Mark Ward
Question:17. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the status of a bus service for an area (details supplied); the date on which it will be back in operation; and the frequency of the service. [46077/22]
View answerBus Services
Questions (17)
Written 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 is responsible for the licensing of public bus passenger services under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the cancellation of a service 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
Emergency Services
Questions (18)
Seán Haughey
Question:18. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport the procedures that he will put in place to ensure that there is better co-ordination and communication between the Dublin Fire Brigade and the Irish Coast Guard in respect of rescues in the Greater Dublin Area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46080/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Coast Guard, a division within the Department of Transport, is designated responsibility under the National Search and Rescue Plan for coordination of maritime search and rescue, in addition to other roles in support of the Principal Response Agencies. Delivery of such services involves regular and ongoing liaison with other emergency services including the National Ambulance service and Dublin Fire Brigade.
The Irish Coast Guard operates a robust incident review process which includes liaison with other emergency services as required. Such reviews are supported by scheduled management level meetings that provide a forum for considering the overall quality and coordination of service delivery.
Driver Licences
Questions (19)
Seán Sherlock
Question:19. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) can be accommodated for a driving licence. [46082/22]
View answerWritten answers
Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU legislation, which sets out the driver licensing requirements with which all Member States must comply. Driving licence formats, vehicle categories and driving test standards are all set at EU level.
Bilateral agreements on licence exchange may be made with non-EU jurisdictions. These agreements can be made where the relevant authorities in each jurisdiction are satisfied that the two licensing regimes are compatible. This task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Ireland currently has driving licence exchange agreements with seven Canadian provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and New Brunswick.
An Irish driving licence issued in exchange for a Canadian licence permits the holder to drive an automatic transmission vehicle only, unless the applicant can provide proof of having passed a test in a manual transmission vehicle. This condition is stated in each agreement.
A person who cannot provide proof of having passed a driving test in a manual vehicle may add a manual qualification to their exchanged licence by sitting a manual driving test. The driver can make an appointment to attend an National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) office with the exchanged licence and apply for a learner permit. They do not, in this instance, need to do a theory test or driving lessons, or wait six months to do the driving test.
An Irish driving licence maybe renewed up to ten years after the date of expiry. If the licence is not renewed in that period, the holder is no longer qualified to hold an Irish licence and must complete the driving licence process and pass a driving test.
All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the NDLS, the provision of which is delegated to the RSA under the relevant legislation. My department does not have access to individual applications.
Heritage Sites
Questions (20)
Michael McNamara
Question:20. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when his Department will issue a decision regarding the funding request received for the proposed takeover by Clare County Council of the Clare assets of Shannon Heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46084/22]
View answerWritten answers
In Summer 2020 the Shannon Airport Group informed my Department that it was necessary to consider a comprehensive and radical adjustment to its structure in order to secure the long-term viability of the Shannon Heritage business and its employees. Government noted, inter alia, the intention of the Group to explore the potential to transfer the business of key heritage sites, where appropriate, to the relevant local authority, which was considered the most achievable option to secure the future of the heritage assets and employees.
The Shannon Airport Group has had extensive engagement with the relevant local authorities since early last year. Shannon Heritage ended their management contracts with An Post and Fingal County Council for sites in Dublin on 31 December 2021 and the transfer of the business and employees took place without issue. King John’s Castle was successfully transferred to Limerick City and County Council on 4 April.
The Shannon Airport Group continues to engage with Clare County Council in relation to the proposed transfer of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle, and Cliffs of Moher Retail Outlet.
The Department is engaging regularly with both parties with a view to progressing the transfer preparations. As part of its engagement with the Shannon Airport Group, Clare County Council identified a funding gap for which it sought government assistance to enable it to take over the sites. In response to this, in May of this year, my Department established an inter-departmental working group to consider the funding options. The group included the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the OPW, and the Department of Tourism Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.
To date, the working group has met three times, and identified a number of ways to support a transfer. My Department has also met with Clare County Council and the Shannon Airport Group and has asked both to continue their engagement and consider the package of measures identified by the inter-departmental working group, with a view to reaching agreement on a transfer.
Once the remaining issues around the transfer are resolved, the Shannon Airport Group will be in a position to seek the formal consent of the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to execute the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and the relevant heritage sites and this will be done with the agreement of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
I would like to assure Deputies that Government recognises the importance of these heritage sites to the mid-west region, and that this Government will continue to support the Shannon Airport Group to ensure that the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and heritage sites will proceed as planned with a view to ensuring the long-term viability and success of the business.
State Bodies
Questions (21)
Catherine Murphy
Question:21. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to dissolve the marine casualty investigation board; the timeline for doing so; and the reasoning behind this decision. [46085/22]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to future structures for marine accident investigation, Cabinet approval has been given to the preparation of draft heads of a General Scheme to provide for a new marine accident investigation unit based on the establishment of a full-time investigative resource. Work on the General Scheme is at an advanced stage in my Department. Subject to Government approval, the General Scheme will be considered by the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications for pre-legislative scrutiny as part of the legislative process.
The progress of the proposed legislation will determine the timeline regarding dissolving the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) who are continuing their valuable work in the area in the interim. As outlined in the EU Directive regarding the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector, Member States must ensure that safety investigations are conducted under the responsibility of an impartial, permanent investigative body. The new marine accident investigation unit will replace the MCIB as the designated impartial, permanent marine accident investigative body in due course. The legislative proposals will contain suitable provisions to enable a smooth transition between the two bodies.
State Bodies
Questions (22)
Catherine Murphy
Question:22. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the proposed new marine accident investigation unit will operate within his Department; the proposed involvement of his Department in the marine accident investigation unit; and the way in which the requirements under European Union law for an independent marine accident investigator will be met. [46086/22]
View answerWritten answers
Cabinet approval has been given to the preparation of draft heads of a General Scheme to provide for a new marine accident investigation structure based on the establishment of a full-time unit. Work on the General Scheme is at an advanced stage in my Department.
The proposals for the new Marine Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU) are being developed based along the lines of the existing Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) and Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) in my Department. Both the AAIU and RAIU are independent bodies established within the Department. As outlined in the EU Directive regarding the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector, the investigative body must be independent in its organisation, legal structure and decision-making of any party whose interests could conflict with the task entrusted to it. Following preliminary advice from the Office of the Attorney General, the General Scheme will include a number of provisions establishing that the MAIU will meet these requirements. Further provisions may be incorporated to ensure this is the case as the legislation is developed.
My Department is also engaging with the EU Commission outlining our approach in establishing the new marine accident investigation unit within the Department and will take their views on board as the proposals evolve.
Departmental Reports
Questions (23)
Catherine Murphy
Question:23. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the Clinch Report has not been published by his Department in view of the fact that it was received in July 2021 and given that he had committed to its publication by the end of the first quarter of 2022; if he will make arrangements to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46087/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Clinchmaritime Report relates to the optimal structure for marine accident investigation in Ireland. It is still the subject of an engagement with the Office of the Attorney General on certain aspects therein. Advice has now been received from the Office and is currently being considered.
Once this engagement has concluded, a decision will be made regarding publication.
Bus Services
Questions (24)
Josepha Madigan
Question:24. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will liaise with the National Transport Authority and an organisation (details supplied) to ensure that the recent decision to reduce the timetable of the 175 bus on weekday mornings is reversed, and the normal timetable is restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46113/22]
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 independent Transport Regulator, 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 those services.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s specific question, in relation to the 175 bus route, to the NTA 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
Driver Test
Questions (25)
Denise Mitchell
Question:25. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the current average waiting time for practical driving tests, broken down by centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46118/22]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Information on driving test waiting times is held by the RSA. I have therefore referred the 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 (26)
Denise Mitchell
Question:26. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the current average wait time for driver theory tests, broken down by centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46119/22]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the national driving theory test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred the 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
Rail Network
Questions (27)
Duncan Smith
Question:27. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the status of the extension of the DART line to north County Dublin stations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46106/22]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and implementation of the DART+ Programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed 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
Road Network
Questions (28)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:28. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46140/22]
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 operation, management and upgrading 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. 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
Disability Services
Questions (29)
Cormac Devlin
Question:29. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of plans to establish a dedicated transport service to support persons with a mobility disability, as he has previously mentioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46152/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
I am fully committed to strengthening our public transport offerings and progressively making them accessible for all, especially for Disabled People, Persons with Disabilities, Persons with Reduced Mobility and Older People.
However, I must emphasise to the Deputy that specialised non-public (closed) door-to-door services do not fall under my aegis. The type of dedicated transport service to support persons with a mobility disability, referred to by the Deputy, falls outside of the public transport remit of my Department and its agencies.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion, and Youth are currently overseeing a stocktaking exercise of such schemes, and would be best placed to give further details.
Driver Test
Questions (30)
Brendan Smith
Question:30. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver testers that have been let-go by the Road Safety Authority; if this is acceptable given the unacceptable delays in applicants having tests at centres such as Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46158/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the employer of driver testers . I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
Due to suspension of driver testing services in the first 2020 lockdown, along with health protocols since resumption and further curtailing of services during subsequent restrictions, a significant backlog developed.
Since public health restrictions have eased, considerable progress has been made in addressing these backlogs, with waiting times having reduced significantly.
Pre Covid, the target national average wait for a test was 10 weeks. On the eve of the pandemic, however, the actual waiting time was around six and a half weeks. This increased to 25 weeks during the pandemic. The pre-pandemic target of having a national average wait of ten weeks was once again achieved by the end of 2021. Projections made early last year had estimated it would be February 2022 before this point was reached.
The national average time to invite for a car test in Ireland currently is now around 14 weeks.
There has been an increase in application volumes and learners becoming eligible to take their test since the start of the year as the economy once again reopened post pandemic. Many learners who availed of increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test are now becoming eligible.
While there has been some growth in demand over the summer months and accompanying seasonal capacity constraints, the RSA are confident that current delays within the system will rectify before year end. In early 2022, the RSA conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver tester service. This recommended that the number of permanent driver testers employed by the RSA should be raised from 100 to 130. The Department considered the RSA’s request and gave its approval in June 2022. This recruitment process is now underway. The RSA hope to see new testers start work in late Autumn.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (31)
Pearse Doherty
Question:31. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) from County Donegal can expect a date for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46176/22]
View answerWritten answers
The scheduling of driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have no information on individual cases. 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