, if undertaken, would be in consultation with the National Transport Authority.
My Department is awaiting a formal request for funding of such a study.
Departmental Properties
Questions (256)
Sorca Clarke
Question:256. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the actions and engagements his Department has taken to date to reduce carbon emissions and to increase energy efficiency in all buildings under his Department. [40923/22]
View answerWritten answers
My department continues to actively engage in measures to improve efficiencies in energy, waste, water and recycling usage at all locations including active participation in the OPW Optimising Power @Work programme. My department is required to gather and submit energy related data for SEAI monitoring and reporting and uses the data obtained to highlight areas for possible improvement.
The table below outlines the variety of actions and engagements initiated by my department to maximise energy performance.
|
Energy Initiative |
Location |
Year |
Status |
|
Motion sensors installed for self-activation of lights |
Clare Street |
2009 |
Complete |
|
Upgrade of heating boilers in Leeson Lane to improve energy efficiency |
Leeson Lane |
2009 |
Complete |
|
Installation of new energy efficient boilers and pumps |
Clare Street |
2012 |
Complete |
|
Installation of thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) to regulate the heat from radiators |
Clare Street |
2012 |
Complete |
|
Upgrade of lighting installation in car park to include motion sensors |
Leeson Lane |
2014 |
Complete |
|
Upgrade lighting in the Leeson Lane complex to LED lighting |
Leeson Lane |
2018 |
Complete |
|
Upgrade of multifunction printers to managed print services |
Dublin & Regional offices (except Shannon) |
2018 |
Complete |
|
Installation of Building Management System (BMS) to monitor and manage the mechanical and electrical services in the building (Nurses Home) |
Leeson Lane |
2018 |
Complete |
|
Liaise with the catering provider to monitor food waste and reuse insofar as possible |
Leeson Lane |
2018 |
Continuous |
|
Installed filtered water in main taps (Nurses Home) to reduce the need for bottled water |
Leeson Lane |
2018 |
Complete |
|
Implemented single use plastic by providing water bottles and keep cups to staff |
Leeson Lane |
2019 |
Complete |
|
Implemented use of cardboard bailer for ease of recycling cardboard waste |
Leeson Lane |
2019 |
Complete |
|
Timers on burco boilers to improve on energy efficiency |
Leeson Lane |
2020 |
Complete |
|
Insulation of valves in the boiler room |
Leeson Lane |
2020 |
Complete |
|
Encourage staff usage of Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) that were installed in the Nurses Home building |
Leeson Lane |
2020 |
Complete |
|
Installation of four electric vehicle chargers in the car park in Leeson Lane. |
Leeson Lane |
2020 |
Complete |
|
Workshops with Aegis Bodies on future energy efficient projects |
Various locations |
2020 |
Complete |
|
Implement a full policy on waste segregation in the Leeson Lane complex and abolish the use of individual bins |
Leeson Lane |
2020 |
Complete |
|
Promote sustainability and acknowledge environmental impact in our service contracts |
Leeson Lane |
2020 |
Ongoing |
|
Waste management seminar offered to all staff by Thornton's to encourage implementation of waste policy |
Leeson Lane |
2020 |
Complete |
|
Implement the use of environmental friendly paper & stationary |
Leeson Lane |
2021 |
Complete |
|
Carbon Basics Training (SEAI) offered to staff to support the carbon reduction targets as outlined in the climate action plan. |
Online |
2021 |
Complete |
|
Lagging Jackets to be fitted to Heating/Boiler system to improve on energy efficiency |
Leeson Lane |
2022 |
Planned |
|
Installation of eight electric bike chargers |
Leeson Lane |
2022 |
Complete |
|
Implemented initiatives to develop as a Cycle Friendly Employer which has resulted in the Department receiving a gold star award, the first Government department to achieve this status |
Leeson Lane |
2022 |
Complete |
|
Increasing bike parking capacity to encourage more staff to cycle |
Leeson Lane |
2022 |
Partially Completed |
|
Installation of a bike maintenance stand to encourage more staff to cycle |
Leeson Lane |
2022 |
Complete |
|
Installed additional bike canopy over the existing Sheffield stand to weather protect bikes |
Leeson Lane |
2022 |
Complete |
|
Installation of a locked bike shed for security of staff bikes |
Leeson Lane |
2022 |
Complete |
|
Install Solar Panels on the roof of the main block in Leeson Lane to improve on energy efficiency |
Leeson Lane |
2022 |
Planned |
Electric Vehicles
Questions (257)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:257. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 24 June 2022, the Budget 2022 allocation for the public charge point scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40944/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 194,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication.
The Government’s EV target is a critical solution to reducing our transport emissions and is a key part of the strategy which also includes measures to reduce car journeys, through improved public and active transport networks.
The Government has already committed significant funding to support low emitting vehicles through the National Development Plan, which currently includes an allocation of almost €500 million for the period 2021-2025 and additional support from the Climate Action Fund.
The existing Public Charge Point Scheme continues to be available during 2022 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs.
€100m has been allocated in 2022 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes €17m for EV charging infrastructure, of which €5.6m has been allocated to the public point scheme. This is an almost doubling of the provision made available in 2021 and underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all. This funding will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.
On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. A suite of new of grants and initiatives have been launched and further supports to provide public charging points are in development including additional residential charging solutions in areas where off-street charging is either limited or not possible. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
Transport Policy
Questions (258)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:258. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the total estimated cost of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. [40945/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) 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 the Rural Transport Programme management, 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.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. 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
Electric Vehicles
Questions (259)
Richard Bruton
Question:259. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the charges that are being made for charging electric vehicles in the different categories of public chargers; and the way that they compare with the charge made to domestic users charging at home and to those using a smart meter to charge at off-peak times. [40994/22]
View answerWritten answers
In the first instance, the setting of fees for the use of EV charge points is a matter for charge point operators and one in which I have no role.
Home charging is expected to provide the primary method of charging for the majority of EVs in Ireland and is a convenient, cost effective and environmentally-friendly means of charging, especially when using night-rate electricity. It accounts for c. 80% of EV charging sessions. Home charging is the cheapest way to power an electric vehicle.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland funds a grant of €600 towards the purchase of a home charger, with the scheme administered by the SEAI. A home charging solution is now available for a wider range of individuals with the announcement of a new apartment charging grant.
In addition, car manufacturers are bringing much greater numbers of EVs to the market. Many of the newer battery electric models can do over 400 km on a single charge and technology is improving every year. Most trips in Ireland can now be done without needing to stop for a charge which will contribute to keeping charging costs down.
Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and the range of grants available is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
Public Transport
Questions (260, 261, 262)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:260. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the complaints made in relation to accessibility of taxis between 15 July 021 and 15 July 2022 outlining nature of the complaints (details supplied) and actions that have been taken in relation to the complaints. [41002/22]
View answerNeasa Hourigan
Question:261. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority has made recommendations on increasing the fines associated with small public service vehicles fixed payment offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41003/22]
View answerNeasa Hourigan
Question:262. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the number and value of small public service vehicles fixed payment offences fines in cases in which the notice has remained unpaid after a 56-day period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41004/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 to 262, inclusive, together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV), including enforcement and compliance in the SPSV sector, 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 questions 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