Written Answers Nos. 68-87
68. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport what percentage of drivers disqualified in court have surrendered their licence to the RSA, as required by law, in each of the past ten years for each county in the State. [39489/23]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority and the Authority holds the relevant information. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.
69. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers who have used their Leap card on the Mallow-Cork train service since the Leap card fares were introduced on that line. [39493/23]
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. In addition, the Authority also has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the number of passengers who have used their Leap card on the Mallow-Cork train service since the Leap card fares were introduced on that line, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
70. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding allocated for a project (details supplied); and the status of that project. [39494/23]
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 this project, 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.
71. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding allocated for a project (details supplied); and the status of that project. [39495/23]
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 this project, 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.
72. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport to determine a date for a bus shelter (details supplied) to be installed. [39496/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the 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.
73. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the expected Exchequer spending for the Safe Routes to School Programme in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39523/23]
View answerIn March 2021, I launched the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme as a response to the need to improve safety at the ‘front of school’ environment and enhance access to school grounds. The programme aims to support walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools and to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities. This will help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing the necessary infrastructure.
The Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA). An Taisce’s Green-Schools is coordinating the programme and funding will be made available to local authorities who will play a key part in delivering the infrastructure along access routes and at the school gate.
All schools were notified of the programme and were invited to apply. 931 applications were received from primary and secondary schools across every county in Ireland, making up around a quarter of all the schools in the country. 167 schools form Round 1 of the Programme, with a further 108 schools selected for inclusion in Round 2. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the first two rounds will be selected at a later stage without the need to reapply.
Noting the role of the NTA in the allocation of funding to SRTS 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. .
74. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek defined timelines on when the new distance-based fare structures announced in April 2023 will be implemented by the NTA for the Drogheda and east Meath area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39538/23]
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 timelines on when the new distance-based fare structures announced in April 2023 will be implemented for the Drogheda and east Meath area, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
75. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver testers currently employed by the RSA and the number of vacant posts and onboarding broken down by test centre. [39545/23]
View answer76. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of applicants currently waiting on driving tests with the RSA, broken down by test centre, with the average waiting period by centre. [39546/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 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 and the specific information requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the questions to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
77. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing curve warning signs with recommended speed limits, as used in New Zealand (details supplied), for Irish roads to improve general road safety on a phased basis to offset costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39562/23]
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. This review follows from a previous review undertaken in 2013.
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 Road Traffic Act of 2004, as amended, sets out the current legislative basis for the setting of speed limits. The Act applies ‘default’ speed limits to different classes or categories of road and allows for local authorities to intervene and set ‘special speed limits’, within limitations, on roads in their area. The making of bye-laws to set 'Special Speed Limits' is a reserved function of the elected members of a local authority. Section 95 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended, provides for the use of traffic signs.
As a result of the work of the review group of 2013 ‘Cautionary’ Speed signs were introduced for use in specific circumstances if required. Such circumstances arise where it is considered that normal warning signs are not sufficient and are set out in the Traffic Signs Manual. As a result of the 2023 review further revisions to the Traffic Signs would be expected.
78. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will ensure that the terms and conditions of current workers will be protected following the recently awarded ten-year helicopter service contract to a company (details supplied) to operate the Irish coastguard helicopter rescue 115 based at Shannon Airport; if he will insist that TUPE applies, given that it was emphasised by his Department throughout the tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39580/23]
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.
79. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the decision of the NTA not to fund the Local Link service for Knocksedan and Rivermeade, Swords, County Dublin; the reason the funding for this enhanced service has not been approved; and when BusConnects will be in operation for the Swords area and servicing Knocksedan and Rivermeade. [39586/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including Local Link and BusConnects.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
80. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport to detail the research conducted, and stakeholders consulted, ahead of the proposal to reduce speed limits; if there will be any exceptions to the reduction of speed limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39589/23]
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.
As part of the review the group built upon the consultation undertaken as part of the development of the current road safety strategy consulted with a range of stakeholders. These stakeholders covered both state bodies involved in the management of the road network, but also a range of user groups from road transport groups to those relating to cycling and active travel. As the Guidelines are developed and implementation progresses further consultations will occur.
The Road Traffic Act of 2004, as amended, sets out the current legislative basis for the setting of speed limits. The Act applies ‘default’ speed limits to different classes or categories of road and allows for local authorities to intervene and set ‘special speed limits’, within limitations, on roads in their area. The making of bye-laws to set 'Special Speed Limits' is a reserved function of the elected members of a local authority.
In Ireland speed limits are set through a combination of default speed limits that apply and by ‘special speed limits’ as defined in the Guidelines for Managing Speed Limits in Ireland. Exceptions are permitted in relation to existing and future guidelines to aid local decision making to ensure that set speed limits will align with the prevailing conditions of specific sections of the road network.
81. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver theory test applications per week in Galway; the number of cancellations per week in Galway due to NDLS reasons, not on the part of the applicants; the breakdown of same, by month for 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39609/23]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.
82. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport how often the Joint Interdepartmental Justice and Transport Road Safety Committee met since July 2020; and if he will outline the attendance at each of those meetings. [39632/23]
View answerThe current framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021 – 2030. I am working closely with key partners, including the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána, on delivery of Phase 1 of the Strategy.
The Strategy has the target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, and to achieve Vision Zero on Irish roads by 2050. Vision Zero is a United Nations and European Union aspiration to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.
Implementation of the Strategy is the ultimate oversight of the Ministerial Committee on Road Safety, jointly chaired by the Ministers for Transport and for Justice. Below this level there is the Road Safety Transformation Partnership Board comprising senior officials from bodies including the RSA, AGS, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, the Courts Service and others responsible for delivering the actions detailed in the strategy.
The Road Safety Transformation Partnership Board reports quarterly to the Ministerial Committee on Road Safety on implementation progress. The Ministerial Committee also meets quarterly and Ministers are joined by senior officials representing the key road safety agencies in addition to relevant Department officials. There have been ten meetings to date since 2020.
83. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport to detail the preparations being undertaken by his Department in advance of the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882); the guidance that is being issued by his Department to organisations and businesses in advance of the enactment of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39678/23]
View answerMy Department has been actively involved in national efforts, led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), to finalise the arrangements for the transposition and implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/882, which is an important Directive that will introduce accessibility requirements for certain products and services within the EU.
The primary focus of efforts to date has been to finalise the transposition of the Directive. In that regard, the DCEDIY has been working for a considerable period of time to coordinate transposition with a range of Government Departments and public bodies. This has involved conducting extensive policy and legal analysis of the implications of the Directive, in close co-operation with DCEDIY’s legal advisors and the Office of the Attorney General. It has also required extensive engagement with a range of Departments, including Transport, and agencies to reach agreement on key policy decisions. I understand the DCEDIY’s officials are currently engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to finalise drafting of the necessary regulations to transpose the Directive.
Once transposition is complete, the focus will shift to concerted efforts to prepare for implementation of the Directive by 28 June 2025. This work is expected to include further interdepartmental and inter-agency consideration of operational procedures, capacity building, and outreach. My Department will continue to engage with DCEDIY as necessary, including in relation to sectoral preparations and guidance which will require support from the DCEDIY and the National Disability Authority.
84. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport to examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39729/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters of public transport operators, including those related to the operation of commercial bus services, their fare structures, or the acceptance of free travel passes. Further, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has no direct involvement with the free travel scheme on commercial services either.
While all public service obligation (PSO) transport services, including rural Local Link services, provide free travel to eligible pass holders, only some commercial operators provide the service.
Those private bus companies that have chosen to opt into the Free Travel Scheme are reimbursed for carrying non-fare paying passengers at a discount to reflect the 'fares foregone' nature of the scheme.
In view of the above, the issue raised by the Deputy would be a matter for the company concerned.
85. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will set out his proposals to increase LocalLink bus services to facilitate access to Wexford town from adjoining rural areas; if there are any plans, in particular, to provide disabled persons access from the Curracloe area into services in Wexford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39763/23]
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 accessible passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new services, including in county Wexford, 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.
86. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the facilitation of autism support dogs on public transport services in the State; if he has any plans to review the current protocols in place, with a view to ensuring both State-subsidised and private public transport services are facilitating those with the various relevant medical conditions who wish to be accompanied by a support dog when they travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39798/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing an accessible, integrated and sustainable public transport network while, in conjunction with the NTA, it is the individual transport companies, which have responsibility for the operation of public transport services.
As the NTA would be in a position to advise you about the carriage of autism support dogs on public transport, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
87. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport to explain the long delay in the completion and opening of the Kishogue train station in Clonburris, County Dublin; and to provide a date for when the station will be completed and open. [39826/23]
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, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the development and implementation of rail infrastructure. In this context, Kishoge railway station is due to open next year.
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.
