Written Answers Nos. 72-92
72. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the situation with respect to entitlement to a service medal for a person who served five years in the Permanent Defence Force and continued a further seven years in the first-line reserve; if such a person is entitled to a service medal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20612/23]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded Defence Forces Medals. The award of Service Medals for both Officers and Non Commissioned Officers and Privates is as follows:
1. DFR A9 Paragraph 4a provides that the qualifying service for the award of the Service Medal to an officer shall be satisfactory and continuous service in the Permanent Force for a period of 5,475 days or the aggregate of satisfactory and continuous service in the Permanent Force and the Reserve of Officers (First Line) for a period of 5,475 days (15yrs).
2. DFR A9 Paragraph 5a provides that the qualifying service for the award of the Service Medal to a non-commissioned officer or Private shall be satisfactory and continuous service in the Permanent Force for a period of 3,650 days, or the aggregate of satisfactory and continuous service in the Permanent Force and the Reserve of Men (First Line) for a period of 3,650 days (10 yrs).
73. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will ensure the property management section of the Defence Forces approves a request for land leasing (details supplied). [20811/23]
View answerI am advised that the request is under consideration in my Department and in that context the Deputy may wish to note that a similar request was also received from another Club recently in respect of the same lands.
74. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce measures to facilitate residents of terraced houses with no driveways to charge their electric vehicles at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20632/23]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
In January, I launched the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025, alongside an Implementation Plan. The strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
Destination Charging will be a strong priority for ZEVI in 2023. In addition to a general scheme, a number of bespoke schemes are also in advanced stages of development, including:
• A shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers
• An EU Just transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers
These nearly 300 sites, in addition to those under other destination schemes currently planned will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
A new Residential Neighbourhood Charging Scheme which will be launched by ZEVI, will provide EV charging for residents without access off street parking. This EV charging will be designed to mimic home charging and will incentivise off-peak charging in a location convenient to the resident’s home. In addition to this we will be working with local authorities to support them creating local charging plans to be rolled out in the coming years
Local Authorities will be key partners with ZEVI in delivering a national EV charging network, and ZEVI has already established strong links with Local Authorities, with representatives from Local Authorities on the ZEVI Assurance Board, as well as three of its EV infrastructure delivery stakeholder groups.
ZEVI is currently accepting pilot project proposals from interested Local Authorities to trial EV charging infrastructure installations and to assist local authorities to evaluate and design their future local charging networks.
75. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the roll-out of EV charging points projected for the remainder of 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20723/23]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. In January this year, I launched the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025, alongside an Implementation Plan. The strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Building on the strategy, ZEVI is currently working with the TII, the local Authorities, Regional Assembly's and ESB Networks in developing a National EV Charing Infrastructure Plan. The first part of this plan – the National EV Charging Network Plan [En-Route] will be published in summer.
The Government’s EV target is a critical solution to reducing our transport emissions and is a key part of the strategy which also includes measures to reduce car journeys, through improved public and active transport networks.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
In July 2022 I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
Destination Charging will be a strong priority for ZEVI in 2023.
In addition to a general scheme, a number of bespoke schemes are also in advanced stages of development, including:
• A shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which is expected to install up to 200 fast chargers
• An EU Just transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers
These circa 300 sites, in addition to those under other destination schemes currently planned will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
A new Residential Neighbourhood Charging Scheme will also be launched by ZEVI to provide EV charging for residents without access off street parking. This EV charging will be designed to mimic home charging and will incentivise off-peak charging in a location convenient to the resident’s home. In addition to this we will be working with local authorities to support them creating local charging plans to be rolled out in the coming years.
In addition to schemes directly launched by ZEVI, there is a strong growth in the provision of private sector charging projects which aim to facilitate charging at all levels, from Destination and residential to ultra-rapid and high-powered charging, such as is required along major routes and for heavy duty vehicles.
With an investment of €10 from the Climate Action Fund and a matching €10M from ESB, ESB ecars are rolling out fast charging hubs and fast charge points across the country. Their program is as follows:
• 50 charging “hubs” throughout Ireland which can charge between 3-8 vehicles simultaneously, 23 of which have been delivered
• Replacing 50 existing standard chargers with fast chargers, 40 of which have been delivered
• Replacement of over 200 other standard to increase reliability of service
Public EV charge points are provided in Ireland by a number of charge point operators on a commercial basis. ZEVI is engaging with these charge point operators as key stakeholders in the delivery and roll-out of fast charging points across the country.
76. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport the compensation he will provide to owners of vehicles incompatible with the newly mandated €10 petrol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20258/23]
View answerThe move to E10 as the standard grade of petrol in Ireland was signalled in November 2021 when I published the Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement 2021-2023. Following a 28 day statutory consultation period on the draft Regulations and consideration of responses and stakeholder feedback, I made these Regulations on 1 April. The regulations will be kept under review within the context of the development and implementation of the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2023-2025.
Moving to E10 will bring an immediate climate-change mitigation measure using the existing vehicle fleet. Since 2009, E10 petrol as standard has been rolled out across 15 European countries as well as the US and Australia. The new regulations also ensure Ireland’s petrol supply will now align with the standard petrol supplied in Northern Ireland since last year, and in Great Britain since 2021.
All vehicles can operate on an E10 petrol blend and it is safe to do so. In some older, pre-2011, vehicles (predominantly pre-2003), sustained use may result in more frequent maintenance, for example of engine seals and hoses, but it does not mean that they cannot use E10. This has been borne out by the experience from those jurisdictions where E10 and higher ethanol blends have been used widely for a prolonged period of time. All vehicle owners and operators are required to maintain their vehicles to operating and roadworthy standards. Further Information concerning individual vehicle types can be obtained in operating manuals, information on vehicle’s manufacturer websites, or inside the fuel cap (on newer vehicles).
The annual decline of petrol cars along with the increased uptake of zero-emission vehicles (e.g., EVs) is likely to reduce the number of affected vehicles even further over the next decade. At this point in time, Ireland’s vehicle fleet is predominantly diesel (c.63% at end 2022) and of the c.1million petrol vehicles, there is a very low level of older vehicles (c.2.4% including vintage and less than 1% vintage/classic) that are pre-2011 (predominantly pre-2003/pre EURO V standard).
To ensure public awareness of the change, my Department is continuing to run an E10 public information campaign, through advertising at forecourts, print, radio, digital and social platforms. The gov.ie/E10 website is the main point of reference for further information and will continue to be in advance of the move to E10.
Consultation with industry indicated that the vast majority of suppliers do not have the storage or distribution systems to supply both an E5 and an E10 petrol grade or a higher octane petrol at forecourts in Ireland. However, specialist supply of E5 can still be offered in the market if sufficient demand exists. After 1 July when the regulations are to be operational, E5 will not however be eligible for RTFO certificates under the new regulations.
E10 petrol as standard is one of several transport measures to achieve a 50% reduction in transport emissions by 2030 - a projected 1.08 MtCO2eq abatement in greenhouse gas emissions through increasing biofuel blending to E10 (10% Ethanol) and B20 (20% Biodiesel) equivalent as set out in Climate Action Plan 2023, with an interim target of E10/B12 equivalent by 2025. In 2022, approximately 307m litres (9.6 PJ) of biofuel was placed on the market.
77. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) should have to take another NCT on the same vehicle three months after passing the previous test as a result of lengthy waiting times for a test, and where the certificate will have expired three months later in the same year; and the rationale as to why a car would be required to be tested twice within the same 12 months. [20279/23]
View answerIn respect of the duration of validity of National Car Test (NCT) certificates generally, 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.
Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations provides that the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined by its registration date and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of the registration date. 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 unilaterally postpone test due dates without a derogation from the EU Commission. The only time a derogation has been granted to EU States was under Regulation (EU) 2020/698, in direct response to the Covid crisis in 2020, when test centres were closed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Permitting NCT certificates to be extended without inspections would place the State in breach of our obligations under EU law and may affect road safety, should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive.
78. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to extend the low-emission vehicle toll incentive (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20288/23]
View answerProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department.
The Low Emission Vehicle Toll Incentive (LEVTI) Scheme was introduced in July 2018 and offers toll discounts for alternatively fuelled vehicles. BEV and PHEVs qualify for 50% and 25% toll reductions respectively up to a maximum €500 annual threshold for private vehicles and a maximum annual threshold of €1,000 for commercial vehicles (greater off-peak rates also apply to the M50 toll). The Scheme was expanded in 2020 to include toll reductions for electric motorbikes, hydrogen fuelled passenger cars and SPSVs, and heavy duty vehicles (trucks, buses and coaches) fuelled by compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen or electricity.
I can confirm that the scheme will continue until 31st December 2023.
79. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20318/23]
View answerIrish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence are set at EU level. Therefore, all EU-issued licences are mutually recognised in Member States.
Ireland may make bilateral licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. Such agreements can be made only when the authorities in both jurisdiction have studied and compared the licensing regimes and each side is satisfied that they are compatible.
Following Brexit, an exchange agreement was made between Ireland and the UK and a UK licence can be exchanged for an Irish licence. However, as per that agreement, a UK licence issued in exchange for a licence from a third country that Ireland does not have an exchange agreement with cannot be exchanged for an Irish licence.
This also applies to the mutual recognition of EU licences. When a third country licence is exchanged for a Member State licence, such a licence is not recognised here for exchange if Ireland does not have an exchange agreement with the third country.
Ireland does not have a driving licence exchange agreement with Zimbabwe and the licensing regime has not been examined to ensure that it reaches the required standards. Accordingly, a UK licence issued in exchange for a Zimbabwean licence cannot be exchanged for an Irish licence.
Ireland does have a driving licence exchange agreement with South Africa.
80. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the residents in Dublin South-West who have received or will receive a letter of compulsory purchase order for the construction of the BusConnects programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20320/23]
View answer104. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when the next phase of BusConnects in Dublin will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20786/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 104 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Dublin.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
81. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the alleged backlisting of air traffic controllers by the Irish Aviation Authority; if he is aware this is happening at a time when Dublin airspace is regularly forced to close because of air traffic controller staffing issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20353/23]
View answer82. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the alleged backlisting of air traffic controllers by the Irish Aviation Authority. [20354/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together.
With effect from 1 May 2023 the air navigation functions of the Irish Aviation Authority have transferred to a separate commercial semi-state company, AirNav Ireland.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the development of policy in relation to airspace and air navigation matters. The matters raised by the Deputy are day-to-day management and operational matters for AirNav Ireland itself.
I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's question to AirNav Ireland in the first instance for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
83. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the number of people currently waiting to sit their driving test in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20357/23]
View answer84. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if any of the recently announced additional driving instructor posts will be allocated to Dublin to alleviate the wait times for driving tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20358/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test service. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. I have therefore referred the specific part of 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 Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.
The Authority has reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service to meet demand and following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department has 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 which have been fully deployed since the 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. The additional testers will be assigned to fill current vacancies and otherwise allocated to centres with the highest demand for tests. The recruitment campaign for the posts has already been commenced by the Authority.
85. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to alleviate the backlog of NCT appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20359/23]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have 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 high demand for tests and the delays which vehicle owners are encountering. My officials continue to meet weekly with the Authority, to monitor ongoing progress in reducing test delays and to ensure all possible actions are being taken to bring the waitlist to an acceptable level in 2023, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance. I have also met with the RSA Chief Executive and Chair to discuss this and other matters.
There has been considerable progress in addressing the long-term staffing issues which have caused this backlog and in increasing capacity at test centres, including the temporary transfer of testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation last year, increased staff overtime and extensive recruitment of new vehicle inspectors. There are currently 589 testers in place, with 18 more testers commencing training this week and a further 17 expected in the coming weeks. New testers are being assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.
Just over 48,000 tests were completed last week, comprising 32,316 full tests and 15,832 re-tests. An average of 31,000 full tests were conducted each week last month, a significant increase on figures for December 2022, when tests averaged 25,000 per week. The average waiting period nationally is now just over 26 days and the RSA is confident that a return to the service level agreement waiting period of 12 days will be achieved by July 2023.
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.
86. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the delivery of MetroLink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20360/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, MetroLink is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Government granted Decision Gate 1 approval under the Public Spending Code to the project. This decision enabled the project to move to planning application stage and on 30 September Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The statutory planning consultation for the project closed on 16 January 2023 and TII is preparing responses to submissions received.
TII is also in the process of appointing a Client Partner to support the efficient and effective delivery of the project. It is currently anticipated that the Client Partner will be appointed in the coming months to provide the adequate number of resources and support across all phases of the project to ensure the successful delivery of MetroLink. This appointment will be a significant development in the process of progressing MetroLink through the Decision Gate process and toward delivery, subject to approval and funding.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in conjunction with TII, MetroLink.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to NTA for a more detailed response on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
87. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that waiting times for driving tests in Dublin currently range from approximately four to eight months; what action is being taken by his Department to ensure waiting times are reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20375/23]
View answer88. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered opening further driving test centres to address the demand and delays currently experienced; if an additional testing centre for the Dublin area has been considered; if so, the outcome of the consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20376/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 88 together.
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. 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 Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.
The Authority has reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service to meet demand and following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department has 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 which have been fully deployed since the 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. The additional testers will be assigned to fill current vacancies and otherwise allocated to centres with the highest demand for tests.
89. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if there have been any developments on reducing the unacceptable delays for driving test applicants and how the plans for the recruitment of additional testers are progressing, given that currently the delays are negatively impacting on some applicants' employment appointments and are inhibiting them from being offered positions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20395/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of 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 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 Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.
The Authority has reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service to meet demand and following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department has 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 which have been fully deployed since the 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. The additional testers will be assigned to fill current vacancies and otherwise allocated to centres with the highest demand for tests. The recruitment campaign for the posts has already been commenced by the Authority.
90. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the current status of Road Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill 2021; the timeframe for when theBill will move to the next Stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20450/23]
View answerThe Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 is due to return to the Seanad for the Report and Final Stage on 24 May 2023. 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 in June. Work on commencement orders has already begun. This Bill contains a number of provisions relevant to the work of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Completion of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill is the focus at the present time. My Department, in conjunction with the RSA, is giving consideration to the Road Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill and proposals will be brought forward in this regard later in the year.
91. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools in counties Cavan and Monaghan that are enrolled in the Safe Routes to School programme in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20451/23]
View answerThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school.
931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme. Subsequently two schools have deferred their applications and one school has withdrawn, leaving 167 schools in Round 1. 108 schools were announced as part of Round 2 of the Programme in December 2022, totalling 275 schools now at varying stages of options development, design, planning, construction or completion.
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 Round 1 will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
Two schools in Cavan were selected for inclusion in Round 1, namely:
• St. Mary's NS, Virginia
• St. Aidan's Comprehensive School, Cootehill
As of end March 2023, St. Mary's NS is at detailed design stage, while St. Aidan's Comprehensive is at options development stage. Three additional schools, Ballyhaise NS, Ballyhaise, St. Michael's NS, Cootehill and St. Mogue's College, Bawnboy were selected for inclusion in Round 2 of the SRTS Programme.
Three schools in Monaghan were selected for inclusion in Round 1, namely:
• St. Michael's NS Corcaghan, Stranooden
• St. Louis Girls' NS, Park Road, Monaghan
• St. Louis Infant School, Park Road, Monaghan
As of end March 2023, St. Louis Girls' NS and St. Louis Infant School are at preliminary design stage, while works at St. Michael's NS have been completed. Three additional schools, Beech Hill College, Tirkeenan, St. Tiarnach's Primary School, Clones and St. Mary's BNS, St. Mary's Hill were selected for inclusion in Round 2 of the SRTS Programme.
The SRTS team in the NTA and An Taisce began to engage with Round 2 schools early this year.
92. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the top ten highest yield Dublin Bus routes in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [20505/23]
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.
In addition, I would like to advise that the NTA also has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the top ten highest yield of Dublin Bus routes in 2022 and to-date in 2023, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
