Michael Ring
Question:182. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of a report (details supplied). [50928/22]
View answerDepartmental Reports
Questions (182)
Written answers
The review of the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), carried out by Mr Conleth Bradley SC, under Section 18 of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010, has been completed and the associated report has been received in the Department. Following consideration with my officials, the report and the findings and recommendations made therein were communicated to the Chair of the Board on 26 September.
As a next step and prior to any wider publication, I have asked the Board to consider the report and prepare an implementation plan on its recommendations ahead of a meeting with officials from my Department later this month.
Energy Policy
Questions (183)
Brendan Griffin
Question:183. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the up-to-date position on the ban on smoky coal sales; the steps that retailers are expected to take with stock that remains unsold by the ban date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50977/22]
View answerWritten answers
The new solid fuel regulations will come into force on 31 October this year and will introduce minimum quality standards that will apply to all solid fuels distributed throughout the State. This will ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market and will assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives. New regulations on the use of solid fuels for domestic heating are necessary as each year some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland from illnesses which are caused or exacerbated by air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is further estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short-term and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution. I remain committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge.
In September 2021, I announced that the regulations would come into effect for the 2022/2023 heating season. I made the announcement at that time in order to allow retailers sufficient time to run down existing stocks and plan accordingly for the introduction of the new regulatory framework.
Over the past year, officials from my Department have been working with retailer representative bodies to support the transition to the new regulations and have been running an awareness campaign for the past number of months to inform retailers and producers of their responsibilities. More information for retailers can be found at www.gov.ie/cleanair/.
Enforcement actions will be a matter for Local Authorities and once the regulations are introduced. Initial enforcement efforts will focus on working with and helping retailers in understanding and complying with their obligations under the new framework.
Energy Policy
Questions (184)
Bernard Durkan
Question:184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if and when the appropriate warmer homes grant can be made available through Kildare County Council to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51055/22]
View answerWritten answers
The administration and management of applications under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function with regard to individual grant applications. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie
Public Transport
Questions (185)
Richard O'Donoghue
Question:185. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many students complete the Leaving Certificate aged 16-19 years and start college, and subsequently cannot obtain a Leap card (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50930/22]
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 regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The Young Adult Card (YAC) was initially introduced on PSO services in May. Following extensive engagement between my Department, the NTA, and representatives from the commercial bus sector the initiative was broadened to include participating Commercial Bus Operators (CBOs) on the 4th of September. As a result, holders of a YAC or Student Leap Card can now avail of the 50% fare discount on both PSO and CBO services.
In relation to the issue of eligibility requirements for the YAC, I am happy to clarify that the NTA are widening the age rules of the Scheme to allow 16, 17, and 18-year-old students in third level education to apply for the Student Leap Card so that they can also avail of the discount. This is in line with the approach that has been taken with mature students who are in full-time third level education.
I am pleased to advise that the NTA have already commenced the technical work on this matter, which is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks, at which point those third level students aged 16, 17, and 18 will be able to order a Student Leap Card and avail of the discount.
Public Transport
Questions (186)
Gary Gannon
Question:186. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport if he can confirm that hard copies of the Ballymun core bus corridor, CBC, consultation will be placed in Ballymun and Millmount libraries in order that residents without access to IT can review and engage with the consultation. [51087/22]
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 BusConnects Dublin.
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
Aviation Industry
Questions (187)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:187. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the number of ghost flights operated without or with few passengers; if he will provide the details of same in each of the years 2019, 2020 and 2021; his plans to address this environmentally damaging practice by airlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50727/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of reports of so-called "ghost" flights being flown by airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily to retain use of slots at congested European airports.
Slots at congested European airports are governed by European regulations. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU adopted alleviation measures to address the impact that travel and public health related restrictions had on the ability of airlines to retain use of slots at congested EU airports as permission to use such slots is largely based on historic use; the so-called “use it or lose it” rule.
The purpose of the alleviation measures was to reduce the commercial risk to airlines from non-utilisation of airport slots where traffic had fallen away. The alleviation measures applied have been gradually reduced as travel restrictions have been lifted and European aviation recovers from the impact of the pandemic. However, to address any continuing uncertainty due to COVID-19 and the situation in Ukraine, additional alleviation measures for the upcoming winter scheduling period and a period beyond is currently being considered at EU level.
My officials are liaising with our State and regional airports to collate information on any scheduled passenger air services that operated at less than 10% passenger capacity for the years requested and will provide this information to the Deputy when it becomes available.
Any airline operating "ghost" flights solely to retain control/use of certain airport slots is, of course, a cause for concern particularly from an environmental perspective. However, it should be borne in mind that flights may have operated with lower passenger numbers in order to ensure the continued flow of air cargo during the pandemic, or to ensure that aircraft remained operationally ready. Situations such as these should be considered when interpreting any data that becomes available.
Judicial Reviews
Questions (188)
Catherine Murphy
Question:188. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of judicial reviews taken against his Department in the past ten years to date in 2022, in tabular form; if he will indicate in the reply the body and or person that initiated judicial review proceedings; the number of judicial reviews that remain open and or active; and the totality of costs incurred by his Department as a result of judicial reviews over that time period. [50766/22]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.
Bus Services
Questions (189)
Neale Richmond
Question:189. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Go-Ahead Ireland regarding its consistently late buses and buses not turning up, especially on the 17 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50787/22]
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.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
It is the case that operators in the public transport sector are experiencing difficulties with staffing both as a result of COVID-19 related absences and also difficulties in recruiting new drivers; however, it is also the case that Go-Ahead Ireland is experiencing higher than normal levels of Covid-related staff absences at present resulting in a knock-on effect on service delivery with some services, including the 17 route, not operating as scheduled.
As part of the NTA’s performance monitoring system poor reliability and punctuality performance does result in financial penalties. I am informed that these matters will be discussed between the NTA and Go-Ahead Ireland at their forthcoming quarterly review meeting.
The NTA also formally meets Go-Ahead Ireland on a weekly basis to review performance, associated customer feedback and driver recovery plans and will continue to monitor and engage closely with the operator in an effort to improve the situation.
Operators are forecasting improvements in reliability in the coming months, dependent on successful recruitment and retention of critical staff, in particular drivers, and it is hoped that this will help to resolve to current reliability issues being experienced.
Bus Services
Questions (190)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:190. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider providing additional buses on the 424 route into Galway city in the morning in order to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50791/22]
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 No 424 bus route into Galway City, 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
Greenways Provision
Questions (191)
Emer Higgins
Question:191. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a progress update on the delivery of the Hazelhatch greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50797/22]
View answerWritten answers
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
Greenways Provision
Questions (192)
Emer Higgins
Question:192. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport his views on the feasibility of delivering the impending Hazelhatch greenway in tandem with the works needed to widen the road at the canal bridge in order to deliver the full W6 bus route service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50798/22]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that Hazelhatch Bridge is classified as a protected structure in South Dublin County Council’s register and thus any material change to the bridge itself would be very difficult to obtain. The Greenway works are ongoing and it is not considered appropriate to delay these as the road-widening solution has yet to be agreed.
I understand that Route W6 is planned to start during the first half of 2023. Initially this route will operate in two sections. As the Deputy is aware, there is an issue with the width of the road south of the canal at Hazelhatch Bridge that makes it difficult for one bus to successfully pass another. I understand that the NTA are currently working on an engineering solution to resolve this, however as it is desirable to deliver a number of the benefits of the service as soon as possible it is likely that the route will be operated as two separate routes in the short term with the W61 operating from Maynooth (Moyglare) to Hazelhatch Station and the W62 operating from Newcastle to Tallaght.
I further understand that the benefits of the full route will be delivered as soon as an engineering solution is developed, agreed between the NTA and South Dublin County Council and implemented. Meanwhile the temporary W61 and W62 services will enable the NTA to provide a service to the Moyglare area in Maynooth, strengthen links to rail and Luas at Hazelhatch, Saggart and City West, and deliver a bus link between Newcastle and Tallaght. It is anticipated that the temporary services will need to be in place for 12-18 months and the NTA will be working to minimise this time period.
Road Projects
Questions (193)
Steven Matthews
Question:193. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he will take to ensure that local authorities are adequately funding to address new noise mitigation requirements associated with road noise; if an action plan that identifies key locations that need to be addressed is already available at council level; if funding will be forthcoming to support same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50807/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction, including noise mitigation measures, for individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise was transposed into Irish law by the Environmental Noise Regulations, 2006. This legislation requires TII and local authorities to undertake strategic noise mapping every five years for all major roads carrying in excess of 8,250 annual average daily traffic (AADT). Noise maps identify and prioritise cluster areas which will require further assessment and may require mitigation measures to be put in place. Once strategic noise maps have been produced, the results are used for each local authority to develop Noise Action Plans as required by the Environmental Noise Regulations.Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a more detailed and direct reply on this matter. 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 Services
Questions (194)
Neale Richmond
Question:194. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 114 bus route operated by a company (details supplied) is often very late or does not show up leading to jobs being put at risk due to the lateness of commuters; if he will engage with Dublin Bus in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50814/22]
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.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
It is the case that operators in the public transport sector are experiencing difficulties with staffing both as a result of COVID-19 related absences and also difficulties in recruiting new drivers; however, it is also the case that Go-Ahead Ireland is experiencing higher than normal levels of Covid-related staff absences at present resulting in a knock-on effect on service delivery with some services, including the 114 route, not operating as scheduled.
As part of the NTA’s performance monitoring system poor reliability and punctuality performance does result in financial penalties. I am informed that these matters will be discussed between the NTA and Go-Ahead Ireland at their forthcoming quarterly review meeting.
The NTA also formally meets Go-Ahead Ireland on a weekly basis to review performance, associated customer feedback and driver recovery plans and will continue to monitor and engage closely with the operator in an effort to improve the situation.
Operators are forecasting improvements in reliability in the coming months, dependent on successful recruitment and retention of critical staff, in particular drivers, and it is hoped that this will help to resolve to current reliability issues being experienced.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (195)
Niall Collins
Question:195. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport his views on a transport issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50848/22]
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.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) also has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. However, Commercial bus operators, such as Bus Éireann Expressway are responsible for their own timetables and setting their own fares.
The Young Adult Card (YAC) was initially introduced on PSO services in May. Following extensive engagement between my Department, the NTA, and representatives from the commercial bus sector the initiative was broadened to include participating Commercial Bus Operators (CBOs) on the 4th of September. As a result, holders of a YAC or Student Leap Card can now avail of the 50% fare discount on both PSO and CBO services.
In relation to the issue of eligibility requirements for the YAC, I am happy to clarify that the NTA are widening the age rules of the Scheme to allow 16, 17, and 18-year-old students in third level education to apply for the Student Leap Card so that they can also avail of the discount. This is in line with the approach that has been taken with mature students who are in full-time third level education.
I am pleased to advise that the NTA have already commenced the technical work on this matter, which is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks, at which point those third level students aged 16, 17, and 18 will be able to order a Student Leap Card and avail of the discount.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in these matters, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the Authority for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (196)
Brendan Griffin
Question:196. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50850/22]
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.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) also has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. However, Commercial bus operators, such as Bus Éireann Expressway are responsible for their own timetables and setting their own fares.
The Young Adult Card (YAC) was initially introduced on PSO services in May. Following extensive engagement between my Department, the NTA, and representatives from the commercial bus sector the initiative was broadened to include participating Commercial Bus Operators (CBOs) on the 4th of September. As a result, holders of a YAC or Student Leap Card can now avail of the 50% fare discount on both PSO and CBO services.
In relation to the issue of eligibility requirements for the YAC, I am happy to clarify that the NTA are widening the age rules of the Scheme to allow 16, 17, and 18-year-old students in third level education to apply for the Student Leap Card so that they can also avail of the discount. This is in line with the approach that has been taken with mature students who are in full-time third level education.
I am pleased to advise that the NTA have already commenced the technical work on this matter, which is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks, at which point those third level students aged 16, 17, and 18 will be able to order a Student Leap Card and avail of the discount.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in these matters, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the Authority for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Bus Services
Questions (197)
Paul Kehoe
Question:197. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the options that are available to third-level students from County Wexford who have no direct bus route from Wexford to the third-level institutions in Limerick given that the private bus operator that was offering the service has cancelled it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50955/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, while the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. Any decision taken by a private bus operator to withdraw its services is a commercial decisions for the company.
The NTA, has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally by way of public transport services contracts, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators. When there is a withdrawal of services by an operator, the NTA undertakes an assessment as to whether the withdrawal will give rise to any loss of connectivity.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s question 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