Written Answers Nos. 31-50
31. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to recent fare increases affecting Bus Éireann services in Sligo, specifically routes Nos. 23 and 64, and single journey fares; why such increases are permitted in light of the current policy of a 20% fare reduction across public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55705/22]
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.
However, the NTA does not have a role in the setting of fares for services provided by commercial operators, including Bus Éireann Expressway. That is a matter for the individual commercial operators themselves.
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to fares for Expressway Routes No 23 and 64 to Bus Éireann, for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
32. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on progress in allowing electric vehicle charging points to be installed in apartment complexes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55192/22]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A draft national strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the 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.
The Government’s EV target is a critical solution to reducing our transport emissions and is a key part of the strategy which also includes measures to reduce car journeys, through improved public and active transport networks.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
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 of grants and initiatives have been launched including the Apartment Charging Grant. This grant is for dwellings which do not have access to a driveway such as apartments, duplexes and mixed developments. Management companies can now apply for up to 80% funding for infrastructure costs when installing an EV charging system in multi unit residences. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and how to apply for the apartment charging grant is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
33. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 183 of 22 September 2022 and 227 of 25 October 2022, the details of the promised feasibility study for light rail in Galway; the status of preparations for the carrying out of the feasibility study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55820/22]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) expects to commence the review of the 2016 Galway Transport Strategy and the development of a new Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy before the end of this year. A specialist team will be appointed shortly to assist the NTA, in conjunction with Galway City and Galway County Councils, in undertaking this work.
A comprehensive review of all transport options will be carried out as part of the development of the new strategy and will specifically include a feasibility study for light rail in Galway city. This will allow for a multi-modal perspective and integration within an overall land-use plan, and to identify the optimal modal solutions to meet the transport needs of Galway.
The NTA will undertake a comprehensive public consultation exercise on a draft strategy as part of the development process, with an expected publication of a final strategy before the end of 2023.
34. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any assessments or reports carried out by his Department into extending an electrified train service to Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55187/22]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects.
Further extensions to DART services in the years ahead are being considered as part of the NTA’s review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The revised draft Strategy includes proposals to extend DART services beyond Greystones to Wicklow. However, any such extension is a separate project to DART+ Coastal South and would require its own approvals.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter raised, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
35. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline any future upgrades on a regional road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55887/22]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The Department has provided funding to Mayo County Council for the road re-alignment and bridge replacement scheme at Glenisland on the R312 which was completed late last year.
Mayo County Council received an allocation of €196,000 this year under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme to progress the planning and design of the second phase of proposed works at Glenisland on the R312.
36. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the south Wexford rail line in terms of both freight and passenger service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55858/22]
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 raised by the Deputy regarding the South Wexford Rail Line and plans for both freight and passenger services 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.
37. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered making resources available to Irish Rail to provide a high-speed rail service between Cork, Dublin and Belfast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55877/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, I, along with the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland have commissioned an All Island Strategic Rail Review. The Strategic Rail Review is considering the future development of the rail network in Ireland. The Review is ongoing and being carried out by ARUP consultants.
The Strategic Rail Review will review 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, rail connectivity to our international gateways and improved connectivity to the North West.
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 disused and closed lines. This will include consideration for a high speed rail service between Cork, Dublin and Belfast.
This review will provide a framework to develop an improved rail network in the years ahead and I look forward to its completion which is currently expected in this quarter.
38. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received a public service obligation application from management of Shannon Airport in respect of establishing a route to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55641/22]
View answerAs recently advised to the Deputy, my Department is considering a request from Shannon Airport in relation to the establishment of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) route to provide EU Hub connectivity from Shannon Airport.
As the Deputy has been informed, while the establishment of air services is a commercial matter between airports, airlines and other market actors, the Regional Airports Programme provides for a PSO air services scheme. However, over the past 10 years Ireland has significantly rationalised PSO air services, with only one such route now supported under this scheme between Donegal and Dublin.
Given that it would be a significant shift to expand Government policy for the support of PSO services beyond that of support on domestic routes, the potential impact of such a policy, not only on the Exchequer but also on similar routes operating on a commercial basis from other regional airports, needs careful consideration. It is imperative that any Government intervention in this market does not distort competition. These matters, along with relevant State aid rules, are currently being considered by my Department.
39. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need to fund a midday service for the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line and to tailor timetables to suit the needs of commuters. [55370/22]
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.
I am informed that the NTA is currently working with Irish Rail to consider proposals for rail improvements and that this suggestion is part of those considerations, which will be further progressed when drivers, rolling stock and funding become available.
However, ultimately the issue of funding for a midday service on the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line is an operational matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
40. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 118 of 14 June 2022 and 34 of 22 September 2022, the position with respect to the need for legislative measures for the introduction of red-light cameras (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55904/22]
View answerAs stated in my response to Parliamentary Question 34 on 22 September 2022, the legislation required is in place.
Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 provides for the use of camera apparatus to capture 'the constituent of an offence' in the case of a number of offences under the Road Traffic Acts. Failure to obey a red light is a contravention of Article 30 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997). These regulations are made under section 35 of the 1994 Act, and, in accordance with section 35(5) of that Act, contravention of regulations made under section 35 is an offence. The offence of not obeying a red light is therefore an offence under section 35 of the 1994 Act, and therefore covered by the provisions of section 81 of the 2010 Act.
As a consequence, the law is already clear in providing for the use of cameras to provide evidence of violation of red light rules.
Under Action 67 of my Government's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, we are committed to 'further develop camera-based enforcement by the Gardaí, including at junctions and for management of bus/cycle lanes, building on existing and recent legislation through establishing suitable cross-agency administrative arrangements; and, where any legislative issues are identified, to consider and develop agreed proposals to remedy them.' This Action is progressed by the relevant Departments and agencies.
41. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to enhance the level of cover provided by the Irish Coast Guard service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54974/22]
View answerThe National SAR Plan, published in 2019, sets out the objectives, priorities for search and rescue services and these are reviewed and adjusted periodically in order to improve effectiveness, economy and safety for all those involved. The National SAR Committee reviews the National SAR Plan and reports to the Minister for Transport on how the SAR Plan can be enhanced in line with emerging demands, technology and other factors.
The National SAR Committee is overseeing the phased implementation of the National SAR Plan, a number of key milestones were identified including the establishment of a virtual Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and ensuring effective SAR oversight and assurance mechanisms are in place etc. These and other programmes are set out in the second report from the National SAR Committee which was published last month and can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/8e267a-national-search-and-rescue-plan-for-ireland/#
In regard increasing the level of cover provided by the Irish Coast Guard, considerable progress has been made in improving interagency agency working through an extensive exercise programme with the Principal Response Agencies and Emergency Services. In advancing new technology, the Coast Guard has rolled out its new Drone programme and now has 16 operational Drone teams on the coast, parallel to this project is improved decision support systems in the Rescue Coordination Centres and also improved support for the Coast Guard volunteer Units on the coast. This work is in addition to the new aviation procurement process currently underway for the Helicopter SAR service and the provision of a new fixed wing capability to support SAR and maritime casualty and pollution preparedness and response.
42. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the process used in the awarding of a PSO route to a private transport firm (details supplied); if this route was tendered out in the normal fashion by the National Transport Authority; if not, the reason tendering was not undertaken; if any other company such as Bus Éireann was approached to operate this route; the duration of the current contract with the private transport firm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55707/22]
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. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to procure public transport services by means of Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the process used in the awarding of a PSO contract to Dublin Coach, for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
43. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the transfer of managerial responsibility for Shannon Heritage properties in County Clare to transfer from the Shannon Airport Group to Clare County Council; the Government funding that will be made available to make this transfer a success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55642/22]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for this question.
As the Deputy is aware, the 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.
As a result of its extensive engagement with the relevant local authorities since early last year, Shannon Heritage ended its 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 work with Clare County Council in relation to the proposed transfer of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle, and Cliffs of Moher Retail Outlet.
The Department is engaging regularly with both parties with a view to progressing the transfer preparations. As part of its engagement with the Shannon Airport Group, Clare County Council identified a funding gap for which it sought government assistance to enable it to take over the sites. In response to this, 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 have identified a number of ways the transfer could be supported. My department is continuing to engage with relevant departments across Government and with the Shannon Airport Group, with the aim of facilitating the transfer as soon as possible.
My Department has also met with Clare County Council and the Shannon Airport Group and has asked both to continue their engagement and consider the package of measures identified by the inter-departmental working group, with a view to reaching agreement on a transfer.
Once the remaining issues around the transfer are resolved, the Shannon Airport Group will be in a position to seek the formal consent of the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to execute the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and the relevant heritage sites and this will be done with the agreement of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
I would like to assure the Deputy that Government recognises the importance of these heritage sites to the mid-west region, and believe that the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and heritage sites as planned will safeguard the interests of Shannon Heritage employees and the long-term viability and success of the business. 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 as soon as possible.
44. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding given to local councils for cycling and active travel routes in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55184/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is allocated to local authorities through the National Transport Authority (NTA) for projects supporting walking and cycling around the country. The NTA works with the local authorities to allocate funding for these specific projects and oversees their development and construction.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for an up-to-date, detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
45. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the status of the Northern Ring Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55574/22]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of the Cork City Northern Transport 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.
46. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a decision by Bus Éireann no longer to offer a single fare from Kenmare to Cork city; and if he will instruct the provider to resolve this situation, given the increase in fare prices. [55823/22]
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.
However, the NTA does not have a role in the setting of fares for services provided by commercial operators, including Bus Éireann Expressway. That is a matter for the individual commercial operators themselves.
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to Bus Éireann fares to both the NTA and Bus Éireann, for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
47. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 39 of 21 September 2022, the way he exercises his responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in relation to the national roads programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55876/22]
View answerAs 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 and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
The National Roads Programme is also delivered having regard to the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI), the National Planning Framework, Climate Action Plan and other Government policies.
Approximately €615 million of exchequer capital funds were allocated for national roads through TII to local authorities in 2022. The 2022 funding allocations were made having regard for the NDP, which balances investment in transport against other priorities of Government, such as housing and health over the lifetime of the Plan. It was necessary to prioritise projects for funding in a manner which seeks to achieve key outcomes in line with the NDP.
The 2023 allocations for national roads will be announced in December. Again, these allocations will be made having regard for the NDP, and all national roads projects included in the Plan will be considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. This includes the N25 Carrigtwohill to Midleton project.
48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that increased funding will be provided to local authorities such as Cavan and Monaghan county councils for the non-national road network in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55860/22]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.
My objective will be to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network and traffic factors into account. The main focus of the grants will continue to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
Grant allocations for 2023 will be notified to local authorities early next year.
49. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if the Dunkettle project is on track to be completed by February 2024; if any further delays are envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55575/22]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of the Dunkettle Interchange 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.
50. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if he anticipates any delay to the completion of the all-island strategic rail review as a result of the assembly being down in Northern Ireland; if he will provide assurances that there will be no impact on progressing the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55900/22]
View answerThe Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Strategic Rail Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight.
The Review is also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor.
The Government has previously stated its belief in the potential of rail. It is vital that we address constraints in the rail sector and deliver a strategy which allows rail to fulfil its potential as a sustainable mode of transport in pursuit of decarbonisation priorities, rural connectivity objectives and as a generator of prosperity for people across Ireland.
I look forward to a draft report from the Review being ready before the end of the year. Publication of the final report will follow at an appropriate juncture when it has been considered and approved at Ministerial level on both sides of the border.
