Written Answers Nos. 301-320
301. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Boyne Greenway project, in particular the 'Drogheda to Mornington scheme'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28037/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways.
The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
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.
302. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if discussions are expected with the Road Safety Authority regarding upcoming safety campaigns; if a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of tailgating and driving too close to fellow road users could be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28050/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness, safety campaigns, and the dissemination of road safety information. 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.
303. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which active travel policies have been tested to create behavioural change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28053/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, while previous investment in Active Travel was relatively small, a comprehensive programme of infrastructure development and behavioural change initiatives has been put in place since 2020, with €290 million allocated to the NTA's Active Travel Infrastructure Programme in 2023 alone and additional funding provided for training and behavioural change programmes such as CycleRight, Green Schools Travel and Smarter Travel Workplaces and Campuses. As such, it is only now that we should begin to see an increase in the number of people choosing to walk and cycle as their preferred mode of transport as the outputs from the increased Active Travel investment come to fruition.
In order to gain an understanding of the impact of our Active Travel investment, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is now working with Sustrans to carry out the Walking and Cycling Index in Ireland's main cities. First undertaken in Dublin in 2021, it has been rolled out this year to Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford metropolitan areas. This study will provide high quality evidence on people's participation in, and attitudes to walking, wheeling or cycling as well as the barriers to same, and reports are due to be published in early 2024. These studies will give a good indication of the impact of our Active Travel programmes in our major urban centres while new data from the National Household Transport Survey is also expected this year which will provide the national picture. The recently published Census 2022 data shows an increase in walking and cycling for commuting purposes in most age demographics, with the number of children aged between 5 and 12 cycling to school almost doubling on 2016 levels.
Additionally, my Department has established the Sustainable Mobility Research Network on foot of an action in the National Sustainable Mobility Policy. It aims to advise on, agree and focus resources towards research priorities that provide an evidence base for implementation of the Policy, and includes representatives from the Department, relevant agencies including the NTA, and the Regional Assemblies. This group will map research currently being undertaken, identify gaps, and ensure that research conducted aligns with Government policy. This work will help to provide a more comprehensive data and evidence-base for policy and funding decisions going forward.
304. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that a section of the emerging preferred route of the Athlone to Galway Greenway is located on an SAC-designated area; if this is allowable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28074/23]
View answerTransport Infrastructure Ireland is conscious of fulfilling it’s statutory obligations in this regard as well as being committed to the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 - a comprehensive, ambitious, long-term plan for protecting nature and reversing the degradation of ecosystems.
As set out in the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, greenway routes require environmental assessment in their planning and design and are constructed in compliance with the requirements of Irish and European law including, but not limited to, EU Directive 2014/52/EU.
As the approving authority under the Public Spending Code, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are responsible for funding the planning, design and construction of Greenways. TII requires that TII funded Greenway Projects are delivered in accordance with the TII’s Project Management Guidelines (PMGs). Phase 3: Design and Environmental Evaluation (of an 8-stage process) of the PMG ensures that projects are developed in compliance with all appropriate environmental directives and legislation. The form of Statutory Process may include, but is not limited to, the following: Local Authority Own (Part 8) Development; 177AE of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended (Appropriate Assessment); and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Projects are assessed for environmental impacts and any necessary changes / mitigation measures are incorporated into the scheme design for the Greenway. The relevant Local Authority will conduct the Appropriate Assessment Screening and the Environmental Impact Assessment as required.
Some sections of the emerging preferred route of the Galway to Athlone National Greenway are in, bounding or proximate to Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). As part of the Design and Environmental Evaluation phase, the entirety of the Galway to Athlone National Greenway [including the sections of the route that are in, bounding or proximate to Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)] will be assessed from an environmental perspective. An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report , Natura Impact Statement and full Environmental Impact Assessment Report, will be prepared. This will include extensive engagement with relevant stakeholders including the National Parks and Wildlife Service. These documents will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála as part of a future planning application and it will be for ABP to decide whether the proposed development is in compliance with all appropriate environmental directives and legislation.
This process ensures that any potential adverse environmental impacts are identified by these rigorous environmental assessments and that, any impact that is identified is eliminated or mitigated by design amendments.
305. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the emerging preferred route for the Athlone to Galway Greenway has excluded a recently constructed cycleway/walkway along the recently re-aligned N67 road between Ballinderreen and Kinvara for a length of over 4 km, given that this route would alleviate the need to CPO lands, create severance of lands and save money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28075/23]
View answerAs the approving authority under the Public Spending Code, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) requires that TII funded Greenway Projects are delivered in accordance with the TII’s Project Management Guidelines (PMGs). Phase 2: Options Selection (of an 8-stage process) of the PMG ensures that a number of options are examined to determine a Preferred Option. During Phase 2 all reasonable / feasible options are examined and their costs, benefits and effects on the environment are interrogated to identify a preferred option, if any, that will progress to Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation.
The existing cycleway on a section of realigned N67 road between Ballinderreen and Kinvara was assessed as a one of the possible route options for the Galway to Athlone Greenway. Following an extensive review involving a detailed multi criteria assessment, the section of realigned N67 road between Ballinderreen and Kinvara did not emerge as the preferred option as it does not meet the objectives for this greenway scheme or the criteria as set out in the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways.
306. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of proposals to instal sections of the proposed Greenway from Athlone to Galway in active, functional farmland which will cause lands to be severed and in one instance destroy 25 acres of existing farmland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28076/23]
View answerThe Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, sets out that the preferred model for future Greenways is to maximise the use of lands already in State ownership where possible. It also sets out several options for project promoters to use for accessing privately-owned land for Greenways such as permissive access and land purchase.
The Code of Best Practice, published in 2021, provides details on the stages involved in project development, the consultation process, the factors to be considered when choosing a route. It provides details on appropriate types of accommodation works, appropriate levels of payment for land, suitable types of access both for landowners and the public, ways of minimising severance, range of possible mitigation works and mechanisms to minimise disruption and to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of Greenway projects. The Code will facilitate the engagement between local authorities and affected landowners and, in particular, prioritises the voluntary acquisition of lands over the use of compulsory purchase, which is available as a backstop for the acquisition of lands not otherwise acquired by agreement. The Code acknowledges the important role of farmers and landowners in the process. It outlines the procedures to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably.
The 200km long Galway to Athlone scheme starts near Ballyloughane Beach to the East of Galway City and then proceeds close to or through the following settlement areas: Oranmore, Rinville, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Kinvara, Gort, Woodford, Portumna, Meelick, Clonfert, Ballinasloe, Shannonbridge, and Athlone Castle. It links places of interest, established tourism centres, public parks, and outdoor amenities.
This project, which is being overseen by TII, includes dedicated Local Authority project liaison officers who have been engaging directly with landowners since 2021 in accordance with the Code of Best Practice. They have undertaken well over 1,800 consultations (either face-to-face meetings or telephone calls) with landowners since May 2021. Approximately 100km of the preferred route is situated with state owned lands. A further 100km is situated on lands in private ownership by approximately 450 landowners.
In over 90% of these cases, severance has been avoided as the greenway traverses the permitter of landholdings. In some other cases the greenway traverses along a particular field boundary at the request of the landowner. In a limited number of cases it is not feasible to avoid severance completely. Where unavoidable severance arises the introduction of an underpass to minimise the impacts of severance on the landholding are explored with the landowner.
307. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport in relation to the new contract with a company (details supplied) for the provision of aviation search-and-rescue services, specifically helicopter 117, if the helicopter’s heavy lifting capacity, operational capacity and time on-scene will remain the same as that of the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter presently in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28160/23]
View answerThe Government recently announced that it has accepted a recommendation to offer the next Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) search & rescue aviation (SAR) contract to Bristow Ireland Limited.
The contract will provide for the day and night-time operation of four helicopter bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin. In addition to the helicopter service, the new Coast Guard aviation service will, for the first time, also include a fixed wing aircraft element.
The new IRCG aviation service contract allows the Coast Guard to fully meet its obligations as prescribed in the National SAR Plan, the National Oil/ HNS Contingency Plan and its capacity to support other State agencies, in particular inland SAR support to An Garda Síochána, and provision of Air Ambulance services to HSE including day and night support to the island communities.
As the procurement process has now entered the required legal ‘Standstill Period’, my Department is not in a position to comment further. As soon as the contract has been finalised and awarded, further information will be provided.
308. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff seconded to his Department from a company (details supplied) in the past ten years to date; the title and/or role they filled; and the duration of same. [28188/23]
View answerThere have been no staff seconded to my department from this company over the past ten years.
309. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of instances in which his Department availed of services and or consultancy and or advices from a company (details supplied) in the past ten years to date; the costs of same; the number of contracts between the company and his Department; and the duration and costs of same. [28207/23]
View answerThe delivery of technology services to a Government Department such as ours is provided through a mix of permanent staff and a number of different technology companies. These companies provide up-to-date specialist expertise, including cyber-security expertise, where the environment, and associated risks, continue to evolve.
We have procured and avail of the expertise of a number of technology companies to support us, including EY, Deloitte, Presidio etc. to ensure that we are not over-reliant on any one provider while accessing necessary skills. We also want to ensure that those suppliers who respond to our requests for tender have every opportunity to secure work, not just those companies that have worked with us in the past, in keeping with good practice. All of this supports our value for money objectives in delivering services to the public.
In the last year PWC were awarded a contract, following a procurement process, to assist the Department in a transformation programme to change the overall operational and governance model in place for Information Technology. This is the only contract that has been awarded by the Department to PWC in the past 10 years and the details are set out below. The support that PWC has given us to date has been essential in building the capacity of the existing team and sharing knowledge as well as putting the new operating and governance model in place.
|
Year |
Services/Consultancy/Advices |
Duration of Contract |
Cost |
|
2023 |
Services |
1 year |
€677,300 |
|
2023 |
Consultancy |
6 months |
€288,000 |
310. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal had an application refused by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland for an EU disabled persons parking permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28234/23]
View answerEligibility for the Disabled Parking Permit is defined in the current Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations as applying only to those with a permanent condition or disability that severely restricts their ability to walk. As part of the application process, the applicant's doctor is required to fill out a form outlining the exact nature of the applicant's mobility impairment and the extent to which it meets the eligibility criteria set out in law.
The Disabled Parking Scheme is administered by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association. The Department has no role in the day-to-day processing of applications and cannot comment on individual cases. Therefore, the Deputy should bring this matter to the direct attention of the issuing body in question.
311. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine a matter (details supplied) concerning petrol cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28313/23]
View answerAutogas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are alternative fuels generally derived from natural gas processing and oil-refining, or in the case of BioLPG, derived from various biomass sources. As energy products, the application of excise duty via the mineral oil tax, or supporting incentives such as for example the inclusion of LPG under accelerated capital allowances for energy-efficient vehicular equipment, would be in the first instance a matter for the Minister of Finance.
The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), however, which is administered by the National Oil Reserves Agency, places a statutory obligation on suppliers of road transport fuels to ensure that a proportion of the fuels placed on the Irish market is produced from renewable sources, and that renewable transport fuels adhere to sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions reduction criteria. BioLPG supplied in transport that meets the sustainability and GHG emissions reduction criteria is eligible for RTFO certificates.
The current RTFO rate is 17% and it is intended to increase the rate on an annual basis to meet Climate Action Plan and EU requirements. Modelling analysis of the Climate Action Plan projects a 1.08 MtCO2eq. abatement saving through achieving the target to raise the blend proportion of biofuels in road transport to an equivalent of E10 (Ethanol) in petrol and B20 (biodiesel) in diesel by 2030. This predicted abatement equates to 13.7% of the total transport sector decarbonisation planned by 2030.
I would note, however, that the forthcoming EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), which is expected to be adopted by the European Parliament in July, and which will set minimum mandatory infrastructure requirements to support the decarbonisation of our vehicle fleets, considers liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to be non-renewable, transitional fossil fuels. Vehicles using such fuels are therefore to be gradually replaced by zero-emission powertrains in the medium-to-long-term.
As such, the proposed AFIR regulation will not set a mandatory target for the deployment of publicly accessible refuelling points for CNG, LPG or other forms of liquefied methane for road transport. Member states will be instead allowed to assess their own level of demand for such fuels, and deploy an appropriate number of publicly accessible refuelling points, unless the costs of doing so are disproportionate to the benefits, including environmental benefits.
Over the coming months, my Department will undertake a public consultation to inform an update of the Government’s current National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuel Infrastructure 2017-2030 that will consider the future role for LPG and autogas in road transport relative to other renewable and zero-emission alternative fuels.
While Government has committed significant funding to support low emitting vehicles through the National Development Plan, which currently includes an allocation of almost €500 million for the period 2021-2025 and additional support from the Climate Action Fund, this funding is primarily targeted for zero-emission alternatives, supporting the purchase of EVs and capital funding for the delivery of EV charging infrastructure. Our target under the Climate Action Plan 2023 is to have c.30% of our private car fleet switched to battery electric by 2030.
A new dedicated office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland was launched in July 2022 to oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles , and details regarding grants and initiatives supporting such zero emission vehicles is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
312. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28373/23]
View answerI understand one of my officials in the Department has engaged with the individual concerned, and the matter has been addressed to their satisfaction.
313. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount invested by Irish Rail in respect of signalling and associated supporting IT systems at Connolly station in the past two years to date. [28389/23]
View answerAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, including signalling and associated supporting IT systems, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
314. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of signalling faults recorded at Connolly station to date in 2023. [28390/23]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue of the number of signalling faults recorded at Connolly station to date in 2023 is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
315. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport what plans exist to bring Nos. 10-13 Conyngham Road, Dublin 8 back into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28395/23]
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.
Further, as the matter of its property holdings is, in the first instance, a matter for CIÉ, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
316. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on a bus stop (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28414/23]
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.
317. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his involvement to date with Tipperary County Council in the advancement of EV charging infrastructure for County Tipperary; if EV charging infrastructure will be installed in Templemore, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28415/23]
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.
A new Residential Neighbourhood Charging Scheme will be launched by ZEVI for Local Authorities 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
ZEVI have held meetings with Tipperary County Council in recent weeks to engage with and to assist the Council to develop their EV Infrastructure strategies. This process is current and will include the provision of funding and guidelines to the authorities for strategy development, an element of which will relate to the formulation of suitable strategies for catering to the charging requirements across the county (including Templemore) and for those without access to their own charger (households without off-street charging capability and those living in Multi Unit Dwellings) in line with the National EV Infrastructure Strategy.
318. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the public transport issues in the Knocklyon area; if he will ensure that adequate transport is provided, looking at frequency of busses and the routes that service the area; and if, given the huge increase in residential estates built in the area and the need to supply locals with access to routes, he agrees that this should be done urgently. [28423/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the implementation of the BusConnects programme in the Knocklyon area. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
319. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving instructors who have been struck off by the RSA in each of the years 2011 to 2023, in tabular form. [28426/23]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. This includes the regulation of Approved Driving Instructors. I have therefore referred the 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.
320. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if Iarnród Éireann has at least one customer service officer onboard each Intercity train; if not, the estimated cost of ensuring there is at least one customer service officer onboard every Intercity train journey. [28433/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible, sustainable public transport network. The NTA works with the public transport operators, for example Irish Rail, towards progressively making public transport accessible.
The issues raised by the Deputy in relation to customer service officers are operational matters for Irish Rail and I have forwarded your question to the company for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
