Written Answers Nos. 165-185
165. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he and-or the National Transport Authority have taken and-or will take into consideration the latest census population data in the context of the provision of public transport and the capacity of same; and if current public transport strategies will be amended to take account of new population data from the Central Statistics Office. [2595/23]
View answerThe Deputy is right to highlight the importance of data in planning for public transport infrastructure and services. The Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies for the five cities are developed over a twenty- year horizon and reviewed every six years. These strategies use a range of statistical data to inform their analysis, including –
- National Planning Framework’s future population forecasts;
- CSO’s Census of Population;
- CSO’s National Household Travel Survey;
- NTA’s Annual Bus and Rail Statistics;
- Annual Local Authority Traffic Counts; and
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s National Roads Network Indicators.
Although the metropolitan area transport strategies are informed by the Census, as forward-looking documents, they are also based on forecasts for future population set down in the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. In developing and reviewing each transport strategy, the National Transport Authority undertakes a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns. This analysis is used to assess the public transport needs for each city and the role all modes of transport, can play in meeting those needs.
The NTA will continue to utilise Census information, and, as appropriate will incorporate the new Census data into the development of, and reviews of the metropolitan area transport strategies.
166. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if the Local Link service in County Cavan could be extended to Crosskeys, which is 8 km away, to accommodate 21 Ukrainian refugees (details supplied). [62390/22]
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 Russia 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.
168. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if a solution has been found to facilitate the transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to the responsibility of Clare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59143/22]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for this question.
Government appreciates the important role of Shannon Heritage to the economy of the Midwest region and, in terms of Ireland’s built heritage, recognises that the heritage sites operated by Shannon Heritage are of intrinsic historical and cultural value.
It is considered that the proposed transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and sites in County Clare to Clare County Council is the best way to secure the longer-term viability of the business and the interests of Shannon Heritage employees.
As the Deputy is aware, the Department of Transport established an inter-departmental working group on the transfer of Shannon Heritage in May 2022. Representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Office of Public Works, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media participate in this group.
The Group has held four meetings to date. The inter-departmental group identified a number of ways the transfer could be supported, and a further meeting of the Group has been scheduled in the coming week.
I can advise you that bilateral engagement between departments and stakeholders is also continuing with a view to progressing the transfer as soon as possible.
169. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the engagements his Department had with a company (details supplied) following the launch of its Vision 2041 Masterplan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62781/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I was delighted to be invited down to launch Shannon Foynes Port Company’s review of their Vision 2041 Masterplan in November 2022. Since then, there has been ongoing engagement with my department and the provision of support and assistance to realise this project.
Shannon Foynes Port Company is Ireland’s second largest port based on tonnage and is located beside one of the best wind resources in Europe. The report sets out the blueprint for the Shannon Estuary to become a hub for facilitating the development of offshore wind, along with the production of clean fuels – including green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol. The report demonstrated the company’s commitment to sustainability, climate action and renewable energy while also the commitment of Shannon Foynes Port Company as a driver of economic growth in the Shannon Estuary, the region and nationally.
This report is in line with Ireland’s ambitious plans with regard to the development of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) in the seas around Ireland and aligns with Government Policy I published last December on the facilitation of ORE by Irish Commercial Ports.
This policy 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 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.
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.
170. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he can clarify whether the Government has abandoned targets for 1 million private EV on the roads by 2030; the way targets for cuts to emissions in transport will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62727/22]
View answer171. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the Government has formally abandoned targets for 1 million private electric vehicles on the roads by 2030; if so, the way he plans to reach the targets for cuts to emissions in transport; if he will re-examine proposals for free public transport in view of such a change in Government transport climate policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62711/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 together.
The 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.
It is clear that in order to meet our 50% emissions abatement target and to comply with our sector emissions ceilings, we cannot afford a reduction in the ambition of any element of the proposed pathway. As such, we project that approximately 1 in 3 private cars (30%) will need to be a battery electric vehicle by 2030, which equates to the previous Government target of c.845,000 private EVs on our roads by 2030 in absolute terms. EV targets have also been set for the commercial sector and public transport vehicles of 95,000 LGVs, 3,500 HDVs and 1,500 buses.
In this context, while the previous CAP21 private EV target is re-framed as an expected 30%-share of the total car fleet by 2030, it is not a reduction in the level of our ambition, but rather is intended to better embed it within our wider sustainable mobility policy, where our EV strategy may also benefit from supporting actions taken to reduce our high-levels of car dependency.
It is important to note that compliance with our sectoral emissions ceiling 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.
In relation to public transport fares, a reduction in public transport fares of 50% was assessed as a modelling mechanism to simulate the required behavioural change, but it is important to note that the modelled pathway is provided to inform detailed policy design and does not reflect committed Government policy.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services. The gross cost for the provision of PSO public transport services in 2022 was c.€1.104bn, but this excludes both the Rural Transport Demand Responsive services (which had an estimated cost of €18m) and also the very significant increased cost of providing additional services that would in turn be required to meet the increased demand generated by free fares.
CAP23 further acknowledges that additional public transport services investment will be required to meet the modelled pathway assumptions and my Department will develop further analysis to consider the high-level multi-annual programme cost of the additional services required to meet the modelled pathway targets, as part of its 2023 work programme.
Government remains strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and Budget 2023 included the continuation of measures to reduce the cost of public transport, including the extension of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services so that everyone will benefit until the end of 2023. The 50% reduction available for young adults on both PSO and commercial bus services was also extended until the end of 2023, which will be supported by 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.
172. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of updates for the development of new vehicular and or pedestrian bridges in Celbridge, Newbridge and Clane in County Kildare. [2481/23]
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 development of pedestrian bridges, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
With regards to vehicular bridges, each local authority is the statutory road authority for its area and in this context Kildare County Council can advise the Deputy on its proposed developments such as the proposed Celbridge to Hazelhatch Link road which is currently being funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
173. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to introduce measures to promote the use of electric bikes in order to encourage commuters to use this mode of transport instead of private petrol and diesel motor cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2487/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel and public transport infrastructure.
My Department is continuously exploring ways to encourage the uptake of cycling as a mode of transport and it is evident that the popularity of e-bikes is rising. Our National Sustainable Mobility Policy examines the different behavioural change measures that can be explored to promote modal shift away from private car use and towards zero-emission transport modes such as walking, cycling and e-biking.
It is worth noting that in Budget 2021 my colleague, the Minister for Finance, increased the thresholds for the Cycle to Work scheme to enable the purchase of e-bikes, which is an incentive available for many commuters.
The Department of Transport will continue to undertake research into other additional measures which could be introduced to promote modal shift and encourage an uptake in electric bike usage across all demographics.
174. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the budget allocated for active travel spending in 2023; the estimated number of kilometres of new cycling infrastructure this will deliver in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2493/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government committed to cross-Government spending of around €360 million per annum for walking and cycling measures throughout the lifetime of the Government. The majority of this funding comes from the Department of Transport and will contribute to the development of almost 1,000km of new and improved Active Travel infrastructure across the country by 2025.
While specific allocations for 2023 have yet to be finalised, my Department has committed to providing a budget of over €290 million for Active Travel spending in 2023 and approximately €60 million to TII's Greenways Programme.
In relation to the estimated number of kilometres of new cycling infrastructure that will be delivered this year, I have referred your question to the National Transport Authority (NTA) who have responsibility for delivery of Active Travel projects and to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) who have responsibility for the delivery of Greenways projects.
175. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the top six Dublin Bus routes by passenger number in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2494/23]
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 query raised by the Deputy in relation to the top six Dublin Bus routes by passenger number in 2022 is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
176. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test date can be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2500/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) which has statutory responsibility for the operation of the test deals with all application and scheduling matters. I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
I believe the RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process, consequently, I understand that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first.
I am told that urgent tests are only available to applicants who are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services where the candidate would need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work).
Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at: www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs
177. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the average and median waiting times in each NCT centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2505/23]
View answer201. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to improve the recruitment and retention of staff in NCT centres. [2687/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 201 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.
As Minister of State for Transport, I do not have a role in operational matters, including the appointment of personnel by the NCTS or the conditions of their employment in that capacity.
However, both I and my colleague Minister Ryan are very cognisant of the difficulties motorists are experiencing when trying to secure test appointments and that this is causing immense worry and frustration.
My officials are continuing weekly meetings with the RSA to monitor the ongoing work to reduce test delays and ensure all possible actions are being taken to bring the waitlist to an acceptable level in 2023.
My department has facilitated any appropriate requests made to it as regards improvements, for example, at the RSA’s request, the Department engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to secure approval for recruitment of inspectors from outside the EU/EEA.
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 by end-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.
The RSA and NCTS have set a target to return the average waiting list to 12 days, per the service level agreement. My department will continue to monitor progress towards that goal in the coming months I am confident that we will soon see the positive impacts of the changes that have been made.
178. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the number of persons waiting to sit their driving test in most centres around the country, including Limerick; if additional instructors will be hired to alleviate this backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2530/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test and deals with all application and scheduling matters, however my attention has been drawn to the issue of driver testing waiting times throughout the State.
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.
179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which it is expected to grant access for motor commuters to Dublin city in the future given the future indicative parking charges; if this is likely to impact on productivity given the necessity to compete with the modern pace of activity and life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2569/23]
View answerFuture traffic management measures, including parking charges, for Dublin City will be considered within the context of a new Demand Management Scheme for the Greater Dublin Area, in line with Action 40 of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy. The development of this Scheme is being led by the National Transport Authority in conjunction with relevant local authorities, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and my Department. In addition to this Scheme, my department will also be developing a new National Demand Management Strategy for the transport sector in line with a commitment under the most recent Climate Action Plan (CAP23), published in December 2022.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 sets out Ireland’s legally binding emissions reduction targets, along with a carbon budget programme and sectoral ceilings that are consistent with achieving a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a net-zero position by 2050. For the transport sector, this means a 50% in transport emissions (relative to 2018 levels) by 2030. To achieve this target, Government is supporting a large-scale transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and higher levels of biofuels in the fuel mix. However, these measures - on their own - will not deliver the emissions reduction required. Neither will they address congestion issues.
The CAP23 identifies additional action that must be taken to bridge this gap, and places a particular focus on reducing the use of private cars in favour of sustainable transport modes – walking, cycling, public and shared transport . In this context, CAP23 sets out to achieve a 20% reduction in total vehicle kilometres and a reduction in fuel usage of 50%.
Demand management measures to support these targets, including parking measures, will be developed alongside significant investment and delivery of viable and sustainable alternatives to the private car, providing the necessary supports for people to transition to cleaner, more efficient journeys.
As well as reducing emissions, demand management measures can deliver significant benefits for urban centres - improving air quality, permeability, accessibility and their overall attractiveness as places to live, work and visit. They can also make a substantial contribution to tackling congestion, which is a growing problem in Dublin City. In a recently published global traffic index for 2022, Dublin was ranked 12th most congested city in the world, with drivers losing an estimated 114 hours in traffic annually. This is not sustainable from a productivity perspective, and demand management measures can play an important role in returning time lost to commuters and residents alike.
Taking account of the above, all future measures for Dublin City will be considered as part of the development of the aforementioned Demand Management Scheme for the GDA, which is being led by the National Transport Authority. Both the GDA Scheme, and the new national strategy, will be developed over the course of this year and will be the subject of substantial public consultation and engagement.
180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is intended to provide high-quality road transport such as motorways in those areas throughout the country currently without such services, having particular regard to the economic needs of such areas and the need to compete for investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2570/23]
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.
The NDP seeks to ensure a high degree of accessibility for all regions and urban areas, to other regional centres and to our cities. This is aligned with the National Planning Framework (NPF) with a particular focus on ensuring that our regional cities are enabled to become centres of appropriate scale and that their growth is compact and sustainable.
With regard to national roads, of the new road projects listed in the current NDP, several are under construction with others at an earlier stage of planning and design. Projects under construction include the Dunkettle Interchange, the N22 Baile Bhuirne to Macroom project, and the N59 Moycullen Bypass. Approximately €5.1 billion is earmarked for new national road projects over the lifetime of the NDP, with the majority of this being provided in the second half of this decade. This is in addition to the priority of ensuring our existing national road network is maintained in a robust and safe standard for users.
181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which north Kildare rail commuters can expect enhanced and improved services in the future given the demographic trends and the need for the public to have confidence in the transport system in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2571/23]
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 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.
The issue raised by the Deputy regarding rail service provision in north Kildare is an operational matter for the NTA in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which new roads are proposed from County Dublin via Confey, Leixlip, County Kildare, and other parts of north Kildare, with particular reference to ensuring that local residents are accommodated in every way possible given that their established travel routes are being interrupted; when the works will commence and conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2572/23]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended. Works on those roads are funded from Councils’ own resources supplemented by State grants, where applicable. The planning and implementation of new road schemes is, therefore, a matter for the relevant local authority. My Department is not providing any grant assistance to Kildare County Council under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for the planning or development any new roads in the North Kildare area at present.
As regards national roads, 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.
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.
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the electrification of the Dublin-Maynooth rail line, with particular reference to the towns likely to expect an enhanced service; the extent of the parking arrangements currently proposed; if such arrangements can be improved in line with local requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2573/23]
View answer185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when it is expected to commence construction works on the electrification of the Maynooth rail line; if Kilcock can be included in the proposals at this stage, given the extent to which this is being sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2575/23]
View answer186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent of the proposals to enhance and improve the Hazelhatch-Sallins commuter rail services in the near future; if electrification still remains an objective in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2576/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 183, 185 and 186 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, both DART+ West and DART+ South West are elements of the DART+ Programme. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and implementation of the DART+ Programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the current commuter train passenger levels throughout north Kildare, with particular reference to the need to ensure maximum efficiency, capacity and quality of service with the least overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2574/23]
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 current commuter train passenger levels throughout north Kildare is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
