Written Answers Nos. 145-164
145. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the details of bus stations in County Tipperary that are included in the Public Transport Accessibly Programme; the type of works planned; and the dates for completion for these works. [60395/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an accessible, integrated and sustainable public transport network.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for managing the Public Transport Accessibility Programme, including in Co. Tipperary, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
146. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the locations in 2023 when new park and ride facilities will come into service, in tabular form. [60396/22]
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 provision of park and ride facilities.
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.
147. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he can provide an update concerning the design and environmental evaluation of the N24 road improvement scheme between Cahir and Pallasgreen in County Tipperary; if the design will consider the construction of a 2+2 lane dual carriageway for the N24 road improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60410/22]
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.
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.
148. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if assistance will be provided in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); if a driving test will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60427/22]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the driving test. This includes all test applications and scheduling matters. I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
The question is therefore being referred to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
149. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the balance that will be funded by the Department of Transport for the non-national road element of the R407 Sallins Bypass and Osberstown Interchange in 2023 and 2024 (details supplied). [60444/22]
View answerAs regards expenditure in 2023, the Department is liaising with Kildare County Council regarding outstanding expenditure for such items as accommodation works and the Percent for Art installation. The 2023 allocation will be decided and notified to the Council as part of the general grant allocation process in the New Year. In relation to the scheme retention payment due in 2024, the amount attributable to the Sallins Bypass and Osberstown Interchange elements of the scheme is €870,000 approx. including VAT and, on the basis that the Development Contribution associated with the scheme has been expended, the retention is payable by the Department.
150. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the introduction of the licensed haulage emergency support scheme for the months of November to April as a specific support to the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60553/22]
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 and where it is possible review contractual arrangements to provide for such sharing in these difficult times. I would encourage all businesses to adopt a fair and reasonable approach. I understand that smaller businesses, in particular, have had some difficulties in this space.
- 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 the Department is currently engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the potential to fund further supports in 2023.
151. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Dublin Airport Authority have been issued with a warning letter by the planning department of Fingal County Council in relation to many issues being caused to residents (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60607/22]
View answerdaa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport including operational matters related to the North Runway.
My department is aware that concerns have been raised around the current flight path operations from the new North Runway.
daa has advised my department that it is aware of concerns raised with regard to divergence of flights in some instances from expected flight paths. daa is engaging with the IAA on the development of alterations to the flight paths to ensure as close alignment as possible with those previously consulted on and used as part of the planning process. This process requires aviation safety regulatory approval and that process has commenced. daa is committed to resolving this matter as soon as possible.
All planning matters, including amendments to planning conditions, appeals or enforcement of decisions are matters for the relevant independent statutory bodies.
My department understands that daa continues to engage with the relevant statutory authorities, as appropriate, around all matters related to the North Runway operations.
152. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport the licence that is required in order to drive an e-bike on public roads; the training that will be required prior to obtaining a licence; the speed restrictions and age restrictions, if any, that will apply for e-bikes to be used on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60668/22]
View answerThe Road Traffic and Roads Bill, currently before the Oireachtas, will clarify the legal position of high-powered and low-powered e-bikes, to provide certainty to the growing cohort of e-bike users in Ireland on the status of their vehicles.
In line with European type-approval legislation governing vehicle categories, high-powered e-bikes (those with more powerful engines or solely powered by the electric motor) will be considered light mopeds (L-category (mechanically propelled vehicles). Accordingly, they will be required to be registered, taxed and insured, as for any other kind of mechanically propelled vehicle. Users will require a driver’s licence and any required training for L-category vehicles and the relevant rules of the road for mopeds and motorbikes will apply.
The current arrangements for low-powered, pedal assist e-bikes up to 250W and speeds of 25 km/h - that they are treated under road traffic legislation in the same way as pedal cycles - will be unchanged. This kind of e-bike will continue to be exempt from registration, taxation, insurance and licensing and the rules of the road for bicycles will continue to apply.
My officials have engaged with the Revenue Commissioners, the vehicle registration authority for the State, and have confirmed the need to register high-power and power-on-demand e-bikes that have appropriate EU type-approval certification. Where a high-power or and power-on-demand e-bike does not have EU type-approval certification, it will not be legal for use on Irish roads.
153. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport if clarification will be provided on the regulation of e-bikes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60712/22]
View answerThe Road Traffic and Roads Bill, which is currently before the Oireachtas, will clarify the legal position of high-powered and low-powered e-bikes, to provide certainty to the growing cohort of e-bike users in Ireland on the status of their vehicles.
In line with European type-approval legislation governing categories of vehicle, high-powered e-bikes (those with more powerful engines or solely powered by the electric motor) will be considered to be light mopeds (L-category mechanically propelled vehicles). Accordingly, they will be required to be registered, taxed and insured, as for any other kind of mechanically propelled vehicle. Users will require a driver’s licence for L-category vehicles and the relevant rules of the road for mopeds and motorbikes will apply.
EU L-category vehicles (motorbikes, mopeds, scooters) require a Category A driving licence, while EU M-category vehicles (cars, small vans) require a Category B licence. Details on licence categories are available from the NDLS via their website: www.ndls.ie/about/licence-categories-and-codes.html#licence-categories.
Work is underway to finalise administrative arrangements for motor tax for this type of vehicle and for the appropriate driver licensing requirements and these are expected to come into effect following the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas.
154. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns in relation to the delivery of a public service (details supplied); the measures that will be implemented to improve this service considerably at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60729/22]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the driving test. This includes driving test applications and all scheduling matters.
The question is being referred to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
155. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of the categories of public sector workers and civil servants under his Department whose contracts fall under the Croke Park Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60739/22]
View answerThe Croke Park Agreement encompassed all civil and public servants under my Department. No distinction was made between categories of civil servants under the Agreement.
The grades and categories of all civil servants in my Department affected by the Croke Park Agreement 2010-2014 are listed below.
- Secretary General
- Assistant Secretary
- Principal Officer
- Assistant Principal
- Administrative Officer
- Higher Executive Officer
- Executive Officer
- Clerical Officer
- Service Officer
- Professional and Technical
I have asked the Agencies under my aegis to provide the information directly to the Deputy. Please contact my office if you do not hear from the Agencies within 10 working days.
156. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce public transport fares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60767/22]
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, nor decisions on fares.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.
As the Deputy will be aware, a 20% average reduction was introduced on PSO services earlier this year as part of a suite of Government measures to help combat the rising cost of living. This fare reduction was applied to all services outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) from the 11th of April and nationwide from the 9th of May.
The 20% fare reduction comes on top of several other measures which were introduced this year to encourage greater public transport patronage. For instance, the Young Adult Card (YAC), which provides an average 50% fare discount for those aged between 19 and 23 on both PSO and commercial services. As well as the TFI 90 Minute Fares scheme which means that adults now pay €2, young adults pay €1, and children pay just 65 cents to travel for up to 90 minutes on Dublin Bus, Luas and most DART, commuter rail and Go-Ahead Ireland services in Dublin.
I am pleased to advise that as part of the recent Budget 2023 negotiations, I secured c. €563m in funding for PSO services, including funding for the continuation of both the 20% discount on PSO services and the YAC on PSO and participating commercial bus services next year.
While fare reductions are to be welcomed, investment in additional services is also critical. For this reason, I am committed to progressing core projects like BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and DART+ as well as improving existing services across the country.
157. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport further to parliamentary Question No. 221 of 29 November 2022, the number of new permanent driver testers that have been allocated within counties Cavan and Monaghan respectively since the review carried out by the RSA earlier this year; the number of new permanent driver testers who are to be allocated within the counties by Q1 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60769/22]
View answerThe information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) which has statutory responsibility for the operation of the driver testing service.
I have 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.
158. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the amount of revenue that was collected from private toll operators throughout the country in each of the past five years and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60824/22]
View answer159. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles that passed through the toll on the M4 between junction 8 and junction 10 in each of the past five years and to date in 2022, by vehicle type; the amount of profit that was generated by the toll operator in each of the past five years and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60825/22]
View answer160. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles that passed through the toll on the M3 between junction 5 and junction 6 and also between junction 9 and junction 10 over each of the past five years and to date in 2022; the breakdown of vehicles by type; the profit generated by the toll operator over each of the past five years and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60826/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 to 160, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
161. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if advice or assistance will be provided in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60855/22]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
162. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport in view of the extraordinarily long wait times for NCT tests - for example, currently six months in the test centre in Kells, County Meath, and over five months in the test centre in Mullingar, County Westmeath - if he will either put in place the resources to reduce these wait times to the original target of 25 days; if he will introduce temporary emergency legislation to allow for this extended testing wait time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60910/22]
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. Minister of State Naughton has 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.
Progress is being made in addressing the long-term staffing resource issues behind this backlog. The Deputy will be aware that 20 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 currently being trained and will be assigned to those centres with the longest delays before the end of the year.
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. Recruitment is also continuing on an ongoing basis.
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.
163. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently review an application by a person (details supplied) waiting on a driving test for work purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60957/22]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the driving test. This includes all driving test applications and scheduling matters. I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
Urgent tests are only available to applicants who are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services where the candidate would need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work). Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs.
164. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite a driving test appointment for a person (details supplied). [60958/22]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the driving test. This includes all driving test applications and scheduling matters. I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
Urgent tests are only available to applicants who are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services where the candidate would need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work). Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs.
Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs.
