Tuesday, 27 Jun 2023

Written Answers Nos. 167-186

National Car Test

Questions (167)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

167. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his views, and the views of his Department regarding a NCT certificate which has expired, and where a new appointment has been booked, if the car is still considered to be unfit for road use during this time; if he is considering any changes to legislation that would allow NCT certificates to be considered valid after their date of expiry, given the lack of capacity within the testing service at present, causing road users to have to wait six months for an appointment in some centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30966/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Jack Chambers)

Under European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness testing, Ireland, like all Member States, must comply with the minimum specified intervals for carrying out such inspections. This is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415/2017), as amended.

Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations provides that the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined by its registration date and subsequent test due dates automatically fall on anniversaries of the registration date. Any certificate issued for that vehicle will be valid up to the test due date after the certificate is issued and is not automatically issued for 24 months, or 12 months for vehicles over 10 years old, from the date of testing. 

Permitting NCT certificates to be extended beyond the minimum test due dates would place the State in breach of our obligations under EU law and may affect road safety, should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive. There are no current plans to amend this legislation.

Finally, the RSA has made An Garda Síochána aware that some vehicle owners continue to have issues securing an NCT appointment. Motorists should keep a record of their upcoming test date in their vehicle. However, it is important to note that road traffic legislation requires motorists to maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition and it remains an offence, under the Road Traffic Acts, to drive a vehicle on a public road or in a public place without a valid NCT. Enforcement of road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

Bus Services

Questions (168)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

168. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he has received any correspondence on an element of BusConnects, Cork (details supplied); and if he will publish who contacted him. [31033/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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 in our cities, including BusConnects Cork.

My office has no record of receipt of any correspondence relating to the issue raised by the Deputy.

Bus Services

Questions (169)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

169. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if there is further costings, proposals and schematics available for an element of BusConnects, Cork (details supplied). [31034/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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 Cork.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has agreed responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including BusConnects Cork.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Bus Services

Questions (170)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

170. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a bus service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31059/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 county Kerry, 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Air Services

Questions (171)

Réada Cronin

Question:

171. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if his Department can assess any flight-path changes and frequency of same in aircraft using Dublin Airport, given the new aircraft noise-pollution problems reported by persons in residential areas of north Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31148/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Act 2019 was enacted on 22 May 2019. The Act provides a wholly independent aircraft noise regulation process in accordance with EU Regulation 598/2014, ensuring that all future development at Dublin Airport is subject to assessment and mitigation in respect of the impact of associated aircraft movements on the noise environment around Dublin airport.

The Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) is the Airport Noise Regulator, and the Authority is a separate and independent directorate within Fingal County Council.

In December 2022, ANCA commenced a review of the impact of aircraft noise on the communities around Dublin Airport. daa has been directed to provide operational data to ANCA to inform the review. This data will be assessed on a phased basis over a number of months and the outcome of the review will be made public.

Due to the technical nature and volume of the information required from daa, data will be submitted and assessed on a phased basis over the coming months. Through this process, ANCA will determine if it is necessary to introduce additional noise control measures around Dublin Airport.

This review will examine how the airport has operated since the new runway opened on 24 August 2022 and consider how aircraft operations may affect the areas around the airport in the years ahead.

My Department has no role in relation to the regulation of noise at Dublin Airport or the current review being undertaken by ANCA in relation to the impact of aircraft noise on the communities around Dublin Airport as this is a wholly independent process.

It is worth noting that Dublin Airport has a web-based service called WebTrack, which provides near real-time information on flight origin and destinations, aircraft types, altitudes and flight paths, as well as noise levels registered at Dublin Airport’s noise monitoring terminals. The system can also be used to submit official noise complaints for investigation.

This service can be accessed at webtrak.emsbk.com/dub1.

Bus Services

Questions (172, 173)

John Lahart

Question:

172. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport how many bus drivers were recruited for the Dublin region to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31209/23]

John Lahart

Question:

173. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport how many bus drivers are in training for the Dublin region at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31210/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.

As 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 raised by the deputy in relation to how many bus drivers are in training for the Dublin region at present, and how many bus drivers were recruited for the Dublin region to date in 2023 is an operational matter for Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead.

I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Question No. 173 answered with Question No. 172.

Public Transport

Questions (174)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

174. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport what measures have been put in place to ensure wheelchair accessibility for buses and trains providing services to County Galway, including addressing issues with lack of space on Intercity trains, around seat bookings and with regard to mobility supports at train stations for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31224/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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 public transport network.

The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Irish Rail and Bus Éireann, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.

As the specific issues raised in relation to advance notice requirements, are operational matters for both Irish Rail and Bus Éireann, in the first instance, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to both companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response from either company within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Test

Questions (175, 179)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

175. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the steps that will be taken to reduce driving test waiting times (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31231/23]

Colm Burke

Question:

179. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the current average waiting time for driving tests; what progress has been made to date in reducing the five-month waiting time for driving tests experienced by applicants earlier in the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31235/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 179 together.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of National Driver Testing service, including scheduling.

On the matter of the steps being taken to reduce driving test waiting times I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working closely with the Authority on addressing driver testing waiting times, which is an issue of great concern across the state. The service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which is up 28% on 2021 figures.

The RSA has reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service to meet demand and following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers.

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 and agreed service levels should resume by early to mid-2024. The additional testers will be assigned to fill current vacancies and otherwise allocated to centres with the highest demand for tests. The recruitment process by the RSA is currently well under way.

Road Projects

Questions (176)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

176. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport when road enhancement works will begin on the R498 at Latteragh, Nenagh, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31232/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.

The R498 Latteragh Upgrade scheme is one of the limited number of strategic regional and local road improvement schemes being undertaken under the National Development Plan.

Planning and implementation of the R498 Latteragh Upgrade scheme is the responsibility of Tipperary County Council. My understanding is that engineering consultants have been appointed and the scheme is now at detailed design and contract preparation stage together with land acquisition.

Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 165.

Question No. 178 answered with Question No. 165.

Question No. 179 answered with Question No. 175.

Road Tolls

Questions (180)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

180. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has held any further consultation with stakeholders in respect of the increase in toll charges from 1 July 2023; if he will revisit the issue with a view to a further postponement until 2024 to allow for cost of living in other sectors to drop in the intervening timeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31236/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the setting of tolls is a statutory function of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). As such, there is no formal consultative role for me as Minister in relation to tolls.

The "maximum toll" for each tolled scheme is set in accordance with the relevant scheme bye-laws, based on inflation. In the twelve month period used to calculate maximum tolls for 2023, inflation was obviously a significant issue. That was at the heart of the toll increases which were announced for the M50 and the eight PPP schemes in late 2022. Following this announcement, I directed that Departmental officials engage with TII to develop options that might allow for the suspension of the planned toll increases.

Following this direction, TII commenced engagement with all eight PPP companies and the suspension of these increases was agreed upon for a six month period until the end of June 2023. As this six-month period is coming to an end, the planned toll increases will come into effect in July 2023.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (181)

Seán Haughey

Question:

181. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport his plans to regulate the use of mechanised scooters; if he will introduce measures to deal with the problem of uninsured mechanised scooter users; if these users can be prevented from using footpaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31237/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

The Programme for Government is committed to legislating for electric scooters. The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2021, which was signed into law last week, includes provisions to allow for the regulation of e-scooters. The Act defines a new category of vehicle in the Road Traffic Act, 1961, powered personal transporters or PPTs, which will include e-scooters. This enables me to put regulations in place to govern the safe use of e-scooters. E-scooters which meet the criteria established will become legal to use on the introduction of regulations governing technical and safety requirements and their use on public roads.  The use of e-scooters on public roads will remain illegal until the introduction of these regulations.

It is worth noting that the introduction of new technical regulations for vehicles is subject to mandatory examination by the European Commission for a minimum of 12 weeks under the Single Market Transparency Directive (EU) 2015/1535. The regulations will be submitted under this process as soon as possible.

While we are keen to embrace new transport technology, I would like to reassure you that the safety of vulnerable pedestrians and other vulnerable road users is of paramount importance when regulating the use of e-scooters. The intention is to restrict their use to public roads and cycle lanes, where they will be treated similarly to bicycles and be subject to the same rules of the road and penalties. As they are no longer classified as mechanically propelled vehicles, there will not be a requirement for tax, licencing or insurance. Under no circumstances will their use ever be allowed on footpaths or other pedestrianised areas. 

Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 165.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (183)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

183. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if a group has been convened to discuss structures for delivery of the public procurement framework, as outlined in the climate action plan annexe of actions; if he will report on the approach, roles and responsibilities agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31258/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. The transport sector, which accounts for about 20% of Ireland’s overall carbon emissions, must play a central role in the national decarbonisation effort. The national car and van (LGV) fleet accounts for almost 60% of all land transport emissions, and so a transition to low emissions vehicles, including EVs, is a necessary step-change to effect a substantial reduction in transport emissions.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 945,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years.

The Climate Action Plan and the Programme for Government commits to developing and implementing a sustainable public procurement policy, to ensure that what are we buying and building is consistent with our climate ambition.

The Office of Government Procurement has drawn up fixed price procurement frameworks for the supply of long and medium range battery electric passenger cars and vans to public sector bodies. Full details on how to use the framework as well as pricing and supplier contact details can be found on the www.ogp.gov.ie website. These Frameworks will greatly assist Government departments and bodies to purchase electric cars and vans. As battery and recharging technologies develop and a greater range of vehicles become commercially available I expect an increasing number of public bodies to transition to EVs.

A group to discuss the delivery of a public procurement framework for EV charging infrastructure will be convened shortly.

Public Sector Pensions

Questions (184, 185)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

184. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that pensioners on the CIÉ pension scheme have not received an increase since 2008, which is causing significant hardship for many of these pensioners; the action he intends to take on foot of it; and whether he intends to provide for an increase in the pension in July 2023 when this is scheduled. [31279/23]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

185. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that for pensioners on the CIÉ scheme who did not receive the full pension because they were retired for medical reasons, that the hardship caused by the lack of an increase in the pension is particularly severe. [31280/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.

As of end December 2022, the Balance Sheet deficit for the two defined benefit pension schemes operated by CIÉ, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), was €396.5m. While the funding position improved during 2022, and the 1951 scheme now meets the MFS, the RWS currently doesn't meet the MFS and the funding level is marginal and subject to future market volatility. In relation to RWS, I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July 2022. Regarding the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. This is being considered by the Department in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputy may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months. Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.

Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 184.

Ports Policy

Questions (186)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

186. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport the number of cruise liner ships that have visited and berthed in the ports around Ireland in each of the past ten years; if his Department places restrictions on the number that can visit each port; the number that are permitted to land and berth in each port on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31319/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The number of cruise ships that have visited and berthed in Ireland in the last ten years is set out in the following table.

Irish Ports	Year *		Number
All Irish ports	2012	Cruise Ships Visits to Irish Ports	190
All Irish ports	2013	Cruise Ships Visits to Irish Ports	210
All Irish ports	2014	Cruise Ships Visits to Irish Ports	181
All Irish ports	2015	Cruise Ships Visits to Irish Ports	193
All Irish ports	2016	Cruise Ships Visits to Irish Ports	209
All Irish ports	2017	Cruise Ships Visits to Irish Ports	234
All Irish ports	2018	Cruise Ships Visits to Irish Ports	300
All Irish ports	2019	Cruise Ships Visits to Irish Ports	315
All Irish ports	2022	Cruise Ships Visits to Irish Ports	240

* There was a complete cessation of cruise visits into Ireland in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID 19 restrictions.

Further statistics in relation to cruise are available on the CSO website at: data.cso.ie/

My department places no restrictions on the number of cruise ships that can visits ports in Ireland. Where there will be more than twelve ship calls on an annual basis to an individual port facility, the port facility must be certified in compliance with the applicable requirements of SOLAS Ch. XI-2, the International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities (ISPS Code) and Regulation 725/2004/EC.

Cruise visits to ports are a day-to-day operational matter for the individual port companies, with commercial arrangements being made directly between the port company and the cruise company. Enquiries in relation to whether a port can accommodate a particular cruise ship visit must be made directly by the cruise company to the individual port concerned.

The schedules for upcoming cruise visits are published on the individual port websites.