Thomas Gould
Question:108. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the full cost of the Cork robot trees initiative; the cost of transport; and the amount that was paid for through the relevant funding stream. [40145/23]
View answerDepartmental Projects
Questions (108)
Written answers
As 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (109)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:109. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if priority will be given to securing driving test dates for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40149/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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 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.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 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.
Bus Services
Questions (110)
Matt Carthy
Question:110. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Local Link 171 service does not accept school transport tickets; if there are plans in place to provide for school transport tickets to be accepted on local link services when this is the most effective and appropriate means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40151/23]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, which includes ticketing services. 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. School Transport is under the remit of the Department of Education.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities, I have referred your questions 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
Bus Services
Questions (111)
Matt Carthy
Question:111. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if there have been any meetings between his Department, the Department of Education, Bus Éireann and Local Link operators, or directly between any of those bodies, regarding the potential of the 171 Local Link service accepting school transport tickets; who was represented at any such meeting; which of these bodies is opposed to allowing school students to avail of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40152/23]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, which includes ticketing services. 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. School Transport is under the remit of the Department of Education.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities, I have referred your questions 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
Bus Services
Questions (112)
Matt Carthy
Question:112. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Bus Éireann to address the situation of children who availed of school transport via the 166 service from Dundalk to Inniskeen and Carrickmacross (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40153/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question 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
Public Sector Pensions
Questions (113)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:113. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with or will meet with the IAA in relation to their decision to cease payment of increases in pensions, in contravention of The Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993, Article 41 (5) and Article 22 para 4 (a) of EU Commission Regulation No. 2019/317, and whether he can explain the rationale for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40168/23]
View answerWritten answers
From 1 May 2023 responsibility for past pensionable remuneration for all Irish Aviation Authority (‘IAA’) staff, transferred from the IAA to AirNav Ireland. In line with the Rules of the Pension Plan any increases to pensions in payment are at the discretion of AirNav Ireland and where proposed, are subject to ministerial approval.
In 2014 in the light of adverse market conditions and falling bond yields, the Board of the Irish Aviation Authority took a decision to cease accruing for discretionary increases to pensions in payment. The decision followed agreement with the Staff Panel of Trade Unions in 2011 on a Pension Recovery Plan to address a significant deficit in the Main Pension Plan. The Pension Recovery Plan covered the period 2011 to 2018. It was necessary to agree a second Pension Recovery Plan in 2019 which remains in place until 31 December 2024. Both pension recovery plans, which were concluded with consent of Pension Trustees, do not provide for increases to discretionary benefits. The Main Pension Plan was closed to new entrants on 31 December 2011. The priority of AirNav Ireland is to protect core pension benefits.
AirNav Ireland is a regulated State company, and a large portion of its income derives from charges applied for air traffic control services which it provides in Irish controlled airspace. These charges are set at EU level, in accordance with an economic regulatory process administered by the EU Commission. In setting the charges, a whole range of costs and service level issues are considered and subject to detailed analysis, including staffing costs and pensions costs.
The Board of AirNav Ireland has recently agreed to providing a 2% increase in pensions in payment with effect from 1 January 2023. While the Rules of the Pension Plan allow AirNav to grant such increases, they also require the authorisation of the Minister for Transport, given with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to execute any such increases. Further, in line Circular 16/2021 (Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, Amendments to the Annex on Remuneration and Superannuation), Ministerial approval is also required for inter alia changes to pension scheme benefits, such as pension increases
AirNav Ireland has sought the necessary authorisation and approvals and the matter is under consideration.
Legislative Measures
Questions (114)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Question:114. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide updated details regarding the timeframe for the implementation of legislation around e-scooters; their proposed classification; the limits proposed regarding the operation of said classified vehicles, including information regarding the details of driver testing and the requirements for licence, registration, tax and insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40191/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law on 23 June. The Act creates a new vehicle category called powered personal transporters (PPTs), which includes e-scooters and future micro-mobility devices as needed. Unlike mechanically propelled vehicles such as cars, trucks and buses, PPTs do not require registration, tax or motor insurance. PPT users do not require a licence and, accordingly, driver testing is not required.
My department is preparing regulations for e-scooters, which will set out the rules for their safe use in public places and the technical requirements and safety standards they must meet for legal use on Irish roads. E-scooters will remain illegal to use in public places and on public roads until these regulations are in place, and An Garda Síochána may seize them.
Amongst other requirements, the proposed regulations will set down that e-scooters intended for use on public roads must:
• have a maximum continuous rated power output of 400 W or less
• have a maximum net weight of 25 kg (including batteries)
• have a maximum design speed of 20 km/h or less
• have wheels with a minimum diameter of 200mm
• be fitted with front and rear lights and reflectors, brakes and a bell
• be fitted with a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed.
E-scooters may only be used by those over the age of 16 and may not be used on footpaths or in pedestrianised areas. A speed limit of 20 km/h will apply.
New draft technical regulations are subject to mandatory examination by the European Commission, for a minimum of 12 weeks, under the Single Market Transparency Directive (EU) 2015/1535. Draft regulations were submitted to this process in early July 2023 and will be introduced following completion of that scrutiny.
The Road Safety Authority is preparing a safety-focused communications campaign, aimed to coincide with the signing of the regulations, which is expected to be in Quarter 4 of 2023.
Public Transport
Questions (115)
Holly Cairns
Question:115. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of bike spaces made available to passengers on each rail line in Ireland; and if his Department is working to increase the number of bike spaces available on trains. [40206/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 number of bike spaces on trains available on each rail line and plans to increase the number of spaces available is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company 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
Driver Test
Questions (116, 117, 118)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:116. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport for an update on driving test waiting times (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40213/23]
View answerDanny Healy-Rae
Question:117. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driving test application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40215/23]
View answerDanny Healy-Rae
Question:118. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on a matter (details supplied) regarding driving tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40218/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 117 and 118 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). Neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
The specific information relating to testing waiting times is held by the Authority and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
On the issue of driver testing delays, I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working very closely with the Authority on addressing this issue. 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 underway and 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 wait times begin to decline. I have been advised by the Authority that the first newly recruited testers should be deployed in the week commencing 18 September. The additional driver testers will be allocated 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
Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 116.
Question No. 118 answered with Question No. 116.
Public Transport
Questions (119)
Brian Leddin
Question:119. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the number of Leap cards that have been used at least once in each month to date in 2023. [40222/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. In addition, I would like to advise that the NTA has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in these areas, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the number of Leap cards that have been used at least once in each month to date in 2023, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Transport Costs
Questions (120)
Brian Leddin
Question:120. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the number of times the weekly fares cap has been applied to Leap card customers in 2023; and the number of times the monthly fares cap has been applied to Leap card customers in 2023, across all cities where Leap is in operation. [40223/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. In addition, I would like to advise that the NTA has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in these areas, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to Leap card customers, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Road Projects
Questions (121)
Mattie McGrath
Question:121. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport to increase the discretionary roads funding from his Department to local authorities to meet the increasing cost of inflation to enable them to continue their daily road maintenance duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40224/23]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (122)
Carol Nolan
Question:122. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport to provide details on the measures his Department has taken to implement specific action points (details supplied) of the action plan to support the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. [40242/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is fully committed to promoting and supporting diversity and inclusion for all people.
I recently published my department’s refreshed Statement of Strategy 2023-2025. This Strategy recognises the importance of respect for diversity and inclusion in providing a workplace where people make a difference and where people want to work. To assist with the delivery of our commitments in this area, the department’s Human Resources Division is currently developing a Wellbeing and Equality Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to provide staff with targeted supports and interventions to 2030, while strengthening the overall employee experience within the Department.
My Department recently revised its Public Sector Duty Assessment and Action Plan 2023-2025 which has recently been published in line with the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2023-2025. It recognises the importance of close collaboration and ongoing engagement with areas of the Department and networks (including employee networks) which are progressing the broader equality, diversity, and inclusion agenda. Progress on the Public Sector Duty Assessment and Action Plan 2023-2025 will be reported in the Department’s annual reports.
To further support the Public Sector Duty Action Plan, my Department provides a range of diversity and inclusion training, including training developed by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), to all employees. The IHREC has developed an eLearning module and an online classroom training course, available through OneLearning, the shared services training centre for the civil service, to support and enable staff within public bodies to understand and meet their obligations under the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty (Public Sector Duty).
Furthermore, my department provides interview board training comprising of awareness of the Commission for Public Service Appointments’ (CPSA) Code of Practice for civil service recruitment and promotion processes and the nine grounds for discrimination.
Pride@Transport is a staff-led network within my Department which aims to support LGBTQIA+ colleagues, raise awareness among staff of issues faced by LGBT+ colleagues. The network facilitates training/awareness raising for allies, holds educational and social events for all staff and facilitates professional/social networking. Support and funding is provided from my Department to this active network to underpin its valuable work within the organisation.
My Department has marked Pride month since 2019 through Pride@Transport as one of many initiatives to provide an inclusive and supportive workplace. This year a series of information and social events took place at Department offices across the country. Relevant training webinars provided by OneLearning on LGBT+ issues were also promoted. In addition, my Department worked with Pride@Transport to encourage attendance at the Dublin Pride March under the banner "Proud to Work for Ireland", along with 1,100+ other civil and public servants. My department has promoted Pride Month on its social media accounts and the headquarters building was lit with rainbow colours for the month of June.
My department continues to work closely with networks in other Government Departments on a range of initiatives, including supporting the process of establishing a Civil and Public Service LGBT+ Network.
Departmental Reports
Questions (123)
Paul Kehoe
Question:123. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport whether the RSA 2022 annual report has been provided to him; when it will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40257/23]
View answerWritten answers
The 2022 audited accounts and annual report for the Road Safety Authority were provided to my Department on 30 June 2023. They were laid before the Oireachtas on 12 September 2023 and should, therefore, be publicly available on the website of the Road Safety Authority in the coming days.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (124)
James Lawless
Question:124. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport to examine a request (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40274/23]
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, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (125, 126, 127)
Pearse Doherty
Question:125. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times for driving tests in County Donegal; the number of people on each waiting list, per centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40301/23]
View answerPearse Doherty
Question:126. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times for driver theory tests in County Donegal; the number of people on each waiting list, per centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40302/23]
View answerPearse Doherty
Question:127. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to reduce waiting times and clear the backlog for driving tests and driver theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40303/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 126 and 127 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). The specific information relating to driver theory and driver testing waiting times in Donegal is held by the Authority and I have referred the questions 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 driver testing 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 the week commencing 18 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.
As regards the driver theory test, my Department has not been advised of any significant delays to this service. The RSA has previously informed the Department that all theory test centres are open and in most months have availability for appointments.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 126 answered with Question No. 125.
Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 125.