Written Answers Nos. 56-75
56. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update as of January 2023 on the measures being taken to reduce the waiting times at NCT test centres nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2361/23]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
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.
In the interim, 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.
57. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the announced expansion of the Irish Rail fleet, which he announced on 29 November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1569/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Government approved a ten-year fleet framework agreement between Iarnród Éireann and Alstom in December 2021. This allows for the purchase of up to 750 electric and battery-electric train carriages over the contract period. This contract allows for the purchase of fleet for both the DART+ Programme and other areas of the rail network too.
Alongside this approval of the framework agreement, the Government also approved an initial purchase 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 network. Deploying some of this new fleet on the Northern Line should allow for some of the current fleet operating on that line to be cascaded elsewhere on the network, creating additional capacity across the system.
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.
As these carriages can operate in electric-only mode using overhead electric wires or through the use of batteries, there is also potential to use them at some stage in the future between Greystones and Wicklow and/or for the Cork Metropolitan Area, serving communities between Mallow, Cork, Cobh and Midleton, subject to available funding for necessary supporting infrastructure.
The rail fleet is also due to be expanded later this year with the final delivery of 41 new Intercity railcars. The precise deployment of these new units is still being considered by Iarnród Éireann and will reflect emerging travelling trends post-COVID-19. Routes that could see capacity increases as a result of the new railcars include the connections between Dublin Heuston and Cork, Galway, Limerick, Portlaoise, Tralee and Westport, and between Grand Canal Dock and Hazelhatch/Newbridge. Once service options have been defined for the new rail units, there may also be the possibility to cascade fleet to other lines.
58. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position on the construction of the remaining section of the new N22 Baile Bhúirne to Macroom; if he can provide specific timelines regarding completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1874/23]
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 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.
59. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport his views on ensuring that Castletownbere is classified as a larger town within the Connecting Ireland plan to ensure that the Beara peninsula is assigned the necessary scale of routes. [2091/23]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, including in the Beara peninsula, 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 working days.
60. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has any plans to restrict the use of private jets in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2379/23]
View answerThere are currently no plans to restrict the use of private jets in the State. As mentioned at the Oireachtas Joint Committee in December last, attended by both Minister Ryan and my predecessor Minister Naughton, the upcoming review of Ireland’s National Aviation Policy will be an opportunity to consider a broad range of policy matters and the possible taxation of private jets is one such matter that will be the subject of consultation.
61. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on the practice in London whereby many different transport operators offer free travel for a person and a nominated partner or family member on the TfL network; his further views on whether such a policy would benefit recruitment of transport workers; if such a policy could be implemented in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59901/22]
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 issue of free travel for employees and a nominated partner and family member would fall within the terms of employment offered and would be a matter for the individual public transport operators. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Irish Rail, Dublin Luas, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and GoAhead for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
62. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the impact current driver schedules, pay and rosters are having in the retention and recruitment of drivers in Dublin Bus, a company (details supplied) and Bus Éireann, which is resulting in frequent cancellation of services across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2377/23]
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. Furthermore, the terms and conditions of employees (including driver schedules, pay and rosters) are a matter for the relevant companies and do not fall within my remit as Minister for Transport. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and GoAhead for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
63. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on Project Bruce and plans to provide a sustainable funding stream for roads maintenance and repair as Ireland moves towards low- and zero-emissions vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2414/23]
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 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.
Project BRUCE will examine if a case exists to develop and apply next generation road user charging to reduce reliance on Exchequer funding while enabling government to deliver on climate targets while supporting economic growth. This is in a context where existing PPP contracts will expire in the coming decades and the network will return to public ownership. Work on Project BRUCE is at a very early stage.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you on Project BRUCE. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
65. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to address the wait time for driving tests at Skibbereen driving test centre, as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2057/23]
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. My Department has no access to information on, or involvement in, individual applications. I have referred the specific query on the Skibbereen test centre to the RSA for response, I would ask that the Deputy 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.
66. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the northern distributor road in Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1968/23]
View answer88. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to traffic concerns in Cork city due to a number of changes to road layout recently; and if he will engage with the local authorities to resolve these. [2356/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 88 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 BusConnects Cork.
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.
67. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the engagements his Department has had regarding the completion of all sections of the Coonagh, Knockalisheen Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2355/23]
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.
Limerick City and County Council is the contracting authority for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road project and my Department's Engineering Inspectorate liaises regularly with the Council regarding implementation of the scheme.
As the Deputy is aware, while construction of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road commenced in 2021, the contract was terminated as a result of the receivership of the main contractor. Pending a retender of the main construction contract, a contractor has been appointed to complete bridgeworks over the Galway-Ennis railway line and works are also underway to install a new watermain.
The Council has advised my officials that it is envisaged that the main construction contract will be retendered this year.
68. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the new National Cycle Manual; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2439/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.
Any new Active Travel infrastructure funded by my Department must be designed in compliance with the guidance and standards set out in the National Cycle Manual, which is currently being revised and updated by the NTA. This work has been underway for over a year and is geared to reflect best practice including improving design standards.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply . Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
69. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of cycling and walking officers employed by Dublin City Council who are funded by his Department; the number of outstanding vacancies for such roles; and the actions that have been taken to ensure such positions are filled. [1996/23]
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.
Local Authorities have been employing Active Travel Officers (also known as Walking and Cycling Officers or just Cycling Officers ) before the current NTA Active Travel resourcing programme commenced in 2021. This was set out as a requirement in the 2009 National Cycling Policy Network.
With regards to Dublin City Council, it is my understanding that two Walking and Cycling Officers are currently being recruited. Efforts to fill positions have been hampered by factors which are out of the control of my Department and the other organisations involved, such as shortages in the labour market. My Department continues to liaise with the NTA, who in turn are working with local authorities including Dublin City Council, in an effort to address these issues.
71. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to engaging with Iarnród Éireann in respect of the urgent need to reopen the Dunleer train station in County Louth, which lies between the main Drogheda and Dundalk stations, in order to reduce the significant number of commuters using vehicles in the mid-Louth area for their daily commute and to provide much-needed choice to residents of the area at a time when the cost of living is greatly affecting commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1342/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport, including rail. However, the operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the former station at Dunleer, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
I am not aware of any current plans to reopen the station at Dunleer. There are guidelines and requirements in place surrounding the release of funds for capital infrastructure projects which must be adhered to by all agencies wishing to draw down public funds. One requirement of the Public Spending Code is that major new capital projects are supported by a robust business case. I am not aware of any plans to progress a business case in relation to the reopening of Dunleer station at this time.
The Deputy may also wish to note the reopening of Dunleer station is not currently included in the Louth County Development plan. However, potential services and infrastructure along existing and potential new rail lines are being considered as part of the ongoing Strategic Rail Review.
The Review is now at an advanced stage, with publication of a report to follow once it receives appropriate Ministerial approval on both sides of the border.
72. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a 2022 end-of year-report on the Connecting Ireland plan; the funding that was allocated and spent and the services that have been delivered; the funding that is allocated for 2023; the services that are expected to be delivered in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2411/23]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, 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 working days.
73. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a comprehensive update on the transfer of Shannon Heritage-run sites in County Clare from the patronage of the Shannon Airport Group to Clare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2055/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for this question.
As the Deputy is aware, the Shannon Airport Group informed the Department in Summer 2020 that it was necessary to consider a comprehensive and radical adjustment to its structure to secure the long-term future of the Shannon Heritage business and its employees.
Further to extensive engagement with the relevant local authorities since early 2021, Shannon Heritage ended its management contracts with An Post and Fingal County Council for sites in Dublin on 31 December 2021 and the transfer of the business and employees took place without issue. King John’s Castle was successfully transferred to Limerick City and County Council on 4 April 2022.
As part of its engagement with the Shannon Airport Group, Clare County Council identified a funding gap for which it sought government assistance to enable it to take over the Clare sites. In response to this, my Department established an inter-departmental working group to consider how the transfer could be supported across Government.
To date, the working group has met four times and has identified a number of ways the transfer could be supported. I can advise the Deputy that my department is continuing to engage with relevant departments across Government and with the Shannon Airport Group, with the aim of facilitating the transfer as soon as possible. I understand that Shannon Airport Group and Clare County Council are also continuing to engage on the matter.
I would like to assure the Deputy that Government recognises the importance of these heritage sites to the mid-west region and believes that the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and heritage sites will safeguard the interests of Shannon Heritage employees and the long-term viability and success of the business. Government will continue to support the Shannon Airport Group to ensure that the transfer can proceed as planned.
74. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to make a decision on the public service obligation application to operate a route to Amsterdam Schipol Airport, made by Shannon Airport Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2056/23]
View answerAs previously advised to the Deputy, my Department is considering a request from Shannon Airport in relation to the establishment of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) route to provide EU Hub connectivity from Shannon Airport.
An assessment is currently being finalised by my Department, with a view to it being submitted to me for my consideration in the coming weeks.
75. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with Irish Rail on repairs necessitated to the Barrow Bridge owing to a bridge strike; if the company has advised him on the timeline for those repairs, including the processing of the relevant insurance claim, and future plans for the use of the Barrow Bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1946/23]
View answer
