Written Answers Nos. 252-270
252. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to provide a bus route between Cashel and Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if so, the timeline for the introduction of this route. [1539/23]
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 and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to the provision of a bus route between Cashel and Clonmel, County Tipperary, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
253. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport when the driver CPC handbook for professional passenger and HGV drivers will be updated. [1566/23]
View answerThe CPC information booklet was last updated in November 2018. According to the Road Safety Authority, the information is up to date and there are currently no plans to update it again.
254. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider instructing the RSA to conduct reviews of existing CPC courses for professional passenger and HGV drivers; and if the operational format of the training could be reformed. [1581/23]
View answerThe driver certificate of professional competence process is based on European Union Directive 2003/59/EC on the initial qualifications and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (SI 359 of 2008), as amended.
CPC modules are reviewed on a continuous basis. The latest review on Module 2 is completed and it is expected be rolled out in the coming months. The review of Module 1 is due to start shortly.
Furthermore, the Government's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 includes an action to review accessibility of driver CPC. This action is being led by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and is due for completion in quarter 2 of this year.
There is no online driver CPC training in place at the current time. EU Directive 2003/59/EC, which introduced driver CPC, was updated in 2018 (EU Directive 645 of 2018) and the amended directive allows for part of the driver CPC training to be completed online. However, most of the training would be required to be completed in a classroom-based environment.
In addition to a general review of the training syllabus, the RSA has begun reviewing options for online training. An external consultant was engaged to conduct a review of the CPC training syllabus and practices. This was carried out throughout November and December 2022 and concluded just before Christmas. The RSA is now awaiting a report on the findings of the consultation.
255. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport if any special arrangements are made in respect of a driver theory test for persons suffering from particular medical conditions as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1605/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test. This includes the Theory Test, which is a crucial component of the driver learning and testing system both in Ireland and across the European Union.
I am told that the Driver Theory Test provider offers various options to accommodate candidates who may require special assistance to take their test. For instance, a voice-over option is available, whereby the questions and answers are read out to the candidate over headphones. Additional time is allowed for the candidate to take the test. There is also a reader recorder service whereby a staff member will read the questions and answer options to the candidate and record their answers on screen. Other services offered include dyslexia support, professional and Irish Sign Language (ISL) video clips, or ISL interpreters.
To avail of extra time or a reader recorder service during their test, a candidate must write to the Driver Theory Test Service with medical evidence on official headed paper from a school, doctor or professional person confirming the assistance the candidate requires. This should be posted to: Driver Theory Test, PO Box 15, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
I am told that test Day Assistance and Support Services must be booked in advance by calling 0818 606 106 or via the postal application form available for download at theorytest.ie/general-information/test-day-assistance-support/.
The RSA continuously seek to review its services to ensure customers are supported and welcomes the feedback of customers and their advocates.
256. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting times for NCT tests at time of booking for each NCT centre in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1612/23]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's query 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.
|
Test Centre |
Avg Days |
|
Deansgrange |
30.05 |
|
Greenhills |
30.01 |
|
Fonthill |
27.47 |
|
Northpoint1 |
26.76 |
|
Northpoint2 |
25.73 |
257. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV charging points owned by the ESB in each quarter of 2020, 2021 and 2022. [1646/23]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the period out to 2025 will be published on 19th January.
The strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. A draft strategy was published for consultation in March 2021. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation were considered in the development of the final Strategy.
The Government’s EV target is a critical solution to reducing our transport emissions and is a key part of the strategy which also includes measures to reduce car journeys, through improved public and active transport networks.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
In July 2022 I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
The Department of Transport does not hold corporate governance responsibility for ESB and does not hold the information requested so I have referred your question to ESB eCars for direct response within 10 days.
259. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the route selection process for the N4 upgrade from Mullingar, County Westmeath, to Rooskey, County Roscommon (details supplied). [1678/23]
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.
Noting the above position, I have referred this to TII for a direct update as to this scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
260. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with the National Transport Authority, Dublin Bus and other relevant parties to develop a plan for free public transport for school children, as exists in Germany and Switzerland, to encourage the shift from private to public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1687/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to free public transport for school children, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
261. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm whether there are any supports or grants for someone who wishes to install a charging point for an electric car and is relying on street parking. [1689/23]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March.
The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation were considered in the development of the final Strategy which is for publication later this week.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home. I am deeply cognisant of the need to facilitate residents without a driveway to charge their EV at a reasonable cost within their neighbourhood.
On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. A suite of new of grants and initiatives have been announced including the development of a new residential charging grant which will focus on providing neighbourhood and residential charging solutions, targeting areas where residents do not have access to off street parking and a home charger.
Officials from my Department are liaising closely with Local Authorities and Regional As Assemblies on plans to deliver charging solutions to these types of neighbourhoods.
262. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the price hikes for charges on electric vehicle charging at public ESV charge points; the plans that his Department has to support drivers of EVs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1701/23]
View answer263. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the way that the Government intends to meet its climate action targets when charges at public ESV charge points are increasing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1702/23]
View answer264. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify whether the Government is part of the stakeholder group that determines kwh rates at public ESV charge points (details supplied); and if so, if he supports the recently announced price hikes. [1703/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 262 to 264, inclusive, together.
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March.
The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication this week.
The Government’s EV target is a critical solution to reducing our transport emissions and is a key part of the strategy which also includes measures to reduce car journeys, through improved public and active transport networks.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. I announced that a new residential charging grant is in development which will focus on providing neighbourhood and residential charging solutions, particularly in areas where off-street charging is either limited or not possible. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and updates on the residential charging grant is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
The unprecedented increase in international wholesale gas prices have continued as result of the volatility in the international gas market driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the on-going war. These gas increases feed directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.
Price setting by electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base. I am not part of any stakeholder group that determines kwh rates at public EV charge points.
ESB eCars has informed my Department that unfortunately, sustained higher wholesale energy costs throughout Europe means that they continue to experience a very substantial increase in the cost of wholesale electricity, which must be passed onto their customers. ESB eCars has endeavoured to keep their prices under constant review in the coming months.
265. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress which has been made since both Drogheda and Dundalk were included in the 35 exemplar transport projects announced as part of the Pathfinder programme in October 2022; the expected timelines for the commencement of both projects respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1705/23]
View answerThe Pathfinder Programme of 35 exemplar projects and initiatives was launched in October 2022, with the aim of demonstrating the benefits of sustainable mobility measures and the potential pathways for efficient replication and scaling up of similar initiatives across the country. The delivery of these projects, which span 19 counties, 500 schools, 5 cities and include transformative public transport projects, will form a key part of the implementation of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP).
As the Deputy refers, there are two projects being led by Louth County Council as part of this Programme - Dundalk Regional Road Cycleway and Rathmullan Road and Marley’s Lane, Drogheda.
In respect of the Dundalk Regional Road Cycleway, a 4km section of cycleway along the R132 Dundalk Inner Relief Road will be delivered to increase permeability, improve active travel facilities and increase overall cycle commuter safety.
The Rathmullan Road and Marley’s Lane project in Drogheda will create a safer and more sustainable transport link between local schools, healthcare facilities, and sports and leisure facilities along Marley’s Lane and the upper part of Rathmullan Road, to the town centre of Drogheda, in line with the 15-minute Neighbourhood concept.
At this juncture, both projects have commenced. Louth County Council has appointed design consultants and work to develop options is underway. It is anticipated that both projects will be brought to public consultation and planning in 2023, will commence construction in 2024 and will be completed in 2025.
267. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the current average wait time for NCT tests in each test centre nationwide in tabular form. [1727/23]
View answer268. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if car dealers have any arrangement with NCT test centres which would see their vehicles processed more swiftly than vehicles belonging to members of the public. [1728/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's queries 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.
269. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the steps that are currently being taken to address the delays in securing an NCT at Limerick, Ennis and Nenagh test centres, where the wait time for an appointment exceeds four months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1737/23]
View answer302. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to address delays in NCT centres. [2449/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 302 together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's query 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.
However, I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet high demand for tests and the delays which vehicle owners are encountering. My officials are continuing weekly meetings with the Authority to monitor ongoing progress in reducing test delays and ensure all possible actions are being taken to bring the waitlist to an acceptable level in 2023, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.
Strong progress is being made in addressing the long-term staffing issues behind this backlog. Over 60 inspectors were recruited locally in 2022 and a further 50 vehicle inspectors started the last week of 2022, bringing the total number of vehicle inspectors to 595 at the end of 2022. Further recruitment is ongoing in 2023, with 7 more currently in training and an additional 15 recruits waiting to be trained.
A number of other measures to provide additional capacity at test centres are also in place, including increased staff overtime, the temporary transfer of 20 testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation for a period of 3 months (8 of whom who will continue for a further 12 months) and the forthcoming pilot for additional inspection personnel to assist vehicle inspectors with automated elements of the test. Testers are being assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.
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.
270. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the certification date on an NCT remains at the due date of the test and not the actual date of the test when the test is delayed due to the lack of availability of appointments prior to the due date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1770/23]
View answerUnder the European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers, Ireland, like all other EU Member States, is obliged to adhere to the minimum specified intervals for carrying out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles. This is given effect in Irish law by means of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), as amended.
Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations provides that the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined using the date of registration of that vehicle and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of that date. Accordingly, all test due dates are predetermined based on the date of registration of a vehicle and any certificate issued for that vehicle will be valid only to the test due date which falls after the certificate is issued. Award of a certificate does not legally entitle the vehicle owner to the subsequent 12 months.
EU Member States cannot unilaterally postpone the date that a test is due to match the date of testing and so extend the validity of certificates without a derogation from the EU Commission. The only occasion where such a derogation has been granted to EU States was under Regulation (EU) 2020/698 in direct response to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, when test centres were closed to combat the spread of the virus. A permanent change to the date of testing was applied to certain vehicles in 2020 as a result of the suspension of testing under the Road Traffic (National Car Test) (Amendment) Regulations 2020. Certificates for vehicles which have had the extension applied are also valid only to the next test due date.
Permitting the validity of NCT Certs to be extended without inspection would place the State in breach of our obligations under EU law and may negatively impact road safety should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive. There are currently no plans to amend this legislation.
