Written Answers Nos. 225-243
225. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on progress made in relation to the transfer of Shannon Heritage sites from the Shannon Airport group to the responsibility of Clare County Council; when he expects this transfer to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55288/22]
View answerThe Shannon Airport Group informed the Department in Summer 2020 that it was necessary to consider a comprehensive and radical adjustment to its structure to secure the long-term future 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. I would like to acknowledge the extensive preparation and cooperation between the Shannon Airport Group and Fingal County Council, Limerick County Council and An Post for the smooth transfer of these sites.
I can advise the Deputy that 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 key stakeholders 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, my Department established an inter-departmental working group to consider how the transfer could be supported across Government, as the Department of Transport itself has no mechanism to fund financial support to Shannon Heritage or the local authorities.
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 four times, most recently on 13 October, and has identified a number of ways the transfer could be supported. 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 as soon as possible.
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 can assure the Deputy 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.
226. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the progress made in relation to a review of national aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55289/22]
View answerWork on reviewing our national aviation policy has not progressed to the extent I would have wished as the focus in my Department over the last couple of years was necessarily diverted to dealing with the unprecedented impact that the COVID pandemic has had on the aviation sector worldwide and aiding the recovery of the sector in Ireland.
It is intended to recommence this work before the end of the year. Recognising the interests expressed by various parties who would like to see a revised policy delivered quickly, my officials are examining possible options to bring this work forward in the near term.
In exploring such options due consideration is being given to the existing National Aviation Policy, in particular in areas where it is evident the policy continues to deliver its objectives. The National Aviation Policy published in 2015, as medium to long-term policy, was designed to create an environment that would encourage the industry to increase connectivity to and from Ireland for the benefit of the travelling public, Irish tourism and business. It is clear that this has been realised and as such the principal goals of the policy remain valid.
Additionally, options considered will need to have due regard to the changed environment the industry finds itself in, not least of all the sustainability and decarbonisation challenges that lies ahead.
As previously committed, we recognise that no process would be complete or robust without stakeholder consultation which provides invaluable input and experience for consideration.
In parallel with this, work in my department will also include a mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2022. While my Department is currently focused on assessing applications for the disbursement of €22m in operational grant aid under the Regional Airports Programme to eligible airports (Shannon, Cork, Knock, Kerry and Donegal) before the end of this year, I have asked my officials to commence the mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme once this funding has been disbursed.
227. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he is concerned in relation to the negative impact on the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy due to regular flooding on the Ennis/Limerick railway line at Ballycar; if his Department will provide the necessary funding to Irish Rail to enable it to carry-out the proposed works to address the flooding issue at Ballycar as set-out in a report submitted to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55290/22]
View answerThe Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) sets out a framework for investment in transport for the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years and includes proposals for the significant development of the cycle network and enhancement of bus services and infrastructure.
The report in question was conducted on foot of a request by the then Joint Oireachtas Committee for Rural and Community Development and prepared by consultants under the auspices of a multi-agency Steering Group comprised of Clare County Council, the Office of Public Works, Geological Survey of Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Iarnród Éireann. A copy of the report was subsequently shared with numerous stakeholders, including my Department.
The required flood mitigation works are a matter for the OPW in its flood risk management capacity. The rail infrastructure is being impacted by the flooding issue in the area, but Iarnród Éireann does not have the remit to undertake a drainage scheme. However there is potential for IÉ to make some financial contribution to the works.
Officials in my Department are now engaging with officials in the OPW to find out what actions have been taken on this project since January and what are planned.
My current position is that the works should be led by the OPW, with Iarnród Éireann potentially making a contribution.
228. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether in order to encourage the public to stop using their cars for environmental reasons, there must be a high quality public transport system in place; the measures being taken by his Department to improve public transport in an area (details supplied) currently; and the plans for the medium to long-term. [55295/22]
View answerAs 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 Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. The recently agreed Budget 2023 helps support this objective and is a further positive development for public transport passengers across the country.
We have extended the 20% fare reduction on PSO services so that everyone will benefit until the end of 2023; equally we’ve extended the 50% reduction available for young adults on both PSO and commercial bus services until the end of 2023 and we are supporting new and enhanced bus and rail services throughout 2023 as well. These are all part of a €563 million funding package to support PSO services and that package is hugely significant in the context of providing accessible and affordable transport options.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the improvement of the Dublin 15B Bus Route, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
229. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will condemn the action that has been taken for the preliminary stages of construction in relation to Ardee bog and the lack of environmental impact assessment of the proposed Ardee bypass that cuts through this bog; if he will ensure that an environmental impact assessment is carried out, halting any further work until it is complete and the findings are considered; and if he will consider Ardee bog as a natural heritage site. [55301/22]
View answerAs 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.
A judicial review has been taken against the decisions of An Bord Pleanála regarding Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening and the preparation of a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). As such, it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this time on planning matters relating to the Ardee bypass.
TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project more generally. 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.
230. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the Minister for Finance in relation to the VAT rate applied to bicycles in Ireland, with a view to lowering the current rate to make all types of bicycles more affordable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55343/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Finance has responsibility for all tax measures including the setting of VAT rates for goods, including bicycles and related equipment. My Department has successfully engaged with the Department of Finance in relation to certain measures to encourage an increase in bicycle use, including the increase of limits in the bike-to-work scheme for e-bikes and, more recently, cargo bikes.
During budgetary negotiations, Departments including the Department of Transport and the Department of Finance discuss various initiatives and interventions to assess their potential impact and value-for-money. The VAT rate for bicycles was one of those raised by the Department of Transport this year, however no final decision was made in relation to this proposal.
My Department is continuously exploring ways to encourage the uptake of cycling as a mode of transport, and will continue to undertake research into the best possible interventions which could be introduced to encourage modal shift away from private cars towards active travel modes such as walking and cycling.
231. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport when he last met the CEO of Iarnród Éireann; the topics discussed; and when the next meeting is scheduled. [55365/22]
View answerI last met with the Chairperson and CEO of Iarnród Éireann at Heuston Station on the 14th October 2022 and received an update from them on a range of issues, including the new National Train Control Centre at Heuston Station. I also met with the CEO on the 7th February this year.
I meet with the Chairpersons and CEO's of CIÉ and its subsidiaries on a regular basis, or as the need arises. In addition to these meetings, my Department has regular engagement with the company at all levels, including at CEO level, in relation to issues including governance, financial, investment, safety and service related issues, and I am of course briefed by my Department on any relevant issues which arise during the course of such normal administrative and corporate governance related contact between my Department and the companies in question.
232. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the rationale for the extension of a company (details supplied) contract, given its ongoing poor and unreliable service which has resulted in many workers being late for work and given written and verbal warning through no fault of their own, students being late for school and college, patients missing hospital appointments and many commuters left stranded on many routes across Fingal and the Greater Dublin Area, and in counties Wicklow, Louth and Kildare, impacting commuters’ confidence in public transport, especially at a time when national policy is to encourage the use of public transport and reduce car usage in line with Ireland’s climate obligations to reduce carbon emissions by 51% by 2030, and given the penalties incurred by the company to date in 2022 for non-operation of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55448/22]
View answerAs 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.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to Go-Ahead Ireland to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
233. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the failure to provide services on the new BusConnects 60 route in Ballyfermot; the measures that he intends to take to ensure that persons in this area of Ballyfermot have a functioning public transport system, given that the BusConnects programme removed the old 79 route for a planned hourly frequency of a new 60 route; if he will intervene directly with the National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus to ensure that a functioning and reliable service is provided, given the importance of encouraging persons to move to bus transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55450/22]
View answerAs 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.
236. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of officials in his Department who have undertaken the Harvard Business School advanced management programme in the past ten years to date; the grade of each official; and the cost for each attendee in tabular form. [55492/22]
View answerNo officials in this Department have undertaken the Harvard Business School advanced management programme in the past ten years.
237. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if Dublin Bus will provide an additional 41x bus journey departing Knocksedan going towards UCD Belfield at 08.00 am services and an additional 41x bus journey departing UCD Belfield going towards Knocksedan at 6.15 pm on Monday to Fridays. [55511/22]
View answerAs 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 specific question in relation to the 41x bus route, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
238. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of full-time staff by job title working in the marketing department of the Dublin Airport Authority as of 1 November 2022. [55512/22]
View answerThe daa has statutory responsibility to operate and manage Dublin Airport. As this is an operational matter for the daa, I have forwarded your question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my Private Office if a reply within ten working days is not received from the daa.
239. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which Iarnród Éireann will commence the replacement of the roof at Newbridge train station. [55513/22]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue of the replacement of a roof at Newbridge station is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
240. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the budget provided to the National Transport Authority in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55550/22]
View answerI refer to the Deputy's question in relation to details of the budget provided to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in each of the past five years.
I would like to direct the Deputy to the Agency Statements published in the Revised Estimates each year where the Deputy will be able to access this information.
www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/
241. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the number of whole-time equivalent positions in the National Transport Authority in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55551/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the Agencies under my remit.
Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the number of whole-time equivalent positions in the National Transport Authority (NTA) in each of the past five years to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
242. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated by the State on private security firms providing drug detection services for Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in each of the years 2019 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55555/22]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue of spending by operators on private security personnel is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath, and Bus Éireann respectively and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
243. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine and expedite an urgently-needed NCT appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55563/22]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply.
I am very aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. I have met with the RSA to convey the seriousness of this matter and my officials are meeting weekly with the RSA to monitor progress in reducing test delays, as well as supporting any appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.
I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992, or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie. In the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
