Jim O'Callaghan
Question:157. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport when work will commence at Dublin Airport on a new tunnel under the runways; and the purpose of such a tunnel. [63310/22]
View answerAirport Policy
Questions (157)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport including matters related to the development of infrastructure.
daa has submitted a planning application for the construction of the underpass to Fingal County Council and that decision is currently awaited.
Accordingly, as daa would be in the best position to give the most up to date information, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Questions (158)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:158. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will identify the beneficial owners of two properties (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63330/22]
View answerWritten answers
As one of the properties named is in the lease of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Driver Licences
Questions (159)
Pauline Tully
Question:159. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if a person has to surrender their driving licence in order to have an error rectified in cases in which the National Driving Licence Service is at fault in issuing the licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63333/22]
View answerWritten answers
All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority under the relevant legislation.
I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. If she has not heard from them in 10 working days, I would ask that she contact my office directly.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Maritime Safety
Questions (160)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:160. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 198 of 13 December 2022, if he will outline the established survey application procedures that are referred to in his response; the process the owners of the hebble ship will need to undertake; the expected timeline for such a process if there is a risk of further deterioration of the recently refloated ship and the obvious pollution and environmental concerns that are associated with any further sinking incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63366/22]
View answerWritten answers
Vessel owners and operators are obliged to manage their ships to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements of the Merchant Shipping and Sea Pollution Acts and relevant European Union legislative requirements. This includes ensuring that they are safe when in port as well as at sea. As part of this process, they need to ascertain how they intend to operate their ship and then make an application for a survey to the Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department for vessel surveys to determine compliance and to issue any relevant statutory certificate to the ship. In this case, if the ship is to be recycled then the ship owner is required to make a survey application to the MSO for a survey to determine if the vessel is compliant with the requirements of the Load Line Act and the requirements of the Ship Recycling Regulation. If the vessel is found to be in compliance following these surveys then it will be issued with the relevant statutory certificates. The application for survey must be accompanied by the relevant survey fee or deposit prior to commencing the survey.
Question No. 161 answered with Question No. 154.
Legislative Measures
Questions (162)
Thomas Pringle
Question:162. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if all sections of all Acts passed in the past ten years have been commenced; the number of sections that are outstanding; the number of Acts that have review periods; if the reviews have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63391/22]
View answerWritten answers
The table below sets out the sections of Acts passed in the past ten years that have not commenced:
|
Act |
Section(s) not commenced |
|
Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Act 2014 (No. 43 of 2014) |
69 |
|
Road Traffic Act 2014 |
6(a); 6(d); 10(c)(i); 10(g) |
|
Road Traffic Act 2016 |
3-6; 30 (partially uncommenced); 31; 34; 35; 36(a)-(c); 38; 39 |
|
Taxi Regulation Act 2013 |
49 |
The Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022 was signed into law on 7 December 2022. My department is engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel with regard to its commencement.
Full commencement of the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Act 2014 (No. 43 of 2014) requires the establishment of a new electronic Irish Register of Ships and ship registration regime, which will be progressed under a separate IT project, and new ship registration regulations to complement the IT project.
There are no Acts passed in the past ten years that have review periods.
National Car Test
Questions (163)
Carol Nolan
Question:163. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of applicants for NCT tests from 2020 to date who did not produce a driver's licence or public service card when presenting for their test and who had to return to the test centre at a later date to produce either document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63437/22]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the National Car Test Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Bus Services
Questions (164)
Michael Creed
Question:164. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the situation regarding the future of Bus Éireann routes (details supplied). [63442/22]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including route 40, are commercial bus services and as such responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Aviation Industry
Questions (165)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:165. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel here; if his Department has calculated the emission reduction savings that the increased use of sustainable aviation fuel can deliver; his plans for the State to allocate funding to promote the development of sustainable aviation fuel here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63443/22]
View answerWritten answers
It is widely recognised that Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) will play a key part in decarbonising the aviation sector and support us in meeting our climate goals. At European level, the ‘Regulation on ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport’, commonly known as ReFuelEU Aviation, will impose obligations on fuel suppliers, airlines, and airports within its scope in relation to the distribution, use and accessibility of SAF. In a context where SAF use is at a low level, less than 0.05% of total EU aviation fuel, the proposal aims to send a signal to market that there will be an increasing demand for SAF in the near future.
The proposed regulation includes a mandated minimum percentage of SAF to be uplifted, with increasing levels over the period from 2025 to 2050. Fuel suppliers will be mandated to ensure that all aviation fuel made available to operators at designated airports contains a minimum share of SAF, including a minimum share of synthetic aviation fuel. Aircraft operators will need to uplift 90% of trip fuel at a given airport (following a derogation period), and airports will be obliged to facilitate access for air operators to SAF. The proposal is currently under discussion in the trilogue process between the European co-legislators.
The inclusion of SAF allowances within the Revision of the Emissions Trading Scheme for Aviation, also aims to incentivise the use of SAF. It is proposed that the use of fuels eligible under ReFuelEU, with the exception of fossil-based low-carbon aviation fuels, will entitle air operators to a number of free SAF allowances until 2030. This will support SAF usage as such allowances will help offset some of the higher cost of SAF when compared with conventional aviation kerosene.
It is the case that SAF can offer significant emissions reductions on a life-cycle basis compared to conventional fossil jet fuel. The extent of such reductions will depend on the origin and type of feedstock, the production technology used, and the life cycle emissions of particular fuels. As such, clear and transparent sustainability criteria must be met for aviation fuel to be considered as sustainable.
Under the ReFuelEU proposal, fuels would need to meet net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions of at least 65% when compared to conventional jet fuel as a baseline, in order to be considered SAF. In relation to the Synthetic Aviation Fuels within the sub-mandate, the GHG reduction criteria is set at 70% compared to baseline. Within the EU, SAF will be certified by Sustainability Certification Schemes against criteria defined in the Renewable Energy Directive.
Domestically, the Renewable Fuel for Transport Policy 2021, developed by my Department, proposes incentives for supply of SAFs through the issue of multiple certificates under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), subject to enabling legislation. Following consultation on this Policy, 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.
My department has set aside €200,000 in its 2023 Climate Action Research Budget for research and innovation concerning SAFs. It is currently developing a research project scope that will complement emerging and on-going national and international research in this area. The project scope will also be informed by current developments including the forthcoming Hydrogen Strategy for Ireland and the work of the Shannon Estuary Taskforce.
In relation to the possible development of SAF in Ireland, the Hydrogen Strategy for Ireland under development by Government, led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications will help inform how Ireland positions itself in this regard. The strategy will examine the range of ways in which hydrogen can meet our energy needs across all sectors, including transport.
The work of the Shannon Estuary Task Force will also inform decisions in relation to the possibility of indigenous production of SAF. The Task Force was established by government in April 2022, under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to assess the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the region from an enterprise development and investment perspective, alongside scoping potential opportunities in the region. The Task Force includes a Transport and Logistics sub-group which, in addition to other matters, is exploring opportunities for the production and supply of sustainable transport fuels. I understand that the Taskforce is due to issue its final report early in Q2 2023.
Rail Network
Questions (166)
Sorca Clarke
Question:166. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that he has had with Irish Rail in relation to the ongoing overcrowding issue on trains from Mullingar to Dublin on the morning trains given that those trains consist of only four carriages. [63507/22]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 last met with the CEO of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade, on the 2nd December to discuss a wide range of issues concerning public transport.
As Minister, I meet with the Chairpersons and CEO's of CIÉ and its subsidiaries on a regular basis, or as the need arises. In addition to these meetings, my Department has regular engagement with the company at all levels, including at CEO level, in relation to issues including governance, financial, investment, safety and service-related issues, and I am of course briefed by my Department on any relevant issues which arise during the course of such normal administrative and corporate governance related contact between my Department and the companies in question.
The issue of overcrowding issue on specific train services on the Mullingar to Dublin line 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Rail Network
Questions (167)
Sorca Clarke
Question:167. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the potential of reopening Killucan train station in County Westmeath. [63508/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the former station at Killucan, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
A high-level, initial discussion on the matter raised took place between officials in my Department and Iarnród Éireann on 15 June 2022. Following this discussion, Iarnród Éireann are considering the level of funding that might be required to progress a feasibility study considering public transport options in the Killucan area. Such a study, if undertaken, would be in consultation with the National Transport Authority. My Department is awaiting a formal request for funding of such a study.
In view of the Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for a more detailed reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Driver Test
Questions (168)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:168. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner drivers awaiting a test date in County Carlow; if there are plans to address the backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63513/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test. This includes all driving test applications and scheduling matters.
I have therefore referred the first part of the 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.
I understand that due to the COVID pandemic, and the necessary ensuing precautions, a significant driver testing backlog developed.
I am informed that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their actual test.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is making every effort to address this issue. The Authority conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver testing service in 2022, following which my Department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130.
I am informed that the RSA is currently deploying a number of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by Q1 2023.
The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and the Authority has been asked to report back to my Department on the steps being taken to continue to reduce waiting times. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Questions (169)
Sorca Clarke
Question:169. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the proposed N4 realignment regarding the potential routes, timelines and community engagement. [63522/22]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 N4 Mullingar to Longford scheme.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Safety
Questions (170)
Steven Matthews
Question:170. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to an application by a school (details supplied) under the safe routes to school programme; if further funding will be committed to this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63578/22]
View answerWritten answers
In 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. 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.
I am aware that the school referred to in the Deputy's question has submitted an application under the Safe Routes to School Programme but was not selected for inclusion in either Round 1 or Round 2 of the programme. 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. Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question in relation to the status of this specific application to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (171)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:171. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the steps that are being taken to address the backlog of driving test appointments at test centres in Limerick where applicants are being advised they will be wating six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63579/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the National driving test. This includes all driving test applications and scheduling matters.
I have therefore referred the first part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the deputy to contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
I understand that due to the COVID pandemic, and the necessary ensuing precautions, a significant driver testing backlog developed.
I am informed that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their actual test.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is making every effort to address this issue. The Authority conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver testing service in 2022, following which my department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130.
I am informed that the RSA is currently deploying a number of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by Q1 2023.
The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and the Authority has been asked to report back to my Department on the steps being taken to continue to reduce waiting times. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Driver Test
Questions (172)
Steven Matthews
Question:172. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to long waiting lists and staff shortages at the RSA driving test centre in Wicklow town; if measures are being put in place to reduce wait times at this centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63593/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test and deals with all application and scheduling matters. Therefore I have referred the relevant parts of the 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.
On the broader issue of driver testing delays, I am informed that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their actual test.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is making every effort to address this issue. The Authority conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver testing service in 2022, following which my Department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130. I am informed that the RSA is currently deploying a number of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by Q1 2023. The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and the Authority will report back to my Department on the steps being taken to continue to reduce waiting times. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them promptly.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Rail Network
Questions (173)
Cathal Crowe
Question:173. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if Irish Rail has any plans to undertake remedial works on the railway bridge at Carraig Hill, Meelick, County Clare, to make the parapet safer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63597/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. This includes any works on the railway bridge at Carraig Hill.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (174)
Neale Richmond
Question:174. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that taxi drivers transferring from older taxis to newer electric vehicle taxis are facing unnecessary delays in making appointments for the suitability test; if he will take steps to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63628/22]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (175)
Niall Collins
Question:175. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to reduce the waiting times for driving tests in centres (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63677/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test and deals with all application and scheduling matters. Therefore I have referred the relevant parts of the 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.
On the broader issue of driver testing delays, I am informed that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their actual test.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is making every effort to address this issue. The Authority conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver testing service in 2022, following which my Department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130. I am informed that the RSA is currently deploying a number of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by Q1 2023. The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and the Authority will report back to my Department on the steps being taken to continue to reduce waiting times. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them promptly. End of Take
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.