Holly Cairns
Question:61. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to support Local Link services. [19973/23]
View answerPublic Transport
Questions (61)
Written answers
I am 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. Whether it is reduced car dependency, or a more integrated transport network, our vision for rural Ireland is ambitious.
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 transport (DRT) services as well.
While delivery of DRT services remains a cornerstone of Local Link, in recent years a local demand has been identified by Local Link offices and the NTA for higher frequency scheduled services. The additional funding since 2016 has enabled the introduction of over 100 new Rural Regular Services (RRS) as well as improvements to DRT services and the introduction of evening/night-time services in certain rural areas. The RRS 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.
One of the key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland falls 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. It is expected that the majority of Connecting Ireland services will be provided by TFI Local Link, and managed by TFI Local Link offices. The NTA are currently rolling out 67 new and enhanced services nationwide in 2023 under Phase 2 of the Plan.
Additionally, we are looking to explore alternative options to boost coverage by non-conventional options such as Smart Demand Responsive Transport, Community Cars, and Local Area Hackneys. Importantly, the ethos of “community-led transport” will also be maintained, as we are currently looking to expand the highly successful Community Car Scheme. We have also committed to reviewing the extensive learnings coming out of our pilot study in Co. Leitrim which positively integrated non-emergency health transport with public transport offerings.
Taxi Regulations
Questions (62)
Martin Browne
Question:62. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the engagements his Department has had with the National Transport Authority on the issue of illegal taxi operators over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20818/23]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including enforcement and compliance in the SPSV sector, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.Any communications received by me or my Department regarding illegal operators in the industry are sent to the NTA for investigation by the NTA's enforcement team. In addition to that team, all members of An Garda Síochána are empowered to investigate offences under SPSV legislation.
When information relating to the operation of an unlicensed SPSV service, is received by the NTA, it is assessed and acted upon wherever possible by NTA compliance officers, or members of An Garda Síochána. For a successful prosecution to be obtained, there must be evidence that the individual is operating for ‘hire or reward’, therefore, evidence of payment must be presented to the court.
In 2022, the NTA initiated 54 prosecutions against individuals operating an entirely unlicensed SPSV service, i.e., a service without either a SPSV Driver Licence or a vehicle licence. Those prosecutions were in addition to prosecutions taken against persons operating on expired SPSV licences.
Ports Policy
Questions (63, 65, 84)
Alan Kelly
Question:63. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the preparations his Department is making at Irish ports to have the infrastructure for the development of offshore wind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18787/23]
View answer
Alan Farrell
Question:65. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made to improve port infrastructure in order to support the offshore wind sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10975/23]
View answer
Darren O'Rourke
Question:84. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the measures he will take to ensure that ports are prepared to deliver on Ireland’s offshore renewable potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20372/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 65 and 84 together.
The Government is committed to ensuring that our national commercial Irish ports are positive contributors to the ORE industry and that Ireland meets the ambitious targets of 7GW of offshore wind (2GW of which is specifically dedicated to green hydrogen) by 2030.
Supporting the development of port infrastructure is a core objective of the National Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce and the Department is working very closely with the Task Force in this regard.
In the development of port infrastructure, ports must progress their plans through a number of phases. This includes consenting and planning both of which must be progressed in advance of the construction phase. To support port readiness, the Department has and will continue to facilitate engagement between the Foreshore and MARA Planning Units in Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and a number of ports in relation to plans, timelines, requirements, and the consenting phase as appropriate. The first MACs are expected to then be awarded to ORE ports by end of 2023, after which the ports can begin pre-engagement consultation with An Bord Pleanála (ABP) with a view to obtain planning permission for construction of ORE infrastructure.
Under National Ports Policy our state commercial ports operate as independent commercial bodies. It does not provide for direct exchequer funding. This policy has proven very effective in developing a highly competitive and responsive ports sector, where ports have continually proven to be agile in responding to market needs and opportunities.
However, the need to maximise financing opportunities for ports is recognised. To that end, the Department of Transport continues to engage with all industry stakeholders. This includes potential financing partners such as the EU (via Connecting Europe Facility), Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) – looking at viable projects, capable of generating a commercial return. The Department has also engaged New ERA to review port plans and consider the availability of financing mechanisms to support the delivery of port projects.
EU funding of port infrastructure for ORE is and remains available for ports, or terminals within ports, on the Trans European Network for Transport (TEN-T). Ports on the TEN-T network are eligible to apply for Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding towards their infrastructure developments, with the potential for up to 50% of eligible costs for studies and up to 30% of infrastructure works costs. This remains one potential source of funding, among many. The Department has and will continue to support ports in their applications for CEF funding.
In late 2021, the Department published a policy statement on the facilitation of ORE by Commercial Ports, the rationale for which was to bring clarity in policy terms and also to encourage all ports to actively engage with potential development opportunities and consider the potential being offered. In addition to the state commercial ports under the remit of the Department of Transport, it is noted that there are also private commercial ports, as well as fishery harbours and local authority port which fall under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) respectively.
Departmental Funding
Questions (64)
Verona Murphy
Question:64. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the provisions his Department is taking to increase roads maintenance funding to Wexford County Council following his visit to the county on 10 February; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20812/23]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority and Exchequer funding is intended to supplement local authorities’ own resources.
In February this year I announced an Exchequer investment of €626million in our regional and local roads across the State which includes an increase in funding of €20million for road pavement and rehabilitation works. The increase in capital funding this year is aimed at offsetting in part the impact of inflation.
As regards the broader funding position, my Department’s capital ceilings are set under the National Development Plan and therefore the scope for additional funding is limited to either identifying opportunities that might exist from year-to-year whereby progress in some programmes and projects might result in funding availability for others at Estimates time, or monitoring in-year expenditure to see if any scope arises for the transfer of funding between programmes. As regards in-year expenditure, the drawdown on capital spending varies from month to month and it is too soon to determine whether any slower than expected drawdowns will lead to a gross capital underspend for the entire year.
Within the budget available for the regional and local road grant programme, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network. In this context there has been significant increases in Exchequer grants for regional and local roads particularly in the recent years. The 2023 regional and local road grants were notified to local authorities on 14th February and Wexford County Council has been allocated a total of €22,811,650 which compares to an allocation of €11,642,151 in 2017.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 63.
Road Projects
Questions (66)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:66. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position on safety improvement scheme works for the N22 junctions between Macroom and Ballincollig; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20747/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Questions (67)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:67. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Southern Relief Road in Carlow and the Relief Road for Tullow. [20800/23]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
The major cuts to funding for regional and local roads during the post 2008 recession resulted in the build-up of a substantial backlog of works across the country. The estimated cost of the backlog is in excess of €5 billion. Because of the pressures on the regional and local road network, approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or for road realignments.
Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
Following the completion of a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) by Carlow County Council concerning options in relation to a potential Southern Relief Road, the Council was given clearance to proceed to prepare a Preliminary Business Case and the Council is in the process of progressing this.
My Department has not received an application from Carlow County Council regarding a relief road in Tullow.
Road Projects
Questions (68)
Thomas Gould
Question:68. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Northern Ring road in Cork. [20745/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
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, €100,000 has been allocated for the Cork City Northern Transport 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Aviation Industry
Questions (69)
Duncan Smith
Question:69. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he has had any engagement with the Dublin Airport Authority, Irish Aviation Authority, An Bord Pleanála and Fingal County Council regarding the current operations at Dublin Airport on the use of the new north runway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20821/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the deputy will be aware, daa has the statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport, including the use of the new North Runway.
As state bodies under my remit, I have regular engagement with both the IAA and the DAA and I have met with both bodies where current operations at Dublin Airport on the use of the north runway have been discussed.
I am aware that following the opening of the North Runway, an issue regarding the runway’s departure flight paths was identified which resulted in some local communities being unexpectedly overflown. When this issue was identified, I understand that the daa advised local communities and elected representatives that they had commenced a review with the aim of resolving the issue.
When the review was complete, DAA reverted to these stakeholders advising that the current Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) would be updated, resulting in flight paths aligning more closely with those previously consulted on and used as part of the planning process.
All flight paths at Dublin Airport are governed by international safety standards so the revised SIDs required regulatory review and approval before being implemented. daa in conjunction with IAA Air Navigation Service Provider (IAA ANSP) submitted a revised departure process to the Safety Regulator for the required safety assessment which was subsequently approved. The new flight paths became operational on 23 February 2023.
DAA advise that they continue to work closely with the local community regarding any issues they are facing as a result of operations at Dublin Airport. It is expected that a small number of dwellings which were previously on the verge of eligibility for mitigation measures may become eligible as a result of the new revised SIDs.
DAA advise that to enhance tracking of aircraft using Dublin Airport, 18 new noise monitoring terminals (16 fixed and two mobile) are being added to the existing system. 10 fixed and three mobile monitors are already in place, with 12 further fixed monitors scheduled to be installed over the coming months.
In relation to Fingal County Council (FCC), I can advise the Deputy that along with my Department officials, I met with FCC earlier this year in relation to a number of matters pertaining to Dublin Airport.
As publicised on its website, in December 2022, the Airport Noise Regulator (an independent Directorate within FCC, commenced a review of the impact of aircraft noise on the communities around Dublin Airport. DAA has been directed to provide operational data to ANCA to inform the review. This data will be assessed on a phased basis over a number of months and the outcome of the review will be made public.
Due to the technical nature and volume of the information required from daa, data will be submitted and assessed on a phased basis over the coming months. Through this process, ANCA will determine if it is necessary to introduce additional noise control measures around Dublin Airport.
This review will examine how the airport has operated since the new runway opened on 24 August 2022 and consider how aircraft operations may affect the areas around the airport in the years ahead.
My Department has no role in relation to the regulation of noise at Dublin Airport or the current review being undertaken by ANCA in relation to the impact of aircraft noise on the communities around Dublin Airport as this is a wholly independent process.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that I have not had any engagement with An Bord Pleanala in relation to these matters.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (70)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:70. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has discussed the establishment of a Garda public transport unit with the Garda Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20749/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport.
The safety and security of public transport passengers and staff are matters for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. Decisions regarding a transport police unit and the allocation of Garda resources are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
Previously, my predecessor wrote to the Minister for Justice to seek their views on how the issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport system could be best addressed. In their response, the Department of Justice advised that the views of An Garda Síochána are that effective local community policing can meet the policing needs of the public transport network and that the Garda authorities do not propose to establish a specialist or dedicated transport policing unit at this time.
Greenways Provision
Questions (71)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:71. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide and update on the progress in relation to the construction of the new greenway in Glanmire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20680/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, i have forwarded your query to that agency for a more detailed response. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Electric Vehicles
Questions (72)
Brian Leddin
Question:72. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if he will develop plans to target EV grants to certain cohorts of the population based on socio-economic or geographic criteria to ensure that those who need private car travel the most are in a position to switch from an ICE vehicle to an electric vehicle (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20805/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am acutely aware that the cost of electric vehicles remains an issue for many consumers and that supply chain issues globally have also proven difficult. These have been exacerbated by international events.
€110m has been allocated in 2023 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
Current financial supports from ZEVI, and where applicable with support from the Department of Finance, for the transition to electric vehicles and for the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:
• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €600;
• VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV;
• AFHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle;
• Low rate of annual motor tax; and
• Tolling reductions of 50% for battery electric vehicles and 25% for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Ireland is at the beginning of its transition to private electric transport. Within a few years I anticipate there will be a viable second hand market that will provide a more affordable pathway to the purchase of an EV. In addition, the motor industry is planning to bring more affordable electric vehicles onto the market. Notwithstanding this, I am taking steps to accelerate the establishment of a second hand EV market in Ireland.
My Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. This Group considered a variety of regulatory, financial, and taxation policies to accelerate EV adoption. The Group also examined the issue of price parity between EVs and ICE vehicles and found that parity in respect of the Total Cost of Ownership is likely to be achieved later on this decade, driven by falling battery prices and savings due to economies of scale.
Additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentivise fossil fuelled vehicles will also be necessary. Cost-effective, targeted policy supports should continue to be developed and strengthened over the coming years.
An Implementation Group has been established to progress the recommendations and consider further potential measures and barriers to the adoption of the EVs. It will also examine the creation of a second hand market.
Rail Network
Questions (73)
James O'Connor
Question:73. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s plans to construct new train stations in the Cork metropolitan region; if a timeline for the proposed new stations outlined in CMATS is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20820/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), the National Transport Authority (NTA) has proposed a number of new rail stations in the Cork metropolitan region.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in developing and implementing CMATS, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply in relation to the proposed stations and expected timelines. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Questions (74)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:74. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the construction of the Northern Distributor Road in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20768/23]
View answerWritten answers
Transport investment in our five cities is guided by the development of metropolitan area transport strategies, including the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) which was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2022. The strategy 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, and provides a roadmap for sustainable transport in the region over the next 20 years.
In line with the funding commitments in the National Development Plan and following my request to the NTA, the LSMATS does not include proposals for the development of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road.
I believe that the rejuvenation, growth and economic development of Limerick is best met through the prioritised delivery of active travel and public transport infrastructure and services, rather than through an over-emphasis on road-based development. This is central to ensuring that we meet our challenging commitment to deliver a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and supporting the National Planning Framework (NPF) objective for compact growth.
In my view, proceeding with the Limerick Northern Distributor Road would be contrary to the NPF’s objective of compact growth, would undermine the investment planned in active travel/public transport and would accentuate and continue a dispersed, unsustainable development model in the region. I strongly believe that the focus of transport investment for the region in the coming years should be on improving active travel infrastructure, delivering BusConnects, and adopting a more transport-orientated development approach through the expansion of the rail network. This will allow us to provide a commuter rail system that serves existing and future development.
I look forward to seeing the delivery of much needed transport infrastructure under LSMATS in the coming years to better serve the citizens of the region, improve accessibility and the public realm in a sustainable manner.
Road Projects
Questions (75)
Matt Carthy
Question:75. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the current earliest projected timeline for completion of the N2 Clontibret-to-the-border project; and if he will provide additional funding for this scheme and ensure that such funding is not dependent on EU co-financing. [20522/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
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. Having regard to this context, €2.5 million has been allocated to the N2 Clontibret to the Border scheme, which is contingent on a successful application for funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51