Wednesday, 18 Jan 2023

Written Answers Nos. 271-289

Departmental Schemes

Questions (271)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

271. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport if he will include a rural location (details supplied) in County Sligo for the new pilot subsidised hackney service scheme for rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1776/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the Local Area Hackney Scheme, 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.

Rail Network

Questions (272)

Alan Kelly

Question:

272. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of making the train fleet and train stations wheelchair accessible. [1808/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing an accessible, integrated and sustainable public transport network.  

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for progressively making public transport accessible, including train fleets and train stations, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. 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.

I am writing to you concerning the matter you raised in Parliamentary Question No. 272 on 18 January last which has been referred to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for reply.

Heavy Rail Fleet

All of the train sets operated by Iarnród Éireann are accessible internally. The main constraint for wheelchair users is that a ramp is required to be placed between the platform and carriage by a member of staff which requires advance notice and booking. In addition, not all rail stations are wheelchair accessible.

Iarnród Éireann have reduced the 24-hour notice for assistance on their trains down to 4-hour notice on their DART, Northern Commuter and Maynooth lines, and on the Cork/Cobh/Midleton route. An App is also under development for passengers booking this assistance.

It is planned that a Customer Service Agent will be on each of Iarnród Éireann’s Inter City services to assist all passengers, including those with disabilities, on those services. The total planned complement of 120 personnel have now been hired so it is planned to trial a reduction of advance notice of assistance from 24 hour down to 12 hour advance notice and the situation will be monitored.

The new DART+ fleet, which are being purchased, include for a retractable ramp between the carriage and the platform, to allow for easier access and egress for all passengers.

Rail Stations

Iarnród Éireann has 145 stations across the rail network and in 2014 a total of 54 stations were identified as requiring wheelchair accessibility enhancements. Works are ongoing at various stations in line with available funding. Typical of the type of works required, footbridges over the railway tracks and lifts have been installed at Carlow, Ennis and Edgeworthstown stations, and works are nearing completion on the installation of new footbridges and lifts in Dalkey and Gormanstown stations and construction recently commenced at Little Island Station in Cork. Design development, appraisal and planning is ongoing at various other stations for bridge and lifts to be installed.

NTA is also funding a major programme of investment in lift and escalator replacement and upgrade, which will benefit passengers with reduced mobility. Since 2020, 47 lifts and 2 escalators have been replaced or renovated in rail stations nationwide.

In a complementary programme, significant capital investment has been allocated to ensure that the lifts are operational for all passengers in the rail stations nationwide. A Lift Call System has been installed to try to minimise the damage caused to lifts due to vandalism. 43 lifts have this feature installed in them to date with 13 planned in 2023. Under this programme, the amount of breakages have significantly reduced.

As part of the 2014 review it was concluded that the cost of completing all of the works identified would be €79 million (at 2014 prices). Works amounting to approximately €16 million had been carried out to the end of 2022 under the Accessibility Retrofit Programme. The estimated cost of completing the outstanding works is in the order of €115 million (when construction inflation and other changes in costs since 2014 are taken into account).

I hope that the above information is of assistance.

Road Network

Questions (273)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

273. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the policy of Transport Infrastructure Ireland in relation to planting of roadway verges, in particular, motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1819/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 operation and maintenance 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

I refer to your parliamentary question, Ref. No. 1819/23, to Mr Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Transport. The position in relation to your enquiry is as follows.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is committed to managing its roadside spaces and landscapes in accordance with its core sustainability principles, as laid out in TII’s ‘Sustainability Implementation Plan’. TII is committed to placing sustainability at the heart of every decision it makes, thinking about its land as public space, for public good, and using it to preserve and enhance the environment, capture carbon emissions and assist in the fight against climate change.

TII’s six guiding principles of sustainability include actions to address carbon, enhance biodiversity and value the environmental and health benefits of reducing all emissions. For example, TII recognises the potential of its landscapes to capture carbon along lands adjacent to national road routes. TII has actively identified lands alongside the road network to investigate the potential of using the Woodland Creation on Public Lands scheme for carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement.

Another key focus for TII is the long-term preservation and enhancement of biodiversity within the Irish landscape. TII takes a holistic view of the sustainable management of the environment, by having regard to the quality of the entire landscape. This is achieved both by establishing areas for native trees, but also by recognising the value of enhancing other roadside habitats such as our boundary hedgerows and areas of grass meadows, which create a mosaic of habitat types on the network that support a range of biodiversity. It should be noted that TII’s long term approach to the landscapes along the transport corridors that it manages and maintains, has always been based on an ‘ecological design approach’, utilising native species (but not exclusively) and species with high biodiversity value. TII’s aim is to develop a functional, cost effective, resilient and healthy landscape that fits within the overall objectives of TII road and rail safety and performance. As part of its ongoing commitment to enhance the value of TII lands for biodiversity, TII collaborated with the All Ireland Pollinator Plan to develop a sector-specific guideline to improve the design and landscape management of its Transport Corridors, for Irish pollinators and for overall biodiversity. As part of our ongoing commitment to examine how TII can add additional capacity for increasing biodiversity, TII is currently implementing the actions of the plan, across the network. For example, as part of our grassland management, TII has reduced the frequency of grass mowing in certain areas, to enhance the value of its grass areas for wildlife and biodiversity. This has already resulted in the re-emergence of numerous native orchids along our grass verges as a direct result of this changed management.

Further information in relation to TII policies in this context can be found in, ‘Guidelines on the Implementation of Landscape Treatments on National Road Schemes in Ireland’.

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.

Road Network

Questions (274)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

274. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the total length of roadway managed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland per county; the corresponding length of roadway verge that is grassed; the cost of cutting that grassed area in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1820/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

I refer to your recent parliamentary question, Ref. No. 1820/23, to Mr Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Transport. The position in relation to your enquiry is as follows.

The national road network, which constitutes roads with an ‘M’ or ‘N’ designation, has a length of 5,293 km and accounts for approximately 5 per cent of the country's roads network. The lengths of national road by county are provided in the spreadsheet attached. TII, however, does not have figures for the corresponding length of roadway verge that is grassed.

The national road network is managed by a combination of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Concessions, Motorway Maintenance and Renewal Contracts (MMaRCs) and local road authorities, in association with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

With regard to the cost of cutting roadway verge that is grassed, it is not possible to give a breakdown of such costs. For example, PPPs and MMaRCs maintain their sections of national roadway in accordance with specific contract requirements which include all routine road maintenance, including a diverse range of other obligations such as crash barrier repair works, drainage harrowing, litter pickups, noxious weed control, invasive species control and general landscape maintenance. Similarly, local authorities receive an annual lump sum grant from TII for national roadside maintenance, which includes a range of similar tasks.

By way of additional information, most grass verge cutting is undertaken with the intention of increasing visibility and therefore safety. Such cutting typically involves a single swathe along a verge that is mown approximately five times per year. The rest of national roadside verges tend to be green areas that are managed for biodiversity, in a variety of landscape types from wildflower through to woodland fringe and hedgerows; an approach supported by the ‘All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021-2025’.

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.

Equality Issues

Questions (275)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

275. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a charge of €170 imposed by an organisation (details supplied) for an assessment for a person with a disability in order for them to access driving lessons; his views on whether a person with a disability should not be charged such an amount for an assessment to access driving lessons; if he will commit to the State covering this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1826/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWC) is not regulated by my Department and I have no power to regulate the charges they set for provision of services. 

I understand that the IWA provides driving lessons to people with disabilities in specially adapted vehicles.  I also understand that the initial €170 charge referred to by the Deputy covers both an assessment process and an initial lesson, which will enable the IWA to focus on the particular needs of the individual.  The IWA charges €30 per lesson for subsequent lessons.  

I have no role in setting or regulating these fees, and the IWA is an organization independent of the State.  As such I am not in a position to assess whether or not the charge is set at an appropriate level.  There is no funding available to me as Minister to cover such costs.

Equality Issues

Questions (276)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

276. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the long delays for persons with a disability accessing driving lessons; the way that he intends to address these long delays to ensure that persons with a disability can access driving lessons in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1827/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Driving schools are independent, privately run businesses.  As such my Department has no remit in how these businesses are operated, nor can my Department determine the services offered to customers.

However, to work as a driving instructor in Ireland, an instructor must be listed on the Road Safety Authority’s (RSA) Register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADI). This register also identifies ADIs across the country delivering driver training to students who require special accommodations, including students who may be deaf or hard of hearing and for those with restricted mobility who may require the use of vehicle adaptations as part of their driver training.   

To find contact details for RSA Approved Driving Instructors please go to :

www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/driving-lessons/find-an-instructor/approved-driving-instructor.

Then access the 'Find an instructor' section and key in the ADI number as provided for in the list: 

adis-delivering-tuition-to-learners-with-specific-needs.pdf (rsa.ie).

Departmental Funding

Questions (277)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

277. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the total amount that each local authority, university, hospital or other entity received in active travel funding in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1888/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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 2022 funding allocations to local authorities, universities, hospitals and other entities. 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.

Departmental Data

Questions (278)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

278. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish his diary and expenses for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1889/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

My diary is published on Gov.ie, my 2022 diary will be published shortly. Details of expenses are not routinely published.

Road Projects

Questions (279)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

279. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the Government’s commitment to the funding of the project to upgrade the A5 road; the amount of money that has been set aside for the co-funding of the project over a multi-year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1913/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the authorities in  Northern Ireland.  

The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 have been governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. Under this Agreement the Government is committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded. The Government is committed to deliver on its funding commitment to the A5 project, which is also included in the "New Decade, New Approach" document of 2020.  

As is the case for all such capital projects, the A5 upgrade scheme is subject to the planning assessment and approval process in Northern Ireland and since 2012 there have been a number of legal challenges.  This has led to unavoidable delays to the implementation of the proposed scheme.

In 2017 the Department for Infrastructure decided to proceed with the A5 scheme. However, this was challenged, and the decision to proceed was quashed by the High Court in November 2018 when the Department announced it would no longer defend the case. 

Following the conclusion of that legal action, the Department for Infrastructure updated environmental assessments for the project and undertook further public consultations. Despite the delays which have taken place, the public inquiry will be re-opened in January 2023.

Allowing for the time required for the conclusion of the public inquiry and for all new decisions to be implemented, together with the possibility of a further legal challenge, the timeframe for delivery of the A5 project is still uncertain. However, provision of £25 million sterling is being made by my Department in 2023 for funding the scheme, should this be required.

Road Projects

Questions (280)

Alan Dillon

Question:

280. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on progress that is being made with a matter (details supplied); when design-and-build contracts will be issued; the estimated total investment cost for this project at present; the projected timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1963/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and construction of national roads, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 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, on this occasion, 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 Projects

Questions (281)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

281. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when specific allocations of funding for national roads will be announced in 2023; if this will include funding for the commencement of construction on a section of road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1971/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.  Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), 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 TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.  

The allocations for national roads in 2023 are currently being finalised and will be announced by TII shortly.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question regarding the N59, on this occasion, to TII for a direct update on this scheme.  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.

I refer to your recent parliamentary question, Ref. No. 1971/23, to Mr Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Transport. The position in relation to your enquiry is as follows.

Details of the National Roads and Greenways grants for 2023 are now expected to be announced in mid- February and will be available from Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s (TII) website when confirmed.

TII wishes to advise that it is committed to the continued delivery of the overarching N59 Maam Cross to Oughterard Project. The next step of this is the completion of the Phase 5 Advance Works Packages, which are subject to the approval of the Method Statements by the National Parks and Wildlife Service for the Bunnakill to Claremont section of the Scheme. Subject to these approvals being forthcoming, TII will provide funding for the progression of this project.

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.

National Car Test

Questions (282)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

282. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for NCT tests in the Kerry area, by centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1974/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

I write further to your Dáil Question Number 282 in relation the number of persons waiting for NCT tests in the Kerry area by centre.

Please see table below showing the number of persons waiting for NCT test appointments in the Kerry area by centre:

Tralee	418
Killarney	478
Cahirciveen	71

I trust this information is of assistance to you and should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Driver Test

Questions (283)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

283. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who are currently waiting to be called for driving tests in County Kerry, by test centre; the wait time for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1975/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test and the information requested is held by them. 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.

I refer to Parliamentary Question 1975/23 regarding the number of persons who are currently waiting to be called for driving tests in County Kerry by test centre; the wait time for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Please see numbers below of customers waiting in County Kerry broken down by Test Centre as at December 31st 2022.

Test Centre	Waiting	Paused	Not Eligible	Total
Killarney	578	603	295	1630
Tralee	256	335	169	873

Terminology Scheduled -where an applicant has a test appointment date? Waiting -applicants who are eligible to sit their test and who will be invited once there are test slots available or who already have an open invitation to book themselves a test slot Paused - applicants who have been issued with an invitation to book a test but have not used it within 10 days Not eligible -customers who currently do not meet the eligibility criteria to sit their test, usually have learner permit less than 6 months or have not completed all mandatory Essential Driver Training (EDT)

The estimated wait time to invitation for a person who applied on December 31st 2022 for Killarney Driving Test Centre is 25 weeks and Tralee Driving Test Centre is 21 weeks.

For further information on Road Safety please visit our website at https://www.rsa.ie

Parking Provision

Questions (284)

Pauline Tully

Question:

284. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the medical and mobility eligibility criteria for a disabled person's parking card; the number of persons holding a disabled person's parking card in each of the years from 2018 to 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2003/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Disabled Parking Permit (also known as the European Parking Card or Disabled Parking Badge) is available to people living in Ireland whose mobility is severely restricted, whether they are drivers or passengers, and also to those who are registered blind.  The intention of the scheme is that appropriately sized, conveniently located parking bays adjacent to essential services such as shops, pharmacies, doctors' surgeries and post offices be legally reserved for those who might otherwise be unable to access such services because of their inability to walk unaided.

In response to the second part of the Deputy's question, I must be clear that my Department's remit is limited to the drafting of the legislation underpinning the Disabled Parking Scheme and does not include the day-to-day administration of that scheme or the processing of permits. The Deputy may wish to approach the joint issuing bodies of the scheme, the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) and the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) in order to obtain the relevant statistics directly.

Driver Test

Questions (285)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

285. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the waiting time for a person (details supplied) to be called for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2010/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

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. Neither I nor my Department have access to individual applications nor have I any power to intervene in individual cases. 

I understand the RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process, as such those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest would be offered a test first. 

I am told that if an applicant is employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services and need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work) then the RSA may prioritise their application.

Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs .

Electric Vehicles

Questions (286)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

286. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if grants will be available in 2023 for electric cars to be used as taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2074/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme is in place to support the greening of the SPSV, or taxi, sector. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, reducing the CO2 emissions of a sector which typically has very high mileage, and also can positively influence the uptake of zero emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles.

The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by NTA acting as agents of the Department with delegated authority and as the licensing authority for SPSVs. €15m has been allocated to the Scheme in 2023 to enable owners of small public service vehicles, such as taxis, hackneys and limousines, to buy electric vehicles. The Scheme is expected to open shortly.

Bus Services

Questions (287)

Niall Collins

Question:

287. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek action to ensure the preservation of this vital service (details supplied) for the community; if he will give assurances in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2075/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

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 operation and provision of public transport.

I understand that Dublin Bus are engaging with trade union representatives and An Garda Síochána concerning the ongoing issues with regard to service provision in West Tallaght. However, the issue of the ongoing operation of specific bus services in Dublin is first and foremost an operational matter for Dublin Bus 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.

Dublin Bus received a letter from the NBRU and SIPTU Trade Unions on 11th January, informing the company that they intended to withdraw services from West Tallaght at 6pm from 12th January, and terminate services on routes affected; 27, 65b and 77a at the Square in Tallaght. Following discussions between Dublin Bus management and the union leadership it was agreed that services would continue as normal up to 6pm in the evening, at which time, services would be curtailed in areas where incidents are high.

While these partial curtailments remain in place, significant work has been taken and continues, including:

- High level engagement between Dublin Bus CEO and Assistant Garda Commissioner

- Gardaí will continue to operate additional patrols in the area for the foreseeable future

- Additional Garda initiatives, including travelling undercover on certain services, have been implemented since Friday 13th January

- Dublin Bus CEO chaired an emergency Tallaght Forum meeting which was well attended by community representatives, AGS, Trade Unions and local elected representatives

- A formal review of the “West Tallaght Anti-Social Behaviour Agreement” is being jointly undertaken by Trade Union officials and Dublin Bus management

- Ongoing engagement between Dublin Bus management and Trade Unions

- Continuation of monitoring of the number of incidents in these areas and associated risk assessment.

We remain in dialogue with all stakeholders including the local community because we recognise this as a multi-stakeholder issue and will only be resolved accordingly. Our priority remains, as always, the safety and security of customers and employees.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (288)

Marian Harkin

Question:

288. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter (details supplied). [2202/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the Local Area Hackney Scheme, 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

Road Projects

Questions (289)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

289. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the discussions that have taken place with Galway County Council and TII concerning getting an agreement in relation to method statements regarding the development of the Bun a’Choill to Glengowla 5 kilometres stretch of road on the N59 west of Oughterard as provided for in the planning permission for the road; if such an agreement will be concluded in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2249/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

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.

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.End of Take

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.