Michael McNamara
Question:258. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if NDLS forms will be made available in Irish as well as English at all NDLS centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37519/23]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (258)
Written answers
The Road Safety Authority has responsibility for driver licensing, through the National Driver License Service (NDLS). I am advised that the NDLS front office contract provides that members of the public may access NDLS front office services in English or Irish, both written and spoken. In addition, a query to the back office in Irish is responded to in Irish and applications made in the front office or postal applications in Irish are processed in Irish. All application forms are available in Irish from the NDLS website.
While learner permit and driving licence application forms are available online in Irish, for downloading and printing, there is currently no facility to make an online application in Irish. The online application process was established quickly during the pandemic and it was not feasible to provide a service in Irish in that time frame. My officials will discuss the feasibility of introducing an online service with the RSA.
Transport Policy
Questions (259)
Steven Matthews
Question:259. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding noise level limits for car exhausts; if the WHO recommendations on limiting them (details supplied) are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37523/23]
View answerWritten answers
Limits for exhaust noise are set in the EU type-approval system for motor vehicles, under Regulation (EU) 2018/858 and related regulations. New cars must meet European noise limits under Regulation 540/2014 (EU). These limits depend on the type of vehicle, but have been progressively reduced from 82 decibels (dB (A)) in 1978 to 72 dB (A) in 2016. Cars may also be approved under regulation 51 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UNECE), with similar limits.
Incremental decreases will bring the limit for most new passenger cars to 68 dB(A) by 2026, with our overall ambition being to work towards meeting the recommended WHO limits.
The National Car Test (NCT) includes an assessment of silencers in reducing exhaust noise. The 99dB limit advised in the NCT Tester Manual is for older cars, to allow them to be tested against the standard which they were designed to meet. However, a noise test is carried out during the NCT where exhaust noise is excessive.
The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 (SI 190 of 1963) address exhaust noise. Under Section 29 of the Regulations, combustion engine vehicles must be fitted with a silencer or other device for reducing exhaust noise to a reasonable level. Section 34(2)(e) states that such silencers must be in good working order. Section 85(1)(a) states that a person shall not use, or permit to be used, a vehicle that causes excessive noise as a result of defect or poor maintenance of the vehicle or its equipment.
Question No. 260 answered with Question No. 253.
Road Safety
Questions (261)
Patrick Costello
Question:261. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the plans to introduce average speed camera systems fitted with automatic number plate recognition, such as those operational in the Dublin Port Tunnel, across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37552/23]
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 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.
The Road Safety Strategy contains an action to expand speed management measures on the national road network, including the possible use of Average Speed Cameras. TII is preparing a technical paper on where Average Speed Cameras would be appropriate. This is expected to be finalised no later than Quarter 1 of 2024. Engagement is also taking place between TII and An Garda Síochána regarding the trialling of mobile Average Speed Cameras. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
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
Grant Payments
Questions (262)
Brian Stanley
Question:262. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport to review the grant scheme for taxi operators to buy EVs, as the current scheme is unworkable for many due to their inability to access loans to finance new EVs. [37562/23]
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. Since its launch in February 2018, the eSPSV Grant Scheme has supported over 1,700 SPSV drivers in purchasing electric vehicles. €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.
The scheme will be reviewed ahead of the opening of a 2024 launch to assess the effectiveness of the scheme in supporting the uptake of electric vehicles among Small Public Service Vehicle operators in Ireland.
Bus Services
Questions (263)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:263. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a Bus Éireann matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37597/23]
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. Further, the Authority also has responsibility for decisions in relation to the routes of those services and placement of bus stops in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to Bus Éireann transport services in rural locations, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Question No. 264 answered with Question No. 253.
Driver Test
Questions (265, 266, 267, 269)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:265. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37599/23]
View answerDanny Healy-Rae
Question:266. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37600/23]
View answerDanny Healy-Rae
Question:267. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37601/23]
View answerDanny Healy-Rae
Question:269. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37603/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 to 267, inclusive, and 269 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service and the detailed information requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the questions to the RSA 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
Question No. 266 answered with Question No. 265.
Question No. 267 answered with Question No. 265.
Question No. 268 answered with Question No. 253.
Question No. 269 answered with Question No. 265.
Taxi Licences
Questions (270)
Pearse Doherty
Question:270. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if it is possible to attain a SPSV licence to work in County Donegal while residing in the jurisdiction in the North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37649/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry and accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (271)
Holly Cairns
Question:271. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times for driving tests and theory tests in County Cork; the number of people on each waiting list; and to detail the measures being taken by his Department to reduce the waiting times. [37655/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the detailed information requested relating to County Cork is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the first part of the question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
On the broader issue of delays, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. In response to these pressures, earlier this year the RSA reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
This recruitment is well underway and being managed by the RSA. However, a recruitment campaign of this size takes time. It is expected that once these additional driver testers are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will be actively managed such that wait times begin to decline and agreed service levels ultimately resume. I have been advised by the RSA that the first newly recruited testers should be deployed from late September.
The additional driver testers will be deployed across the driver testing service with a focus on those geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Ambulance Service
Questions (272)
John Lahart
Question:272. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if there is a mandatory number of hours an ambulance driver is legally allowed to drive, similar to tachographed articulated truck drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37700/23]
View answerWritten answers
Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 lays down rules on driving times, breaks and rest periods for drivers engaged in the carriage of goods and passengers by road. Ambulances are not generally in scope of the Regulation, as the vehicle weight would not normally meet the threshold that applies of greater than 3.5 tonnes. Should an ambulance meet this threshold, ambulance drivers are in any case exempted from the drivers’ hours rules under Article 3 (d) and (e) of the Regulation.
Public Transport
Questions (273)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:273. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the lack of taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37717/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that my Department is supporting a number of initiatives which are seeking to address the type of issues he raises in his question.
On local hackneys, I launched the National Transport Authority's (NTA) 2023 Local Hackney pilot scheme last January, in 21 designated areas, for which applications closed on 28 February. It is a one-year grant-aided pilot programme, administered by the National Transport Authority, that aims to assist in the provision of part-time local hackney services in designated rural areas which cannot support a full-time taxi or hackney operation. With this pilot service, rural communities across Ireland will be given the opportunity to have a part time local area hackney service available to them. The NTA will monitor the pilot over the coming year and learn from it, so that it can be rolled out across many other areas if it proves successful. Further details of the pilot scheme, including the areas currently included, are available on the NTA’s website: www.nationaltransport.ie/taxi/localhackney/
Complementing that initiative my Department is also funding the NTA’s Connecting Ireland programme, which is a major public transport initiative looking to increase connectivity, particularly for people living outside major cities and towns. The plan aims to improve mobility in rural areas, and it will do this by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking these areas with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.
In this year alone 67 new or enhanced routes will commence across the country as part of Connecting Ireland, including 4 services that have commenced in Kerry this year so far: 270 Skibbereen to Killarney (BÉ service), 274 (Local Link service) Tarbert to Tralee, 280 (Local Link service, New route - Northern half of ring of Kerry) and 281 (Local Link service, New Route - Southern half of ring of Kerry).
Rail Network
Questions (274)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:274. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to the publication of the All Island Strategic Rail Review, if he will seek an urgent update on the feasibility and long-term need to reopen Dunleer train station to reduce vehicles, improve connectivity in mid-Louth and reduce commuting costs for mid-Louth residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37718/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport, including rail. However, the operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the former station at Dunleer, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
There are guidelines and requirements in place surrounding the release of funds for capital infrastructure projects which must be adhered to by all agencies wishing to draw down public funds. One requirement of the Public Spending Code is that major new capital projects are supported by a robust business case. I am not aware of any plans to progress a business case in relation to the reopening of Dunleer station at this time.
The Deputy may also wish to note the reopening of Dunleer station is not currently included in the Louth County Development plan. During the Louth Development Plan process, in 2021, the NTA reported feasibility issues given the projected population growth in the area.
Rail Network
Questions (275)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:275. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to the publication of the All Island Strategic Rail Review, if he will seek an urgent update on the feasibility and long-term need to open a new rail station in north Drogheda to adequately deal with the exponential growth and development on the north side of Drogheda and reduce the town's carbon footprint and congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37719/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The maintenance, renewal and operation of the rail network and stations on the network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) in the first instance.
There are guidelines and requirements in place surrounding the release of funds for capital infrastructure projects which must be adhered to by all agencies wishing to draw down public funds. One requirement of the Public Spending Code is that major new capital projects are supported by a robust business case. I am not aware of any plans to progress a business case in relation to the opening of new station in Drogheda at this time.
Noting IÉ's responsibility in relation to the rail network and stations on the network, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. 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
Driver Test
Questions (276, 381)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:276. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking regarding waiting times for driving tests (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37727/23]
View answerMichael Healy-Rae
Question:381. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for driving tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38688/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 381 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). However, I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working very closely with the RSA on addressing the issue of driver testing waiting times.
The service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. In response to these pressures, earlier this year the RSA reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
This recruitment is well underway and being managed by the RSA. However, a recruitment campaign of this size takes time. It is expected that once these additional driver testers are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will be actively managed such that wait times begin to decline and agreed service levels ultimately resume. I have been advised by the RSA that the first newly recruited testers should be deployed from late September.
The additional driver testers will be deployed across the driver testing service with a focus on those geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
Greenways Provision
Questions (277)
Catherine Murphy
Question:277. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an updated timeline in respect of the date on which the construction of the greenway section of the Royal Canal between Clonsilla and Castleknock commences. [37728/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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, including the extension of the Royal Canal Greenway from Maynooth into Dublin.
Noting the role of the NTA in this matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Rail Network
Questions (278)
Catherine Murphy
Question:278. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which the renovation of the forecourt area of Bray rail station will commence; the budget allocated for the delivery of same; and the date on which it will be completed. [37729/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, which includes any planned renovation of Bray station.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed 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
Military Aircraft
Questions (279, 280)
Thomas Pringle
Question:279. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport how many exemptions have been asked for under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 in each year since 2020; how many have been granted; the conditions, if any, that have been placed on the carriage, if agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37782/23]
View answerThomas Pringle
Question:280. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport how his Department ensures that the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 are being complied with in relation to the carriage of weapons; if inspections have taken place; if so, how many; when they took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37783/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.
Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport.
In considering any application for such an exemption, my Department consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice to determine if there are any foreign policy or security considerations to take into account.
An application for an exemption must detail the specific munitions of war to be carried and, on scheduled air services, exemptions granted have conditions applied conditions relating to the state of any firearm and its stowage.
The 1973 and 1989 Orders provide for the inspection of a civil aircraft, only whenever it appears that a flight would be in contravention of these Orders.
Insofar as it can be determined, there is no record of an inspection of a civil aircraft having been carried out pursuant to these Orders. However, it is possible that such an aircraft may have been subject to a safety inspection, pursuant to EU regulation, by the Irish Aviation Authority.
My Department regularly publishes information related to the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft on the gov.ie website, which is available at this link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/15da60-the-carriage-of-munitions-of-war-on-civil-aircraft/#statistics