Tuesday, 25 Jul 2023

Written Answers Nos. 226-242

State Bodies

Questions (226)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

226. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 13 July 2023, in respect of the Bus Átha Cliath returns (details supplied), if the use of a company car would mean that a benefit-in-kind is received and should be therefore paid to the Revenue Commissioners; the details of the car in question, by make and model; whether it is leased or purchased by the State company; if it is changed each year; if other employees benefit from a car allowance; if so, if they pay benefit-in-kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36347/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Following my 13 July reply in relation to PQ 34985/23, information in relation to Bus Átha Cliath as requested by the deputy is outlined below.

Transport

The only employee provided with a company car in Dublin Bus is the Chief Executive. The provision of this electric car to the Chief Executive results in a BIK for the employee and this is accounted for via the payroll system, with the associated tax remitted to the Revenue Commissioners.

The current Chief Executive joined Dublin Bus in December 2022 and was provided with a company car in March 2023. The car is fully electric, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and is leased by Irish Rail on behalf of Dublin Bus via a CIÉ Group Procurement Process.  The term of the finance lease is 48 months. The car may be changed at this time or when it has accumulated 50,000 kms.

The previous Chief Executive, whose term of office concluded in June 2022, was also provided with a fully electric company car, a Volkswagen Golf. This car was also leased and was exempt from BIK as the Open Market Value was less than €50,000, in line with the Revenue Commissioners guidelines.

There are 30 current employees within Dublin Bus who are in receipt of a car allowance. The car allowance is fully taxable, and tax is deducted from each employee via the payroll system.

State Bodies

Questions (227)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

227. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 13 July 2023, in respect of the DAA returns (details supplied), whether the vehicle under the benefit-in-kind is leased or purchased by the DAA; if it is changed each year; if further information will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36348/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Following my 13 July reply in relation to PQ 34985/23, information in relation to the CEO of daa plc as requested by the deputy is outlined below.

Transport

The vehicle referenced under the benefit-in-kind is purchased by the daa and is not changed each year. The car is retained for a minimum of three years from date of purchase prior to any consideration re changing it.

The previous CEO had a Range Rover for the period 2020 to 2022. daa is now in the process of procuring an electric vehicle for the current CEO (per his employment contract) and has leased a Mercedes electric vehicle in the interim.

Benefit in Kind

The amounts provided for BIK medical are the total amounts paid by daa and upon which the CEO must pay the relevant employment taxes. For 2020 to 2022, the previous CEO was entitled to private health insurance for himself, his spouse, and dependent children. The current CEO contract, which is relevant for 2023, provides for private health insurance for the CEO, his spouse and his dependent children up to a maximum value of €4,000 per annum.

Annual Leave

The CEO is entitled to 30 days annual leave under the current and previously approved employment contracts. The number of days annual leave taken in the years 2020 to 2022 by the previous CEO was 16 days in 2020; 36.5 days in 2021; and 6.5 days in 2022. The current CEO has taken 12 of 29 days to date in 2023. The full year entitlement for the CEO is 30 days but his 2023 allocation was pro-rated based on his start date, hence the 29-day allocation for this year.

State Bodies

Questions (228)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

228. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 13 July 2023, in respect of the Shannon Airport returns (details supplied), if he will seek further details as to the reason the benefit-in-kind health payments are so high; if the State then pays an additional amount towards that health cover in addition to the personal payment made by the CEO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36350/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Following my 13 July reply in relation to PQ 34985/23, information in relation to the CEO of The Shannon Airport Group as requested by the deputy is outlined below.

The health insurance payment relates to the CEO and her immediate family. The CEO of The Shannon Airport Group discharges benefit in kind personally (including health insurance). This means the CEO is responsible for the tax on the value of the health insurance.

The Shannon Airport Group does not pay any additional amount towards health insurance in addition to the health insurance payment to the CEO referenced above.

Road Traffic Accidents

Questions (229)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

229. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish the raw data on personal injury road collisions for use by the research community as is provided in other jurisdictions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36371/23]

Written answers

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

The raw data referred to by the Deputy are collected by An Garda Siochana and therefore outside the remit of my Department. Furthermore, the compilation of road safety statistics, from data provided by An Garda Siochana, is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

In order to comply with GDPR requirements, I am informed that An Garda Siochana has been reviewing its procedures in relation to the sharing of collision data with the RSA. Consultation with key stakeholders including both departments, the RSA, and the Data Protection Commissioner is an on-going deliberative process.  Consideration of sharing the data with the research community cannot be considered until this review is completed, however it is expected to be finalised in the coming months.

Departmental Reports

Questions (230)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

230. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport to provide the report commissioned for Maritime Safety Policy Division on the health and safety assessment of the wreck MV Alta by the consultants (details supplied). [36373/23]

Written answers

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

My Department commissioned a Health and Safety Assessment of the MV Alta wreck, located near Ballycotton in County Cork, in the summer of 2022. Following completion of the assessment, the report was shared with Cork County Council, the appropriate authority in this case as prescribed by the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993. My Department engaged with Cork County Council on the public safety risks associated with the wreck and a set of interventions, including the erection of fencing and signage, were identified. Cork County Council has confirmed that the mitigation measures to address the high-level risks identified in the Assessment have been completed. We will continue to engage with Cork County Council on any future risks to public safety that may arise in connection with the MV Alta.

The Health and Safety Assessment report will be made available on the website of the Department of Transport over the coming weeks.

Road Projects

Questions (231)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

231. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the moneys spent and ringfenced for a project (details supplied) for 2022 and to date in 2023, segmented by spend, in tabular form. [36414/23]

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 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management 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 the Mallow Relief Road.

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

Road Projects

Questions (232)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

232. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the moneys spent and ringfenced for a project (details supplied) for 2022 and to date in 2023, segmented by spend, in tabular form. [36415/23]

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 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management 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 the bypass of Castlemartyr and Killeagh.

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.

Road Projects

Questions (233)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

233. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the moneys spent and ringfenced for a project (details supplied) for 2022 and to date in 2023, segmented by spend, in tabular form. [36416/23]

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 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management 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 the N/M20 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.

Road Projects

Questions (234)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

234. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the moneys spent and ringfenced for a project (details supplied) for 2022 and to date in 2023, segmented by spend, in tabular form. [36417/23]

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 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management 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 the Cork City Northern Transport 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.

Road Projects

Questions (235)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

235. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the moneys spent and ringfenced for a project (details supplied) for 2022 and to date in 2023, segmented by spend, in tabular form. [36418/23]

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 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.

Road Projects

Questions (236)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

236. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the moneys spent and ringfenced for a project (details supplied) for 2022 and to date in 2023, segmented by spend, in tabular form. [36419/23]

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 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management 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 works on the N73 at Annakisha.

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.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Questions (237)

Paul Murphy

Question:

237. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if, given the recent announcements that Ireland has failed to reach the predicted cut in greenhouse gas emissions, he agrees that the best way to incentivise commuters out of their private cars and onto public transport is to make it free; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36420/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. 

The NTA commissioned a report with Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services which examined the impacts of free fares on public transport. That report concluded that to fund a fully free public transport system as it stands today, without accounting for the likely increased passenger demand, would require an additional €540m in Exchequer funding per annum at a minimum, on top of the existing annual PSO subvention which is €563.55 million for 2023.

The report also found that any increase in public transport demand due to free fares would largely be achieved by reductions in walking (7%) and cycling (13%), resulting in just a 1% reduction in car travel.

My Department’s funding for public transport services is therefore focussed on existing fare initiatives and service improvements such as BusConnects in the five cities, expanding town services in the larger towns, and rolling out Connecting Ireland in rural Ireland. These improvements are delivering real benefits for citizens across the country and I look forward to seeing more of them delivered this year and beyond.

Public Transport

Questions (238)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

238. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to improve the TFI Live app now that the Dublin Bus app has been removed, in view of the considerable issues with real time information on the new app; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36482/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 in relation to the TFI Live App is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA).  Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.

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

Rail Network

Questions (239)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

239. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport to ensure the Navan to Dublin rail line is included in the National Development Plan 2030 as part of the mid-term review that will take place in 2025. [36506/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The issue of a rail connection to Navan has been re-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 recently published GDA Transport Strategy. 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 pre-construction work will commence in the second half of this decade, for which there is funding allocated under the National Development Plan funding envelope out to 2030.

Bus Services

Questions (240)

Robert Troy

Question:

240. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the town bus service for Mullingar, County Westmeath. [36567/23]

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 Mullingar, County Westmeath, 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

Rail Network

Questions (241)

Robert Troy

Question:

241. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if, in light of the national rail review, he will commit to a feasibility study on opening a rail line between Connolly station and Mullingar. [36568/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the island of Ireland to 2050, in line with net-zero emission commitments in both jurisdictions.

As the Deputy is aware, Connolly Station and Mullingar are connected by rail today, with services in both directions approximately every two hours on weekdays. Among the considerations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is where improvements and capacity upgrades to the existing network should be delivered in the coming years to support the Review's goals and objectives. This consideration includes the line between Connolly and Mullingar.

Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and, as the Deputy may be aware, it is expected that a draft will be published as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation process before the end of the July. The consultation period will be an opportunity for the public and other interested parties to view the draft recommendations made by the Review, including in relation to the Connolly to Mullingar line, and make submissions setting out their view.

Following the consultation process and finalisation of the report, it is expected that the final Review will be published before the end of 2023. It would be premature to commit to any feasibility study on double tracking in advance of the conclusion of the Review.

Bus Services

Questions (242)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

242. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position with a town bus for Newbridge, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36605/23]

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 Newbridge, County Kildare, 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