Written Answers Nos. 188-211
188. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport if any payment is outstanding or has been made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to a company (details supplied) or any other entity in respect of any works carried out on or regarding the site located at No. 2 Grand Parade, Dublin 6, in preparation for the proposed Metrolink station and or metro rail line at Charlemont St; and if so, the amount. [58695/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), MetroLink.
Noting TII's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for a direct reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
189. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of west-bound flights from Dublin Airport which deviate from their designated flight path by turning south over Dublin 15. [58700/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, DAA has statutory responsibility to operate and manage Dublin Airport including matters relating to noise monitoring and complaints.
Accordingly, as the issue raised by the Deputy is an operational one, I have forwarded your request to DAA for a direct response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.
190. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving test slots available in each of the test centres in County Galway in tabular form; the reason for the reduced number of driving tests in Galway; the length of the waiting list for driving tests; the reason that the early-morning test slots have been removed; if additional staff have been hired to help clear the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58725/22]
View answerThe 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.
191. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if he will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding bus regularity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58772/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally by way of public transport services contracts, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to the no. 360 bus route to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
192. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 266 of 8 September 2022 supplied by the NTA (details supplied), if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there have been no improvements to the Number 76-bus route; and if he will pursue this issue with the NTA and ensure that the improvements promised are made. [58855/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally by way of public transport services contracts, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to the no. 76 bus route to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
193. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the status of the opening of Kishogue train station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58856/22]
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 oversight of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, the re-commissioning works at Kishogue Station.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
194. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that a bus shelter is provided at the bus stop at Main Street, Ballynacargy, County Westmeath (details supplied). [58898/22]
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 the national provision of bus stops and shelters.
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.
195. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the options that are available to residents where Irish Rail is not complying with its noise mitigation policy when carrying out maintenance at night. [58918/22]
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 provision, maintenance and operation of public transport services.
Regarding the issue the Deputy has raised concerning Iarnród Éireann compliance with noise regulations in the course of maintenance works, in the first instance I would always encourage the complainant to contact the railway organisation themselves. Iarnród Éireann have community liaison staff and proactively engage with neighbours (residents and businesses) living/working adjacent to the railway when night works etc is taking place. They are also required to produce ‘noise maps’ in accordance with noise legislation and prepare noise action plans to maintain/reduce noise levels.
Further to this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the national authority for overseeing the implementation of the Environmental Noise Regulations to which Iarnród Éireann must comply. Accordingly, if direct engagement with the company does not prove fruitful, the EPA would be the appropriate agency to contact in this instance.
196. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the plans that he has to initiate domestic development and production of sustainable aviation fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58948/22]
View answerSustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) will play a key part in decarbonising the aviation sector and meeting ambitious EU targets for future renewable energy in aviation.
The European Union’s ‘Fit for 55’ package of climate measures, which are currently being negotiated, include measures to mandate the use of increasing levels of blended SAF between 2025 and 2050, including the introduction of a synthetic aviation fuel sub-mandate in 2030 within the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative. When adopted the Regulation will impose obligations on fuel suppliers, airlines, and airports in relation to the distribution, use and accessibility of SAF. This will be an important signal to the market to stimulate demand.
The Renewable Fuel for Transport Policy 2021 proposes incentives for supply of SAFs through the issue of multiple certificates for its supply under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), subject to enabling legislation. I am also currently examining the future requirements for the use of SAFs in the aviation sector within the context of the next iteration of the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy Statement 2023-2035, which I will publish next year.
The potential of Green Hydrogen, using new renewable energy, will be a key factor in SAF production in the next decade. The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications is developing a national Hydrogen Strategy for publication this year, which will help inform developments in this area.
In the shorter-term supply of sustainable aviation fuels is through known biofuel technologies, which will potentially compete with road transport demand for such fuels and their feedstocks. My department recently published the Biofuel Study Report, by Byrne O'Cleirigh consultants, concerning the sustainability and availability of biofuels to meet future transport energy consumption. The Report indicates that with planned commercial investment in production of biofuels, Ireland can meet its projected 2030 consumption of biofuels in the road transport sector as envisaged under the Climate Action Plan targets. The Report also recommends the need for greater oversight concerning sustainability in the global supply of biofuels and a need for supply of more advanced biofuels in addition to planned renewable electricity within Ireland's mix of transport energy consumption.
My department intends to carry out further research into renewable fuels, with the aviation sector in mind, and has set aside €200,000 in its 2023 climate action research budget for research and innovation concerning SAFs. The first step will be to scope the research project, complementing emerging and on-going national and international research in this area. The project scope will also be informed by the developing policy context in the forthcoming Hydrogen Strategy for Ireland and the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative, as well as industry led-initiatives such as the Shannon Estuary Taskforce and the European low-carbon fuels value chain industrial alliance.
197. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport his views on the deterioration in the service provided by the 726 bus to the airport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58954/22]
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 of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.Further, the bus services referred to by the Deputy are commercial bus services and as such responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company.In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question regarding the re-establishment of the Dundrum to Dublin Airport bus service, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
198. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of 19 October 2022, if he will re-engage with the NTA and Bus Éireann regarding the reliability of a bus route (details supplied), given that multiple persons have been in contact regarding this ongoing issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58959/22]
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 issue raised by the deputy in relation to the reliability of Bus Éireann route 207 is an operational matter for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
199. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of times that the coastguard helicopter has been deployed or dispatched to the Galway city and Galway bay area in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [58996/22]
View answerThe Coast Guard is currently compiling the requested statistics and they will be sent directly to the Deputy once fully collated.
200. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport the details of the investments and service improvements that have been made on the Dublin-Waterford train line since 1 January 2020. [59014/22]
View answerA number of new services or amendments to services on the Intercity network have recently been announced. These include changes on the Dublin-Waterford service from the 11 December this year, which includes a new return mid-morning service between Heuston Station and Carlow on weekdays and the addition of a stop at Kilkenny on the 07:00 service between Waterford and Dublin. The train will service Kilkenny at 07:28 and its departure from Waterford will be advanced ten minutes to 06:50, meaning the 09:00 arrival time at Heuston Station will remain unchanged.
It was not possible to incorporate further changes into the 2023 timetable at this time due to the availability of drivers and the need to defer driver training programmes as a result of COVID-19. However, Iarnród Éireann has advised that it will review the timetable as additional drivers become available and, in conjunction with the NTA, will continue to investigate possibilities for implementation of changes.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure, including the Dublin to Waterford rail line. This funding is used to increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and help ensure continued safety of rail services.
Noting IÉ's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to IÉ for a more detailed response on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
201. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his views on introducing a ban on car advertising and sponsorship. [59049/22]
View answerIreland has committed to a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 from the transport sector, which is responsible for around 18% of our greenhouse gas emissions, as well as ambitious reduction targets of car km driven by 2030, as listed in Climate Action Plan 2021 and soon to be updated in the forthcoming Climate Action Plan 2023.
The recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Redesigning Ireland's Transport for Net Zero: Towards Systems That Work for People and the Planet , highlighted the role of systemically induced demand for cars and recommended the adoption of communications strategies that would question ingrained 'car-centric' attitudes.
Meanwhile, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in the fourth chapter of its sixth assessment report, Climate Change 2022, Mitigation of Climate Change , referred to regulation of car advertising as one policy option with the potential to contribute to transformative attitudinal change.
I recognise the central role of an effective communications strategy in bringing about the level of attitudinal and behavioural change in the sector and the potential for greater regulation of advertising in this regard. My Department has commenced work on the development of a comprehensive public engagement strategy as part of the Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan.
202. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the steps that are being taken to address the number of buses on McKee Avenue, Finglas, given that they are causing disruption to residents who cannot get out of their own homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59053/22]
View answer203. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the bus terminus in Finglas village for the N4 and N6 route, given that buses are piling up and blocking traffic in the village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59054/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
As such I have forwarded the Deputy's questions regarding the bus terminus, and traffic disruptions in Finglas village to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
204. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider re-introducing the licensed haulage emergency support scheme for the months of November to April as a specific assist for the haulage industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59090/22]
View answerThe 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 haulage operators.).
- As part of Budget 2023, and in further recognition of the rising cost of fuel, the Government announced a 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, meaning that the price of fuel will not go up as a result of taxes or levies.
In addition to above measures, the Diesel Rebate Scheme (‘DRS’), which is administered by Revenue, has been in place since 2013 and remains available to licensed road transport 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. It has always been the case that some operators do not avail of this support – I would encourage all those eligible to do so.
However, 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 is not 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 continue to monitor the evolution of fuel prices and as I indicated at the Committee on Transport and Communications on 23 November 2022 we are currently engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the potential to fund further supports to the sector in 2023, subject also to the necessary State Aid approval at EU level. I hope to be in a position to announce further details in the coming weeks.
205. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a driving test in the test centre in Skibbereen, County Cork; the average length of waiting time for a test by month from January to date in November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59108/22]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Specific details on the number of persons awaiting a driving test and the length of time they have been waiting are held by the 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.
206. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if the RSA can guarantee a full five-day testing service in Skibbereen, County Cork; the reason that a resident tester has not been put in place despite a recruitment drive and the fact that more than 40 are employed in the country; the reason that instructors are informed third hand even though they pay an affiliation fee to the RSA every second year (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59179/22]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
I have referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
207. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport when the State will ratify the 2012 Cape Town Agreement for Fishing Vessel Safety. [59222/22]
View answerIreland is strongly supportive of provisions that protect the safety of fishers at sea and intends to accede to the Cape Town Agreement (which relates to fishing vessels of greater than 24 metres in length) to help enhance fisher safety worldwide.
The EU has legislated for the safety of large fishing vessels greater than 24 metres in length through Directive 97/70/EC, as amended by Directive 2002/35/EC. Ireland transposed the Directives via S.I. 417 of 2002 and S.I. 418 of 2002. These remain the relevant Irish legislation in relation to the regulation of the construction standards, etc. of fishing vessels of greater than 24 metres.
My Department is working to ratify the Cape Town Agreement, mindful of the implications and practical implementation issues that will arise as a result of the administration of the Convention.
208. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland electric vehicles home charger grant was refused retrospectively in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59261/22]
View answerHome 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.
The Home Charger Grant Scheme provides a grant of up to €600 towards the installation cost of a domestic charge point for new and second-hand BEVs or PHEVs. As the grant acts as an incentive, the eligibility criteria clearly states that homeowners should not commence any work before the start date on the letter of offer, otherwise the expenditure is deemed ineligible and grant support will not be received.
Queries on individual cases should be directly to the SEAI for consideration.
209. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will reinstate the Dublin Bus Kilcock to Dublin service. [59265/22]
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 has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally by way of public transport services contracts, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators. In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
210. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the number of access officers responsible for providing or arranging for and co-ordinating assistance and guidance to people with disabilities accessing his Departments’ services who are employed in his Department as required by section 26 (2) of the Disability Act 2005; the way that his Department makes its customers aware of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59302/22]
View answerThe Department of Transport has appointed an Access Officer in accordance with section 26(2) of the Disability Act 2005.
The Access Officer acts as a point of contact and is responsible for providing and coordinating assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities accessing services provided by the department.
The Access Officer can be contacted at access.officer@transport.gov.ie.
These details are published on the department’s website at www.gov.ie/transport and in the department’s customer service charter, which is also available on the website.
211. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the way that he intends to classify electric scooters in relation to the use of footpaths, cycle lanes, speed limits and insurance obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59311/22]
View answerUnder Irish law, e-scooters are regarded as mechanically propelled vehicles and may only be used in a public place if they are registered, taxed and insured and the user has the appropriate driving licence. However, e-scooters are not type-approved, they cannot be registered or taxed and there is no appropriate licence category, so they cannot legally be used on public roads.
In accordance with the Programme for Government, it is intended provide for the legal use of e-scooters on public roads. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, currently before the Oireachtas, introduces a new vehicle category, powered personal transporters (PPTs) - small powered vehicles which will not require tax, insurance, registration or operator licensing. Following enactment of the Bill, e-scooters will be classed as PPTs.
The Bill will not directly allow for the use of e-scooters. It will instead enable the Minister for Transport to make regulations to allow the use of specific PPTs, such as e-scooters, on public roads.
Regulations will apply design and usage criteria for use on public roads, including restrictions on size, weight and speed and technical requirements for issues such as construction and lighting. As well, e-scooters will be restricted to roads and cycle lanes only.
E-scooters which comply with the regulations will, in many respects, be treated in the same way as bicycles in relation to use and to traffic legislation. E-scooters which do not comply with these criteria will remain illegal for public road use.
