Holly Cairns
Question:7. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on capital investment on the N71, including the Bandon relief road and the Innishannon bypass. [10273/23]
View answerRoad Projects
Questions (7)
Written answers
In the context of the National Roads Programme capital budget, which is provided by my Department to TII, significant funding has been provided towards the improvement of the N71 since 1994, funding a variety of improvement schemes.
TII has provided my Department with details of a number of schemes that are relevant to the route.
One proposed scheme is an extension to the existing Bandon Relief Road. Currently this road ties back into the existing road network via a very steep downhill gradient. Traffic also needs to negotiate a number of roundabouts and priority junctions within the built-up area of Bandon. There is quite heavy traffic on the N71 in this area, with average daily traffic of between 9,000 and 14,000 vehicles. Heavy Goods Vehicles comprise up to 5% of this traffic. The proposed relief road extension would involve bridging the R603 to remove the steep gradient and the construction of approximately 2.5km of new single carriageway tying back into the existing N71, just to the west of the town.
A Public Consultation was held by Cork County Council in June 2022 as part of the Options Selection Process, and procurement of Technical Advisers is ongoing to advance the scheme based on the feedback received.
Regarding the Innishannon Bypass, the Route Feasibility study was previously commenced but was not advanced to conclusion as this scheme is not included in the NDP. TII have advised that the advancement of this proposed scheme therefore cannot be accommodated in the National Roads Programme at this point in time.
A Feasibility Study for the Bantry Bypass was completed previously by Cork County Council. This was in relation to Phase 2 of the bypass route, from the Hospital around the south of the Town to link back into the N71. TII have been in discussions with the Council on advancing this, however it is proving difficult due to constraints and terrain issues. Cork County Council have however progressed Phase 1 of the bypass scheme to the north of the town and have obtained part 8 planning for the scheme. This will connect the Hospital to the N71. The Council and TII will be discussing the possibility of progressing this scheme, pending available funding.
Questions Nos. 8 and 9 answered orally.
Taxi Licences
Questions (10)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:10. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the National Transport Authority regulations regarding renewal of taxi licences incorporate some leeway on deadlines; if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4807/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), is the licensing authority for small public service vehicles (SPSVs) and An Garda Síochána is the licensing authority for the drivers of SPSVs. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
In July 2021, the NTA increased the 12 month period that a taxi, hackney or limousine licence may remain in inactive status after its expiry, to 24 months. The Small Public Service Vehicle (Emergency Measure COVID-19) (Expired Licence) Regulations 2021 brought about this increase. This was a permanent amendment to the Regulations and the purpose of this amendment was to allow SPSV licence holders to remain attached to the industry during the pandemic.
As a courtesy, the NTA sends reminder letters to the licence holder’s postal and e-mail addresses eight and four weeks (eight weeks only for e-mail) prior to the expiry date of the licence. Licence holders are advised to commence the renewal process up to two months before the vehicle licence expires as it is important to ensure that the vehicle licence does not expire. This also allows time for the licence holder to organise the necessary paperwork and to arrange an NCT roadworthiness test.
While I sympathise with the situation as highlighted by the Deputy, the NTA is precluded by law from replacing a SPSV licence where an application is received after the deadline. I have been informed that there are currently two options available should a driver wish to return to operating in the SPSV industry:
- Apply for a new vehicle licence for the following categories of vehicle: wheelchair accessible taxi, wheelchair accessible hackney and limousine.
- Rent a licensed, insured SPSV: SPSV Regulations permit a vehicle licence holder to rent the insured vehicle to another person. The person providing the rental must own the vehicle or be entitled to use it as an SPSV whilst also being the holder of the vehicle licence and must provide appropriate insurance for the period of the rental. The driver renting the vehicle must ensure they create a driver to vehicle link, before operating.
Questions Nos. 11 and 12 answered orally.
Public Transport
Questions (13)
Richard Bruton
Question:13. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will indicate the latest data on modal shares on key routes into Dublin city and how they compare with the pre-Covid time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9532/23]
View answerWritten answers
While Covid-19 undoubtedly had a profound impact on the public transport sector, I am pleased to advise that Ireland is an international outlier in terms of recovery, with passenger numbers now at or above pre-pandemic levels. This trend is particularly prevalent at weekends, where demand is in the region of 125% of pre-Covid numbers.
By way of illustration, last week saw over 3.2 million bus journeys on Dublin Bus and GoAhead Dublin buses. This compares to a low of just under 900,000 for the same week in 2021, and is an increase of 100,000 when compared to the same week in 2020, pre-COVID. The Luas shows similar numbers, up 100,000 journeys compared to the same week in 2020.
In relation to modal share, the latest Canal Corden report published by the National Transport Authority shows that in 2021, 43.6% of all travel inbound to Dublin was undertaken on public transport. This compared to cars at 39.5%, and active travel at 15.6%. By comparison, the 2020 figures had cars much higher at 74.8%.
While significant progress has been made in encouraging increased usage of sustainable transport modes, I want to acknowledge that there remains a high level of car usage on key routes into Dublin City, which impacts congestion levels and journey times.
Encouragingly though, from 2010 to 2019, we have seen steady growth in daily public transport trips inbound through the cordon, up 33,000 to 116,000 in 2019, while cycling has seen the most impressive growth from 4,800 inbound trips in 2006 to 13,000 in 2019.
I firmly believe that with continued investment in public transport services and active travel infrastructure, we will build a much more efficient framework for the provision of sustainable mobility in Ireland, and encourage the modal shift we need to meet our ambitious targets.
Questions Nos. 14 and 15 answered orally.
Transport Policy
Questions (16)
Bernard Durkan
Question:16. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which transport is being staggered at peak times to ensure the greatest utilisation of the road, rail and bus network and improved safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10475/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in this. Initiatives such as Bus Connects and Connecting Ireland, as well as continued investment in active travel, are encouraging more people to migrate from their cars to more sustainable modes of transport.
All public transport services are designed to best meet the demand at all times of the day. The National Transport Authority, in conjunction with the various operators, are committed to designing public transport timetables to achieve this objective. At peak travel times, the NTA ensures a maximum frequency of service, subject always to the availability of key resources, i.e. drivers and vehicles.
While there have been changes to peoples' work patterns post-Covid, with earlier peak travel times now than in early 2020, it remains the case that the majority of people will start and end their workdays within the same 1–2-hour periods each morning and evening. Compared to early 2020 however, we are seeing transit usage spread more evenly across the week. There has also been an increase in usage of public transport in the evenings and at weekends.
The NTA is therefore continually working with all operators to ensure the optimised deployment of resources to match changing demand patterns. This includes extending the provision of late-night public transport services.
It is essential however that services continue to be concentrated around peak travel times. If services were to be staggered more at peak times, it is highly likely that people would be unable to board buses, trams and trains. This in turn would lead them to turn to private car use as means of travel to and from work, which is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve with our ambitious plans for public transport.
Ports Policy
Questions (17)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:17. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the engagements his Department has had with the Shannon Foynes Port Company regarding the Vision 2041 master plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9948/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I was delighted to be invited 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 renewable energy (ORE) from 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 ORE in the seas around Ireland and aligns with Government Policy I published last December on the facilitation of ORE by Irish commercial port companies.
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 operations and maintenance (O&M).
Following the Government decision on 14 Sept 2022, that all work, planning and consents, relating to ORE would 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.
National Car Test
Questions (18)
Bríd Smith
Question:18. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport If he will examine the way the contracts for the national car testing system are awarded in light of the recent crisis at the NCT centres and the ongoing industrial relations issues at an organisation (details supplied) and the inability to retain and recruit suitably skilled staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10460/23]
View answerWritten answers
The National Car Testing (NCT) Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and it is the RSA which is responsible for the award and management of the contract for the NCTS with its contractor, Applus Inspection Services Ireland Ltd.
As Minister of State for Transport, I do not have a role in operational matters for the NCT, including the appointment of personnel by the NCTS or the conditions of their employment in that capacity. Accordingly, industrial relations issues are matters for the RSA and Applus. All NCTS staff are employees of Applus.
As is the case for all State bodies, the performance of the RSA is subject to periodic review, as part of my Department’s ongoing corporate governance responsibilities. I recently met with the RSA Chair and Chief Executive and we agreed to initiate a review with the Authority, the terms of reference of which will include the management of services and related procurement issues.
I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing and the impact that this has for vehicle owners seeking test appointments. Over the past 2 years, despite regular recruitment campaigns, NCTS has found it increasingly difficult to recruit sufficient qualified mechanics to meet the demand for car tests. The shortage of qualified mechanics is a significant capacity constraint. To address this, 110 inspectors were recruited in 2022 (including 44 recruited from outside the EEA). Recruitment of qualified vehicle inspectors is ongoing, with a cohort of 599 testers now in place and a further 8 currently in training. New testers are assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.
Increasing testing capacity is not an overnight solution. However, as I have said on the floor already, the national average waiting period for a test appointment has now been brought to just under 26 days and is expected to continue to decrease. We can expect considerable progress over the next few months towards a target average waiting time of 12 days, which the RSA has stated is its aim to achieve by end June.
Bus Services
Questions (19)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:19. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the engagement his Department has had with BusConnects in Cork to ensure rural areas are adequately serviced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10356/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the National Development Plan 2021-2030, the BusConnects programmes will be substantially delivered in all of Ireland’s five cities by the end of the decade. Not only will these programmes significantly enhance the quality of bus transport in our cities, they also include the development of high-quality cycle lanes.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) completed the process for redesigning the bus network for Cork in 2022, following two rounds of public consultation. It is intended that all phases of the new network will be fully implemented before the end of 2025. The NTA is currently developing a detailed implementation plan for this purpose.
When fully implemented, the new network will deliver an overall increase of 53% in bus services across the Cork Metropolitan Area. The Cork Metropolitan Area includes densely populated urban areas centred around Cork City and more dispersed, rural areas on the fringes of the city. Many of these rural areas will benefit from new routes and services implemented as part of BusConnects, including Waterfall, Kerry Pike, Dublin Pike and Upper Glanmire.
Outside the Cork Metropolitan Area, and for rural areas across the country more generally, the NTA is implementing Connecting Ireland. Connecting Ireland is an ambitious programme of bus enhancements to create a more integrated, accessible, and sustainable public transport network for rural Ireland.
Following an in-depth public consultation on the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in 2021, the NTA started implementation of Phase 1 in January 2022. Connecting Ireland has delivered 38 new and enhanced bus services across various counties and almost €4m has been invested in implementing these services to date. The implementation has had a significant impact on rural communities by improving access to high frequency public transport bus services and connecting villages and towns to regional bus and rail services. This increased connectivity is allowing people greater access to social, healthcare, educational and employment opportunities. Phase 1 has created nine new connections to higher level education facilities and 10 new connections to hospitals.
It is also important to note that the NTA is continuing to improve rural public transport services through Phase 2 of Connecting Ireland, with the planned implementation of 67 new and enhanced bus services in 2023. Further roll-out phases will continue from 2024 to 2026.
Transport Costs
Questions (20)
Bríd Smith
Question:20. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the Government intends to continue to implement reduced fares on public transport across the State; if any consideration has been given to extending that reduction or moving to providing fare-free public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10461/23]
View answerWritten answers
As you know Deputy, a number of fare initiatives were introduced in 2022. This is in line with this Government’s responsibility to encourage modal shift and to benefit public transport passengers. These initiatives, such as the 20% average fare reduction on PSO services and the Young Adult Card on PSO and participating commercial services, will continue until the end of 2023.
Enhancing and expanding our public transport services provision across the country is a firm commitment of this Government. To support this objective, in Budget 2023, I secured €563m of funding for PSO and Local Link services provided by State operators and under contract by the NTA this year.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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. The total cost of providing the existing level of PSO services this year is estimated to be in the order of €1.2bn. Research has shown that, to fund a fully free public transport system, without accounting for the likely increased level of passenger demand, an additional €540m in Exchequer funding would be required at a minimum.
Further, that same research tells us that any increase in public transport demand due to free fares would largely be achieved by reductions in active travel and an increased level of unnecessary trips. Ultimately then, free fares would not substantially boost the sustainability of the transport system, primarily because passenger demand is much more sensitive to levels of service provision than it is to pricing. Budget 2023 is therefore focussed on the existing fare initiatives and alternative policies of a similar cost to improve service provision, to deliver maximum benefit for all passengers.
Rail Network
Questions (21)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:21. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in securing and reopening the rail line from Athenry to Claremorris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10329/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the Strategic Rail Review is currently being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This includes the role of rail freight.
The Review is also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor.
It would be premature to commit to the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor before the Review is finalised.
The Review is at an advanced stage. Publication of the report will follow after the necessary approvals have been secured.
Cycling Policy
Questions (22)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:22. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on his plans to increase the number of e-bike sharing schemes in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10468/23]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with the relevant legislation, I recently approved the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042 prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA). This Strategy includes an objective stating that: “[t]he NTA will support the provision of electric bike share schemes, appropriately integrated in the overall bike share scheme structure for the region.”
The Transport Strategy also sets out the need for interoperability between schemes to avoid a scenario where “a multitude of singular schemes operating across the region, means that a user may need to be a member of, and subscriber to, multiple schemes in order to cover the spectrum of trips that he or she may wish to make.” The NTA intends to work with the existing and new bike scheme operators to “put in place interoperability arrangements between bike sharing schemes within the GDA such that the customer of one scheme is enabled to use the bikes of another scheme, and will explore the role of Next Generation Ticketing in this regard.”
Significant investment has already been made in the provision of electric bikes in Dublin City as part of the dublinbikes scheme operated for Dublin City Council by JCDecaux. Funding was provided to the City Council for the provision of 800 e-bikes which can both be used as a standard bicycle or operated as an electric bike by just slotting in a small battery pack, available to the applicable scheme members.
The NTA is currently undertaking an analysis of micro-mobility provision in the wider Dublin region, to identify the optimal operating model which will facilitate an increased level of shared micro-mobility use, focussing on standard bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters. A core objective of the analysis is to develop a framework for supporting shared micromobility solutions that complement and integrate with the public transport system and are provided equitably across geographic areas. That work is ongoing and an overall framework is expected to be developed over the coming months, which will then guide the further expansion of e-bike sharing.
Driver Test
Questions (23, 28)
Brendan Smith
Question:23. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the measures that will be implemented to eliminate unacceptable delays in applicants receiving appointments for driving tests in the Cavan test centre; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that much inconvenience is caused to applicants through late cancellations, in many instances within a very short time of the test being due to be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10499/23]
View answerBrendan Smith
Question:28. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when additional driver testers will be appointed to the Cavan test centre, in view of the delays in applicants receiving appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10498/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 28 together.
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). However, I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working closely with the Authority to address the issue of Driver Testing waiting times, which is at unacceptable levels across the state.
The current national average waiting time for invitation to test is 21 weeks, far above the service level agreement of 10 weeks.
The Driver Testing service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand which is 28% up on 2021 figures and 27% up on 2018 pre Covid-19 pandemic figures.
I am told 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 and an increase in Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their test.
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.
Deployment of these successful candidates is almost complete and has been focused on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists.
Given the continued backlog, demand and capacity of the driver testing service was further reviewed in late 2022 and early 2023. My Department is actively engaged with the RSA in evaluating this subsequent request for additional resources.
Regarding the point made by the Deputy on late cancellations of driver tests, I am aware that testers may become unavailable at short notice, usually owing to illness or in some cases, bereavement. In these events the Authority will try to redeploy another tester to conduct tests and, if not possible, this will result in test cancellation at short notice.
I acknowledge there is further work to be done to provide the driver testing services each customer deserves and the Authority is committed to delivering.
Ports Policy
Questions (24)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:24. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the reference within the Shannon Foynes Port Company Vision 2041 master plan to the need, over the lifetime of the plan, to acquire an additional 127 ha of port development land; if he will discuss what planning has taken place with Shannon Foynes Port Company on acquiring this land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9949/23]
View answerWritten answers
Shannon Foynes Port Company launched its 30-Year Masterplan, Vision 2041, in 2013. Vision 2041 set out a strategy for the further development of the port and identified the opportunity ahead for what were then only emerging sectors, such as offshore renewables.The Port determined its future land requirements based on the criteria outlined in the Masterplan and acquired c.38ha in 2016. These lands are currently subject to procurement for enabling works having obtained planning consent in 2018. I was delighted to be invited down to launch Shannon Foynes Port Company’s review of its Vision 2041 Masterplan in November 2022. Since then, there has been ongoing engagement with my department.
The future development of the deepwater port at Foynes Island will provide both offshore wind integration services and a Neo-Panamax-capable container terminal. The latter will enable the required capacity to expand the container business at the inner Port of Foynes. In accordance with Section 15 of the Harbours Act 1996-2015, a decision regarding the disposal or acquisition of land is solely a matter for the board of the Shannon Foynes Port Company. Since the end of 2016, there is a requirement under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State bodies for ports to seek Ministerial consent in relation to any material acquisition or disposal of land, buildings or other material assets. Therefore, once a decision has been made by the board of Shannon Foynes Port Company to acquire or dispose of land in the future, they must then seek my consent and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in advance of proceeding. Shannon Foynes Port Company has confirmed its intention to comply with the requirements of the Code for any future land acquisition. The progression of projects under Vision 2041 is in line with National Development Plan objectives and National Ports Policy. These non-exchequer-funded investments will enhance Ireland’s capacity and connectivity and will allow the port to respond to market needs, handle increases in ship sizes and frequency, serve the import and export needs of the economy, and facilitate the development of offshore renewable energy.
Traffic Management
Questions (25)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:25. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to introduce experimental traffic orders; the effects he anticipates from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10266/23]
View answerWritten answers
In recent years and particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, many local authorities have sought to implement certain traffic and transport related measures on roads and streets. The types of measures developed included widening of footpaths to accommodate social distancing, development of temporary cycling facilities, enhancing pedestrian movement including additional pedestrianisation, alterations to bus stops/routes. Most of the interventions were implemented through temporary construction involving bollards, pencil cones, plastic barriers, road markings and signage. The two main legislative provisions to enable the implementation of the above physical measures are: Section 95 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended by Section 37 of the Road Traffic Act 1994) and Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. Neither of these require approval by Councillors as the power to implement them lies with the Council Executive. My department along with the NTA and local authorities are currently working on new guidelines to support the use of section 38 to include the potential piloting of traffic schemes which in turn should facilitate better engagement with the public as well as helping to improve design for final implementation beyond pilots. As part of this work separate guidelines supporting the reallocation of street space are also being developed. The guidelines supporting the use of Section 38 will be designed to be complementary to existing procedures and guidelines in use but will allow for additional options for local authorities, supporting the rollout of traffic and transport related measures on roads and streets. The development of these guidelines is well advanced.
Public Transport
Questions (26)
Mark Ward
Question:26. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the financial deductions applied to public transport operators due to punctuality, reliability and service quality key performance indicators from 2020 to 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10560/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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. In addition, I would like to advise that as part of the NTA’s contractual performance monitoring system with operators, issues of poor reliability and punctuality performance can result in financial penalties for those operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to financial deductions applied to public transport operators due to punctuality, reliability and service quality key performance indicators from 2020 to 2022, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
National Car Test
Questions (27)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:27. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve wait times for NCT tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10469/23]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). 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.
I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet the high demand for tests and the ensuing delays for vehicle owners. My officials continue to meet weekly with the Authority, to monitor ongoing progress in reducing test delays and to ensure every possible action is being taken to reinstate an average waiting period of 12 days, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance. I have also met recently with the RSA Chief Executive and Chair to discuss this and other matters.
There has been some progress in addressing the long-term staffing issues behind this backlog. 110 inspectors were recruited in 2022 (including 44 recruited from outside the EEA). Recruitment of qualified vehicle inspectors is ongoing, with a cohort of 599 testers now in place and a further 8 currently in training. A number of other measures to provide additional capacity at test centres are also in place, including increased staff overtime and the temporary transfer of 20 testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation for a period of 3 months. Eight of these testers are continuing for a further period. Testers are 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 by availing 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 28 answered with Question No. 23.
Road Projects
Questions (29)
Brendan Griffin
Question:29. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding completion of the next phases of the N22, Cork-Kerry Road, Baile Bhuirne and Baile Mhic Íre; the anticipated timeline for opening these sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10534/23]
View answerWritten answers
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. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Rail Network
Questions (30)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:30. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progress being made to bring the Enterprise service to an hourly service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9869/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 of increasing the Dublin-Belfast Enterprise train service to an hourly service is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Taxi Licences
Questions (31)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:31. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on taxi licence numbers, driver numbers and late night working following the recent driver recruitment campaign; if the restriction on plate transferability is recognised as a barrier to recruitment; his plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10512/23]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry including licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016.
As the Deputy is aware, the NTA ran a driver recruitment campaign on national radio and digital platforms in July 2022 to encourage interested parties into the industry. Analysis carried out by the NTA indicates that this campaign has been successful, with a 40% increase in the number of driver entry tests in January 2023 compared to January 2019., which is the highest that the NTA has experienced to date.
On 31 January 2023, there were a total of 14,665 Dublin licensed SPSV drivers, and 25,383 nationwide. The number of licensed vehicles on that date was 19,228. SPSVs themselves are not restricted to a geographical area for operation: they can be operated anywhere throughout Ireland, irrespective of the postal address of the owner/renter of the vehicle and SPSV licence.
As the Deputy may be aware, both the NTA and my Department have taken a number of steps to support taxi drivers nationally and to increase the number of taxis available to passengers, especially for people getting home at night. The NTA approved an average increase of 12% on taxi fares from 1 September 2022. The increase is weighted in favour of premium hours, such as weekend nights, Sundays and bank holidays. It is designed to attract more people to the taxi industry and to encourage more taxi drivers to work during unsocial hours, such as late nights, therefore increasing availability of taxis to passengers nationally. This late night fare weighting is working very well, which is borne out in a much reduced number of consumer complaints received by the NTA.
Whilst the NTA has statutory responsibility for regulating (licensing and enforcement) the SPSV industry, taxi drivers are self-employed individuals and, as such, decide on their own business strategies within the regulatory framework. Additionally, SPSV operators choose the times at which they operate.
The transfer of licences for SPSVs is, at present, prohibited under section 14(1) of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013. All SPSV vehicle licences are unique to the person to whom the licence has been issued and cannot be transferred or sold to another person.
The current licensing regime is built on the principle that a licence should have no monetary value or be traded on the open market and should simply indicate a person’s suitability to carry out the role of taxi operator, as decided by Revenue, An Garda Síochána and the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The Advisory Committee on SPSVs sent advice to me on this subject recently which indicates that it is not in favour of reverting to a legal situation which allows for the transferability of SPSV licences. I have considered the Committee's Report and I accept the Committee's advice that the transferability of SPSV licences should not be allowed, as is currently the position. As shown in the numbers of drivers currently active in the SPSV industry and applicants taking the driver entry test, not allowing the transfer of licences appears not to be a barrier for entry into the industry.
Traffic Management
Questions (32)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his plans to bring forward legislative provision for experimental road traffic orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10513/23]
View answerWritten answers
In recent years and particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, many local authorities have sought to implement certain traffic and transport related measures on roads and streets. The types of measures developed included widening of footpaths to accommodate social distancing, development of temporary cycling facilities, enhancing pedestrian movement including additional pedestrianisation, and alterations to bus stops/routes. Most of the interventions were implemented through temporary construction involving bollards, pencil cones, plastic barriers, road markings and signage. The two main legislative provisions to enable the implementation of the above physical measures are: Section 95 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended by Section 37 of the Road Traffic Act 1994) and Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. Neither of these require approval by Councillors as the power to implement them lies with the Council Executive. My department along with the NTA and local authorities are currently working on new guidelines to support the use of section 38 to include the potential piloting of traffic schemes which in turn should facilitate better engagement with the public as well as helping to improve design for final implementation beyond pilots. As part of this work separate guidelines supporting the reallocation of street space are also being developed. The guidelines supporting the use of Section 38 will be designed to be complementary to existing procedures and guidelines in use but will allow for additional options for local authorities, supporting the rollout of traffic and transport related measures on roads and streets. The development of these guidelines are well advanced.
Cycling Facilities
Questions (33)
Emer Higgins
Question:33. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the cycle paths his Department has identified to cut carbon emissions and ease traffic congestion in Lucan, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9939/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
South Dublin County Council received an allocation of just over €22 million under the NTA's Active Travel Programme in 2023 for walking and cycling infrastructure. Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer in relation to specific projects in Lucan. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Transport Policy
Questions (34)
Alan Dillon
Question:34. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he will list the number of active travel and Safe Routes to School projects completed by Mayo County Council in round 1 of the programme; the number of projects in round 1 that were listed in round 2; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10562/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to active travel infrastructure. The NTA along with the relevant local authorities, are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.
In March 2021, I launched the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme as a response to the need to improve safety at the ‘front of school’ environment and enhance access to school grounds. The programme aims to support walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools and to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities through infrastructure delivery.
The Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA). An Taisce’s Green-Schools is coordinating the programme, while funding will be made available to local authorities who will play a key part in delivering the infrastructure along access routes and at the school gate.
931 applications were received from primary and secondary schools across every county in Ireland. 167 schools form Round 1 of the Programme with a further 108 schools having been selected for inclusion in Round 2. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the first two rounds will be selected at a later stage without the need to reapply.
Seven schools in Mayo were selected for inclusion in Round 1, namely:
- Brackloon NS, Westport
- St Colman's College, Claremorris
- Cong NS
- Carn NS, Ballina
- Scoil Iosa, Ballina
- Davitt College, Castlebar
- Gaelscoil Raifteirí, Caislean an Bharraigh
As of end January 2023, the Carn NS, Cong NS and St. Colman's College projects were at preliminary design stage while the others were at the earlier options development stage. Six additional schools were selected for inclusion in Round 2 of the SRTS Programme, as follows:
- Ballinrobe Community School
- Claremorris BNS
- Holy Trinity NS, Westport
- Murrisk NS, Westport
- Quay NS, Ballina
- St. Joseph's PS, Ballinrobe
The SRTS team in the NTA and An Taisce will begin to engage with Round 2 schools early this year.
Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 15.