Written Answers Nos. 297-317
298. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport why taxi drivers legally have to offer card paying facilities, while this method of payment is optional for all other members of the business community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17321/23]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including arrangements for fares for SPSVs, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
As the Deputy may be aware, the NTA introduced regulations in exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 20 and section 48 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 making it compulsory for operators to provide a card payment option.
Since 01 September 2022, all taxi drivers in Ireland must be equipped with a physical device/terminal to accept cashless payments as well as cash. Cashless payments in other SPSVs (e.g. hackneys or limousines) are provided at the discretion of the vehicle's operator. The Regulations do not relate to invoiced accounts held with operators, or to payments within booking service apps subscribed to by passengers.
Cashless Payment includes any such method identified within Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2015/2366 - the revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2). A physical cashless payment device/terminal enables each driver to, in effect, provide their own in-person, in-taxi payment method for passengers to pay by card. In general, since the Covid-19 pandemic, the preferred payment by consumers at a point of sale, is by card.
I have referred your question to the NTA for attention and direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
299. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide figures on the average waiting time for an NCT in Dublin over the past three years. [17324/23]
View answer300. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider officially extending the NCT validity by six months for all cars on a waiting list for an NCT until the backlog can be cleared and tests are more readily available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17325/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 300 together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) 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.
Regarding an extension of certificates, under European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness testing, Ireland, like all Member States, must comply with the minimum specified intervals for carrying out such inspections. This is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415/2017), as amended.
Under Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations, the initial test due date is determined by a vehicle's registration date and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of the registration date. Accordingly, any certificate issued for that vehicle will be valid up to the test due date after the certificate is issued, not 12 months, or 24 months as relevant, from the date of testing.
Member States cannot legally postpone test due dates beyond the testing intervals set down in EU law. Extending the validity of NCT certificates for a further six months without inspection would place the State in breach of its obligations under EU law and may affect road safety, should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive.
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, vehicle owners on the priority waiting list are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
301. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to publish the transport (miscellaneous) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17408/23]
View answer303. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport his plans to legislate for the use of scramblers and quads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17410/23]
View answerIn the Programme for Government, we committed to addressing a number of topics, including anti-social use of scramblers and quads.
The anti-social use of scramblers and quads is a complex problem, and involves both legislation coming within my remit as the Minister for Transport, and the provision of community initiatives within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Justice. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 addresses the legislative needs in this area in three ways: dangerous driving, currently an offence only in a ‘public place’, will become an offence everywhere; there will be new Garda powers of seizure; and there will be a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular places.
It is anticipated that all sections relating to scramblers will be commenced soon after the passage of the Bill. The manner in which An Garda Síochána informs members of the new legislation, and any guidelines which may be required for its implementation, are internal matters for the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.
The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 is due to return to the Seanad for the Report and Final Stage in the coming weeks. Given that there are Seanad amendments, a report back to the Dáil after passing the Seanad will be required. It is anticipated that the Bill will be signed into law before the end of Q2 2023. Work on commencement orders has already begun.
302. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport what rules govern the use of drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17409/23]
View answerThe primary regulations that govern the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) were made under the Regulation EU 2018/1139 on common rules in the field of civil aviation (known as the Basic Regulation). There are two UAS-specific regulations made under the Basic Regulation namely: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on the procedures and rules for the operation of unmanned aircraft and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on unmanned aircraft and on third country operators of unmanned aircraft systems.
Regulation (EU) 2019/947 sets operational rules that apply to both professional drone operators and those flying drones for leisure.
Regulation (EU) 2019/945 sets the common EU-wide technical requirements for drones, the features and capabilities that drones must have in order to be flown safely and, at the same time, help foster investment and innovation in this sector, through a harmonised framework across the European Union.
These EU UAS regulations are operation centric and focus on the risk of UAS operations, i.e. the requirements for low risk operations are less onerous than for higher risk operations. Under the EU regulatory regime, drones are categorised under three broad types – Open, Specific and Certified, with different regulatory considerations applied across each UAS type.
At a national level, S.I. No. 24 of 2023 (Irish Aviation Authority (Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)) Order 2023) came into force on 2 February 2023. It replaces S.I. No. 563 of 2015 (Irish Aviation Authority (Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets) Order 2015). It restates the investigative and enforcement powers of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the competent authority responsible for the safety oversight of UAS activities and operations in the State. It also provides for arrangements between an Garda Síochána and the IAA in relation to enforcement of UAS regulations.
304. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made in recruiting driver testers and recruiting NCT testers; if he is aware that those called for a test cannot now use a car which is waiting for its NCT; and if he has initiatives planned to ease the situation. [17510/23]
View answerThe operation of the National Driving Test Service and the National Car Testing Service are the statutory responsibilities of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). My Department has been working closely with the RSA to support their efforts to addresses the challenges they face.
On driver testing, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which is up 28% on 2021 figures. This 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, increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.
The Authority has reviewed the demand and capacity of the driver testing service and, following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department has now given approval for the recruitment of up to 75 driver testers. This is in addition to the 30 testers who were previously sanctioned in July 2022 and have been fully deployed since end of March 2023. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
It is expected that once these additional 75 driver testers are recruited, trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will be actively managed such that it will start to reduce from October 2023 and agreed service levels should resume by early to mid 2024.
In respect of the NCT, 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 by end June, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.
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 a further 55 qualified vehicle inspectors is ongoing, with a cohort of 595 testers currently in place. A number of other measures to provide additional capacity at test centres have been in place, including increased staff overtime and the temporary transfer of testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation for a period of three months. Testers are assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays. The RSA and their contractor have committed to continuing to seek to recruit additional testers on a urgent basis.
I am informed that customers who have a driving test booked and are unable to get an appointment at their chosen NCT centre beforehand, can call the NCT on 01 4135992 to apply for a prioritised appointment. The RSA has assured me that the NCT will treat such as cases as priorities.
305. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update in respect of the Ardee bypass, which is a central project in the Government’s National Development Plan; the targeted timelines for the commencement of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17521/23]
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.
I can confirm that €350,000 has been allocated for the Ardee Bypass scheme in 2023. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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.
306. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any discussions have taken place within his Department and-or Transport Infrastructure Ireland to look at the possibility of removing the M1 toll for heavy goods vehicles to significantly reduce congestion and pollution in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17528/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
As regards climate action, the impact of transport infrastructure on carbon mitigation is fully taken into account in TII's investment decisions on national road infrastructure.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
307. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any consideration has been given with respect to the possible reopening of the general rail line between Drogheda and Navan, given the infrastructure is in place, and with consideration to the planned expansion of the DART services to Drogheda by 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17529/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and implementation of the DART+ Programme and commuter rail.
The issue of a rail connection to Navan has been most recently re-examined as part of the NTA’s review of the statutory Transport Strategy for the GDA which I approved earlier this year and which was published in January. The Strategy is informed by extensive analysis, research and public consultation and concluded that rail services to Navan are best served through extension of the existing M3 Parkway commuter line onward to Navan. A project of this scale will require significant planning and design with delivery of the actual project proposed to commence post 2031.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
308. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the full publication of the All-Ireland Rail Review; if he will provide an update on the progression of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17530/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The results of the Review will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage. However, before the Review can be formally approved it will require consideration under relevant environmental regulations, in particular the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) regulations. If deemed applicable, then a draft of the Review will need to be published for public consultation under the relevant environmental regulations before it can be formally finalised and approved. It is anticipated that any such consultation for the purposes of the environmental regulations would take place during Q2.
Following the completion of environmental regulatory procedures and finalisation of the report, the Review will be submitted for my formal approval and ultimately to Government, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers in the NI Executive, approval will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time.
It is expected that the final Review will therefore be published in the second half of 2023.
309. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on the road safety strategy and the progress to date to reduce road traffic to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries by 2031; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17537/23]
View answer310. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on the increase in fatalities on Irish roads in 2022 by 13%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17538/23]
View answer311. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on the road safety strategy and the increase in fatalities on Irish roads; the steps, if any, being taken to ensure that the target of a 50% reduction in deaths and serious injuries is met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17539/23]
View answer312. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on the road safety strategy; if he is aware of concerns that it is not working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17540/23]
View answer313. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of concerns that the road safety strategy does not adequately address the rise in distracted driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17541/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 309 to 313, inclusive, together.
The current framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021 – 2030. The Road Safety Authority has overall responsibility for overseeing implementation of the Strategy and reports quarterly to the Minister of State for Transport on implementation progress. A Partnership Board of all relevant road safety agencies also meets regularly to support progress on the Strategy actions.
The Strategy’s ten-year timeframe brings it into line with a European Union-wide strategy for Road Safety. and Ireland’s Strategy will be delivered in 3 phases. We are currently in phase 1: 2021 – 2022. There are 186 Actions to be delivered ranging from delivery of feasibility studies, infrastructure investments and development of new legislation.
While good progress was being made on the Strategy actions throughout 2022, in order to urgently address the growing trend in fatalities, a number of additional measures were considered as the year progressed. This included the regulations that came into force last October to double fixed charges for those caught speeding, using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt, among other offences. This is Action 30 in the Road Safety Strategy which was reprioritised and delivered 2 years earlier than planned.
The first annual review of the Road Safety Strategy was held n February 2023, with the aim of setting priorities for 2023, focusing on reversing the trend in fatalities seen in 2022 and progressing Actions in the strategy. Speed and the review of speed limits was particularly targeted. As a result of this review, a series of new priority actions for 2023 were presented to me by the road safety Partnership Board in March, which I was happy to endorse.
Successful delivery of the Strategy, and all actions to make our roads safer, are dependent upon cooperation and contributions from Government Departments, key stakeholders and road users alike.
314. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Carlow town bus service; his plans to provide rural bus services between New Ross, County Wexford, and Saint Mullin's, Tinnahinch and Borris, County Carlow, and Arklow, County Wicklow to Carlow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17557/23]
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 and new Town Sericies.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new services, including in counties Wexford, Carlow and Wicklow, 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.
315. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; if he will introduce additional measures to deal with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17572/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases. I have therefore referred the specific part of the Deputy's 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.
On the broader issue of driver testing delays, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which is up 28% on 2021 figures. This 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, increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.
The Authority has reviewed the demand and capacity of the driver testing service and, following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department has now given approval for the recruitment of up to 75 driver testers. This is in addition to the 30 testers who were previously sanctioned in July 2022 and have been fully deployed since end of March 2023. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
It is expected that once these additional 75 driver testers are recruited, trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will be actively managed such that it will start to reduce from October 2023 and agreed service levels should resume by early-mid 2024.
316. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he has received any business plans or proposals to reinstate Buttevant train station as part of active travel plans in the M20 project or other rail projects; and if so, the estimated cost of same. [17585/23]
View answerAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network including the former station referred to at Buttevant, Co Cork, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
I can confirm that I have not received any business plans or proposals to reinstate Buttevant train station as part of active travel plans in the M20 national roads project or other rail projects.
However, in light of Iarnród Éireann’s responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
317. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Road Safety Authority's review of road traffic collision data-sharing policies and procedures in light of GDPR requirements. [17620/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is likely aware, road traffic collision data are compiled by An Garda Síochána and then exchanged with other road safety stakeholder agencies. My Department, the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána are currently engaged in a process to review the legislative basis for this data sharing and to update this if required. This is being done in consultation where appropriate with the Data Protection Commissioner. This review is ongoing and I hope to be in a position to update the Deputy on the outcome in the near future.
