Written Answers Nos. 31-50
31. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has had discussions with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána relating to ensuring sufficient policing of public transport during the busy summer period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30133/23]
View answer42. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with public transport providers on ensuring public order and safety of passengers onboard their services during the busy summer period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30134/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 42 together.
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 the policing of public transport 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.
While arrangements to deal with the safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff are operational matters which must be managed by each operating company, my Department nonetheless engages regularly with the National Transport Authority and public transport operators in relation to the safety and security of the network. Throughout these discussions, companies have continuously stressed their strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána in relation to these issues.
The NTA, for its part, engages directly with operators through its monthly Working Group on Antisocial Behaviour, and has committed to develop and publish an annual ‘Public Transport Passenger Safety and Personal Security Report’ under my Department’s Sustainable Mobility Policy.
Additionally, each of the operators regularly update my Department on measures that they have introduced to deal with safety and security issues, including: increased employee training, expanded CCTV (with the entire Dublin Bus fleet now fully fitted with cameras, both internal and external), text alert systems, and joint initiatives with An Garda Síochana.
While these measures are yielding results, safety and security on public transport remains an issue which will require continued joint action. As Minister, I will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the safest possible travel environment for members of the public, and safest possible working environment for the employees providing our valuable public transport services.
32. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to make fundamental improvements to the national road structure, given some areas have been in need of investment for several years and that failure to address the issue may necessitate much higher expenditure in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30094/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP. 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 national road improvements.
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.
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 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.
A major priority in the NDP, in line with the Department’s investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing national road network. The NDP foresees an exchequer allocation of circa €2.9 billion for the Protection and Renewal of existing national roads over the 10-year period to 2030, allocated fairly evenly across the decade.
33. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the CMATS rail project in Cork. [30209/23]
View answerThe Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy supports the design and development of an improved suburban rail network and a new light rail system in Cork between now and 2040.
In relation to heavy rail, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. The programme comprises a number of separate but interrelated projects that encompass:
• The integration of the three existing railway corridors in the Cork area, which arrive in the city at Kent Station, providing a high-frequency north-east connection through the city and creating an integrated network
• Full electrification, or alternative fuelling, of the suburban rail network;
• Other infrastructure improvements required to accommodate a transformative 10-minute frequency (from current 30-minute frequency) for the suburban rail network in Cork;
• Additional rolling stock to be introduced to meet existing and future demand;
• A multi-modal integrated transport hub for the city provided at Kent Station to promote modal shift from the private car and enhance attractiveness of the city docklands regeneration and development; and
• New stations at prime regeneration sites, Park & Ride interchange points and new development areas.
Phase 1 of the rail programme, which encompasses the redevelopment of Kent Station, double tracking between Glounthaune and Midleton, and network-wide resignalling, is currently underway with the support of €164m in EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funds
Following planning approval from Cork City Council for an additional platform at Kent Station, the construction contract was awarded in early 2023 and enabling works have begun on site. Construction of this element is expected to be completed in 2024.
Separately, the tender process for the re-signalling project is underway. It is anticipated that Iarnród Éireann will be in a position to award this contract to the successful tenderer by the end of June.
A four-week non-statutory public consultation on the preferred option for double tracking the current single rail line between Glounthaune and Midleton concluded on 16 August 2022. The feedback received fed into the Railway Order application, which was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on 10 November 2022.
In addition to the infrastructure works described above, the frequency of a number of rail services in the Cork Metropolitan Area were doubled in July 2022, with a frequency of up to every 30 minutes to/from Cork-Cobh and Cork-Midleton and a frequency of every 15 minutes to/from Cork and Glounthaune.
With regard to light rail, a non-statutory public consultation on the Cork Light Rail Transit project is due to launch in July. In its capacity as project Sponsoring Agency, Transport Infrastructure Ireland is also currently in the process of preparing a preliminary business case for the project.
34. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Dunkettle interchange; if he will outline when the project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29880/23]
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. 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.
35. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Mallow relief road; and if the funding will be made available by the end of the year. [30210/23]
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.
I can confirm that €100,000 has been allocated for the Mallow Relief Road 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.
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.
36. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of and supports plans by the DAA to extend its operations; if his Department has had any discussion with the DAA about planned expansions and increases in aviation travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30117/23]
View answerAs the deputy will be aware, daa has the statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport, including all infrastructure required to support connectivity.
Within this statutory mandate, daa is expected to work in support of the Government’s aviation policy as articulated in the National Aviation Policy published in 2015. daa must also have regard to wider Government policies including the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Climate Action Plan.
Dublin Airport is a key driver of growth in our economy and the international gateway for trade, inward investment and tourism. In addition, and as the Deputy will be aware, Census 2022 showed that Ireland's population increased by 8% between 2016 and 2022 and by 31% since 2002. While alternatives to air travel such as rail can provide essential connectivity for many of our European neighbours, we do not have similar options as an island nation and air transport will therefore remain essential for our economy and our people.
In line with the National Aviation Policy, the Government supports the development of Dublin Airport as a hub airport with the necessary capacity to connect Ireland to key existing and emerging global markets. My Department and I meet regularly with the management of Dublin Airport where we discuss a variety of issues, including its plans for development in line with its statutory mandate.
The daa’s Capital Investment Programme 2020+ (CIP2020+) includes a number of capacity development projects designed to accommodate a forecast medium term demand level of 40m passengers per annum by 2030. The CIP will include the delivery of new piers and aircraft stands and will also facilitate a number of infrastructure projects that will enable the daa to deliver on its commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 51% by 2030 and to net-zero by 2050.
37. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to introduce restrictions or additional levies or taxes on the use of private jets in the State; if he is aware of figures suggesting a large increase in the use of such jets in the State; if this increase is supported by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30135/23]
View answerI am aware of a recent international report which reports an increase in the use of private/business aviation across Europe in recent years including in Ireland.
The environmental impact of private jet use was discussed recently at the EU Council of Transport Ministers meeting. As aviation is inherently international and measures to address the environmental impacts of aviation are therefore best addressed in an international context, the upcoming review of Ireland’s National Aviation Policy will provide an opportunity for the subject to be considered further in a national context as well as further discussions at an EU level.
38. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the details of the consultation that was undertaken with disabled persons' organisations with regard to the tendering and purchase of new buses and trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30176/23]
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 the national Public Service Obligation train and bus fleet.
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.
39. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide a public transport link from Finglas to Dublin Airport. [30132/23]
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.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to possible plans to provide a public transport link from Finglas to Dublin Airport, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
40. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport for an update on his plans to increase the number of e-bike sharing schemes in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30131/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure, including the provision of funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for bike-sharing schemes like the Regional Bikes Scheme in Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway.
The Climate Action Plan 2023 acknowledges the increasingly important role of shared mobility, which includes e-bike sharing, in the effort to reduce emissions from the transport sector. Shared mobility schemes are considered an effective mechanism for reducing car dependency and car ownership because such services can provide users with short-term access to a variety of modes of travel when needed.
As a result, in line with CAP23, my department is supporting the development of a mobility hub model for the 5 cities consisting of charging infrastructure and other facilities for shared mobility solutions, including e-bikes. The NTA have commenced work on scoping out this project, with roll-out expected to begin in 2024. It is anticipated that the Mobility Hubs project will guide the development of future shared mobility hubs, including shared bike and e-bike elements, within the 5 cities including Dublin City.
More broadly, however, matters related to the day-to-day operations, management or expansion of public bike or e-bike schemes in Dublin City is a matter for the relevant local authorities such as Dublin City Council.
41. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline plans for the further development of the rail connection from Limerick to Shannon Airport over the next five years; if his Department intends to increase investment in new stations on the Ennis-Limerick-Foynes rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30203/23]
View answerThe issue of a rail spur from Limerick to Shannon Airport has been considered in the context of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS). That Strategy was developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The final Strategy was published in December 2022. The Strategy sets out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years, including proposals for rail investment.
In addition to the improved access to Shannon Airport proposed under BusConnects Limerick, LSMATS provides for the route identification and protection of a potential future rail line that would serve Shannon Airport. However, in the immediate term, the Strategy highlights that a bus-based connection between Colbert Station and Shannon Airport would have 84% occupancy compared to 24% for a rail link. To increase the viability of a potential rail link, the Strategy recommends a focused approach to land use to support rail-based transport-oriented development.
Further proposals for investment in rail under LSMATS include:
• A new rail station at Moyross, which I announced last October as a Pathfinder project, to be delivered within the next three years;
• The reopening of the Limerick-Shannon Foynes line for freight services, for which I allocated funds for works to commence late last year;
• A new station at Ballysimon, along with park and ride facilities;
• Increasing the frequency of services on the Ballybrophy line to two trains hourly;
• Increasing the frequency of services on the Ennis line to three trains hourly;
• Dual tracking of the line from Limerick Junction to Colbert Station;
• Upgrading of Colbert Station.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Strategic Rail Review is also considering the future of the rail network with regard to, among other ambitions, improving rail connectivity to our international gateways, including Shannon airport.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and it is expected that a draft will be published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July. Following the SEA process and finalisation of the report, it is expected that it will be submitted for the approval of the Minister for Transport and Government in the autumn, 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 be published in the autumn of 2023.
43. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progress being made toward the delivery of a rail service from Navan to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29445/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the issue of a rail connection to Navan was examined as part of the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The Strategy is a multi-modal, twenty year transport strategy for the region and one that must be reflected in relevant land-use strategies across the GDA.
A Navan rail link is included in the GDA Transport Strategy as one of the proposed projects to be delivered. As it stands, the Strategy proposes delivery of the Navan rail line in the medium term from 2031-2036. A project of this scale will require significant planning and design before construction can commence. It is expected that this planning and design will commence in the second half of this decade under the National Development Plan funding envelope out to 2030.
44. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to develop a bypass of Innishannon, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29562/23]
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. 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.
45. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can detail the average number of passengers who have travelled on the new BusConnects route 60 since its introduction, per week or month; the passenger numbers for route 79 in the past three months of its operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30121/23]
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 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 passengers numbers for BusConnects Route 60 per week/month since its introduction and Route 79 in the last three months of its operation, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
46. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided for major improvement works on national secondary roads in each of the past five years; his policy in relation to providing sufficient funding to bring all national secondary routes up to a standard that maximises road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30162/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the maintenance and improvement of individual national roads is a matter for 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, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
47. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the roll-out of the new bus ticket pricing structure by Bus Éireann outside of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30146/23]
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.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the rollout of the new bus ticket pricing structure by Bus Éireann outside of Dublin, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
48. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm what progress has been made in relation to the reduction of waiting times for those waiting to be tested, following the announcement of the addition of 75 new testers earlier in the year; when he envisages the current average wait of 21 weeks will be significantly reduced, and to what level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29768/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test service. 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.
As the Deputy notes, following a review of the capacity of the driver testing service to meet demand by the Authority, and following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 driver testers. The recruitment process is being managed by the RSA and it is well under way.
It is expected that once these additional driver testers are recruited, trained, and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will start to reduce from October 2023.
49. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport how many buses have been provided for the town bus link service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30219/23]
View answerThe Deputy's office has confirmed that the Question relates to public transport services in Carlow Town.
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and new Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new services, including in Carlow town, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
50. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the status of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30043/23]
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. 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.
