Written Answers Nos. 156-175
156. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the traffic delays experienced by employers and their employees in Limerick as a result of roads being replaced by cycle lane routes. [10774/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the NTA, who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area. My Department and I receive regular updates on project progress and delivery from the NTA, including in relation to ongoing projects in Limerick.
€290 million has been allocated by the Department of Transport to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2023 for Active Travel measures around the country. The NTA disperses this funding to all local authorities, works with them to identify walking and cycling projects and oversees their delivery. Of the total 2023 funding, €20 million was allocated to Limerick City and County Council. This significant increase in funding over the last number of years across all local authorities is a reflection of the Government's prioritisation of sustainable transport, a key aspect of our move to reduce carbon emissions across the transport sector.
The Programme for Government commits to significant investment in walking and cycling infrastructure in order to encourage modal shift where possible away from private car use. The National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI) outlines an investment hierarchy whereby active and sustainable transport, including cycling, is prioritised for investment above infrastructure for private car use. In order to encourage modal shift away from private cars, alternative infrastructure such as safe and connected cycle lanes, must be provided and this is the overall aim of NTA's Active Travel programme, funded through my Department.
157. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm he will not take any actions that would amend the benefits of members of a pension scheme (details supplied). [10610/23]
View answer158. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that a group (details supplied) has requested information from an organisation; and if he will ensure the information is provided to the group. [10611/23]
View answer167. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine matters in relation to the CIÉ 1951 scheme (details supplied), given he has been satisfied by the trustees as to the liquidity of the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10653/23]
View answer182. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will request that Córas Iompair Éireann provide a detailed explanation, including all of the outstanding information sought by the statutory ‘1951 Scheme’ Committee of Trustees, in respect of the failure of the CIÉ board to act in a timely manner in relation to investment decisions from the end of March 2020 to 13 May 2020, which lead to an as yet unspecified financial loss to the pension scheme it was responsible for; and if he will provide answers to the preliminary questions outlined in the Elected Trustee Bulletin, dated 20 February (details supplied). [10780/23]
View answer183. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will compel Córas Iompair Éireann to provide answers to the questions posed by Elected Trustees in relation to Agreed Actuarial Protocols, as outlined in their Elected Trustee Bulletin, dated 20 February 2023. [10781/23]
View answer184. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a campaign asking that he not sign any amending statutory instrument changing the benefits of members of the CIÉ ‘1951 Scheme’ because the ‘1951’ Committee of Trustees’ independent actuary has confirmed that the ‘1951 Scheme’ now meets the Minimum Funding Standard provisions of the Pensions Act, 1990 and is solvent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10805/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 158, 167 and 182 to 184, inclusive, together.
Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
CIÉ have advised that the Group’s two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), are currently not in compliance with the Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) as defined in the Pensions Act 1990.
As the Deputies may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to the schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard required by the Pensions Authority.
In relation to the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to proposed changes to the 1951 scheme which is being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA. The deputies may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months.
The questions raised by the Deputies in relation to the 1951 scheme are matters for CIÉ. I have, therefore, referred the Deputies questions to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
159. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the reasoning behind the reduced allocation in community involvement scheme funding to Cork County Council this year compared with 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10619/23]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, 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 also a matter for the local authority.
In late 2021 local authorities were invited to apply for funding for Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) projects for a two year programme for the period 2022-2023. Within the overall budget available for the CIS grant programme over the two year period, local authorities were allocated funding on a pro-rata basis unless an individual authority sought less than the pro-rata amount.
Local authorities were given a somewhat higher proportion of their overall allocation in the year 2022 and in March last year local authorities were notified of their CIS allocations for both 2022 and 2023.
The 2023 funding allocation for Cork County Council is consistent with this approach.
It should be noted that exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
160. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the role his Department plays in the provision of transport for young adults with intellectual disabilities to attend further education, employment or training facilities; when he expects the final report of the Transport Working Group for the enhancement of transport and mobility supports to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10621/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am fully committed to strengthening our public transport offerings and progressively making them accessible for all, especially for disabled people/persons with disabilities, reduced mobility, and older people.
However, I must emphasise to the Deputy that specialised non-public (closed) door-to-door services do not fall under my aegis. The type of dedicated, individual transport service referred to by the Deputy, falls outside of the public transport remit of my Department and its agencies.
In relation to the report referred to by the Deputy, it is the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) which chaired the Working Group that produced this report. This was arising from commitments under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) and the Make Work Pay Report, to review the current provision of disability transport and mobility schemes across Government Departments, agencies, and local authorities. I understand that this report has been published by DCEDIY and is available on DCEDIY's website, and more information could be obtained by contacting that Department.
161. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount of revenue generated through advertisement on billboards in train and bus stations in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023. [10633/23]
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.
Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) is responsible for managing the advertising of its operating subsidiaries: Bus Átha Cliath, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
162. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when the electric SPSV, eSPSV, scheme for small public service vehicles, SPSVs, will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10635/23]
View answerThe Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme is in place to support the greening of the SPSV, or taxi, sector. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, reducing the CO2 emissions of a sector which typically has very high mileage, and also can positively influence the uptake of zero emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles.
The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by NTA acting as agents of the Department with delegated authority and as the licensing authority for SPSVs. Since its launch in February 2018, the eSPSV Grant Scheme has supported over 1,400 SPSV drivers in purchasing electric vehicles. €15m has been allocated to the Scheme in 2023 to enable owners of small public service vehicles, such as taxis, hackneys and limousines, to buy electric vehicles. I am pleased to advise that the scheme is now open for applications.
163. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Finglas Luas project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10636/23]
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 light rail.
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.
164. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when the E, F and A spine of the network redesign of BusConnects will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10637/23]
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 BusConnects Dublin.
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.
165. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Finglas roundabout scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10638/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and active travel infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. This includes the project mentioned by the Deputy, namely the Finglas roundabout scheme.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
166. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand and alternate the driving test routes at the Finglas test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10639/23]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred this question 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.
168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he and his Department continue to ensure best practice and safety throughout the road, rail and bus network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10673/23]
View answerThe safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff is of the utmost importance, and arrangements to deal with issues such as anti-social behaviour on public transport are matters which first and foremost must be managed by each public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. Decisions regarding a transport police unit, for example, and the allocation of Garda resources, are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner. On an operational level, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is further engaged with public transport operators regarding the issue of anti-social behaviour.
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to roads and public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation, provision, and maintenance of the public transport and roads network.
That said, my Department has been engaging directly with the NTA and the PSO operators on the issue of anti-social behaviour and ensuring the safety of passengers and staff. In their responses, operators stressed their strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána in relation to these issues. Furthermore, the railway sector in Ireland is subject to a considerable body of national and EU safety legislation. Primary responsibility for safe rail operations lies with the relevant rail operator, and is overseen by and subject to the regulatory framework of the Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR), which is the independent, statutory national railway safety regulatory authority for this country.
As such, the issue of safety raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the respective individual transport operators and regulators and I have therefore forwarded the question to the Commission for Railway Regulation, Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (who manages the contract with Transdev - the operator of the LUAS) for more detailed reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
In relation to Road Safety, in December 2021, the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority launched the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. This is the blueprint for making the roads safer for all during this decade and has a particular focus on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. The first annual review of the Road Safety Strategy was held on February 2nd, 2023 with the aim of setting priorities for 2023, focusing on reversing the trend in fatalities seen in 2022. Speed and the review of speed limits was particularly targeted.
169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to improve the capacity of the M50 and the M4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10674/23]
View answer172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if any particular traffic management plans are likely, given the need to improve the efficiency and safety of the M50 and similar routes to the capital city in view of the drastic overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10677/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 172 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
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.
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is anticipated to increase the capacity and frequency of commuter trains serving the towns of Leixlip, Maynooth, Kilcock, Clane, Celbridge, Sallins, Naas and Straffan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10675/23]
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 in relation to increasing the capacity and frequency of commuter train services serving the towns of Leixlip, Maynooth, Kilcock, Clane, Celbridge, Sallins, Naas and Straffan 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.
171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is expected to extend and improve the air transport service throughout all regions in such a way as to make it possible for business people and their employees to avail of an efficient and reliable service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10676/23]
View answerIreland is one of the most connected countries in the European Union, with Dublin Airport currently serving approximately 146 destinations with 43 airline partners with flights to Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa.
From a regional airport perspective, the summer 2023 season will provide a strong offering in comparison to previous seasons as the sector continues its recovery. While multiple new routes have been announced for leisure travel, business related connectivity is equally well served.
In addition to multiple holiday destinations, Cork, Shannon, and Ireland West (Knock) Airports will feature regular connectivity with London Heathrow, a major business hub, with the possibility of further onwards connections with any number of major global destinations. Shannon Airport will also offer direct transatlantic services, particularly connections to New York, another major business hub which also can provide additional options for onwards travel both internally in the United States and internationally.
Kerry Airport has regular services to London and, along with Donegal Airport, regular services to Dublin Airport which in turn provides the opportunity for onwards connectivity to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, transatlantic, and further afield again as required through multiple hub locations.
While exchequer support is provided to Ireland’s regional airports through a Regional Airports Programme 2021 – 2025, the funding is predominantly targeted at safety and security related projects and activities, funding also supports sustainability objectives. The Programme provides for a mid-term review to be completed in 2023. This review will consider how the Programme is currently delivering on its objectives, primarily in the context of supporting balanced regional development. It will also explore how international connectivity and services, to and from the regions can be maintained and enhanced. It should be noted however that the operation of any scheduled air service is a commercial decision for airlines, in consultation with airports and other market actors, based on the commercial viability of the route in question and other operational factors.
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is anticipated to increase the number of carriages on all rail routes serving numerous towns and villages throughout County Kildare, given the demography of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10678/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, there are two major relevant rail carriage capacity enhancement projects underway.
Decision Gate 3 approval by Government of the DART+ Fleet framework agreement between Iarnród Éireann and Alstom in December 2021 permitted the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, for entry into service in 2025. On 29 November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement, which will see a further 90 new battery-electric multiple units enter service in 2026.
Secondly, there is the purchase of 41 additional intercity railcars, delivery of which commenced last September. These new railcars will allow for enhanced services across the rail network when introduced into service later this year.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply on the specifics requested. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which five- and six-axle vehicular traffic continues to be restricted at peak traffic times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10679/23]
View answerSubject to the Road Traffic (Control of Traffic) Regulations 2006, a local authority may choose to prohibit or restrict specified multi-axle vehicles from access to particular public roads within its functional area. The signage to denote such restrictions is set out in national legislation, as are local authority powers to operate a permit-based exemption system for vehicles affected by the restrictions.
My role as Minister for Transport is strictly limited to provision of the enabling legislation. The location, enforcement, and periods of operation of multi-axle vehicle restrictions are entirely at the discretion of local authorities.
175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the use of electric cars is likely to affect our emission reduction targets over the next three to five years; if he has any particular incentives in mind in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10680/23]
View answerFleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term. Detailed modelling was undertaken to inform the Transport chapter of the Climate Action Plan 2023, which considered 2025 and 2030 scenarios as reference years, in accordance with the carbon budget programmes. Fleet forecasts have been estimated using the Irish Car Fleet Model that assesses the impact of new vehicle technologies on carbon emissions. The model predicts how the proportion of fuel types (petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric) within the fleet will change over time using observed vehicle registration and scrappage rates by age and fuel type. We estimate that by 2025, our EV targets would equate to an approximate 6.5% share of the national vehicle fleet, and that the level of emissions abatement associated with electrification and other vehicle technology improvements in 2025 would provide 1.96 megatonnes (MtCO2eq.) of emissions abatement. I note that this model will be kept under continued review and an update of the National Car Fleet model is planned to account for the latest 2022 fleet registration data.
The Government has already committed significant funding to support low emitting vehicles through the National Development Plan, which currently includes an allocation of almost €500 million for the period 2021-2025 and additional support from the Climate Action Fund. This funding includes both capital grants to support the purchase of EVs and capital funding for the delivery of EV charging infrastructure.
In July 2022, 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 of grants and initiatives have been launched with further information available at: www.gov.ie/zevi
Further funding has been allocated in 2023 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all. This funding will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.
There are currently almost 77,000 EVs registered on Irish roads (end January 2023). That number is expected to increase as the price of EVs continue to fall relative to their combustion engine equivalents. It is expected that as manufacturers increasingly ramp up EV production, upfront costs will become more comparable to traditional combustion engine cars within the next number of years. This will make total cost of ownership much more attractive and competitive, particularly given fuel prices trends. There is also far more choice available across all major car manufacturers and this is driving increased competition on price.
The Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. The EVPP Working Group comprised senior officials and has considered regulatory, financial, and taxation policies to help drive a significant ramp-up in passenger EVs and electric van sales. The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government and the full report is now available online. In order to support the transition to EVs, the Group recommended that in addition to the generous suite of EV supports already in place in Ireland, additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentivise fossil fuelled vehicles will also be necessary. Cost-effective, targeted policy supports should continue to be developed and strengthened over the coming years.
An Implementation Group was established to progress the recommendations and consider further potential measures and barriers to the adoption of the EVs. This Group reported on its progress to Government in December.
