Danny Healy-Rae
Question:190. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35714/23]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (190)
Written answers
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.
Bus Services
Questions (191)
Duncan Smith
Question:191. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if an additional 33X bus will be added to the morning roster departing from Skerries to St. Stephen’s Green at 7:45 am, given the demand for the service and overcrowding issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35719/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the provision of an additional 33X bus to the morning roster departing from Skerries to St. Stephen’s Green at 7:45 am, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Questions (192)
Ged Nash
Question:192. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the current status of funding for the Ardee by-pass; his views on whether the development of the planned by-pass would allow the centre of Ardee to become a more liveable and healthier place from the point of view of a reduction in air pollution in a built-up area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35720/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
I can confirm that €350,000 has been allocated for the N52 Ardee Bypass scheme in 2023. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for this 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 update as to the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Questions (193)
Paul Kehoe
Question:193. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter regarding an upgrade of a national route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35728/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation, management and upgrading 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 regarding the current status of the N81.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Public Transport
Questions (194)
Brian Leddin
Question:194. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the amount collected in fares for child tickets on public transport in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. [35763/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. In addition, I would like to advise that the NTA has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in these areas, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the amount collected in fares for child tickets on public transport in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Electric Vehicles
Questions (195)
Brian Leddin
Question:195. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent to date on the electric mobility grant and eSPSV grant scheme for taxis, hackneys and limousines. [35764/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme is in place to support the greening of the SPSV, or taxi, sector. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, reducing the CO2 emissions of a sector which typically has very high mileage, and also can positively influence the uptake of zero emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles.
The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by NTA acting as agents of the Department with delegated authority and as the licensing authority for SPSVs.
From 2018 to 2022, the eSPSV Grant Scheme supported 1,426 SPSV drivers in purchasing electric vehicles. The total figure for this support was €25,859,500.
€15m has been allocated to the Scheme in 2023 to enable owners of small public service vehicles, such as taxis, hackneys and limousines, to buy electric vehicles. As of 30th June 2023, there have been 182 grants paid which totals €3,252,000.
The total amount spent on the eSPSV scheme to date is €29,111,500.
Dublin Bus
Questions (196)
Paul Donnelly
Question:196. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of journeys lost or those that failed to operate on the 40D Dublin Bus service as a result of driver shortage, failure to show or other reasons in 2022 and to-date in 2023, in tabular form. [35786/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 the number of journeys lost or those that failed to operate on the 40D Dublin Bus service as a result of driver shortage, failure to show or other reasons in 2022 and to-date in 2023, is an operational matter for Dublin Bus.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company 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
Bus Éireann
Questions (197)
Paul Donnelly
Question:197. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number and percentage of the Bus Éireann fleet that is aged between zero and one years, between two and four years, between five and eight years, between nine and 12 years, and over 12 years old as of 10 July 2023, in tabular form. [35787/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 the number and percentage of the Bus Éireann fleet that is aged between 0-1 years, between 2-4 years, between 5 and 8 years, between 9 and 12 years, and over 12 years old as of 10 July 2023, is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company 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
Dublin Bus
Questions (198)
Paul Donnelly
Question:198. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number and percentage of the Dublin Bus fleet that is aged between zero and one years, between two and four years, between five and eight years, between nine and 12 years, and over 12 years old as of 10 July 2023, in tabular form.. [35788/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 the number and percentage of the Dublin Bus fleet that is aged between 0-1 years, between 2-4 years, between 5 and eight years, between nine and 12 years, and over 12 years old as of 10 July 2023, is an operational matter for Dublin Bus.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company 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
Road Safety
Questions (199)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:199. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware dangerous safety-related car parts that have not been euro-type approved are readily available for sale in Ireland; the person or body that regulates to ensure the vehicles of Irish consumers have replacement parts fitted that meet EU approval; if he will provide details of how many actions/prosecutions have been taken by the RSA to stop this dangerous practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35807/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) was appointed the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA) in the State, under SI 556/2020 - European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020, as required by EU Regulation (EU) 2018/858.
The MSA is responsible for ensuring that vehicles, systems, components and separate technical units as well as parts and equipment made available on the market in the State comply with all relevant EU legislation and do not endanger health, safety, the environment or any other aspect of public interest protection.
The RSA has informed me that it is not aware of any car parts readily available for sale in Ireland which are required to be type-approved but are not, and which are dangerous from a safety perspective. While no prosecutions have been taken by the RSA in this regard to date, the RSA at all times takes all aspects of automotive safety very seriously.
Road Projects
Questions (200)
Ged Nash
Question:200. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport when his Department plans to approve Meath County Council to move to the next stage of the proposed Julianstown traffic relief by-pass scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35816/23]
View answerWritten answers
Meath County Council commissioned the preparation of a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) concerning options in relation to a potential Julianstown bypass. The SAR was submitted to the Department for review in accordance with the then Public Spending Code. The Department is now liaising with Meath County Council in light of the revised Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF).
Equality Issues
Questions (201)
Michael Moynihan
Question:201. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the action his Department has taken to honour the Programme for Government pledge to ensure that Government Departments and public bodies take positive steps, including the use of correct pronouns and, where possible, making improvements on official forms, to assist non-binary people. [35839/23]
View answerWritten answers
My department is deeply committed to the Civil Service values of equality, fairness and respect and is an equal opportunities employer.
As outlined in our Customer Charter, my department is fully committed to delivering the highest quality of service and equality of treatment to all customers.
This commitment is also recognised in the department's Public Sector Duty Assessment and Action Plan which is published under Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) Act 2014. A revised Public Sector Duty Assessment and Action Plan will be published shortly.
To date, 274 employees have received disability awareness training and 206 employees have undertaken the equality and human rights in the public service training course co-designed with IHREC for the public service.
My department is currently developing a new employee Wellbeing and Inclusion Strategy. This strategy will promote a positive working environment where all employees can feel welcomed, heard, and fairly recognised and rewarded. My department is also seeking to achieve accreditation for our equality, diversity and inclusion policies and practices from the Irish Centre for Diversity.
Furthermore, my department supports networks established by employees of the department such as the LGBTQ+ Network, Pride@Transport and the Disability Awareness and Support Staff Network. My department supports PRIDE month and has been represented at the annual PRIDE parade since the civil and public service began participating in the parade in 2019 under the theme ‘Proud to Work for Ireland’.
Bus Services
Questions (202)
Bríd Smith
Question:202. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will detail the steps to be taken by the NTA to address the serious failures of bus route 60 to provide a reliable or sufficient bus service through lower Ballyfermot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35866/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to bus route 60, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Bus Services
Questions (203)
Bríd Smith
Question:203. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details and timelines for BusConnects plans for Kildare Road, Dublin 12; if there are plans to liaise with local residents; if an opportunity to meet with concerned residents will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35885/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 Dublin.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Dublin.
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.
Driver Test
Questions (204)
Niamh Smyth
Question:204. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited, given it is needed for their work and future career; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35887/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I, nor my Department, have the power to intervene in individual cases.
I believe that the RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process such that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first, while those who fulfil the criteria for being a frontline worker can apply for a emergency test. Full details are available on the RSA website Driver testing FAQs from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Driver Licences
Questions (205)
Patrick Costello
Question:205. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the cost to the State of issuing an individual driving licence. [35917/23]
View answerWritten answers
This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, which is responsible for the driving licence system. I have referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Taxi Licences
Questions (206)
Michael McNamara
Question:206. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if a hackney licence application for a person (details supplied) can be expedited, given the very urgent need for hackney services in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35929/23]
View answerWritten answers
On behalf of the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, T.D., I would like to thank you for your recent correspondence.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. The Minister has no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
In order to be of assistance, I am forwarding your correspondence to the NTA for consideration and direct reply.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51