Written Answers Nos. 51-70
51. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the progress on delivering a light rail system planned for Ballincollig to Mahon in Cork city; what stops are planned for the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30147/23]
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 design and development of light rail projects in the Greater Dublin Area and Cork. 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 development of projects such as Cork Light Rail Transit.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has agreed responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including the Cork Light Rail project. I am aware that a non-statutory public consultation on the project is expected to launch in July.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
54. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the N17 project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30168/23]
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.
55. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects to achieve a balance between road and rail transport in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30095/23]
View answerThis Government has committed to protecting transport maintenance budgets while also investing in new public transport at a ratio of 2:1 compared with new roads. Together, these commitments will preserve the value of the infrastructure that we already have, while facilitating the transition to a low-carbon transport system.
Under the National Development Plan (NDP) significant progress will be made on a number of strategic public transport projects and programmes, including MetroLink, BusConnects in all five cities, DART+, the Cork Commuter Rail programme and the replacement of the Enterprise fleet.
Enhancing and expanding our public transport services provision across the country is also a firm commitment of this Government. To support this objective, in Budget 2023, the Department secured €563m of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Local Link services. As the Deputy may be aware, 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.
Budget 2023 funding was also secured for the roll-out of new services and service enhancements. This includes the continued development of the BusConnects and Connecting Ireland programmes, in addition to new town services and enhancements to existing services.
The Government has earmarked circa €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. This 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.
The primary focus for investment in regional and local roads is the protection and renewal of the network. Funding under the NDP will allow the Department to continue to provide significant grant support to eligible local authorities for a range of protection and renewal programmes, including road pavement resealing and strengthening works, bridge rehabilitation projects, climate adaptation and safety measures and drainage works together with community involvement schemes on less trafficked roads.
In addition to maintaining the regional and local road network in good repair, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the regional and local road network.
The NDP also notes that the All-island Strategic Rail Review will examine all aspects of the inter-urban and inter-regional rail network including decarbonising the railway, the feasibility of higher speeds, increased capacity, improved connectivity to the North-West. The Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. and it will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades to 2050, in line with net-zero carbon commitments in both jurisdictions.
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 will be subject to the appropriate approval process on both sides of the border. It is expected that the final Review will be published in the autumn of 2023.
56. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to curtail access for HGVs in urban towns following the example from a town (details supplied) where eight pedestrians have been killed in the past ten years in incidents involving HGVs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30226/23]
View answerThe Road Traffic (Control of Traffic) Regulations 2006 allow road authorities to restrict or prohibit certain non-passenger vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), from entering specified roads within specified periods. These regulations form the basis of the 5-axle HGV ban in operation in Dublin City and in a number of other urban centres.
Following engagement with An Garda Síochána and the local authority sector, my Department introduced regulations earlier this year which now make it a fixed charge notice (FCN) offence for an HGV to enter a restricted area without the relevant permit. It is intended that this financial penalty will allow for speedier and more efficient enforcement of such restrictions and that this will, in turn, deter HGV drivers who might consider entering a restricted area without permission.
Individual road authorities are best placed to assess local vehicle requirements, based on road safety or traffic management grounds. My Department has no role in deciding where and in what circumstances axle-based restrictions should apply.
57. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if the Government will commit to funding 50% of the A5 upgrade project, as agreed in the St. Andrews Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30076/23]
View answerThe planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the authorities in Northern Ireland.
The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 have been governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start, and under this Agreement the Government is committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded.
The Government is committed to deliver on its funding commitment to the A5 project, which is also included in the "New Decade, New Approach" document of 2020 and most recently, in our revised National Development Plan.
Allowing for the time required for the conclusion of a public inquiry process and for all new decisions to be implemented, together with the possibility of a further legal challenge, the timeframe for delivery of the A5 project is uncertain. However, provision of £25 million sterling is being made by my Department in 2023 for funding the scheme, should this be required.
59. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport to outline the actions and initiatives undertaken by his Department to assist the freight industry in reducing emissions. [30205/23]
View answerIreland’s Road Haulage Strategy, which was published in December 2022, provides a roadmap on how the Government is supporting the road freight sector to decarbonise and meet the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan.
The Irish road freight sector is almost exclusively fuelled by diesel currently, and while decarbonisation will be a significant challenge for the sector over the medium term to 2030 and beyond, the Department is hearing positive news and signalling from vehicle manufacturers regarding the supply of alternatively fuelled vehicles. These commitments by industry must be encouraged and supported with the right mix of policy and regulatory measures by Governments to ensure we reach our climate objectives over the next decade.
In November 2022 Ireland joined like-minded states in signing a Global Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Zero-Emission Medium and Heavy-duty vehicles. This MOU aims at achieving a minimum of 30 percent of all new sales of Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (including buses and trucks) to be zero-emission by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040.
The Alternatively Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle (‘AFHDV’) Purchase Grant Scheme supports and promotes the decarbonisation of the heavy-duty sector to transition from vehicles fuelled by fossil fuels. The Scheme supports the purchase of new large commercial vehicles by bridging some of the price difference between conventional heavy-duty vehicles and alternatively fuelled vehicles, which offer environmental benefits. The Scheme is once again funded in 2023, with €5 million being made available. In addition, Ireland has the Low Emission Vehicle Toll Incentive or ‘LEVTI’ Scheme, which offers toll discounts for alternatively fuelled vehicles.
A critical element in supporting the transition will be the provision of charging infrastructure for Heavy-duty vehicles. In order to enable the delivery of this infrastructure, the Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland office will work with stakeholders to develop a National EV Charging Network Plan for HDVs.
As a transitional measure, increasing the blend of biodiesel in the national fuel mix will provide a level of emissions savings from the existing fleet. Under the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation Scheme, which is administered by the National Oil Reserves Agency (‘NORA’), there is an obligation on suppliers of mineral oil to ensure that a percentage of the motor fuel they place on the market in Ireland is produced from renewable sources. For diesel vehicles, the current fuel blend available at garage forecourts is approximately 7% biodiesel. It is the Department’s intention to raise this percentage to 20% biodiesel by 2030, a move which will help to significantly reduce emissions from the Road Freight sector.
Additionally, Eco-Driver training, which trains drivers to operate their vehicles in a safer and more eco-friendly manner, will be important in promoting decarbonisation in the road freight sector. This training, which has been proven to lead to a significant reduction in fuel consumption and related carbon emissions, not only benefits the environment, but it also generates cost savings and improved efficiencies for road freight operators as well as improved road safety. My Department is currently working towards establishing a national standard for eco-driving courses and will analyse what incentives and measures could be introduced to increase the number of drivers undertaking available courses.
Further transitional measures which are including in the Road Haulage Strategy, and will be critical to the decarbonisation of the sector, are the promotion digital and operational efficiencies such as load sharing and a study to establish the potential for logistics consolidation hubs.
The combination of these measures will assist in addressing the challenges facing the sector in achieving more sustainable operations and reducing emissions.
60. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport for an update as of June 2023 on the development of the MetroLink project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30227/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, as well as certain key approvals during the lifecycle of major projects.
In relation to MetroLink a significant milestone in the progression of the project was cleared in July 2022, when the Cabinet granted Decision Gate (DG) 1 approval under the Public Spending Code (PSC) for MetroLink.
This decision enabled the project to move to planning application stage and on 30 September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The statutory planning consultation for the project closed on 16 January 2023.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including MetroLink. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
61. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the roll-out of the shared island sports club EV charging scheme; and if such charging facilities under the scheme will be made available in Cavan and Monaghan. [30156/23]
View answerZero Emission Vehicles Ireland launched a new destination charging scheme, the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme, at the end of January to support the installation of fast electric vehicle chargers into sports clubs. The scheme aims to install approximately 200 chargers into local communities providing a network of fast chargers across the island. It has been developed on an all-island basis in partnership with Sports Ireland and its recognised National Governing Bodies as well as in collaboration with the ESB Networks and Northern Ireland Electric and the commercial sector.
The Scheme is funded to the value of €15m by the Shared Island Fund and aims to install 50KW chargers into viable sites. Subject to the available connection and the number of car parking spaces available it may also provide a 22KW charger in addition.
The scheme will provide capital funding to cover the purchase and installation of the charger(s) onsite. Each club will enter into an Agreement with a Charge Point Operator, who will be selected following a public tendering process. It is essential that the chargers are placed into sites where they will be used enough to cover at a minimum the cost of the ongoing electrical connection charge which is currently in the region of €7,000 per year.
Expressions of interest were received from over 600 clubs across island in February. Since then, approximately 300 clubs submitted the required documentation in order to be considered further. These sites are now undergoing specific analysis to ensure that they meet the requirements of the scheme and are feasible for the installation of EV charging. It is worthwhile noting that not every site will be feasible.
ZEVI expects to have completed the analysis of the sites by the end of September. A report will then be prepared for the Department and its partners to consider and select the final sites. I look forward to being in a position to announce the successful sites as soon as possible thereafter.
62. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has examined any proposals around the use and possible banning of SUV private vehicles in city and urban areas; if he would support such a move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30120/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, there are various measures already in place to improve the emissions performance of vehicles and to reduce car dependency more broadly, both within the Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23) and the National Sustainable Mobility Policy. As part of the EU's Fit for 55 legislative package, it is proposed - through legislation - to reduce CO2 emissions from cars and vans to zero by 2035.
In Ireland, the taxation of motor vehicles through vehicle registration tax (VRT) and motor tax is already designed to encourage a shift to improved emissions performance. Budget 2021 introduced a revised charging structure for VRT and motor tax bands based on the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) emissions test to better reflect real-driving data, and follows the introduction of a NOx surcharge for VRT in Budget 2020. This is particularly important in the context of heavier vehicles, like SUVs.
While my department has not examined any specific proposals in relation to the use and possible banning of SUV private vehicles in city and urban areas, my department is considering the use of public space by traffic as part of the development of a new National Demand Management Strategy. The aim of the strategy will be to increase the efficiency of the transport system, by reducing travel demand rather than increasing capacity, and to give consideration to a range of urban-focused measures that can achieve policy objectives on multiple fronts - better air quality, improved infrastructure to improve road safety for all road users, especially more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and those with additional mobility needs and an improved public realm. Access to public space by various vehicles may be considered within the context of road space reallocation. Work to develop this strategy is currently underway, with a phase of public consultation on demand management to be held over the second half of 2023.
63. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered allowing a project (details supplied) to proceed this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30044/23]
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.
64. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a number of active travel interventions by Cork City Council that have decreased accessibility for those with mobility issues or disabilities and, in some instances, caused serious concern for cyclists; and the level of engagement he has had on these issues. [30089/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area. Cork City Council received an allocation of just under €35 million under the NTA's Active Travel Programme in 2023.
It is important that measures are taken to protect all road users, particularly our most vulnerable users including pedestrians, cyclists and those with disabilities. In order for this to happen, certain design standards and guidance must be applied to each infrastructure project funded by Exchequer funding. To this end, a National Guidelines and Standards Group has been established within my Department to oversee and coordinate all guidelines and standards (including cycling and other Active Travel projects) which have been developed by TII, the NTA and Department of Transport.
It also covers the areas of quality control, training and implementation monitoring. Any new Active Travel infrastructure funded by my Department must be designed in compliance with the guidance and standards set out in the National Cycle Manual, which is currently being revised and updated. This work has been underway for over a year and is geared to reflect best practice including improving design standards. In support of this, the Department of Transport is also working on updates supporting the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS).
In response to the Deputy's specific question, the Department of Transport has been made aware of concerns relating to some Active Travel projects in Cork City which have been communicated to the NTA. My officials will continue to engage with the NTA, who in turn will liaise with the local authority, to explore these concerns and take any necessary action.
65. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the measures Iarnród Éireann has in place to foster biodiversity along its routes and land banks; the funding provided for and actions that have been taken on biodiversity since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28432/23]
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 issues raised by the Deputy regarding Iarnród Éireann measures to foster biodiversity along their routes and landbanks, and the funding and actions as part of such since 2020, are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
66. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the current earliest projected timeline for completion of the N2 Clontibret-to-the-Border and the N2 Ardee-to-Castleblayney road schemes; and if he will provide additional funding for these schemes in 2023. [30078/23]
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 these projects.
I can confirm that €600,000 has been allocated for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney scheme in 2023 in order to meet project commitments. In addition, €2.5 million has been allocated to the Clontibret to the Border scheme, with drawdown subject to a successful funding application under the Connecting Europe Facility. I understand that a decision on this application is imminent. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for these projects 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.
67. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan. [30155/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has 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 TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for new and enhanced public transport services under Connecting Ireland, 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.
68. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to install more sheltered bus stops in Cork South-West. [29563/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has agreed 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.
69. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken since the ending of Covid-19 air travel restrictions to address the imbalance in the regional spread of air traffic routes across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30173/23]
View answerThere has been a strong recovery in passenger traffic at airports across the State following the end of the COVID air travel restrictions, with regional airports in Shannon, Cork, Kerry, and Ireland West Knock Airport with traffic levels to date this year at or above those during the same periods in 2019. This strong rebound in passenger numbers has been enabled by the unprecedented level of additional support provided by Government to these regional airports under an EU State aid approved Covid-19 Supplementary Support Scheme. Funding of almost €19m under this Scheme compensated regional airports in Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry for the damage caused to them by Covid as well as providing our regional State airports at Shannon and Cork with the flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, which supported recovery and growth of connectivity at these airports. Last month Cork Airport and Shannon Airport experienced a significant uplift in passenger traffic of 27% and 29% respectively compared to last year. (Dublin Airport recorded a 17% increase in passenger numbers over 2022 in May)
Within the European Union the air transport market is fully liberalised with air carriers free to determine which routes to operate. Such decisions are generally based on the route’s commercial viability and engagement with airports and other market actors. My Department has no involvement in the decisions of commercial operators.
As Government policy on regional airports seeks to optimise conditions for regional development and connectivity – both for social and economic benefits - in addition to funding being made available directly to airports, the Regional Airports Programme also supports regional connectivity via Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services to remote regions. Currently one PSO route operates between Donegal and Dublin, providing the people and businesses in the North-West with twice daily, two-way air services. The current PSO contract on this route commenced on 26th February 2022. This PSO service marks Government’s commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region for the next 3 years.
The Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 supports Ireland’s smallest airports, those that operate scheduled services and handle fewer than 1 million annual passengers. Funding of €30m will be provided under the Programme this year. Supports under this Programme are targeted at safety and security activities and operations, assisting our regional airports to ensure they comply with international regulatory requirements in these areas. Funding also supports sustainability objectives, enabling these airports to identify and implement climate related efficiencies and build resilience against the likely impacts of climate change. In addition, and in recognition of the important role of Cork Airport to the economy of the south region and nationally, Government has provided capital funding of €6m to Cork Airport this year. This funding will support the commencement of a significant security screening project at Cork Airport this year.
70. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to outline any engagement he has had with management at Waterford Port, including any plans related to upgrading the current infrastructure in the area. [30141/23]
View answerMy colleague, Minister Ryan, had a number of engagements with all the port companies including Waterford Port throughout the COVID crisis and my predecessor, Minister of State, Hildegarde Naughton, visited the Port of Waterford in September 2022. I intend to visit Waterford Port and engage with the company over the summer period.
Officials from my department also have regular engagement with the port company on an ongoing basis. The Port of Waterford Company is the fourth largest of the commercial port companies, a Tier 2 Port of National Significance under National Ports Policy and a Comprehensive Port on the European TEN-T network.
The Port of Waterford is a strategically important port on the South-East and while they have no infrastructure developments underway at present, I am aware that the port is intent on the expansion of both Load on Load off (LoLo) container and bulk trade due to the potential for growth on a number of fronts, including services to the renewable energy sector. The Company has advised that it intends to progress a number of infrastructure projects.
As part of its Masterplan (2020 – 2044), the Port of Waterford is proposing to develop an Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) laydown, operations and maintenance (O&M) capable berth on a 250m downstream extension to the existing wharves at the Belview Port location. This project is at a preliminary design stage and as part of this work, the Port invited all interested stakeholders to take part in a public consultation event held at the Port Offices on 20 February 2023.
The Port is also working with Irish Rail to expand rail freight activity to the Port. The development of rail freight is a key priority of Minister Ryan and I and the forthcoming All Island Strategic Rail Review will set an increased ambition for rail freight as a means of addressing congestion and emissions from road haulage over the next 30 years. To this end, I am delighted that Baxter Healthcare, Castlebar, has recently commenced shipment of product by rail, utilizing the Irish Rail freight facility at Ballina to the Port of Waterford.
