Written Answers Nos. 30-45
30. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which plans for the electrification of the Dublin-Maynooth line are actively in hand; when the project is likely to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20736/23]
View answer88. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which passenger capacity is being or can be improved on the north Kildare commuter lines such as Naas-Sallins, Hazelhatch, Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey; if park-and-ride facilities are likely to be provided/extended on these very busy routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20737/23]
View answer127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans, if any, to increase the number of carriages serving the North Kildare rail commuter routes, or alternatively, increasing the frequency of trains, thereby improving the service for commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20926/23]
View answer132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which the commuter towns of North Kildare can expect improved rail and bus services in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20931/23]
View answer134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the throughput of passengers at the various stations on the Maynooth line; the extent to which demand has grown and his proposals to accommodate the demand in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20933/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 88, 127, 132 and 134 together.
In October 2019, the Government approved the purchase of 41 additional intercity rail cars to enhance passenger capacity across the rail network. Delivery of the first units purchased following this approval commenced late last year and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Iarnród Éireann recently took delivery of the final new carriages.
These new rail cars will allow for enhanced services across the rail network when introduced into service next year. As part of ongoing work by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann, consideration is being given to providing new and additional carriages where demand, available carriages and suitable infrastructure support such provision.
As the Deputy may also be aware, DART+ West, which encompasses electrification of the Dublin-Maynooth line, is part of the DART+ Programme. The NTA has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including park and ride facilities and, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and implementation of the DART+ Programme. The NTA also 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.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in these matters 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.
31. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline a timeline for the commencement of the Metro North/Metro Link. [20792/23]
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.
In line with the Public Spending Code and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform Circular 06/2023, TII is currently preparing the Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy for MetroLink. It is currently anticipated that these documents will be submitted to the Department of Transport this year for consideration at Decision Gate 2 of the Public Spending Code. Subject to approval at Decision Gate 2 and funding, TII will then prepare a Final Business Case for consideration by Cabinet at Decision Gate 3.
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.
32. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether a report (details supplied) on free public transport is correct in its estimate of the impact of free public transport; the reason similar fare-free public transport schemes in other cities and regions have had a significantly greater impact than that suggested by the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20793/23]
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 the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In 2022, the NTA commissioned a report on the impacts of free fares on the public transport system. The report referenced shows that, to fund a fully free public transport system, without accounting for the likely increased level of passenger demand, an additional c.€540m in Exchequer funding would be required at a minimum. It also found that any increase in public transport demand due to free fares would largely be achieved by reductions in active travel, resulting in just a 1 per cent reduction in car travel. The report also found that motorists are more likely to switch to public transport if fuel prices increase, or parking and road usage is restricted, rather than if fares are made free. Budget 2023 is therefore focussed on the existing fare initiatives and alternative policies of a similar cost to improve service provision, to deliver maximum benefit for all passengers.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, and as the EY report referenced by the Deputy was commissioned by the Authority, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the details and interpretation of the report, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
33. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to maintain reduced public transport fees further, and to introduce reduced fares on other modes of transport and routes across the public transport network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20823/23]
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 the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
A number of fare initiatives were introduced in 2022, such as the 20% average fare reduction on PSO services and the Young Adult Card, and funding has been provided in 2023 for the continuation of these initiatives.
The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.
Further, on the 27th of April, the NTA published the National Fares Strategy which aims to encourage existing passengers and new users to use public transport more, by implementing a fairer and easier to understand structure.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to maintaining reduced public transport fees further and the introduction of reduced fares on other modes of transport and routes across the public transport network, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
34. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will make available the necessary funding to ensure that the N4 road can progress to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20684/23]
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.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year, however, most national road projects in the NDP will continue to be progressed in 2023. In this context, €200,000 has been allocated for the N4 Mullingar to Longford (Roosky) project. This project is listed in the NDP and will continue to be considered for further funding in future years over the life of the current NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the status of this scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
35. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on future plans with respect to rail transport in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20827/23]
View answer41. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will give consideration to adding a second track to a rail line (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20826/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 41 together.
There are two aspects to the issue of rail improvements in County Clare.
The first are the proposals set out in the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) which was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on 1 December 2022. LSMATS was prepared by the NTA in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann. LSMATS sets out an ambitious range of measures in relation to the future development of a Limerick Commuter Rail Network (extending to Ennis in County Clare) and the focus is on implementation of those measures over the lifetime of the Strategy which extends to 2040.
The second aspect is the Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, including the Limerick to Galway line in County Clare.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This includes the role of rail freight. The Review is also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines.
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 the Review is screened-in for SEA, a draft will be published for the purposes of SEA public consultation before it is finalised and approved. It is anticipated that any such consultation for the purposes of the environmental regulations would take place in the coming months.
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.
36. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the publishing of a Departmental ten-year strategic plan for the haulage sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20814/23]
View answerIn December 2022, the Government published Ireland’s Road Haulage Strategy 2022–2031, following two phases of public consultation. It is available on Gov.ie.
The Strategy highlights the importance of the haulage and road freight sector and addresses seven thematic areas of particular relevance to the industry. These are:
1. Brexit, COVID-19 & Crisis Management
2. Sustainability & Decarbonisation
3. Road Infrastructure and Usage Charging
4. Integrated Transport Planning and Intermodal Transport
5. Road Safety & Enforcement
6. The EU Mobility Package and Road Transport Operator Licensing
7. Labour Market & Skills.
The Strategy identifies 39 actions related to these themes. These actions are split into ‘Short-term priorities’ which are expected to be completed in a 2-3 year timeframe and ‘Enablers for Medium- to Long-term progress’ which will ensure the delivery of policy objectives over the full 10 year term of the strategy.
The Strategy also identifies the structures and collaborations required to ensure its delivery, including more regular structured engagement between Government and the haulage and road freight sector, via a newly created Road Freight Forum. This consists of relevant stakeholders from Government Departments, relevant agencies and representatives from the haulage and road freight sector. The first meeting of the Road Freight Forum took place on 23 February 2023 and two further meetings are scheduled in 2023.
A first annual progress report on the implementation of the Strategy during 2023 will be published in early 2024.
37. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he would consider the expansion of the interdepartmental group work programme on identifying key enablers and barriers to transit-oriented design, as outlined in the Climate Action Plan Annex of Actions, to focus beyond the four Dublin local authorities to the regional cities, in order to consider transit-oriented development as a way to achieve balanced regional development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20807/23]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2023 highlights the importance of embedding transport orientated development (TOD) at all stages of planning and development, particularly the siting of services and multi-use development at transport nodes. Transport orientated development is a key policy objective of the Government's Housing for All plan and a working group was established in December 2021 under Action 26.1 of Housing for All to consider opportunities for TOD in major urban centres.
The working group is jointly chaired by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and my Department, and includes representatives from the National Transport Authority and the Land Development Agency. The role of the working group is to consider opportunities for TOD in the five cities designated under the National Planning Framework: Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. The working group will also review opportunities for better integration of land use and transport in regional centres.
While the focus to date has been on the four Dublin local authority areas of Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council, the group will commence a review of TOD opportunities in the wider eastern region area and in the four regional cities this year. The working group is currently engaging with the local authorities in the eastern region and Cork and Limerick in this regard.
38. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the roll-out of EV charging points for the northwest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20791/23]
View answer40. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport the number of public EV charging points that have been installed in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon from 2020 to April 2023; and if he has new proposals on incentives in conjunction with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media on the roll out of such important infrastructure to assist local rural economies and attract people with EV vehicles to stay and holiday in rural Ireland. [19759/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 40 together.
The 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. It is also an essential part of ensuring just and equal access to EVs across Ireland, including in rural areas.
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.
On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. A suite of new grants and initiatives have been launched and further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
ZEVI has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
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.
A key action in the Strategy is the provision of high-powered chargers in remote areas to enable just transition.
ZEVI is developing a number of infrastructure schemes to support the roll-out of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
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. The Department of Transport does not yet hold exact numbers of public EV charging points in Ireland, as these are owned and operated by private charge point operators. The charging strategy outlined that there were approximately 1700 charge points in Ireland as of September 2022.
39. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the current pass and fail rates for driving tests in County Kerry, in tabular form. [20799/23]
View answer58. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times for a driving test in County Kerry, in tabular form. [20798/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 58 together.
The 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.
42. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to increase the number of sheltered bus stops in Cork South West. [19972/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
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.
43. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an outline of the realignment and improvement projects that can be expected on the N71 in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20665/23]
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 operation, management and upgrading 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 upgrade works on the N71.
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.
44. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to significantly increase funding for the local transport network in rural areas amid an increasing uptake of the service, as well as demands for more frequent services and larger buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20731/23]
View answerMy Department is strongly committed to improving public transport services in rural areas and to piloting new transport initiatives for people of all ages and abilities living there.
My Department and the NTA are supporting this by providing increased funding for enhancing TFI Local Link services, for both regular "timetabled" services, and "door-to-door" demand responsive services as well. There has been a substantial increase in funding allocated for Local Link services since 2016, going from €12.2 million in 2016 to €43m in 2023.
The additional funding has enabled the introduction of over 100 new Rural Regular Service routes, as well as improvements to DRT services. The new Rural Regular Services operate at least five times per day over a 5,6,7 days per week schedule. They are specifically designed to ensure connectivity with other public transport services and better linkage of services between and within towns and villages. Additionally, we will also be exploring the expansion of non-conventional modes of transport to give the public a well-rounded transport offering.
One of the key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland is under my Department and the NTA's Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which aims to develop an integrated, accessible, and sustainable network of public transport offerings across Ireland. The allocation for Connecting Ireland in 2023 is €8.35m. On top of this, we are also commencing the roll-out of New Town Bus services starting with Carlow Town in Q3 2023. This is supported with an allocation of €1.65m.
45. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport his views on how the provision of reduced funding for the N24 Cahir-Limerick Junction road project, compared to what was requested by Tipperary County Council for 2023, aligns with his focus on bringing market towns back to life and prioritising projects which provide for local bypasses and compact growth in Ireland's towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20817/23]
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.
The 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.
