Written Answers Nos. 390-416
390. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he and his Department officials have assessed and compared the incentives for electric vehicle purchase in the USA to EU incentives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38734/23]
View answerThe Government has committed significant funding to support zero and low emitting vehicles through the National Development Plan, which currently includes an allocation of almost €500 million for the period 2021-2025 and additional support from the Climate Action Fund, the Shared Island Fund and the EU Just Transition Fund.
€110m has been allocated in 2023 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
Current financial supports from ZEVI, and where applicable with support from the Department of Finance, for the transition to electric vehicles and for the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:
• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €600;
• An apartment charger scheme;
• VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV;
• AFHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle;
• Low rate of annual motor tax; and
• Tolling reductions of 50% for battery electric vehicles and 25% for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
These and related infrastructure supports will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.
The Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. In particular, the group examined the optimum mix of regulatory, taxation and subsidy policies. The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government and the full report is available online.
As well as examining Irish EV subsidies, the report also provided a review of international experience which includes four European countries and the State of California in the USA.
391. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport for an update on waiting times for driving tests in each testing centre; how many people are waiting for tests at each testing centre; what plans are in place to reduce waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38743/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006,the operation of the National Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the specific information requested on each testing centre 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 has not been received within ten 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 agreed service levels resume and wait times begin to decline. I have been advised by the Authority 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.
392. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if assistance will be provided in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38768/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing service. Consequently, neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
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, the RSA reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service earlier this year 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.
The recruitment campaign is well underway and is being managed by the RSA. However, a 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 agreed service levels resume and wait times begin to decline. I have been advised by the Authority that the first newly recruited testers should be deployed in late September.
The additional driver testers will be deployed across the driver testing service with a focus on the geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
393. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if an earlier driving test date can be scheduled for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of this person's very urgent need for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38788/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, 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: rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs.
394. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if consideration can be made to include introducing a later train midweek between Dublin Heuston and Westport County Mayo to accommodate late commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38801/23]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue of timetabling and the operation of a new rail service between Dublin Heuston and Westport is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the Iarnród Éireann for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
395. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the increased investment being made on LocalLink services in Meath, including future plans for such extension. [38856/23]
View answerMy Department is strongly committed to improving public transport services in rural areas and to piloting new transport initiatives for people of all ages and abilities living there.
My Department and the NTA are supporting this by providing increased funding for enhancing TFI Local Link services, for both regular "timetabled" services, and "door-to-door" demand responsive services as well. There has been a substantial increase in funding allocated for Local Link services since 2016, going from €12.2 million in 2016 to €43m in 2023.
The additional funding has enabled the introduction of over 100 new Rural Regular Service routes, as well as improvements to DRT services. The new Rural Regular Services operate at least five times per day over a 5,6,7 days per week schedule. They are specifically designed to ensure connectivity with other public transport services and better linkage of services between and within towns and villages. Additionally, we have also been exploring the expansion of non-conventional modes of transport to give the public a well-rounded transport offering. The community ethos is also maintained as we continue to operate our well-received Community Car Scheme.
One of the key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland is under my Department and the NTA's Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which aims to develop an integrated, accessible, and sustainable network of public transport offerings across Ireland. The allocation for Connecting Ireland in 2023 is €8.35m. An example of increased investment in County Meath is the 188 TFI Local Link bus service which frequents Athboy - Drogheda via Navan and Duleek, which was launched in January 2023.
396. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to review an article regarding a new bus route (details supplied); if he will establish when official bus stops and timetables will be in place in Bailieborough and surrounding areas for this bus route [38861/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for new and enhanced public transport services under Connecting Ireland, including services in Counties Cavan and Louth, 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.
397. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport whether he plans to allocate additional finance to the N2 Ardee to South of Castleblayney bypass road scheme in 2023 in order to allow the scheme to progress to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38870/23]
View answer398. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made to date in 2023 in respect of the N2 Clontibret to the Border road scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38871/23]
View answer399. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) application in respect of the N2 Clontibret to the Border road scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38872/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 397 to 399, inclusive, together.
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.
However I can confirm that the N2 Ardee to South of Castleblayney bypass road scheme received an allocation of €600k in 2023. With regards to Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding, there was confirmation in June 2023 that Monaghan County Council will receive €2.3 million for studies to support the upgrade of the N2 National Primary Road in County Monaghan between Clontibret and the Border.
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.
400. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport when he will meet with members of Monaghan County Council in respect of the N2 Clontibret to the Border and the N2 Ardee to South of Castleblayney bypass road schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38873/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
However I can confirm that the N2 Ardee to South of Castleblayney bypass road scheme received an allocation of €600k in 2023 and the N2 Clontribet to the Border received an allocation of €2,500,000.
As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Please also note that diary requests are managed by the Minister's Office who can be reached at the following email address Ministerdiary@transport.gov.ie.
401. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated with a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38919/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service. Consequently, neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
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, the Authority reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service earlier this year 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 campaign is well underway and is being managed by the Authority. However, a 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 agreed service levels resume and wait times begin to decline. I have been advised by the Authority that the first newly recruited testers should be deployed in late September.
The additional driver testers will be deployed across the driver testing service with a focus on the geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
402. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will look at the viability of extending services to include passenger services along the existing Navan-Drogheda rail line, thereby providing a rail link to Dublin from Navan in a relatively inexpensive and fast manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38922/23]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue of the operation of a new rail service between Navan and Drogheda is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the Iarnród Éireann for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
403. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of extending the current young adult Leap card to 13-15-year-olds. [38928/23]
View answerAs 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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
As the Deputy may be aware, participation in the YAC scheme was initially for 19 to 23 year olds inclusive, however, in October 2022 the YAC was further extended to include third levels students aged 16 to 18 years old. While 13-15 year olds can avail of child fares on PSO services, the age criteria for child fares on commercial services varies between operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibility with regard to the administration of Young Adult Card, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the cost of extending the current young adult Leap card to 13-15-year-olds to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
404. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if there are planned safety measures to be carried out at the junction of the R569 and the N22 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38995/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the 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.
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.
405. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the concerns raised by members of the Dublin Airport Environmental Working Group at its recent meeting in relation to the use of aqueous film forming foam at Dublin Airport; if an update can be provided by his Department that the foam has not entered the local water supply systems in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39048/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, DAA has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport, including environmental issues relating to the airport.
Accordingly, I have forwarded your request to daa for a direct response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.
406. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport if he has made provision for increasing the pensions of pensioners who worked for State bodies under his Department’s remit. [39057/23]
View answerUnder the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016, any changes to statutory pension schemes proposed following agreement by the State Body’s Board and the scheme trustees, or requests for Ministerial consent to discretionary benefits required under scheme rules and/or relevant legislation, requires to be submitted for approval to my Department and subsequently to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform well in advance of any decisions to implement changes. These submissions should where appropriate include advice from NewERA.
The initial decision however as noted above is a matter for the State Body’s Board and the scheme trustees and accordingly, I have asked the agencies under my Department’s remit to respond to you directly.
If you do not hear from them within 10 working days, please advise my private office.
407. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide in tabular form, a breakdown of the €196 million non-core current and €27 million in non-core capital expenditure allocated under Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39091/23]
View answerDeputy,
Please see attached in tabular form a breakdown of non-core current and capital budgets for the Department of Transport, allocated under Budget 2023.
Non-Core Current Expenditure
|
Subhead |
Description |
REV (000s) |
|
B.4.1 |
Non-Commercial PSO Support |
184,736 |
|
B.4.2 |
Emergency Ukrainian Transport Response |
2,000 |
|
D.5.1 |
Aviation Emergency Supports |
8,000 |
|
D.5.2 |
Overseas Package Travel Refund/Repatriation |
1,000 |
|
Total |
|
195,736 |
B.4.1 This funding provides continued supports to land public transport services and provides for the retention of 20% cost of living discounts as well as the continued recovery of public transport services from the impacts of public health measures to mitigate the effects of Covid-19.
B.4.2 This funding provides supports to rural transport services where additional transport is required to assist Ukrainian citizens.
D.5.1 This funding provides operational supports to Shannon Airport to assist in its continued recovery from the impacts of public health measures to mitigate the effects of Covid-19.
D.5.2 This funding is contingency in the event of the obligation to reimburse or re-patriate individuals, following the failure of a travel or tour operator business, in accordance with the provisions of EU Package Travel Directive (EU) 2015/2302
Non-Core Capital Investment
|
Subhead |
Description |
REV (000s) |
|
B.3.2 |
LEV Infrastructure |
8,000 |
|
B.4.2 |
Rural Transport Programme |
225 |
|
B.5.1 |
Heavy Rail Maintenance and Development |
27,100 |
|
C.3.3 |
Brexit Adjustment Reserve |
29 |
|
Total |
|
35,354 |
B.5.1 This funding is allocated to the Cork Commuter Rail project in the budget for 2023, from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Please note additional funds which were subsequently allocated in the Revised Estimates, for EV Infrastructure, rural transport schemes and the installation of HGV rest facilities near Rosslare Port in Co. Wexford.
The provision of non-core funding is of extensive assistance to my Department and is of benefit to citizens, in meeting unexpected challenges of the type posed by Covid-19, the war in Ukraine and the Cost-of Living crisis. It also provides additional opportunities for targeted capital investment in a range of different areas.
408. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that those applying for or renewing their driving licences will be permitted to pay in cash at NDLS centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39181/23]
View answerThe operation of the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and has been delegated as such under national legislation.
I have been informed that the NDLS facilitates cash payments through Payzone where vouchers can be purchased with cash from over 3,500 outlets in towns and villages nationwide, including post offices.
409. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a driving test for a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been cancelled; if he will outline, given the correspondence that issued in respect of this cancellation indicating that the applicant will not lose their fee or place in the queue, the reason that the rescheduled appointment is eight months later; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39184/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service. Consequently, neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases. I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply on the specific issue raised. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
410. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 14 of 22 June and 246 of 25 July 2023, for an update on the roll-out of park-and-ride facilities in Galway; for an update on the site location analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39214/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is leading the development and rollout of strategic park and ride sites nationwide, including in Galway.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to this 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.
411. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 318 of 13 June 2023, which was referred to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for reply, if he will ask the NTA for concrete actions it will take to resolve the issue with public transport in the Knocklyon area; if he will follow up with the NTA directly to ensure these actions are implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39219/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the implementation of the BusConnects programme and public transport improvements in the Knocklyon area. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
412. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain the existing road network to a high standard and fund safety improvements; if he will ensure that much needed additional funding will be provided, without further delay, for the non-national road network this year taking into account the urgent requirement for additional investment due to the very substantial increase in costs that have arisen over the past two years in road maintenance products and construction work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39298/23]
View answerThe 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.
Within the budget available for regional and local roads, the primary focus of investment is on the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network. The total allocated at the start of this year for regional and local roads was €626 million compared to €607 million in 2022.
In recognition of the fact that cost inflation is having a significant impact on the cost of delivering regional and local road annual programmes, local authorities were notified on 3rd July of a supplementary allocation of €22.5 million for their key road strengthening programmes.
413. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that Kilcoole, County Wicklow train station is without adequate leap card infrastructure for customers, despite being in the short hop zone; if he will ensure that this infrastructure is installed as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39313/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has agreed responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing technology.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to this 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.
414. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to recommend an extension of the leap card short hop zone to include Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39314/23]
View answerAs 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.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the extension of the leap card short hop zone to include Wicklow town, 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
415. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the provision of a coastguard station at Greystones harbour; the timeline for the project to go to tender and for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39315/23]
View answer417. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an updated timeline for the delivery of the Greystones coastguard HQ considering the recent sale of the harbour site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39317/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 417 together.
The provision of facilities for the Coast Guard in Greystones is a priority on the building programme for the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG). A site owned by Wicklow County Council (WCC) has been identified as being suitable for this purpose by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Planning permission has been granted and the tender documents are being finalised. It is anticipated that the OPW will commence the tender process over the coming weeks.
It is estimated that the provision of the new facility will take approximately 14 months from construction commencement to completion.
416. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the criteria that needs to be met by LocalLink and local bus services to facilitate leap card usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39316/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including the Rural Transport Programme management, which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including the provision of TFI app and Leap card services, 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.
