Claire Kerrane
Question:291. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport the next available date for driving tests being offered to those waiting by test centre. [41461/22]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (291)
Written 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
Driver Test
Questions (292)
Claire Kerrane
Question:292. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider opening a driver test centre in Ballinasloe, County Galway given the backlog of tests and its proximity to a number of counties [41462/22]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. This is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. 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
Public Transport
Questions (293)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:293. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of making all public transport free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41463/22]
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 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.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question regarding the estimated full-year cost of making all public transport free of charge 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
Bus Services
Questions (294)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:294. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the unit cost of new electric buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41464/22]
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 procurement of the PSO bus fleet.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Bus Services
Questions (295)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:295. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the annual running cost of an electric bus compared to a diesel or petrol bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41465/22]
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 question in relation to the annual running cost of an electric bus compared to a diesel or petrol bus 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
Transport Policy
Questions (296)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:296. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the details of the rural transport programme, including the cost of the programme; the annual capital investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41466/22]
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 national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for TFI Local Link, including its details and costs as well as amounts of annual capital investment, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (297)
John Brady
Question:297. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding that has been given to each local authority for electric vehicle charging points over the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41482/22]
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.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
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.
I can confirm to the deputy that three County Councils applications have been approved under the current Public Points Scheme. The number of charge points per County Council is outlined in the below table.
|
County |
Number of Charge Points Approved per applications |
|
Dublin City Council |
9 |
|
Louth County Council |
20 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
4 |
No funding has been drawn down yet under this scheme.
My Department has reviewed the Scheme and the draft Strategy sets out a number of additional actions to support delivery by local authorities, such as funding capital costs for civil and electrics works, as well as charge point installation, through the new Residential Charging Scheme.
My Department has also been working closely with some local authorities to develop pilot EV charging projects in their areas. In 2021, nearly €36,000 was granted to Dublin City Council to install an EV charging hub with further funding of over €52,000 being awarded to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in 2022 for a mobility hub including EV chargers and also streetlight charging.
My Department is continuing to explore further pilots with local authorities for delivery of EV charging infrastructure.
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 it has been announced that a new residential charging grant is in development which will focus on providing neighbourhood and residential charging solutions, particularly 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.
Military Aircraft
Questions (298)
Catherine Connolly
Question:298. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the number of military personnel who passed through Shannon Airport per month in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; the nationalities of these personnel; the number of these personnel who travelled on civil commercial aircraft; those who travelled on military aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41534/22]
View answerWritten answers
My department has no function with regard to the transit of foreign military personnel through Irish sovereign territory or Irish airports. Additionally, flights by state aircraft, including military aircraft, are a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
With regard to your requested information, I have forwarded your question to Shannon Group plc. for direct reply.
If the Deputy does not receive a reply from the Company within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
Transport Policy
Questions (299)
Catherine Connolly
Question:299. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 14 June 2022, the status of the promised review of Galway Transport Strategy; the expected timeline for the completion of same; the status of the development by the National Transport Authority of the draft updated transport strategy, promised in Q3 2022; the timeline for the public consultation; the details of the feasibility study for light rail promised as part of the review of the Galway Transport Strategy; the timeline for the feasibility study; the person or body who will be carrying it out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41535/22]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that the review of the Galway Transport Strategy will commence at the end of this year. The review will be led by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in cooperation with Galway City Council and Galway County Council.
As the Deputy is aware, the review process will include consideration of all potential transport modes including light rail. As part of the strategy review work, assessment work will be undertaken in relation to light rail. This approach will allow for a multi-modal perspective and integration within an overall land-use plan.
The NTA expects to publish a draft updated transport strategy for Galway for public consultation in quarter three of 2023.
Given the NTA's role in the review of the strategy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for any further information in relation to the review. Please contact my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Park-and-Ride Facilities
Questions (300)
Catherine Connolly
Question:300. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 111 of 26 April and 332 of 14 June 2022, the status of the site option analyses and feasibility studies ongoing for the zones identified along corridors in the east and northeast of Galway city; his plans to develop park and ride in areas in the west of Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41536/22]
View answerWritten answers
Further to the previous Parliamentary Questions referred to by the Deputy, I understand that the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities including Park & Ride in Galway, has in recent days advised the Deputy of progress on this matter.
I understand that the NTA Park and Ride Development Office (PRDO) Park and Ride Study for Galway is at draft stage and is currently being reviewed internally by the NTA. It will then be consulted on with relevant stakeholders. In parallel with this, the PRDO is continuing detailed site option analysis and feasibility studies for each of the zones identified and are expected to be completed in the coming months. The development of the particular sites will be aligned with the delivery of other supporting infrastructure, in particular bus corridor infrastructure. I understand that the PRDO remain on target to bring sites forward for planning in the second half of 2022.
Cycling Policy
Questions (301)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:301. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the details of the submission to the public consultation on the Salthill cycleway made by or on behalf of organisations, therefore excluding submissions made by individuals during the period 14 to 28 January 2022. [41560/22]
View answerWritten answers
In January Galway City Council gave official notice of its intention to create a temporary cycleway along the entire length of the promenade and beyond in Salthill. The intention was that this trial would be in place for 6 months commencing in March 2022. As part of this process Galway City Council published two options for plans for a trial cycleway in Salthill and held a public consultation which ran from 14 to 28 January 2022.
I understand that in excess of 7,000 submissions were received by Galway City Council. The detail of those submissions has not been shared with me or my Department.
Bus Services
Questions (302)
Paul Murphy
Question:302. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will estimate the cost of purchasing 500 electric buses and increasing the number of drivers and ancillary staff employed by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus needed to utilise them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41616/22]
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 the procurement of the PSO bus fleet.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Ferry Services
Questions (303)
Paul Murphy
Question:303. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will estimate the cost of nationalising the international passenger ferry network from Ireland to facilitate its expansion in the context of climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41617/22]
View answerWritten answers
The nationalisation of the international ferry sector is not in line with Government policy. As an Island nation, over 90% of Ireland's international trade in volume terms is carried by sea. An efficient and resilient maritime transport sector is fundamental to the successful functioning of the Irish economy. The best maritime transport model to meet the trading needs of our economy is one which is open and competitive.
The strength of the current competitive model has been demonstrated over the last two years. COVID-19, Brexit and the current Ukrainian conflict have posed enormous challenges to the sector. However, the sector has shown remarkable resilience, agility and ability to respond quickly to change.
At the end of the Brexit transition, Ireland saw a rapid and unprecedented reconfiguration of its traditional supply chains. New customs obligations drove a surge in demand for services on direct routes between Irish ports and mainland Europe. This re-organisation of Ireland's supply chains was made possible by the unprecedented response from the shipping industry in terms of increasing capacity to match market demand. Operators in both RoRo and LoLo markets responded to this demand in late 2020 by adding unprecedented capacity to these direct services. To put this in context, in 2019, Ireland had about 30 direct sailings to and from European ports. Today, there are over 60 direct sailings to the continent, and capacity continues to be added. Through all the recent challenges, Ireland's maritime sector has continued to underpin our economy by maintaining vital shipping links for both trade and tourism.
Proposals to address climate change are now at the forefront of transport policy across my department. From a maritime point of view, with the majority of trade to and from Ireland taking place through shipping, it is incumbent upon us to work to reduce the impact of maritime transport on the environment. This is being addressed domestically through the Climate Action Plan and internationally through the EU Green Deal and proposals being considered by the IMO.
Maritime Transport is a global industry operating between multiple jurisdictions. The most effective action to reduce carbon emissions from the sector can be found through international agreements at EU and IMO level. Considerable engagement has taken place at EU level in relation to the Fit for 55 proposals, in particular concerning the FuelEU Maritime, alternative fuels infrastructure, the EU Emissions Trading System, and the revision of the energy taxation directive. This basket of measures reflects the EU’s goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by addressing the various barriers to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. Ireland has given full support to these proposals, ensuring maritime transport plays its part in achieving climate neutrality in Europe by 2050.
Road Projects
Questions (304)
Brendan Smith
Question:304. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the proposals to progress the N2 Clontibret to the Border road project in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41643/22]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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
State Bodies
Questions (305)
Gerald Nash
Question:305. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the dividends paid by State-owned enterprises under the remit of his Department in each of the past five years; the projected dividends to be received in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41661/22]
View answerWritten answers
There are 11 commercial state-owned bodies under my department’s remit, of which 8 are eligible to pay dividends to the Government. See table below outlining the dividends paid in each of the last five years, as well as the projected dividends for 2022.
|
Year |
Commercial State-Owned Enterprises |
Dividend Paid |
|
2017 |
DAA |
€29,100,000 |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
€9,248,000 |
|
|
Dublin Port Company |
€11,712,000 |
|
|
Cork Port Company |
€693,091 |
|
|
Shannon Foynes Port Company |
€250,000 |
|
|
2018 |
DAA |
€37,400,000 |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
€19,458,000 |
|
|
Dublin Port Company |
€12,173,000 |
|
|
Cork Port Company |
€714,000 |
|
|
Shannon Foynes Port Company |
€300,000 |
|
|
2019 |
DAA |
€40,000,000 |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
€19,524,000 |
|
|
Dublin Port Company |
€4,100,000 |
|
|
Cork Port Company |
€250,000 |
|
|
Shannon Foynes Port Company |
€350,000 |
|
|
Waterford Port Company |
€330,897 |
|
|
2020 |
Irish Aviation Authority |
€7,784,000 |
|
2021 |
Irish Aviation Authority |
€40,500 |
|
Shannon Foynes Port Company |
€269,000 |
|
|
Projected Dividends |
||
|
2022 |
Cork Port Company |
€200,000 |
|
Shannon Foynes Port Company |
€400,000 |
|
|
Waterford Port Company |
€250,000 |