Written Answers Nos. 1-30
5. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if emergency funding for drainage works and the repair of roads networks will be provided to Tipperary County Council in response to severe flooding and unprecedented levels of rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56055/22]
View answerI know the Deputy raised his concerns about the impact of the recent severe weather in Tipperary on the road network in a recent Topical issue.
As regards the current position in relation to regional and local roads, Tipperary County Council made a submission to my Department on 25th October seeking grant assistance for the repair works needed as a consequence of the intense rainfall experienced over the weekend of the 15th October. Unfortunately, such severe weather is becoming an all too frequent event.
Following engagement with the relevant Department Engineering Inspector, a response to the Council’s submission issued last Friday. This response indicates that the costs involved in repairing regional and local roads as set out in the Council’s submission can be claimed under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme.
In this context, while it is established practice that local authorities are advised by the Department that they have the option of reprioritising their annual work programmes following severe weather events, it is appreciated that that is not always feasible depending on the time of year. In view of this the Department tries to work with local authorities to facilitate the management of repair works when an event happens close to the end of a Council’s annual work programme. This can include allowing urgent works to be carried out and funding recouped at year end, if possible, or as part of the next year’s general road maintenance and renewal programme.
In relation to national roads, I understand from Transport Infrastructure Ireland that the section of the M8 Motorway affected by the severe weather is maintained by TII’s Motorway and Maintenance contractors. TII has confirmed that it will engage directly with Tipperary County Council on issues arising from the October severe weather event.
14. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to increase passenger numbers on regional rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54972/22]
View answerThis Government is strongly committed to improving public transport services in regional and rural areas.
I have been informed by the NTA that passenger numbers have increased on all rail services, including regional, Intercity and commuter services. In fact, demand on Intercity and regional routes is particularly impressive at 90%+ of pre-pandemic levels and, I’m glad to say, increasing consistently. A noticeable development has been the increased number of people using rail services at weekends and evenings.
I think it clear that part of this increased demand is being driven by the fare initiatives introduced this year and for which I have secured funding in the Budget to continue until the end of next year too.
In the short term this increased demand will be supported through the addition of 41 new Intercity railcars which have started to arrive in the country already and will enter service in 2023.
In terms of the medium to long-term future of regional rail, the Strategic Rail Review is reviewing the rail network with regard to the following ambitions:
- improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for high-/higher speed),
- enhancing regional accessibility,
- supporting balanced regional development and
- rail connectivity to our international gateways, with the latter considering the role of rail freight.
The Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network including regional lines. Disused and closed lines will also be considered in this context.
I firmly believe that our regional rail network has a bright future and the steps this Government is taking to support rail will help realise that future.
15. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to reduce the waiting times at national car test, NCT, centres throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55762/22]
View answer19. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to reduce the current long wait times to secure NCT appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55797/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 19 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the delivery of the National Car Test Service (NCTS) and neither I nor my department have a direct role in operational matters.
However, I am closely monitoring the RSA's progress in reducing waiting times at test centres and will continue to support the RSA with any appropriate requests for assistance. My officials are also meeting with the RSA on a weekly basis.
Progress is being made in addressing the long-term staffing resource issues behind this backlog. The Deputies will be aware that 22 staff from the NCTS's counterpart in Spain have recently been temporarily assigned to Northpoint test centre, which is one of the test centres most affected by delays.
In light of the labour shortages in this sector across the EU, my department has worked with Minister English's department to amend the Employment Permits Regulations and allow up to 100 qualified non-EU personnel to be recruited as needed. 44 new testers are expected to be in place before the end of the year and will be assigned to those centres with the longest delays.
These measures are in addition to the 53 new staff employed by the NCTS earlier in the year, a significant increase in staff overtime, allowing 8 tests per tester per day instead of 7, and the forthcoming pilot for additional inspection personnel to assist vehicle inspectors with automated elements of the test.
In the meantime, I would strongly encourage motorists to leave plenty of time to book their tests, which can be taken up to 90 days before the expiry of their certificate without affecting its period of validity. A priority waiting list allows motorists to avail of test cancellations and this is the best way to secure an appointment for those in urgent need.
16. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the proposals he is working on to assist the Irish haulage industry to reduce its costs as fuel prices continue to soar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55396/22]
View answerThe 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.
Since March 2022, the Government has put in place several measures to help ease these cost pressures including a VAT inclusive excise duty reduction of 15 cent per litre of diesel and 20 cent per litre on petrol with a further reduction of 1 cent per litre applied from 1 April. These reductions were due to expire on 12 October 2022 but were extended in Budget 2023 to 28 February 2023.
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 in order to offset the impact of a planned Carbon Tax increase and the Revenue Diesel Rebate Scheme (‘DRS’) also remains available to licensed haulage operators in respect of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes.
In addition, on 15 March 2022, the Government introduced the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme. There was good uptake of the scheme, with over €15.6 million paid out to 3,080 operators (approx. 80% of licensed operators).
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 and I would encourage all businesses to adopt a fair and reasonable approach to the sharing of increased costs at this time.
We will continue to monitor the evolution of fuel prices in the period ahead and we remain engaged on an ongoing basis with the sectoral representative bodies.
17. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he has examined a recent report (details supplied) on transport by the Climate Change Advisory Council and the OECD; his views on whether it confirms the failure of a policy based on private car usage in the State; if he will re-examine the current policy of trying to replace petrol and diesel cars with 1 million electric vehicles, EVs, given this still leaves a transport system that is dependent on the private car being intact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55706/22]
View answerI wish to start by noting that the OECD report referenced by the Deputy builds on a previous 2021 study by the OECD Environment team on 'Transport Strategies for Net-Zero Design', which had a wider international perspective. So it is important to be clear that over-congestion and high levels of car dependency are not problems that are unique to Ireland. These are challenges that face every city and country.
What I believe the OECD report does highlight, is that, in order to meet our legally binding emissions targets for 2030, a rapid electrification of our existing vehicle fleet is not only necessary and essential, but that alone it is also insufficient. The move to a zero emissions fleet is just one part of a more fundamental and ongoing change that is required across the entire transport sector, and it is clear that we cannot expect to rely on technological solutions alone to solve our emissions problems.
Rather, we need to also reduce our high levels of overall car dependency, and our electrification strategy must be embedded in a wider framework that prioritises sustainable accessibility over car use. The additional well-being lens and systems innovation approach, which the OECD team brought to their review of the Irish transport system, highlights that to deliver real, transformative change - at the level that both meets our emissions target and is consistent with improving public wellbeing - we will require greater levels of reductions in travel demand through better spatial and land-use planning, and a large-scale shift from the private car to more sustainable modes.
My Department's inputs to the forthcoming Climate Action Plan are strongly informed by these recommendations, and I believe they also strongly reflect the vision that Government has set out in our National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP), which will inform and guide the work of the SMP Leadership Group and 'Pathfinder Programme'.
Here, we have engaged with each local authority to identify innovative, transformative plans for public transport, walking and cycling in their areas – the projects that could make the greatest difference to people living in their areas - and which can be delivered by 2025. The acceleration of these schemes will demonstrate the real societal and wellbeing benefits that can be achieved through a shift more sustainable transport.
18. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport when it is expected that the young adult leap card will be extended to 16-, 17- and 18-year-olds in third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55589/22]
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 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 pleased to advise the Deputy that the NTA has informed me that the widening of the age of eligibility for Student Leap Cards to include third level students aged 16, 17 and 18 in the YAC scheme has already gone live with effect from Thursday 13th October.
20. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on expenditure on active travel by Cork County Council in 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55369/22]
View answerI was delighted to oversee a significant increase in spending on Active Travel infrastructure projects over the last number of years. In 2021, my Department provided €313 million to the National Transport Authority for allocation to local authorities around the country and the total allocation for 2022 is €289 million. When compared to 2019 funding allocations to Active Travel, which was approximately €40 million in total, these levels of investment demonstrate the Government's commitment to increasing the number of people choosing to walk, cycle or wheel.
Each local authority has, in turn, seen a large increase in funding allocation for Active Travel in recent years. In terms of actual spend, 2021 saw €11,162,595 spent by Cork County Council, and to date in 2022 the Council has spent €6,208,151. In line with the majority of other local authorities, the figure for 2022 is likely to increase significantly before the end of the year.
There was a slight underspend on Active Travel projects in 2021. Sanction was provided to local authorities in early 2021 to increase numbers on their Active Travel teams and their capacity to deliver projects; however slower than expected recruitment processes meant that many local authorities did not secure extra staff members until later in the year. In addition, COVID-19 restrictions in the construction industry early in 2021 caused some delay to certain projects. 2022 spending is currently as forecasted so the same level of underspend is not expected this year.
The funding spent in Cork County Council was allocated to a number of varied projects in the Active Travel space. Phase 2 of the Dunkettle to Carrigtwohill Cycle Route opened last month cost over €5 million; phase 3 is currently under construction. The active travel infrastructure forming part of the new road south of Carrigaline United AFC was funded through the NTA's Active Travel Programme. A construction contract was recently awarded for Midleton to Ballinacurra Phase 1 and construction will begin before the end of the year. The Safe Routes to School Programme is progressing, with the school zone at Bunscoil Rinn an Chablaigh due to be launched on 1st December. These are just some examples of the fantastic projects we are funding through the NTA and Cork County Council.
21. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure adequate resources are made available to the NTA to provide frequent, good-quality commuter services for approximately 100 km around Ireland's towns and cities with either a third level college or a major hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55045/22]
View answerI am very conscious of the need to connect our people and places across Ireland. It is important to provide access opportunities for all citizens to employment, education, healthcare or retail. This is especially true in rural and regional areas. Better connections to urban centres of scale can help to reverse the trend of stagnation in some rural areas and strengthen their role in the local economy.
To support this objective, in Budget 2022, I secured c. €538m of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Local Link services provided by State operators and under contract by the NTA this year. More recently, I secured €563m as part of the Budget 2023 negotiations for the continuation of these essential services.
One of the key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland is under my Department and the NTA's Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which aims to develop an integrated, accessible, and sustainable network of public transport offerings across Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including Local link services and delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
At the moment, routes identified through the Connecting Ireland consultation process are being prioritised to provide emergency public transport services to areas where the population and transport demand has increased due to the requirement to house Ukrainian refugees in rural locations. This is being achieved by accelerating network improvements, including additional stops, route modifications, and more services to increase connectivity.
22. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the level of engagement with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications on the roll-out of the EV commercial fleet trial; if he is satisfied with the uptake on this Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55798/22]
View answerThe Government of Ireland have set down ambitious targets to be achieved in the transport sector: a 51% reduction in emissions across the transport sector by 2030 and a target of almost a million electric vehicles (EVs) on Irish roads by 2030.
When combined with policies that support increased active and multi-modal travel, EVs represent a viable pathway for the decarbonisation of the transport sector.
I launched the EV Commercial Fleet Trial on 21 July 2022 to afford businesses the opportunity to test an EV free of charge for a minimum period of 3 months. This trial will allow businesses real world experience of having an EV on their fleet and showcase the benefits, savings and the suitability and viability of EVs in a commercial setting. I am pleased to say that there was a great amount of interest for this scheme with the pilot now at full capacity.
The trial will run in four blocks of 50 businesses. The first 50 businesses have had their premises surveyed for installation of charge points with installations for the first block scheduled to be complete by early December 2022. The first 10 participating vehicles should be placed with businesses at the end of November with the remaining 40 vehicles scheduled to be placed with businesses in January 2023. To ensure as positive an experience as possible, ZEVI in conjunction with SEAI have made the decision to install charge points or ensure an operational charging strategy is in place for each business prior to delivery of trial EV.
The participating businesses span a host of different industries and are made up of large industry, public sector and SMEs. As the Department of Transport has taken on responsibility for policy in relation to electric vehicles since 2021, there was no formal engagement with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications regarding this trial.
24. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport his views on the adequacy of existing timetables for rural and public service obligation, PSO, bus services; if any discussions have been held with service providers with a view to providing later evening services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55183/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including Local Link services in rural areas and delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. 'Connecting Ireland' is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the provision of public transport services, including evening services to towns and rural villages, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
25. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent, if any, to which heavy vehicles use the main arterial routes to and from the city at peak travel times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55814/22]
View answer191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the measures proposed or currently in hand to alleviate traffic congestion on main routes such as the M50, M1, M4 and M7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56050/22]
View answer193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which any upgrading of arterial routes to the city can be completed to speed up local commutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56052/22]
View answer194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent of any restrictions on heavy trucks at peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56096/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 191, 193 and 194 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.
A priority in the NDP, in line with the Department’s investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing national road network. The NDP foresees an exchequer allocation of circa €2.9 billion for the Protection and Renewal of existing national roads over the 10-year period to 2030 (excluding Public Private Partnerships), allocated fairly evenly across the decade.
The Dublin arterial routes are a system of routes which provide access to the Greater Dublin Area, converging onto the M50. They consist of motorways and national roads, namely the M1, N2, N3, N4, N7, N81 and M11. These roads are some of the busiest routes in the country.
TII’s performance indicators for 2021 indicate that generally, there is a very significant drop off in traffic demand along the routes as they progress further from the city. This is to be expected as population and job densities decrease. However, the M7 shows significant traffic demand even at a greater distance from the city. Traffic demand further from the city on the M1, M4 and N11 is lower than on the M7 but still remains reasonably high.
The average Annual Average Daily Traffic on these radial routes as they enter or leave the M50 varies depending on the route, from 23,500 on the N81 to 102,250 on the M1. Of these numbers, the percentage of HGVs also varies from 2.5% on the N81 to 12.8% on the N2, highlighting the importance of the national road network in supporting the economy and in facilitating trade across Ireland.
As mentioned previously, one of TII’s priorities is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing national road network, including these radial routes. A bus priority scheme is planned for the N11/M11 and work is ongoing on the draft option selection report. Bus priority measures on the M4 are also progressing with the design of the preferred option for a new bus priority corridor on the inbound hard shoulder continuing. Public consultation took place in September on the main M4 Maynooth to Leixlip transport corridor project options assessment.
The M7 widening scheme was completed in late 2020 and involved the widening of the M7 motorway from a 2-lane to a 3-lane carriageway, in each direction, starting from the 3-lane N7 dual carriageway east of Junction 9 Naas North to the M7 and M9 merge at Junction 11 in Co Kildare. The scheme included the removal of the existing on/off access ramps at Junction 10 Naas South and the construction of a new interchange, immediately south of the existing Junction 10. The scheme was developed to improve journey time reliability and safety along the route as well as to relieve congestion and enhance links between Dublin and the south of the country.
On the N3, there is a project at an early stage which seeks to address congestion between Clonee and the M50, by improving the existing junctions and incorporating priority measures for buses.
As previously mentioned, a priority in the NDP, in line with the Department’s typical investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing national road network and the projects I have outlined aim to meet that requirement.
Another measure being undertaken by TII to manage traffic on the M50, including HGV traffic, is the introduction of Variable Speed Limits. This project will implement Variable Speed Limits on the M50 that are most appropriate to the prevailing traffic conditions at that time. The project aims to reduce the adverse impacts of future traffic growth on the level of service provided by the M50, as well as reducing the impact of congestion and the level of disruption resulting from incidents on the M50. It also aims to improve the safety record of the M50 and the wider motorway and high-speed dual carriageway network as traffic volumes continue to grow. Congestion on the M50 impacts on the connecting arterial roads, so these measures will also result in reduced congestion on the approaches to Dublin.
26. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to allowing parts of motorway hard shoulders to be used as bus corridors, such as the one going into Belfast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54990/22]
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 operation and management 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.
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.
27. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has an active travel strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55246/22]
View answerActions to encourage significant uptake of walking and cycling feature strongly in a number of recent policy documents, including the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, published earlier this year; the Climate Action Plan 2021; and the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. These policy documents and their related action plans contain complementary commitments in the Active Travel space, including the construction of infrastructure, the continuation and expansion of behavioural change programmes, the development of communications strategies and other related measures.
In tandem, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are developing plans for future infrastructure interventions across the country. The NTA's CycleConnects plans are currently out for public consultation with a deadline of 11 November, while TII's National Cycle Network plan is due for publication by year end. These plans outline a comprehensive future network of cycle lanes, making our urban centres more bicycle-friendly and connecting our regional centres through active travel infrastructure on our national road network.
28. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport his views on ensuring Castletownbere is classified as a larger town within the Connecting Ireland plan to ensure the Beara Peninsula is assigned the necessary scale of routes. [55633/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, including in the Beara peninsula, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
29. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Connecting Ireland initiative, including an overview of the time and status of procurement for services for rural areas scheduled to be implemented in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55710/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, including the rollout of services in 2023, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
30. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a policy change by the company operating the NCT service, which sees unqualified staff conducting vehicle tests; if his Department has any concerns over the safety issues of using unqualified staff in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55703/22]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS), including the resourcing of staff, is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (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.
I would note that the RSA has assured my department that the high testing standard we expect from the NCTS will not be compromised in any way as it works to increase testing capacity.
