Written Answers Nos. 76-95
76. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the roll-out of additional train carriages for the Dublin mid-west area; when these will come into operation; if this can be updated in line with population growth for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2213/23]
View answerThe Iarnród Éireann fleet is due to be expanded this year, with the final delivery of 41 new Intercity railcars expected in the coming months.
The precise deployment of these new trains is still being considered by Iarnród Éireann and will reflect emerging travelling trends post-COVID-19. The route between Grand Canal Dock and Hazelhatch/Newbridge could see capacity increases as a result of the new units, serving stations such as Adamstown and Cherry Orchard. Other intercity connections to and from Heuston could also benefit from the arrival of these carriages. Once service options have been defined for the new rail units, there may also be the possibility to cascade fleet to other lines.
In addition to these 41 Intercity Railcars, the Government approved a ten-year fleet framework agreement between Iarnród Éireann and Alstom in December 2021. This agreement allows for the purchase of up to 750 electric and battery-electric train carriages over the contract period. While the framework was agreed in the context of purchasing new fleet as part of the DART+ Programme, future orders could be for fleet across the rail network.
Alongside approval of the framework in December 2021, the Government also gave specific approval for the first purchase under the framework of 30 electric carriages and 65 battery-electric carriages. These carriages are expected to enter into service in 2025 on the Northern Line and on the existing DART Line. Using the new fleet on the Northern Line means that its current fleet can be used elsewhere creating additional capacity across the existing Irish Rail network.
Furthermore, last November the Government approved the purchase of a further 90 battery-electric carriages under this framework. I anticipate that these 90 carriages will be delivered in 2026. The carriages will facilitate the expansion of DART+ services to Drogheda to the north, Maynooth/M3 Parkway to the west and Celbridge/Hazelhatch to the south-west.
My officials are currently reviewing the Preliminary Business Case for the DART+ South West project, which will increase capacity in the Dublin west region in line with expected population growth. As battery-electric carriages can operate through the use of batteries, there is potential to deploy them in advance of the rollout of overhead electric lines on the DART+ South West line. This would allow for capacity increases in areas such as Cherry Orchard and Adamstown in the coming years. The precise deployment of this fleet will be decided before their arrival, subject to available funding for necessary supporting infrastructure.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in determining the appropriate deployment of fleet, I have referred the deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for a more detailed response on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 days.
77. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Finglas to Killester cycle scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2123/23]
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 this specific scheme. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
78. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the construction works at Kishogue train station; the reason the works were delayed; when the works are expected to be completed; when the station will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2212/23]
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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, the re-commissioning works at Kishogue Station.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
79. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if the Local Link in Cavan could be extended to Crosskeys, which is 8 km away, to accommodate 21 Ukrainian refugees, comprised of adults, teenagers, infants and babies (details supplied). [2255/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
My Department and NTA continue to monitor and respond to the influx of refugees due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and are factoring in the geographical spread of Ukrainian refugees into the planning process. In order to serve a dual purpose by catering for both existing demand as well as responding to the increased pressures on services where the local population has grown in response to the humanitarian crisis, the NTA have accelerated the implementation of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, and also added additional stops, routes and services where the need has arisen.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including in County Cavan, 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 days.
80. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the ongoing progress of the Cork metropolitan area transport strategy in the areas of road and rail infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2273/23]
View answerThe Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork County Council.
Noting the NTA's role in the development of the strategy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply in relation to ongoing progress on its delivery. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
81. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 33 of 10 November 2022, the status of the preparations for carrying out the promised feasibility study of light rail in Galway; the timeline for the feasibility study; the status of the specialist team tasked with assisting in the NTA in the updating of the Galway Transport Strategy; the membership of the specialist team; the terms of reference of the specialist team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1883/23]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) will carry out a feasibility assessment for light rail in Galway city, as part of the review of the 2016 Galway Transport Strategy and the development of a new Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, which will be undertaken in conjunction with Galway City and Galway County Councils.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
83. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position in relation to the construction of the South Kerry Greenway; if he can provide specific timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1873/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 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.
84. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the funding that has been made available under budget 2023 for the Clontibret-to-the-Border road scheme. [1794/23]
View answerAs 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 N2 from Clontibret to the Border, 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.
85. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the N25 Midleton to Youghal project, including the Castlemartyr bypass; if he will provide a timeline for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2274/23]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on regarding the N25 Midleton to Youghal project including the Castlemartyr bypass.
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.
86. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if plans have been made by his Department to address the virtual absence of operational public car charging points in County Donegal give the significant rise in electric vehicles on the roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62764/22]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. As the Deputy is aware, a draft national strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial 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 that will be published today, alongside an Implementation Plan.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.
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 grants and initiatives have been launched and further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at: www.gov.ie/zevi
Public EV charge points are provided in Ireland by a number of charge point operators on a commercial basis. ZEVI is engaging with these charge point operators as key stakeholders in the delivery and roll-out of fast charging points across the country.
€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022.
In terms of progress ESB eCars have:
- One hub of 4 High-Powered Chargers with 8 charging bays constructed, with 2 in progress. There is an overall target of 6 sites
- One hub consisting of 2 High-Powered Chargers with 4 charging bays completed with a further 10 currently in design/construction.
- 17 hubs of 1 High-Powered Charger and 1 Fast Charger with 3 charging bays completed with a further 13 currently in design/construction
- Completed the upgrade of 40 Standard 22kW chargers to DC Fast 50kW chargers
- Completed the replacement of 250 Standard 22kW AC chargers.
Further details on the progression of this project can be found at: esb.ie/what-we-do/ecars/our-network
In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme, which is administered by the SEAI, continues to be available and provides local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs. It should be noted that this scheme facilitates the installation of standard charge points.
ZEVI has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland. A new scheme for neighbourhood charging is in development expected to launch at the end of the year.
In addition, ZEVI is also currently working in partnership with a number of Local Authorities on pilot programmes for EV charging this year. Donegal County Council is welcome to contact the ZEVI team if it would like to put forward a pilot EV charging project for consideration in ZEVI’s pilot programme.
My Department is also developing a new scheme which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as visitor centres and parks. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
Public charge points in Ireland are provided by a number of charge point operators on a commercial basis. ESB eCars is one of these operators and has a significant presence nationwide. In light of ESB eCars role in providing publicly accessible charge points, I have forwarded your question for direct response. Please contact my office if no reply is received within 10 working days.
87. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the increase or decrease in the patronage of each of DART, Luas, Commuter and InterCity rail usage in 2022, compared with 2019; the services with the greatest percentage increase in patronage; the policies he intends on following in 2023 in order to increase this patronage further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1369/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; However, I am not involved in day-to-day operations of public transport services. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.
Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to the patronage of DART, Luas, Commuter and InterCity rail usage, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which steps are ongoing to ensure the viability of the transport sector, notwithstanding any challenges from whatever source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2352/23]
View answerA number of significant steps taken in recent years and on-going within the Department of Transport, will help to ensure the overall viability of the transport sector, ensuring that connectivity within Ireland and internationally is safeguarded.
The Government recognises that aviation makes significant direct and indirect contributions in the regions, providing for high quality jobs within the aviation sector as well as through the various ancillary services that are provided to airports, the airlines, and in the local economy.
Early in the COVID-19 crisis, the Government put in place a broad range of unprecedented economy wide supports to help mitigate the effects of the crisis, which many companies in the aviation sector, have availed of.
The level of funding provided is a clear indication of the importance Government attaches to the financial viability of our regional airports. Exchequer funding provided to date has enabled the strong recovery of traffic through our regional airports last year, with airports forecasting an even stronger 2023 above 2019 passenger levels.
The Government is strongly committed to providing reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. Budget 2023 helps support this objective and is a further positive development for public transport passengers across the country.
My department has extended the 20% fare reduction on Public Service Obligation (PSO) services and the 50% reduction available for young adults on both PSO and commercial bus services until the end of this year. My department is also supporting new and enhanced bus and rail services throughout 2023. These are all part of a €563 million funding package to support PSO services and that package is hugely significant in the context of providing accessible and affordable transport options.
In line with National Development Plan (NDP) objectives and National Ports Policy, the State ports are continuing to progress projects under their masterplans to enhance Ireland’s capacity and connectivity and allow the ports to respond to market needs, handle increases in ship sizes and frequency and serve the import and export needs of the economy.
National Ports Policy provides the overarching policy framework for the governance and future development of Ireland’s state port network. However, the national and international environment for which the 2013 policy was developed has changed fundamentally. As Minister, I recognise that a new approach is needed to assist our ports with the environmental, technological, demographic, and geopolitical challenges of the next decade and beyond.
To address these new challenges a port capacity study is currently underway and is due for completion shortly. Upon its finalisation, a full review of National Ports Policy will commence later this year, which will look at the overall ports policy framework. The first stage in this review will be the drafting of an Issues Paper and it is anticipated that this will go to public consultation in the first half of 2023.
With regards to our shipping sector, the major change in trade flows since the end of the Brexit transition period has demonstrated the resilience and responsiveness of the Irish shipping industry. It adjusted swiftly and comprehensively to the changes in demand from business, and provided a range of additional services, frequency and capacity options to transport goods to continental markets. My department, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) will continue to monitor available shipping capacity and work with the sector to ensure it can continue to adapt to the changing environmental, economic and geopolitical landscape. The department is also working with other departments and ports to ensure compliance with any EU trade sanctions that have been introduced as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In relation to the haulage sector, the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme provided over €15.5 million in direct financial aid to more than 3,000 licensed road haulage operators in 2022 to help to ease cost pressures arising from high fuel prices, associated with the conflict in Ukraine.
A new €18 million support scheme for licensed hauliers will operate this year. The full details of the scheme will be finalised and communicated directly to road haulage operators in Q1 of 2023.
These measures are in addition to the excise duty reductions on diesel and petrol which were extended in Budget 2023 to 28 February 2023, as well as the ongoing Diesel Rebate Scheme and the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) levy reduction.
Ireland’s Road Haulage Strategy 2022–2031 was published on 15 December 2022. The strategy focuses on generating efficiencies, improving standards, securing jobs and helping the road freight sector move to a low-carbon future. Its implementation will be monitored by a new stakeholder group, the Road Freight Forum.
A global and longstanding shortage of drivers continues to impact the road freight sector. The Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group, established in 2019, oversees the implementation of actions to address the issue, including recruitment of drivers from abroad and the development of entry, educational and career pathways for new drivers.
90. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the measures that have been taken to review all bus, rail, and tram infrastructure to ensure transport hubs are adequately resourced and accessible for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2362/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing an accessible, integrated and sustainable public transport network.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for progressively making transport accessible, including at transport hubs, 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.
91. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the plans and strategies being introduced to reduce waiting times in Cavan’s driving test centre, which are currently running into June 2023, which is a full five-month wait to apply for a test (details supplied). [2256/23]
View answer167. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the plans and strategies being introduced to reduce waiting times in the Cavan driving test centre, which are currently running into 9 April 2023, which is five months to apply for a test (details supplied). [62391/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 167 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test and deals with all application and scheduling matters. I have therefore referred the specific part of the Question related to the Cavan driver testing centre to the Authority for reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply 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.
92. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the status of the provision of refreshments on trains. [2357/23]
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 raised by the Deputy regarding the status of catering services on board Iarnród Éireann intercity rail services is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
I also understand that many of the stations on the Intercity network have existing retail / catering facilities available for customers, and Iarnród Éireann have advised that they will work with CIÉ Property in the interim period to further enhance, where possible, station-based retail and catering options for customers while also working towards the resumption of on-board catering as soon as possible.
93. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the way he plans to increase passenger numbers on public transport in line with the Climate Action Plan 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1638/23]
View answerThe revised targets that have been set out in the updated Transport Chapter of Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23) are informed by detailed transport modelling undertaken by the National Transport Authority. This work identifies a sectoral decarbonisation pathway that can achieve a 50% reduction in transport emissions by 2030.
The targets in CAP23 are intended to communicate the level of widespread, systemic and behavioural change needed to comply with our sectoral emissions ceilings and our emissions abatement targets – rather than presenting the specific abatement modelled for any single committed measure in isolation, which will require further detailed policy and scheme design.
CAP23 makes it clear that - in addition to widespread electrification of our vehicle fleet, continued use of biofuels as a transitionary measure and a general reduction in distances travelled on the transport network - we will need to achieve significant behavioural changes in how we travel on a daily basis – with an estimated 50% increase required in daily active travel journeys, 130% increase in daily public transport journeys, and 25% reduction in daily car journeys, relative to our 2018 emissions baseline.
Achieving such targets will only result from an integrated combination of measures, and the decarbonisation pathway set out in CAP23 is premised on an 'AVOID-SHIFT-IMPROVE' framework to achieving greater transport sustainability. In addition to enhanced spatial and land-use planning measures that can reduce the need to travel by private car in the first instance, the proposed decarbonisation pathway would see a significant roll-out of additional sustainable alternatives and capacity enhancements to public transport services.
Some of these measures are already committed, such as the BusConnects schemes, the DART+ Programme, Metrolink (in the longer-term), and the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Programme which aims to ensure that 70% of people in rural Ireland have access to public transport service that provides at least three return trips daily to the nearby town. My Department will undertake additional analysis in 2023 to develop a high-level assessment of the additional public transport services multi-annual programme cost required to meet the pathway’s assumptions.
It is also important to note that such major public transport infrastructure projects will need to be supported through other high impact measures, such as through road space reallocation, communication strategies, and the main-streaming of shared services to help reduce our overall levels of car dependency and to accelerate and reprioritise the use of our road space in favour of more efficient and sustainable modes. CAP23 recognises that communications will be key, and sets out the need for a strong, Government-led communications campaign, using clear messaging, firstly to raise awareness about the systemic changes in public and active travel that are already taking place, and secondly, encouraging behavioural change wherever possible. This will mean new ways of communicating the climate, well-being, and the other benefits of a widespread shift from private car dependency to sustainable mobility.
Finally, my Department will continue to work with its Agencies and Service Operators to ensure continued improvements in the safety, reliability, and accessibility of Public Transport services in line with the National Sustainable Mobility Policy.
94. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the NTA does not award routes to companies on the basis of lower labour costs in the future under its competitive tendering processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2378/23]
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. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to procure public transport services by means of Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts. In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to future competitive tendering processes to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
95. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the measures he will take to ensure Irish ports are equipped to deliver on offshore wind targets; if he will outline State and other planned ports investments for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2410/23]
View answerOffshore Renewable Energy (ORE) is integral to achieving Ireland’s Climate Change ambitions with a target of achieving 7GW (2GW of which is dedicated solely to produce green hydrogen) of offshore energy by 2030. In December 2021, I published a policy paper, “Facilitation of Offshore Renewable Energy by Commercial Ports in Ireland”, which identified that four to five port facilities (each capable of building 500 MW of ORE annually) will be required for deployment activity and multiple ports, both on the east and west coast, will be needed for operation and maintenance (O&M) operations. Following the Government decision on 14th Sept 2022, that all work, planning and consents, relating to ORE be prioritised across Departments, officials in my department are prioritising all workstreams with ongoing engagement with other departments. As you are aware, while Irish Ports receive no exchequer funding, EU funding of port infrastructure for ORE is now available for ports, or terminals within ports, on the Trans European Network for Transport (TEN-T). Furthermore, my department has been engaging with ISIF, EIB and the EU Commission, regarding the availability of funding for ports in providing the ORE infrastructure to meet EU and Ireland's ambitions. A National Task Force has been established by Department of Environment Climate & Communication (DECC) on the delivery of offshore wind energy. The Task Force on which I sit, brings together senior representatives from key departments and agencies and has set the development of port infrastructure as one of its core objectives. This development will not happen in isolation, however. It will be done in tandem with improvements to the planning process, the introduction of appropriate regulatory frameworks, the establishment of a cohesive supply chain and skills capability, including ecological and environmental and enhancements to the national grid. My department continues to encourage engagement between the ports and developers and in 2022, the Ports Co-ordination Group was established to coordinate port responses and maintain policy in the development of offshore renewable energy.
