Written Answers Nos. 36-55
36. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to provide park-and-ride facilities to reduce traffic congestion and emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1837/23]
View answer47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 11 of 10 November 2022, the progress on the roll-out of park-and-ride facilities in Galway; the details of any engagement he has had with the park-and-ride development office with regard to the Draft Park and Ride Strategy: Galway City and Environs, and in particular with a view to ensuring the delivery of park and ride on the western side of the city as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1882/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 47 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including the provision of Park and Ride facilities.
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.
39. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase capacity on public bus routes connecting the commuter towns of County Galway to Galway city. [2358/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to plans to increase capacity on public bus routes connecting the commuter towns of County Galway to Galway city, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
40. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Boyne Greenway project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1570/23]
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.
41. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken by him to improve subsidised Bus Éireann and PSO services in 2023, including funding for more buses and a further reduction of fares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1370/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
Since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the transport operators for the provision of public transport services are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.
This Government is firmly committed to enhancing and expanding our public transport services provision across the country. To support this objective, in Budget 2023, I secured a €563million funding package to support the PSO services. Further a number of fare initiatives were introduced in 2022, such as the 20% average fare reduction on PSO services and the Young Adult Card, and funding has been provided in 2023 for the continuation of these initiatives. I can also confirm that funding of approximately €136m is being provided in 2023 for the purchase of new buses for Dublin Bus, Go Ahead and Bus Eireann PSO fleets.
In addition, the NTA also has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the improvement of subsidised Bus Éireann and PSO services in 2023, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
42. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the discussions as of January 2023 that he and his Department have had with officials in Irish aviation in relation to lower-emissions aircraft and overall emission reduction in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2363/23]
View answerIreland strongly supports the policy objective of reducing aviation related emissions and is aligned with the strategies being progressed at EU level and internationally via the UN’s specialised agency, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The global approach to decarbonisation of the industry is based on ICAO’s ‘basket of measures’ which identifies four pillars from which reductions are to be realised. These are aircraft technology improvements, operational improvements, increased development and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and a global market-based measure known as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
At European level Ireland continues to be ambitious in its support for the EU’s “Fit for 55 Package” which aims to facilitate a minimum net 55% EU greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2030. This package includes several proposals which will impact on aviation including the ReFuelEU Aviation proposal and revisions of both the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and Energy Taxation Directive (ETD).
These proposals aim to encourage greater supply and use of SAFs, and to phase out the free ETS allowances afforded to airlines while also reducing the overall number of aviation allowances available within the system, thus incentivising airlines to further reduce their emissions. The cumulate end effect will be to incentivise a shift towards more environmentally friendly SAF alternatives with resulting emissions reductions.
My Department and I regularly engage with the Irish aviation industry and with representative bodies in relation to efforts to reduce emissions and decarbonise the aviation industry.
My officials maintain regular engagement with stakeholders in the Irish aviation industry, primarily through the Regulatory Working Group, which is a subgroup of the National Civil Aviation Development Forum (NCADF) which was established in 2016. This subgroup has provided a vehicle for discussion on emissions reductions and specifically the Fit for 55 proposals.
Both of our two largest airlines have invested heavily in next generation aircraft and engine technologies and operate efficient fleets. Both airlines are making significant efforts and investment in research towards increasing their uptake of SAFs.
My department remains committed to continued engagement with the industry in relation to the development of policy in this area both at EU and international level.
43. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he receives regular reports on the performance of public transport services; if he will outline the successes, the challenges and the way further progress can be made. [2217/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The NTA meets with operators on a very regular basis to review performance and my Department is kept apprised. The NTA also uses all the contractual and regulatory powers available to it to measure, report on and seek to maintain and improve standards across all PSO public transport services. Further, in instances where performance drops, financial penalties are rigorously applied unless the cause of the loss of performance is outside of the control of the operator, for example, high levels of Covid sickness absence.
Reports on transport operator performances are also published on the NTA's website and an annual performance report is produced - the latest being available for 2021 here: www.nationaltransport.ie/public-transport-services/public-transport-contracts/operator-performance/annual-performance-report/
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
44. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on ongoing discussions between Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority on proposals to deliver additional capacity on certain bus routes to cater for significant growth in usage; if route 109x Dublin-Kells-Virginia-Cavan is part of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1591/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators - in this case Bus Éireann. In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to proposals to deliver additional capacity on certain bus routes to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
46. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to improve road safety at the N22 junctions between Ballincollig and Macroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2053/23]
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 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.
49. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if he has examined the possibility of having access to the new N22 west of Macroom at Carrigaphooca, County Cork; the measures that would be necessary to bring this about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2054/23]
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.
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.
50. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progression of the Thurles inner relief road to be delivered under the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1923/23]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Tipperary County Council is the responsible authority for management and implementation of the remaining elements of the Thurles Inner Relief Road. I understand that the Council is endeavouring to resource the project at present.
51. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has specific initiatives in place to facilitate vehicle-sharing platforms; and the role he envisages they can play in a more sustainable transport strategy. [2216/23]
View answerShared mobility services, such as car-share clubs, escooter or bike-share schemes and other short-term rental or sharing models, particularly those which can be obtained ‘on demand’, are an effective mechanism for reducing car dependency. This was recognised in the recent OECD Report 'Redesigning Ireland’s Transport for Net Zero', which underlined the transformative potential of on-demand shared services, including in active travel and micromobility.
In that context, a new unit has been established within my department to actively engage with shared mobility operators and partnerships, local authorities, and the National Transport Authority to develop and guide policy around shared mobility and promote the use of shared mobility nationally. This engagement will be aimed at developing more coherent policy and supports, including technical innovation and the development of appropriate regulation, to scale up shared mobility services around the country.
Additionally, my department will work with its partners across Government to develop further supports for the electrification of transport through consideration of ‘eMobility hub’ models. These hubs would be distributed widely and would consist of charging infrastructure for shared electric mobility solutions such as e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as car clubs operating EVs for short-term hire.
In addition to these actions, the recently published Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to undertake policy initiatives to support access to e-bikes and e-cargo bikes, including shared options. The sharing of e-mobility assets as a service has the potential to enable modal shift from private car ownership across all types of settlements. The prospective benefits of these shared services is already recognised through an array of actions to be implemented through our national Sustainable Mobility Policy and its associated Pathfinder Programme, which was launched last October.
In summary, there are many shared mobility initiatives in place or in development and these are anticipated to play a key role in reducing car dependency and in halving transport emissions by 2030.
52. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the process or the steps required for a national road or motorway to be considered for the installation of noise barriers to mitigate the impact on local residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1969/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction, including noise mitigation measures, for individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise was transposed into Irish law by the Environmental Noise Regulations, 2006. This legislation requires TII and local authorities to undertake strategic noise mapping every five years for all major roads carrying in excess of 8,250 annual average daily traffic (AADT). Noise maps identify and prioritise cluster areas which will require further assessment and may require mitigation measures to be put in place. Once strategic noise maps have been produced, the results are used for each local authority to develop Noise Action Plans as required by the Environmental Noise Regulations. Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a more detailed and direct reply on this matter. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
53. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the plans being put in place to tackle the severe shortage in driving test availability. [2023/23]
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.
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.
54. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a progress report on the double-tracking of the rail line from Athenry to Galway city. [2359/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the feasibility study on the Athenry to Galway corridor to consider incremental improvements in train capacity between Galway and Athenry.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issue 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.
55. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the strategic assessment report from Cork County Council on the proposed upgrade options for the R624 access road to Cobh as part of the great island connectivity scheme; when he will in a position to make a decision on that report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1222/23]
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. Works on those roads are funded from Councils’ own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the Council.
The major cuts to funding for regional and local roads during the post 2008 recession resulted in the build-up of a substantial backlog of works across the country. The estimated cost of the backlog is in excess of €5 billion. Because of the pressures on the regional and local road network, approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or for road realignments.
Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Strategic Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework.
The revised Public Spending Code requires a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for all projects with an estimated expenditure of €10 million or more. The SAR is now a key deliverable at the first decision stage in the project appraisal process.
Cork County Council appointed consultants in early 2022 to carry out the SAR for a Great Island Connectivity Scheme. A draft SAR has recently been received from Cork County Council and this draft SAR is currently being reviewed in the context of the Public Spending Code and the Department's capital investment appraisal requirements.
