Written Answers Nos. 145-169
145. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of 8 February 2023, if a solution has been found yet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19199/23]
View answerGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices has had on households and has prioritised action across Government to support people to stay warm and well. This is why a €2.4 billion package of supports was implemented during 2022, and a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion included in Budget 2023. The Budget package included an Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) is being credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT). The first two payments have already been made to accounts and the third is being credited by suppliers to accounts since 1 March. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion.
The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure that payment can be made to those accounts automatically and without application or means testing.
Despite this advantage, the scheme does have limitations. As a result, there are cohorts that did not receive the payment such as households on commercial connections.
On the 21st of February Government announced a further €470 million package of measures to help social protection recipients from April to July and an extension to the reduced VAT rate on electricity and gas bills until October.
Government is closely monitoring the situation and it can be seen, via a nationally representative fortnightly research tracker, that Irish Families, Households and Businesses are making every effort to reduce their energy use. It can also be seen that although there is a reduction in the difficulty experienced when tackling high energy costs, there are still segments who are facing severe financial pressure caused by their energy bills. Government of Ireland public information messaging on available supports and available advice is being specifically tailored to these segments. This focused, targeted approach will urge those who need it most to ensure they are availing of relevant supports that are ongoing and open to them.
On 13 December 2022 Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan. The plan provides, inter alia, for the establishment of a €10 million fund to further support people in, or at risk of, energy poverty this winter and into 2023. This is in addition to the existing sources of support, such as the supplier hardship funds or the Additional Needs Payment scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection. The objective of the new fund is to provide a further safeguard to help people who may not be able to access other sources of assistance.
My Department will work with suppliers, relevant public bodies and NGOs to provide financial support to citizens experiencing difficulties meeting their energy costs this winter, including Pay As You Go gas and electricity customers. The new fund will be available to bolster hardship funds which most suppliers have in place. People are advised to engage with their suppliers directly or contact the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) or ALONE, who can advocate on their behalf to suppliers.
Currently my Department is considering a range of options to target this fund to vulnerable groups.
146. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason An Post refuses to deliver post addressed using Eircodes; and if he will outline the timeline to amend this. [19211/23]
View answerAs Minister of State in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, I have responsibility for the postal sector, including the governance of An Post, to ensure the company is fully compliant with the code of practice for the governance of State Bodies and the governance functions included in the statutory framework underpinning An Post. Operational matters and the development of commercial strategies for mail delivery service, including use of Eircodes, is a matter for the Board and the management of An Post and not one in which I, as Minister, have a statutory function.
An Post have advised the Department that Eircodes have been fully integrated into the Company’s automated sorting systems, including their mail centres and An Post’s national automated parcel hub (DPH) where Eircode has also been fully integrated in the plant’s operating system. An Post actively encourages the use, by mailers, of a full postal address including Eircode.
147. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many offshore wind farms are currently under construction in Ireland; and how much electricity he expects them to generate. [19252/23]
View answerUnder the Climate Action Plan 2023, the Government has committed to achieving at least 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030, representing the first steps in achieving a long-term plan, set out in the Programme for Government, to take advantage of a potential of at least 30GW of floating wind post-2030.
The Government’s approach to offshore wind development involves several workstreams which are underway simultaneously:
• Phase One, which corresponds to the first offshore renewable electricity auction (ORESS 1), for delivery by 2030;
• Phase Two, which involves an accelerated work programme for the delivery of 5GW by 2030, as established by the Phase Two Policy Statement;
• Phase Three, which targets an additional 2GW of floating wind capacity to be in development by 2030, and
• the Future Framework for offshore wind post-2030.
The Phase One projects, which will be the first batch of projects to progress through the planning process and offshore auctions, will deploy fixed-bottom technology, with the majority of these Phase One projects on the east coast and one on the west coast. The combined capacity of all Phase One projects is approximately 4.4GW. However, some Phase One projects may fail to secure a route to market or a development consent. As a result, Phase Two projects will make up the balance to meet the 2030 target.
While no offshore wind projects are currently under construction, significant work has been undertaken by my Department over the last two years to build a regulatory environment to allow these Phase One projects to apply for the Maritime Area Consents (MACs) necessary to occupy the maritime area (the consent area) on a non-exclusive basis for the construction and operation of an Offshore Wind Farm and associated infrastructure.
Following detailed assessment of the applications, I granted MACs to seven Phase One projects in December 2022. This is an important step in making sure that viable Phase One projects can progress through the planning system in a timely manner and become operational later this decade.
The Phase One MACs, which have been granted, have been carefully drafted to ensure the speedy progression of only the most viable offshore wind energy projects to meet Ireland’s energy targets, while protecting the State’s interest in its valuable maritime resource. Those projects with a MAC must apply for planning permission within 18 months and must secure a Route to Market before the end of 2025. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of their consents.
Phase One projects which hold a MAC are eligible to partake in the ORESS 1, the first auction for offshore wind under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. This process is underway, with the auction to run this month and provisional results to be published in May.
The development of offshore wind across all phases is co-ordinated by the inter-Departmental, inter-agency, Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, chaired by my Department, to drive a whole of Government mobilisation of the economy towards offshore wind.
148. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19469/23]
View answerThe premises referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High-Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.
BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high-speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. Under State aid rules, my Department is not permitted to displace commercial investment by intervening in areas where commercial investment exists or is planned, as to do so would be an infringement of these State aid rules.
My Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. Following an investigation, our technical team advised that this premises should be capable of obtaining speeds of 40Mbps. If your constituent is not obtaining this speed profile, they should contact their Retail Service Provider who will investigate the issue on their behalf.
This area is part of eir’s national fibre upgrade plan and the address for the premises provided is scheduled for a fibre upgrade which will deliver speeds of 1Gbp and above. This area is scheduled to be fibre enabled by eir in the next one to two years.
In December 2022 my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets namely:
* all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028;
* all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030, and
* digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023.
The majority of digital connectivity across the State will be delivered through commercial investment by the telecommunications industry and this will be complemented by the National Broadband Plan.
149. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage change in demand for gas in all sectors, including electricity generation, residential, and industrial and commercial, broken down by retail, construction, laundry, leisure, air travel, data centres, pharma, hospitals, and any other key sectors for the year 2023, in tabular form. [19507/23]
View answer150. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the absolute demand for gas in each sector, including electricity generation, residential, and industrial and commercial, broken down by retail, construction, laundry, leisure, air travel, data centres, pharma, hospitals and any other key sectors, for 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [19508/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together.
The table below sets out the demand data provided by Gas Networks Ireland for the percentage change in gas demand for Q1 2023 vs Q1 2022.
|
Sector |
Q1 2022 (GWh) |
Q1 2023 (GWh) |
% Change |
|
Demand |
14,730 |
14,914 |
1% |
|
Power Generation |
7,925 |
8,619 |
9% |
|
Residential |
3,035 |
2,648 |
-13% |
|
Small and Medium Enterprises |
1,484 |
1,446 |
-3% |
|
Total Large I & C |
2,285 |
2,200 |
-4% |
|
Specific Sectors |
|||
|
Construction |
91 |
63 |
-30% |
|
Food and Beverage |
953 |
968 |
2% |
|
Hospital |
166 |
162 |
-2% |
|
Leisure / Sport Arenas |
19 |
19 |
1% |
|
Manufacturing* |
246 |
201 |
-18% |
|
Medical Devices |
159 |
157 |
-1% |
|
Pharma |
478 |
466 |
-2% |
|
Retail |
8 |
9 |
9% |
|
Air Travel |
15 |
16 |
10% |
|
Hotel |
34 |
33 |
-3% |
* GNI note that Manufacturing includes oil refining and data centres - given the small number of customers in these categories, data is aggregated to comply with confidentiality obligations.
151. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number and total value of contracts his Department has had over the past 12 months with KPMG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20028/23]
View answerMy Department has had three contracts with KPMG over the past twelve months with a total value of €199,150.
152. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the Pilatus PC-9M aircraft within the Air Corps are next scheduled to be replaced. [18946/23]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process. A five year Equipment Development Plan for continued re-equipment was developed on a civil military basis and was published in June 2020. The Equipment Planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process.
At any one time, there will be a balance of what is feasible within available funding and what is needed taking account of equipment life-cycles and the needs of on-going and contingent requirements. The overall priorities in the EDP remain under review as it is progressively implemented and taking account of funding availability.
In relation to air-based capability a contract has been awarded at a cost of €68 million, including VAT, for the provision of a new Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery of this aircraft is expected in 2025.
The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023.
Alongside the four PC-12 aircraft acquired in 2020, some €344 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities.
The existing fleet of eight (8) Pilatus PC9 training aircraft together with the fleet of two (2) EC 135 and six (6) AW 139 helicopters will continue to deliver the required Defence Forces support and other relevant capabilities over the lifetime of the White Paper.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the national development plan of €566 million over the 2022 to 2025 timeframe. The Defence annual capital budget for 2023 is €176 million. The recent Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This includes an almost 25% increase in Capital funding and demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
This is following Government approval for a move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on Defence Forces, which will entail funding increases to reach a Defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and the Report of the Commission, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
There are currently no plans for the replacement of the PC9 fleet, however it is acknowledged that they are nearing end of life and it is expected that the project for their replacement will be considered as part of the next cycle of the National Development Plan.
153. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware that Defence Forces personnel who complete their 21 service and are in receipt of a pension see a 50% reduction in their pension if they enter employment elsewhere in the public sector; his position on such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18974/23]
View answerThe issue raised by the Deputy relates to the operation of Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012. This legislation comes under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012 provides for the abatement of a public service pension where a retired public servant, whose pension is in payment, is re-employed in the public service such that no more of the pension when combined with the remuneration in the new position shall exceed the pensionable remuneration of the old position. It should be noted that it is the pension which is abated and not the salary in the new position.
The measure applies across the public service, including the Defence Forces. It does not apply in relation to employment with the commercial state bodies or where public service pensioners are employed outside the public service.
Pension abatement operates to ensure that pensions payable to public servants do not have the effect of making a pensioner's earnings from their current public service job, plus their existing public service retirement pension, exceed the current equivalent of pensionable salary from their old public service job. The pension payable is reduced as appropriate, that is, abated, to stay within the overall limit.
The actual impact (if any) from the measure on a person’s public service pension will vary from person to person, in some cases there will be full abatement, in some cases only part of the pension is abated, and in some cases there may be no abatement at all.
Where a retired public servant, including a retired member of the Defence Forces, is subject to abatement, the appropriate level of abatement which will apply is calculated on a periodic basis. As stated, the amount of the abatement can range from zero all the way through to full abatement depending on the figures applicable in each individual case and in each separate period (i.e monthly/fortnightly). There is no fixed rule that a reduction of 50% will apply after 21 years’ service, each individual’s earnings and pension in each pay period are assessed individually and the amount of abatement will vary accordingly.
There is provision, under Section 52(4) of the legislation, for a waiver of abatement, in exceptional circumstances, where the position requires a person with particular training and experience and that position cannot be filled other than by the employment of the pensioner. Applications for waivers of abatement must be made by the new employing department or public body rather than by the pension administrator. Such applications are assessed on their own merits on a case by case basis and are subject to the approval of, and can only be granted by, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
As the Deputy may be aware, the principle of abatement of a public service pension is long-standing within the rules of various public service pension schemes. Abatement policy remains a key component of Public Service pension policy and addresses valid concerns about simultaneous payment of both pension and salary in the Public service. There are no current plans to review pension abatement policy.
154. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will clarify the role of the Naval Service in Operation Irini and its planned scope of operations before, during and after the reported seven-week period, from June 2023, when an Irish naval asset is due to join Operation Irini. [18981/23]
View answer155. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the German government’s refusal of participation by its armed forces in the training of the Libyan Coast Guard as part of Operation Irini due to ethical concerns; his plans to refuse Irish Naval Service training of the Libyan Coast Guard at any time in the future as part of Operation Irini; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18982/23]
View answer156. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans to contribute to a State-led search and rescue programme in the central Mediterranean sea; his views on reports that approximately ten people lose their lives or go missing on the sea migration route between Libya and Italy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18983/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 to 156, inclusive, together.
The deployment of any naval assets to Operation Irini requires the approval of the Government and Dáil Éireann in accordance with the “Triple Lock” provisions of the Defence Acts.
On 5 April, the Government approved the deployment of a Naval Service Vessel for service as part of Operation Irini for a period of approximately 7 weeks in total, during June/July 2023. The Dáil is scheduled to have an opportunity to debate the proposed deployment and consider its approval on 25 April.
The core task of Operation Irini is to contribute to preventing arms trafficking within its agreed Area of Operation in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution UNSCR 1970 (2011) and subsequent Resolutions on the arms embargo on Libya. By stemming the flow of weapons into Libya, the mission aims to create the conditions for a permanent ceasefire in Libya.
As secondary tasks, the mission also
• contributes to the implementation of UN measures to prevent the illicit export of petroleum from Libya;
• assists in the development of the capacity and training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy;
• contributes to the disruption of the business model of human smuggling and trafficking networks, in accordance with applicable international law.
All of the mission tasks are specifically covered by separate UN Security Council Resolutions.
While capacity building and training of the Libyan Coastguard is part of Operation Irini’s mandate, it is not intended that Naval Service personnel will engage in this activity when deployed to Operation Irini.
Operation Irini has no mandate for Safety of life at Sea/Search and Rescue (SOLAS/SAR). The mission operates on the high seas and in areas which does not attract such activity. Strategic reviews of the mission have concluded that Operation Irini is not a pull factor in migration.
Given the area within which it is anticipated the Naval Service ship will be operating, the Defence Forces advise that it is unlikely that it would be involved in SOLAS/SAR events. However, should an occasion arise where any Operation Irini ship is involved in SOLAS/SAR, the mission direction is that the migrants would be disembarked to a European Coastguard ship as soon as possible so that the Operation Irini ship can return to its mandated operations with the minimum of delay.
157. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he intends to regularise through licence agreements the community groups who are utilising Columb barracks, Mullingar since its closure; when he will transfer ownership to the LDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19224/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will aware, with the use by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth of parts of the installation to house those persons seeking refuge, those community groups who where using the premises on an unlicensed basis have been assured that their use on such a basis could continue. To that end I am advised that the LDA, who will be the eventual owners of the premises, have concluded extensive public consultations as to the future usage of the premises. In that light, it is considered more appropriate that such matters are addressed when the site is formally transferred to that Authority. In that regard, I can confirm that my Department has completed the necessary legal work to effect such a transfer, the further progression of same rests with the LDA.
158. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will still sign over the Nenagh Army barracks to Tipperary County Council for future development. [19253/23]
View answerOfficials from my Department wrote to Tipperary County Council offering to transfer the property in question for a nominal sum, having regard to its central location in Nenagh and its historical ties to the town. However, the Council declined the offer. My officials are available to discuss the matter further with Tipperary County Council as the initial offer still stands.
159. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an overview of capital and current projects and associated funding for Kilkenny Barracks from 2020 to date; and outline future plans to fund projects, including any planned upgrades at the barracks. [19470/23]
View answerThe Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015. A midterm review of the Plan was recently completed by my Department and the Defence Forces to ensure the Plan continues to reflect current operational requirements.
In respect of Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny the following projects are either completed/ ongoing from 2020 to date at a combined cost of some €4m (VAT incl):
2020
• New Gymnasium/Multi Sports Hall
2021
• Upgrade of Water Network & Telecoms Ducting
• Roofing & Associated Works to Officers Mess Building
2022
• PV Installation Works
• Renovation of H Block Toilets
The future development of Stephens Barracks is prioritised in the Infrastructure Plan for 2022-2027 and in that regard the Deputy may wish to note the following significant capital projects are scheduled for progression to construction in 2023 and 2026 respectively at a combined cost of €5.8m.
• Block C Refurbishment - contract award anticipated shortly.
• New Locker Block Facility
• Upgrade of Accommodation Block
The Deputy may also wish to note that my Department has allocated €10m this year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This devolved budget is a regular feature of the Delegated functions assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
160. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on planned works at Kilkenny Barracks with respect to the squash playing facility; and to update on discussions his Department has had with a club (details supplied). [19471/23]
View answerAs part of my visit to Kilkenny Barracks, I met with the aforementioned Squash Club and subsequently directed that the necessary building works to bring the building up to the required standard be included in the Defence Forces delegated building programme for 2023.
I am advised that my Department is awaiting a timeframe for the procurement and completion of these works. Upon receipt of which, it was originally intended to agree on terms and conditions with the Club.
However, the Club representatives have recently confirmed that they have now sourced alternative accommodation and have made various requests in relation to their transfer. My Department is currently assessing the overall situation and if satisfied will determine whether any further discussions with the Club are entered into.
161. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of the number of Defence Forces personnel, by rank and civilian employees, stationed at Kilkenny Barracks, in tabular form. [19472/23]
View answerThere are 7 Civilian Employees in Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny. For operational and security reasons, details of the numbers and rank of Defence Forces personnel located at military installations cannot be disclosed. It should be noted however that the number of personnel stationed at a particular location will frequently vary on an on-going basis, as it is a normal operational feature for there to be a constant through-flow of personnel into and out of military installations on an ongoing basis.
162. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number and total value of contracts his Department has had over the past 12 months with KPMG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20025/23]
View answerMy Department had no contracts with KPMG in the past 12 months.
163. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he has received correspondence (details supplied) requesting additional funding to progress phase 3 of the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction Project; his efforts to ensure that this road project is allocated the appropriate funding as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19453/23]
View answerThe Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key National Strategic Outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others.
As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there was a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year. As a result of this, a prioritisation exercise was necessary. In line with the NDP and Government policy, national road funding for 2023 was allocated in a manner which seeks to achieve the following key outcomes:
• Protection and renewal of the existing national road network
• Progressing major projects in or near construction
• Progressing major projects which are pre-construction but well advanced in the development pipeline
• Prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and Compact Growth in Ireland’s towns and villages.
My Department and TII are in regular communication regarding specific projects and the national roads programme more generally. I can confirm that €1,000,000 has been allocated for the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction scheme in 2023 in order to meet project commitments. 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. Overall, Tipperary County Council have been allocated approximately €9.88 million in 2023 for investment in national roads and greenways across the county.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for an update as to progress on this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
164. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with Irish Rail regarding the ongoing overcrowding on trains from Sligo via Mullingar to Dublin. [18937/23]
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 Deputy may be aware that there is a major relevant rail carriage capacity enhancement project underway, 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 this year. As part of ongoing work by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann on a network-wide basis, consideration will be given to providing new and additional carriages where demand, available carriages and suitable infrastructure support such provision.
Therefore, the issue of overcrowding on the Sligo to Dublin line is first and foremost an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the NTA 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.
165. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of people awaiting a driving test in counties Longford and Westmeath; the current staffing level of the testing centres; and the average waiting time per centre, in tabular form. [18939/23]
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.
166. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle charging points currently in use in each of the public carparks and staff carparks areas within Dublin Airport; and if there are plans to increase this number. [18943/23]
View answerdaa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport, including electric vehicle charging points in public and staff car parks. Accordingly, I have forwarded your request to daa for a direct response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.
167. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will reinstate a bus route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18980/23]
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 the Rural Transport Programme management, which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including in County Kerry, 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.
168. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine a bus route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18984/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. In addition the NTA also has responsibility for decisions in relation to the routes and bus stops for these services.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to Bus Éireann service 115, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
169. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount of revenue generated for CIÉ through advertisement on billboards at train and bus stations in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and the rates that CIÉ charges for such advertisement. [19003/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the deputy in relation to the amount of revenue generated for CIÉ through advertisement on billboards at train and bus stations in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and the rates that CIÉ charges for such advertisement. is an operational matter for CIÉ. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
