Alan Kelly
Question:187. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied). [54487/22]
View answerPublic Transport
Questions (187)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters of public transport operators, including those related to the operation of commercial bus services, their fare structures, or the acceptance of free travel passes. Further, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has no direct involvement with the free travel scheme on commercial services either.
While all public service obligation (PSO) transport services, including rural Local Link services, provide free travel to eligible pass holders, my understanding is that only some commercial operators provide the service.
Those private bus companies that have chosen to opt into the Free Travel Scheme are reimbursed for carrying non-fare paying passengers at a discount to reflect the 'fares foregone' nature of the scheme.
In view of the above, the issue raised by the Deputy would be a matter for the company concerned.
Driver Test
Questions (188)
James Lawless
Question:188. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54525/22]
View answerWritten answers
Given that the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test, the Deputy's question has been referred to the Authority for direct reply.
If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (189)
Kathleen Funchion
Question:189. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the Road Safety Authority to issue an appointment for a person (details supplied). [54545/22]
View answerWritten answers
Given that the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test, the Deputy's question has been referred to the Authority for direct reply.
If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (190)
Kathleen Funchion
Question:190. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving tests currently booked in County Carlow with the Road Safety Authority; the number that have been delayed for a period of one, two and six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54546/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test and the information requested is held by them.
This question has therefore been referred to the Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (191)
Seán Sherlock
Question:191. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of applicants awaiting a driving test by county and age in tabular form; and the length of time that they are waiting. [54551/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test and the information requested is held by them.
This question has therefore been referred to the Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Questions (192)
Richard Bruton
Question:192. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on planned upgrade works to the N4 between Mullingar and Longford. [54596/22]
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 plans for the N4 between Mullingar and Longford.
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
Departmental Data
Questions (193)
Catherine Murphy
Question:193. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 25 October 2022, the number of disqualification court orders received from the Courts Service in each year from 2017, whereby the RSA could not match a disqualification against drivers who have an Irish driving licence or learner permit; the number of disqualified drivers with Irish driving licences recorded on the 'Shell record' file created by the NVDF each year; the number of Irish learner permit holders recorded on the 'Shell record' file each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54657/22]
View answerWritten answers
As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 25 October 2022, "shell" records are created only in situations where an Irish Driving Licence or Learner Permit could not be matched to an individual. A shell record is required, for example, to record a disqualification where the driver has a foreign driving licence or never held a Irish driving licence.
As such, the number of Irish Driving Licence holders or Learner Permit holders on the shell record file is zero. The number of shell records is as provided in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 25 October 2022.
Public Transport
Questions (194)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:194. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to introduce tap-and-go Leap card machines at all train stations across the State, to ensure that passengers can move quickly on and off trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54670/22]
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 ticketing infrastructure.
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
Fuel Prices
Questions (195)
Michael Lowry
Question:195. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently seek approval to reintroduce the fuel cost subsidy or to reform the diesel rebate scheme; the additional measures that will be implemented to support persons and operations of the freight industry (details supplied); the measures that are being taken to alleviate the current fuel price crisis for the freight industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54727/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Ukraine crisis and matters arising from it continue to adversely affect European and Global oil markets, causing a sustained increase in the price of crude and in the price of refined products on the retail market.
The Government recognises the important role the haulage sector plays in supporting the economy and is fully aware of cost pressures on haulage businesses arising from high fuel prices, in particular since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine.
Since March 2022, the Government has put in place several measures to help ease these cost pressures:
- On 10 March 2022, to alleviate the impact of rising fuel prices, the Government introduced VAT inclusive excise duty reductions of 15 cent per litre of diesel and 20 cent per litre on petrol. A further reduction of 1 cent per litre (VAT inclusive) applied from 1 April 2022 to offset the impact of anticipated increased prices as a result of the increase in the Biofuel Obligation Scheme administered by Minister for Transport and Environment, Climate and Communications. These reductions were due to expire on 12 October 2022 but in recognition of continuing elevated costs these measures were extended out in Budget 2023 to 28 February 2023.
- On 15 March 2022, the Government introduced the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme. The Scheme was administered by the Department of Transport and provided a temporary financial support of €100 per week, for eight weeks, for each eligible heavy goods vehicle authorised on the licence of a road haulage operator as of 11 March 2022. There was good uptake of the scheme, with over €15.6 million paid out to c. 3,080 operators (approx. 80% of licensed operators.).
- The Revenue Diesel Rebate Scheme (‘DRS’) has been in place since 2013 and remains available to licensed haulage operators in respect of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. At diesel prices over €1.43 (including VAT), the maximum rebate of 7.5 cent per litre is provided.
- The rising cost of fuel has been further recognised by the Government through the reduction of the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) Levy to €0.001. The reduction of the NORA levy, which had been collected at a rate of 2 cent per litre, will help offset the carbon tax increase of just over 2 cent which took effect on 12 October.
- In relation to the Deputy's query on reforming the DRS, this is a matter for the Department of Finance and Revenue Commissioners as the competent authorities for the policy and administration of the DRS respectively. I am aware that the sector has generally raised some concerns and suggestions in relation to the DRS. These have been communicated to the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners. Finally on the DRS, it has always been the case that some operators that are eligible for the DRS do not take it up. I would strongly encourage all such operators to make the most of the supports that are available.
It should be noted that the causes of the current fuel price pressures are not within the control of Government and are being directly influenced by external factors, including the Ukraine crisis. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to fully insulate citizens and businesses from the impact of these fuel price increases.
With the benefit of the Excise reduction, the 8 weeks support under the Licensed Haulage Support Scheme and the ongoing Diesel Rebate relief and NORA levy reduction, haulage businesses have had the opportunity to revise and renegotiate contracts with their clients in order to reflect increased prices, as is an unfortunate reality in all sectors across the economy. It is important that all businesses, large and small, across the economy share the pain of these cost increases - where it is possible to review contractual arrangements to provide for such sharing in these difficult times, I would encourage all businesses to adopt a fair and reasonable approach.
My Department, Minister Ryan and I will continue to monitor the evolution of fuel prices in the period ahead and we will remain engaged on an ongoing basis with the sectoral representative bodies.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (196, 234, 235)
Michael Lowry
Question:196. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to remove the barriers to having a fast electric vehicle charging point made available in Thurles, County Tipperary, given the Government's commitment to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54775/22]
View answer
Duncan Smith
Question:234. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on the roll-out of fast charging points for electric vehicles; the plans that his Department has to increase the number of points over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55455/22]
View answer
Verona Murphy
Question:235. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric charging points that are now operational in public areas in County Wexford, broken down by fast charges and ordinary charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55460/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196, 234 and 235 together.
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. As the Deputies are aware, 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 195,000 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 that will be published later this year, alongside an Implementation Plan.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.
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 grants and initiatives have been launched and further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
Public EV charge points are provided in Ireland by a number of charge point operators on a commercial basis. ZEVI is engaging with these charge point operators as key stakeholders in the delivery and roll-out of fast charging points across the country.
€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022.
In terms of progress ESB eCars have:
- One hub of 4 High-Powered Chargers with 8 charging bays constructed, with 2 in progress. There is an overall target of 6 sites
- One hub consisting of 2 High-Powered Chargers with 4 charging bays completed with a further 10 currently in design/construction.
- 17 hubs of 1 High-Powered Charger and 1 Fast Charger with 3 charging bays completed with a further 13 currently in design/construction
- Completed the upgrade of 40 Standard 22kW chargers to DC Fast 50kW chargers
- Completed the replacement of 250 Standard 22kW AC chargers.
Further details on the progression of this project can be found at esb.ie/what-we-do/ecars/our-network
In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme, which is administered by the SEAI, continues to be available and provides 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. It should be noted that this scheme facilitates the installation of standard charge points.
ZEVI has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland. A new scheme for neighbourhood charging is in development expected to launch in 2023.
In addition, ZEVI is also currently working in partnership with a number of Local Authorities on pilot programmes for EV charging this year. Tipperary Council is welcome to contact the ZEVI team if it would like to put forward a pilot EV charging project for inclusion in ZEVI’s pilot programme.
My Department is also developing a new scheme which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as visitor centres and parks. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
Bus Services
Questions (197)
Patrick Costello
Question:197. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will install a bus gate at Mount Brown as a trial measure under section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 to improve the new G-spine service; and if he will detail any other measures being taken to improve the reliability of the service more generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54789/22]
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 Dublin and its resulting new services.
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
Driver Test
Questions (198)
Brendan Smith
Question:198. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when additional resources will be provided for a centre (details supplied) given that there are unacceptable delays in appointments, which have been ongoing for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54821/22]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of 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
Road Network
Questions (199)
Marian Harkin
Question:199. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport when the preferred option will be selected for approval on the section of road on the N17 between Castleoye and Temple House Crossroads, County Sligo; when the junctions on this section of road will be improved and made safer for local residents as was promised in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54834/22]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the N17.
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
Work Permits
Questions (200)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:200. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 27 October 2022, if his Department is liaising with the public employment service of the Department of Social Protection in relation to consideration being given for the role of bus driving to be added to the critical skills list (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54835/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware that all bus operators are having major difficulties in recruiting sufficient drivers at present and that this is impacting both the operation of the existing bus routes and the introduction of new routes.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is working with operators to try and mitigate the impacts through:
- Driver recruitment campaigns;
- engagement with the RSA regarding the testing and licence process for new bus drivers; and
- by working with the operator to minimise service cancellations, ensure first- and last- service buses operate and on low-frequency routes to avoid, where possible, the cancellation of consecutive low frequency services.
In addition, my Department are currently engaging with the Department of Enterprise in relation to work permits for bus drivers from non-EU and non-EEA Countries.
Ukraine War
Questions (201, 202)
Michael McNamara
Question:201. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the number of certificates of professional competence that have issued to Ukrainian lorry drivers now based in Ireland to enable them to earn a living here as lorry drivers since 24 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54902/22]
View answerMichael McNamara
Question:202. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the number of certificate of professional competence courses for Ukrainian lorry drivers, an essential prerequisite to enable them to obtain a CPC to earn a living here as lorry drivers, since 24 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54903/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.
Under European Union Regulation (EU) 2022/1280, which came into force on 27 July, Ukrainians residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive may drive here on their national driving licences. All categories on the holder's Ukrainian licence are recognised. The Regulation applies to driver documents held by Ukrainians admitted to the EU under the Temporary Protection Directive and for the period of temporary protection only.
A person with C or D categories on their licence (trucks and buses) must have a driver certificate of professional competence (CPC) to drive a truck or bus professionally in Ireland. The EU Regulation allows for recognition of Ukrainian CPCs, subject to the holder undergoing additional compulsory training. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is developing this programme of additional compulsory training, which will comprise 35 hours of training, 8 hours of supervised driving and a driver theory test.
Legislative and system changes are being made and the RSA and my department are working to have these processes in place as soon as possible. The RSA website will be updated with details of the training required once arrangements are finalised.
Prior to Regulation 2022/1280, Ukrainians admitted here under temporary protection could exchange their Ukrainian driving licences for an Irish licence (car only) for a period of 12 months. This exchange was provided between 22 April and 27 July 2022, under the Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences) (Ukraine) Order 2022. Truck and bus (category C and D) licences were not exchangeable. A Ukrainian who obtained an Irish car licence under this Order could get a category C or D licence in the usual manner, by applying for a C or D learner permit, taking driving lessons and passing a driving test. To drive professionally, they would then need to complete the certificate of professional competence (CPC) initial training course to obtain a driver qualification card.
In line with Regulation 22/1280, CPC qualification cards will be issued to Ukrainian driving licence holders who successfully complete the additional compulsory training once the training programme is in place. The RSA may be able to supply the Deputy with the number of qualification cards issued since 24 February to Ukrainian holders of Irish driving licences who are resident in Ireland, if such a distinction is available. I am therefore referring this part of the Question to the RSA for reply and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 202 answered with Question No. 201.
Driver Licences
Questions (203)
Michael McNamara
Question:203. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when certificate of professional competence courses for lorry drivers will be carried out online; the reason they are not carried out online to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54904/22]
View answerWritten answers
There is no online driver CPC training in place at the current time. EU Directive 2003/59/EC, which introduced driver CPC, was updated in 2018 (EU Directive 645 of 2018) and the amended directive allows for part of the driver CPC training to be completed online. However, most of the training is required to be completed in a classroom-based environment.
The Road Safety Authority has begun reviewing options for online training and a consultation process with stakeholders has commenced.
Driver Licences
Questions (204)
Michael McNamara
Question:204. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the number of requests for online CPC courses received; the number of objections to attending an in-person CPC course during the initial "lockdown" and periods in which level-five restrictions were in place in 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54905/22]
View answerWritten answers
My department has received 13 representations requesting the provision of online Certificate of Professional Competency (CPC) courses from 2020 to date. The number of representations stating objections to attending an in-person CPC course were four in 2020 and six in 2021. There has been none received in 2022 to date.
Some representations covered both issues.
Taxi Licences
Questions (205)
Neale Richmond
Question:205. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered allowing the transferring of taxi licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54921/22]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry including licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016.
The Deputy may be aware that the transfer of licences for SPSVs is, at present, prohibited under section 14(1) of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013. All SPSV vehicle licences are unique to the person to whom the licence has been issued and cannot be transferred or sold to another person. In the case of the death of a licence holder, however, Section 15 of the same Act applies special provisions. In such circumstances, a SPSV licence may continue to be operated by a person who was nominated by the licence holder in advance of his or her death.
The current licensing regime is built on the principle that a licence should have no monetary value or be traded on the open market and should simply indicate a person’s suitability to carry out the role of taxi operator, as decided by Revenue, An Garda Síochána and the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In line with its functions under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013, the NTA has requested the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles to conduct a review of the issue of licence transferability. The Committee had been preparing advice on transferability for both single licence holders and corporate taxi businesses prior to Covid, when all such matters were shelved to deal with the urgent supports within its remit. It is expected that the Committee will submit a report and recommendations on this issue to the NTA shortly.