Written Answers Nos. 138-156
138. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric State vehicles as a percentage of the overall number of State-owned vehicles, for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63173/22]
View answerThe details requested by the Deputy on the number of electric State vehicles, as a percentage of the overall number of State-owned vehicles, for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 are provided in the table below. The data reflects the number of vehicles licensed (with a current motor tax) at 31 December 2020, 2021 and 2022. The overall number of vehicles licensed for the same periods is provided.
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Total Vehicles with a Current Motor Tax |
2,860,984 |
2,890,975 |
2,919,005 |
|
Of Which State Owned |
12,228 |
12,340 |
12,538 |
|
Of Which State Owned Electric |
176 |
283 |
482 |
|
% of State Owned which are Electric |
1.4% |
2.3% |
3.8% |
|
Fuel Type of State Owned Electric |
|||
|
Diesel/Electric |
29 |
29 |
|
|
Electric |
140 |
209 |
323 |
|
Petrol/Electric |
21 |
28 |
91 |
|
Petrol/Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
15 |
17 |
39 |
139. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if there are any restrictions on the purchase of internal combustion engine vehicles by Government bodies in light of Ireland’s climate commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63174/22]
View answerThe revised Clean Vehicles Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/1161) entered into force on 02 August 2021 by means of statutory instrument No 381 of 2021 European Communities (Clean and Energy Efficient Road Transport Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2021.
The specific aim of the Directive (CVD) is to increase the up-take of ‘clean’ low- and zero-emission vehicles in public sector fleets across the EU, by setting binding minimum targets for procurement undertaken by public sector bodies. Ireland now has a legal obligation to ensure that a proportion of public vehicle procurement is low- or zero-emission. All public sector bodies are required to apply the Directive if the value of their vehicle procurements is above relevant procurement thresholds as set out in Regulations amending the EU thresholds for the Directives 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU. Public sector bodies are also required to report these vehicle procurements to the State to facilitate national-level reporting to the EU.
Definitions of what constitute ‘clean’ vehicles are established in the legislation based on vehicle type. Light duty clean vehicles are defined by specified low tail-pipe emissions levels. For the heavy duty sector, ‘clean’ vehicles are defined by low or zero-emission power, with a range of alternative fuel technologies included in this definition (such as battery, hydrogen fuel cell, biofuel, synthetic-fuel and gas-powered vehicles).
The Directive applies to cars, vans, trucks and buses (excluding coaches), procured through:
- Purchase, lease, rent or hire-purchase contracts under obligations set by EU public procurement rules;
- Public service contracts for the provision of passenger road transport services;
- Services contracts for public road transport services, special-purpose road passenger-transport services, non-scheduled passenger transport, refuse collection services, and mail and parcel transport and delivery.
There is considerable variation in the technological maturity of alternative fuel technologies for the different vehicle categories and types included in the Directive's provisions, however. The Directive and the associated regulations have been designed to take this into account and two reference periods for procurement targets have been set:
- Between now and 2030 with different minimum procurement targets applying to each. Between now and 2025, 38.5% of light-duty vehicles, 10% of trucks and 45% of buses procured under the relevant procurement value thresholds must be clean vehicles.
- Between 2025 and 2030, the minimum procurement target of 38.5% clean vehicles will still apply to light duty vehicles, but more stringent targets will apply to heavy the duty vehicles included in the Directive’s provisions. In this later reference period, 15% of trucks and 65% of buses will have to be clean vehicles.
Due to the current limitations of alternative fuels technologies, certain categories of vehicle have also been excluded or have been exempted from the provisions of the Directive. These include certain heavy-duty vehicle segments for which alternative fuel technologies are limited or unavailable, as well as civil defence vehicle segments where low emission vehicle technologies may not offer equivalent levels of functionality. As alternative fossil fuel technologies for these vehicle segments develops, it is intended that these exemptions will be reviewed in future iterations of the Directive, and that national procurement targets will be amended as appropriate.
The CVD requirements set minimum targets for the procurement of clean vehicles across all EU member states in support of both national and EU Green deal decarbonisation ambitions. This builds on the positive leadership and market impacts that green public procurement policies can have on the development and uptake of innovative lower-carbon goods and services; it also complements wider Government commitments to transition public and private transport fleets from fossil fuel technologies.
The Climate Action Plan under Section 10.2 sets out targets for the public sector climate action mandate, including procurement of only zero-emission vehicles from 1 January 2023 unless exempt under the EC (Clean and Energy Efficient Road Transport Vehicles)(Amendment) Regulations 2021 (SI 381 of 2021), but that public sector procurement contracts for delivery and haulage should specify zero emissions vehicles where possible. This will enable Ireland to go beyond the EU CVD requirements. My Department of Environment, Climate and Communications is leading on delivery of both green public procurement policy and the Public Sector Climate Mandates.
140. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the timeframes for the review of the National Transport Authority’s transport strategy for the greater Dublin Area; if, as part of that review, an extension of the DART to Wicklow town will be included as part of the existing DART+ coastal south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63179/22]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is statutorily required to review the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) every six years under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. The NTA initiated the review process for the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035 in late 2020 with the publication of an Issues Paper for public consultation. The NTA undertook a second round of public consultation from November 2021 to January 2022 on a draft transport strategy for 2022-2042.
Following this second round of public consultation, the NTA reviewed the submissions received and submitted a draft strategy to me for approval in end May 2022 as required under the 2008 Act. Following consideration and engagement with the NTA on the draft strategy, I have now approved the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 and it will be published shortly by the NTA.
The 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 approval.
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.
141. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport when the recently announced battery-operated electric DART carriages will be delivered; the number of the 90 carriages purchased that will be allocated to Wicklow services; if any of those carriages will be provided for an expanded electric service to Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63180/22]
View answerThe 90 new battery-electric train carriages, purchased under a Government-approved ten-year procurement framework between Iarnród Éireann and Alstom, are due for delivery in 2026.
As the carriages are battery-electric they can potentially be deployed to parts of the rail network without overhead electric wires, to help replace and decarbonise existing diesel-fleet operations. This adaptability means that the carriages could be used on lines in advance of overhead electrification or to extend the range of electrified services beyond the electrified network.
The flexibility of the carriages means that there is potential to use them at some stage in the future between Greystones and Wicklow and/or for Cork Area Commuter Rail, serving communities between Mallow, Cork, Cobh and Midleton, subject to available funding for necessary supporting infrastructure.
The precise deployment of the carriages will be examined and decided upon over the next two-to-three years, taking account of the cost, available funding and the broader DART+ strategy.
142. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport when in 2023 that the additional evening train service from Dublin to Rosslare will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63181/22]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue of the introduction of specific new train services is an operational matter for National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann 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.
143. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need to collate data on the number of assaults perpetrated against transport workers, such as taxi drivers, bus drivers, and rail staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63186/22]
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 operation of public transport.
Issues regarding the policing of public transport, including the collation of crime-related statistics on assaults, are a matter for the Minister of Justice and An Garda Síochána.
144. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to extend the use of the TFI Go App or Leap card to a named bus route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63192/22]
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 the Rural Transport Programme management, which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including the provision of TFI app and Leap card services in County Sligo, 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.
145. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate an accessibility issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63193/22]
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 day-to-day operations and promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network, in both urban and rural areas.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities, including the provision of accessible public transport services for people with disabilities in county Sligo, I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
146. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the status of the construction of a road (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the project is progressing on schedule and within budget; the earliest anticipated date of completion and opening of phases of the project; the overall completion timeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63205/22]
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 N5 Westport to Turlough 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.
147. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the progress that is being made with a road (details supplied) project given that it should form a key part of the mid-term review of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; when the project will reach construction stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63206/22]
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 this project.
Roscommon County Council issued tender documents to the pre-qualified candidates for the Design & Build Contract on 22 July 2022. The anticipated tender return date was 22 December 2022 but has been extended to the 24 February 2023 at the request of tenderers.
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 Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the budget and timeline for each phase of the upgrading of the Foynes-Limerick rail line; if this line will have to be raised for flood protection reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63235/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, including the rehabilitation of the rail freight link from Shannon Foynes Port to Limerick, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
I can confirm that €64 million was allocated by my Department to Iarnród Éireann in respect of rehabilitation works on the freight line in 2022. Further funding will be made available for works on the freight line this year and in 2024 under the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract, which is the framework through which protection and renewal works on the rail network are funded and delivered.
In view of the Infrastructure Manager's responsibility in carrying out the rehabilitation works, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
149. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the active travel funding drawn down by individual local authorities, universities, hospitals and any other bodies in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63236/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer in relation to the individual drawdown levels of local authorities in 2022. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
150. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the total number of diesel, petrol and electric vehicles registered by the end of 2022; the number of new EVs registered in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63239/22]
View answerThe information available to the Department of Transport is the number of vehicles licensed (with a current motor tax). As agreed with the Deputy, this information as at 31 December 2022 is provided in the table below. The Deputy may also be interested to note that the Central Statistics Office publish information on vehicle registrations and vehicles licensed for the first time. Their recently released statistics indicate that 15,462 new electric vehicles were registered in 2022, an increase of 81% on the 2021 figure.
|
Taxation Class |
DIESEL |
PETROL |
PETROL/ELECTRIC |
ELECTRIC |
PETROL/PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC |
ETHANOL/PETROL |
DIESEL/ELECTRIC |
DIESEL/PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC |
PETROL & GAS |
GAS |
OTHER |
TOTAL |
|
PRIVATE |
1,272,840 |
799,740 |
101,930 |
36,002 |
31,810 |
6,873 |
4,370 |
1,346 |
908 |
139 |
13 |
2,255,971 |
|
GOODS |
385,364 |
799 |
106 |
2,135 |
294 |
|
279 |
85 |
22 |
86 |
14 |
389,184 |
|
AGRICULTURAL TRACTOR/EXCAVATOR |
78,542 |
239 |
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
1 |
8 |
78,797 |
|
MOTORCYCLES |
107 |
46,907 |
16 |
179 |
22 |
2 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
47,235 |
|
MOBILE MACHINE |
4,905 |
5 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
4,915 |
|
HEARSES |
588 |
376 |
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
977 |
|
DUMPER/FORKLIFT TRUCK |
3,076 |
5 |
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
3,099 |
|
GENERAL HAULAGE TRACTOR |
507 |
181 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
689 |
|
LARGE PSV |
11,387 |
6 |
|
13 |
|
|
180 |
100 |
|
|
2 |
11,688 |
|
EXEMPT |
22,881 |
5,843 |
2,454 |
372 |
558 |
16 |
286 |
40 |
15 |
|
|
32,465 |
|
MOTOR CARAVAN |
17,347 |
215 |
4 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
17,573 |
|
ISLAND VEHICLES |
560 |
78 |
1 |
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
644 |
|
VINTAGE/VETERAN |
28,046 |
27,938 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
20 |
13 |
|
33 |
6 |
52 |
56,114 |
|
SMALL PSV |
13,516 |
656 |
3,211 |
553 |
32 |
|
36 |
2 |
|
|
|
18,006 |
|
YOUTH COMMUNITY BUS |
758 |
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
762 |
|
SCHOOL BUS |
853 |
21 |
11 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
886 |
|
TOTAL |
1,841,277 |
883,010 |
107,751 |
39,280 |
32,718 |
6,911 |
5,166 |
1,574 |
989 |
240 |
89 |
2,919,005 |
151. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the number of schools awarded funding under the safe routes to school programme fell from 170 in round 1 to 108 in round 2; the total funding awarded in round 1 and round 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63240/22]
View answerIn March 2021, I launched the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme which will support Active Travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country. The programme aims to support walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools and to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities. This will help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing the necessary infrastructure.
931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. As the Deputy notes, 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme with a further 108 schools recently selected for Round 2. The Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and is supported by the Department of Education. An Taisce’s Green-Schools is coordinating the programme, while funding will be made available to local authorities who will play a key part in delivering the infrastructure along access routes and at the school gate.
It should be noted that, given the nature of the programme, all 931 schools who applied will enter the programme on a rolling basis and there will be no requirement for those schools to reapply. The schools selected were assessed against a range of criteria including school type, location and the school’s commitment to sustainable travel.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency who should be able to provide more information in relation to the selection process and the rationale behind the number of schools included in each round. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.
152. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the reason that no student or family rates are available on flights from Donegal Airport Carrickfinn to Dublin (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63242/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, following an extensive procurement process in 2021, a new Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services contract was awarded by my Department for the provision of Government subsidised air services between Donegal and Dublin. This contract, which is in accordance with EU Regulation 1008/2008, commenced on 26th February 2022 and marks Government’s commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region for the next 3 years.
In accordance with the above Regulation, the current contract provides for fixed standards of continuity, regularity and pricing. In relation to pricing, it is a requirement under the contract that a minimum of 80% of fares are provided at €80 or below. While there is no requirement under the contract for the provision of discount fares, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the airline operating this route currently offers reduced rates for students as well as the North-West Cancer Support Group.
A return student fare for €75 is offered. This includes one booking change and a 20kg check-in hold bag. In addition, to support patients who use this air service to access vital cancer treatment in Dublin, discounted return fares of €90 are also available to passengers from the North-West Cancer Support Group. This return fare includes unlimited booking changes and a 20kg check-in hold bag.
These discount fares can be availed of by contacting the reservations team at Donegal Airport.
153. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to grant-aid the cutting of trees on roadsides that are infected with ash dieback for road safety reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63244/22]
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.
Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 sets out the responsibility of landowners to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or could not become, a danger to people using a public road or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road. This responsibility includes the preservation, felling, cutting, lopping, trimming or removal of such tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation' in question.
As such, the implementation of the legislation and the management of hedge cutting operations is a matter for local authorities and landowners. My Department has no plans to grant-aid the cutting of trees infected with ash dieback.
154. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if the stakeholder consultation process has been completed in relation to the horse-drawn carriages Bill; and when this Bill will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas. [63278/22]
View answer161. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if the stakeholder consultation process has been completed regarding the horse-drawn carriages Bill; and when this Bill will be brought before Dáil Éireann. [63374/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 161 together.
As the Deputy is already aware, the development of legislation of this nature, which involves the repeal of legislation which pre-dates the foundation of the State, is complex and technical and so I am unable to provide a definitive timeline for the completion of this work. This issue spans the responsibilities of several Departments and levels of government. Consultations with stakeholders are ongoing at present.
Regulations for horse-drawn carriages for hire or reward should be aligned with any horse welfare obligations imposed by local authorities and, therefore, horse-drawn carriages for hire and reward should be regulated by local authorities, which is the intention of the current draft primary legislation. Once the current process of stakeholder engagement has been satisfactorily completed, which is planned for Q1 2023, I will seek Government approval for the detailed drafting of a Horse-Drawn Carriages Bill. This is required before it can be introduced to the Oireachtas with a view to its eventual enactment.
155. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if the publication of the all-island rail review is delayed indefinitely until an executive is formed in Northern Ireland; if he will reconsider his position that the results of the rail review should inform Ireland's TEN-T network given the delay in the publication of the review; if there will be sufficient time to request that the European Union restores the Western Rail Corridor to the final TEN-T network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63293/22]
View answerThe Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation 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 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 rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight.
The Review considers the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network. That scope includes the Western Rail Corridor and connectivity with Northern Ireland.
It is important 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.
It would be premature to commit to the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor before the Review is finalised.
The European Commission proposals for the revised TEN-T Regulation is currently at the trilogue stage in Brussels, with a view to adoption by the end of the year. As such, there is still time for the results of the Review to inform Ireland's position in relation to the future TEN-T network.
The Review is at an advanced stage. Publication of the final report will follow once it has been considered and approved at Ministerial level on both sides of the border.
156. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will establish an independent inquiry to independently look at senior management performance in the Irish Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63296/22]
View answerI have no plans to establish an independent inquiry into the management of the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG).
I welcome the very positive engagement between IRCG management and IRCG volunteer representatives - the Coastal Unit Advisory Group - in agreeing a renewed and refreshed terms of reference for the Group during 2022.
