Written Answers Nos. 88-107
88. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the electrification of the train line to Hazelhatch through Clondalkin, Kishogue and Adamstown; and to provide a date for the completion of these works and a date for the commencement of the Dart service on this enhanced line. [39827/23]
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 planning and implementation of the DART+ Programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply in relation to specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
89. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if an aircraft (details supplied) which was on contract to the US military and which arrived at Shannon Airport at approximately 02.53 am on 6 September 2023, coming from Hunter US army airfield in Savannah in Georgia and returned to Shannon Airport at approximately 03.34 am on 7 September 2023, was authorised to carry weapons and/or munitions; to confirm whether or not this aircraft was searched or investigated while it was at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39840/23]
View answerAn application for an exemption, pursuant to Article 5 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, was submitted for the flight that arrived at Shannon Airport on 6 September. However, the air operator later informed, after seeking clarification from its customer, that no munitions of war would be transported on this particular flight. Therefore, the requirement to be granted an exemption was no longer necessary.
The flight on 7 September was a positioning flight, that the air operator informed did not carry munitions of war or passengers, therefore no application for an exemption was necessary.
While at Shannon Airport, no searches or investigations for munitions of war were conducted on this aircraft.
90. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to expand the national local hackney pilot to rural areas across County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39880/23]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the Local Area Hackney Scheme, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
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.
91. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to review correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39885/23]
View answerThe regulations establishing a minimum 5.5% ethanol in petrol placed upon the market by renewable transport fuel obligation account holders were made on 1 April 2023. In making the regulations consideration was given to the responses received through a statutory 28 day consultation on the draft regulations, the impact on fuel prices, and other economic and environmental impacts.
The policy and regulation supporting the move to E10 takes into account the overriding consideration of the public good in decarbonising transport through increasing biofuels which also meet EU sustainability criteria. Moving to E10 is an immediate climate-change mitigation measure using the existing vehicle fleet. Ethanol (E5) in petrol currently accounts for almost 10% of annual tailpipe carbon emission savings (8.5% in 2022).
In making these regulations, while I have noted the concerns of older vehicle and equipment owners regarding the move to E10, experience from jurisdictions where E10 and higher ethanol blends have been used widely for a prolonged period has not indicated issues of damage to petrol engines as a result of E10 use. A recent analysis published on the website of the US Department of Energy indicates no reliability or operability issues concerning E10, which has been in use in the US since the late 70s. The AA has also issued guidance assuring the use of E10, with advice for the maintenance and use of some older vehicles and equipment.
It is evident from consultation with industry that the vast majority of suppliers do not have the storage or distribution systems to supply both an E5 and an E10 petrol grade at forecourts in Ireland. But the regulations will not prevent any independent or specialist fuel supply, if sufficient demand exists.
My Department ran an E10 public information and awareness campaign through advertising since the regulations were enacted and the gov.ie/E10 website remains the main point of reference for further information.
The regulations will be kept under review within the context of the development and implementation of the renewable transport fuel policy.
92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if and when a driving test appointment will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39968/23]
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 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 Authority. 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 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.
93. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport to examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason there is an extended waiting period of over 11 months for an invitation to apply for their driving test; when they can expect to receive an invitation to book their driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39988/23]
View answer94. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport to examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when they can expect to receive an invitation to book their driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39989/23]
View answer95. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport to examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when can they expect to receive an invitation to book their driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39990/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 94 and 95 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the Driver Testing service. 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.
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.
The recruitment campaign is well underway and is being managed by the Authority. 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 allocated across the driver testing service with a focus on the geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
96. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport to examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if the RSA was aware of IT issues when this person booked their driving test date; when they can expect to be placed back on the driving test waiting/invitation system and receive an invitation to book their driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39991/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the Driver Testing 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.
97. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the implications the reduction of the speed limits on national roads will have on drivers' hours for professional drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40006/23]
View answerAs part of Action 6 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy a review was undertaken to examine the framework for setting of speed limits in Ireland including specific consideration of the introduction of a 30km/h default speed limit in urban areas. The group was established in later 2021.
The review group, as part of its work carried out an assessment of the existing framework of speed limits including the current guidance document for the ‘Setting and Managing of Speed Limits in Ireland’. The group also looked at best practice internationally as well as carrying out a modelling analysis of potential options.
This review is complete and published with an implementation plan to be prepared to progress the recommendations of the review. As a priority the Guidelines for Managing Speed Limits in Ireland will be updated.
The review recommended no change in relation to Motorway and National Primary Road Default Speed Limits however it has recommended that the Default Speed Limit reduce for National Secondary Roads. This reduction is designed to support the application of existing guidelines in relation to National Secondary roads and a more consistent application of Speed Limits on the network.
For National Secondary Roads changes to the current underlying approach to the setting and the actual speed limits is expected to be limited with, as a result, limited change expected in journey times, however an improvement to road safety is expected.
98. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update, including a projected timetable on the completion of the M11 motorway from Oylegate to Rosslare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40031/23]
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 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.
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if more carriages can be urgently added to the morning commuter trains from Celbridge/Hazelhatch to Grand Canal Dock (departing Celbridge at 07.35 am) and from Newbridge to Grand Canal Dock (departing Newbridge at 7.00 am, 7.19 am) given the trains are nearly full to capacity by the time they reach Adamstown Station with little standing room for the remaining stations; when more carriages are likely to be provided given the population growth in the area in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40050/23]
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.
In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that its operational fleet is fully deployed on scheduled services at present, in line with prevailing demand. The current capacity is primarily based on pre-COVID demand levels, when rapid growth in demand resulted in the utilisation of 100% of the operational fleet at peak times.
However, it is the case that additional and/or cascaded fleet will become available over the course of the next 18 months and the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann are considering options for their deployment on the network.
The deployment of new carriages is a matter in the first instance for Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for the development and delivery of certain public transport infrastructure, including the purchase of rolling stock.
I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
100. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to follow up with the NTA on correspondence (details supplied) which was sent to the NTA over two weeks ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40059/23]
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 County Cavan, 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.
101. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and/or agencies under the aegis of his Department have ensured that EU transfer of undertakings (TUPE) requirements will be applied in full by the new operator of the search-and-rescue helicopter contract as it relates to employees of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40062/23]
View answerThe contract for the provision of next generation Coast Guard aviation services was signed with Bristow Ireland Limited on 11 August 2023. The contract provides for the operation of four helicopter bases all on 24/7 duty, with the addition of a Coast Guard Fixed Wing aircraft service for the first time.
The Department and the Irish Coast Guard will facilitate, support, and expects to see, an orderly and seamless transfer of operations between both contractors (CHCI and Bristow Ireland). The transition will be a gradual process, and the new aviation service will be introduced on a phased basis over the next 24 months.
I fully recognise the professionalism and dedication of all personnel engaged in the provision of this essential State service. The specialist expertise of the CHCI personnel is highly valued and the experience gained over many years in providing IRCG SAR and other aviation services will continue to be a valued and sought after resource. The nature of the skills, training and experience required to fulfil Search and Rescue roles is quite specialised and there is a limited pool of suitably qualified personnel in Ireland and internationally available to fill these posts. Ensuring continued safe, efficient, and effective aviation services for the Irish Coast Guard is the overarching priority for all concerned. To that end, it is imperative that existing and future staff be fully appraised of employment and advancement opportunities available under the new service, so as to reduce any uncertainty or distraction.
Bristow Ireland has given a commitment to my Department that the Company supports the principles of TUPE and that it will fully engage with the recognised Trade Unions – Forsa and Unite- as part of the transition and mobilisation phase of the new contract. The company has stated that it is fully committed to establishing pathways for personnel currently servicing the existing SAR contract to join Bristow Ireland on comparable salary structures and they will actively work to develop a positive and professional relationship with the Trade Unions to ensure that this commitment is fully honoured. Bristow Ireland will also engage directly with the management team of the incumbent contractor, CHCI, in the near future with a view to ensuring a seamless transition to the new IRCG aviation service.
102. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide funding, on a pilot basis or otherwise, to local authorities to implement noise mitigation action plans on major roads such as the M20 motorway beside Glencairin, Dooradoyle, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40066/23]
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 maintenance 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 amended European Communities (Environmental Noise Regulations) 2018 (S.I. No. 549) deal with the requirements to prepare noise actions plans to be developed for the purpose of managing environmental noise issues and their effects, including noise reduction, if necessary.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the national authority for overseeing the implementation of these Regulations. Local authorities, in their role as designated Action Planning Authorities, are responsible for making and approving noise actions plans.
The finalised action plan is the responsibility of the respective local authority. While TII have a role in the preparation of noise maps, funding cannot be provided to TII from the Department as they have no role in the implementation of such plans under the Regulations. Therefore, all Environmental Noise related issues are a matter for each respective local authority.
103. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current up-to-date position regarding a new coastguard building in Howth; and the amount that has been spent on this project to date. [40114/23]
View answerHowth Coast Guard Unit operates from a fully equipped station building in the Howth Fishery Harbour Centre that was built by the Office of Public Works in 2001.
There is currently no requirement for a new station for the Howth Unit, however, the Coast Guard Station is currently a priority on the Irish Coast Guard Building Maintenance Programme for a proposed extension to the rear of the station, to facilitate a larger vehicle store.
IRCG requires a lease agreement for the site on which the station is built, and the adjoining site, from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) before this project can be progressed any further.
A draft lease was issued by DAFM which is currently being negotiated between the DoT and DAFM legal representatives in the CSSO. The project will progress to the design phase on finalisation of the lease.
104. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of new bus drivers recruited by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [40115/23]
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 question raised by the deputy in relation to the number of new bus drivers recruited by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023 is an operational matter for the companies.I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
105. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport if funding has been approved for school safety zone for schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40128/23]
View answerAs 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.
Noting the role of the NTA in relation to the allocation of funding to Active Travel projects, 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.
106. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the funding stream under which the Cork robot trees initiative was funded; whether this funding stream requires feedback on success of projects; whether such feedback has been received on the robot trees initiative; and the criteria for inclusion in the stream. [40143/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel and related works. 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.
Funding was allocated to Cork City Council in 2021 under the then Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) programme for the installation of five CityTrees in Cork city centre as part of wider public realm works. The purpose of this infrastructure was to contribute to a reduction in air pollution, creating a better environment for pedestrians, cyclists and others who visit or pass through the area.
I can confirm that no report has been received to date by the Department of Transport into the efficacy of this initiative. Noting the role of the NTA in relation to the allocation of funding to this project, I have referred your questions to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
107. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether he is aware that a report into the efficacy of the Cork robot trees initiative has not been published, despite a commitment that it would be published in Q1 2023; whether he has received a copy of this report; and if he is aware that at a recent council meeting, officials could not give a timeline for publication of the report. [40144/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel and related works. 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.
Funding was allocated to Cork City Council in 2021 under the then Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) programme for the installation of five CityTrees in Cork city centre as part of wider public realm works. The purpose of this infrastructure was to contribute to a reduction in air pollution, creating a better environment for pedestrians, cyclists and others who visit or pass through the area.
I can confirm that no report has been received to date by the Department of Transport into the efficacy of this initiative. Noting the role of the NTA in relation to the allocation of funding to this project, I have referred your questions to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
