Written Answers Nos. 1-20
13. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport his plans to accelerate delivery of active travel networks in order to provide appropriate infrastructure for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43183/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation active travel infrastructure and I am glad to say there has been significant progress in relation to both in recent years.
At a policy level, last year I published Sustainable Mobility Policy which has two particularly relevant high-level goals, namely –
• Goal 5: Take a whole of journey approach to mobility, promoting inclusive access for all; and
• Goal 6: Design infrastructure according to Universal Design Principles and the Hierarchy of Road Users model
And implementation of that policy is supported by Government’s commitment to allocate €360 million per annum toward active travel.
In terms of individual projects, responsibility for their development and delivery lies with the National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities.
However, at a Departmental level, my Department has established a National Guidelines and Standards Group (NGSG) to oversee and coordinate all design guidelines and standards (including accessibility, cycling and other Active Travel projects) which have been developed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the NTA and Department of Transport.
The Group seeks to improve the consistency of approach across state bodies, including with the National Disability Authority (NDA), to lead to a more streamlined and consistent approach to the design and delivery of projects through the setting of minimum common requirements including on audit and quality control. I am currently seeking to further strengthen the Group, including through expanding the membership to include representatives from various organisations including the NDA.
Delivery of improved active travel networks continues apace across the country, supported by active travel teams now established in every local authority. I agree with the Deputy that the roll-out of improved and continuous active travel networks brings benefits to all users of such networks, including persons with disabilities and I look forward to seeing continued delivery in the years ahead.
14. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport to intervene and arrange a meeting with the NTA with public representatives and a resident representation regarding the removal of several bus routes in Dublin (details supplied), as to date the NTA has refused to do so. [42970/23]
View answer64. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he stands over the NTA’s refusal to meet public representatives and residents following a request from this Deputy to meet the NTA before it attempts to implement changes to bus services (details supplied). [42973/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 64 together.
I’m informed by the National Transport Authority that it wrote to the Deputy on this matter a year ago and made a commitment to meet with public representatives before making the changes referred to in the Deputy’s question. NTA has informed me that they are happy to undertake a review of the proposals for the particular area before progressing this particular phase of BusConnects any further, and that they would be happy to brief local public representatives to this effect.
The proposed changes form part of the BusConnects programme which is the largest ever investment in bus services and infrastructure in the history of the State. A number of phases of the new BusConnects services have already been rolled out and these new services have recorded impressive passenger numbers since their introduction.
As part of this roll-out, Route 13 from Grange Castle and Clondalkin to the city centre is proposed to be replaced by new BusConnects routes D1 and D3. These will the city centre via the Crumlin “D-spine” rather than via Inchicore. Routes 68 and 69 will also be replaced, in the case of route 69 by a similar new route 58 which will continue to serve Inchicore. These changes are planned to be introduced in the latter part of 2024.
I understand that the NTA is aware of concerns raised around the reduction in bus frequency along the Tyrconnell Road through Inchicore and I think the approach outlined by the NTA in its previous correspondence, and reiterated to my Department in recent days, to meet with public representatives before any changes are introduced is welcome. Given the timelines involved there is clearly an opportunity for further engagement on the issue and I’d encourage the Deputy to engage with the NTA on the matter.
15. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he supports the abolition of fees for park-and-ride facilities at outer public transport stops, such as the Red Cow and Cheeverstown, to incentivise greater use of public transport and reduce car dependency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43108/23]
View answerAs the Deputy knows I’m a firm believer in public transport and its potential to improve people’s lives and contribute to emissions reduction.
I agree that we need to incentivise more people to use public transport.
That’s why this Government has supported –
• A reduction in public transport fares by 20% for all passengers;
• The introduction of the new Young Adults Card further reducing fares by 50% for younger adults;
• The introduction of the TFI90 fare;
• The roll-out of new BusConnects Dublin services, increasing frequencies and expanding routes;
• The roll-out of new Connecting Ireland services, increasing frequencies and introducing new services to parts of rural Ireland that have never had reliable public transport;
• The roll-out of new town services in places like Carlow and the enhancement of existing town services in places like Athlone;
• Investment in bus and rail fleet, increasing the attractiveness of our public transport network;
• The continued development of new public transport infrastructure like the BusConnects projects in every city, DART+, Cork Commuter Rail and MetroLink.
Incentivisation takes many forms and I think the wide range of incentives this Government has introduced is testament to our commitment to ensuring more people than ever before have access to reliable, efficient and accessible public transport.
Well situated park-and-ride sites have a role to play in expanding the offering of public transport services. There are a number of factors that account for the success, or otherwise, of a park-and-ride and an appropriate fee level is one of those factors. If people are to be incentivised to use park-and-ride sites then they need to be assured those sites will be available for use as intended. An appropriate fee structure helps with that by discouraging potential misuse of the site if no fee were applied and better creating the link between parking and public transport usage.
16. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the R312; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43082/23]
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 Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
The Department has provided funding to Mayo County Council for the road re-alignment and bridge replacement scheme at Glenisland on the R312 which was completed at the end of 2021.
Mayo County Council received an allocation of €100,000 this year under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme to progress the planning and design of the second phase of proposed works at Glenisland on the R312.
17. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the development of Kishogue train station; when this can be expected to be completed; the additional cost to works caused by the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43175/23]
View answerKishoge station was originally delivered as part of the Kildare Route Rail Project and designed to serve the major residential development planned for the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone.
As we all know that major residential development never proceeded due to the financial crisis at that time. Due to that, a decision was taken not to proceed with the opening of the station due to a lack of sufficient passenger demand at the time.
Following this decision, the glazed station building was covered with a protective cladding system and the platform furniture and equipment was also removed to mitigate against potential damage.
More recently, in line with the economic recovery and increased passenger demand, a feasibility analysis of potential options for the station was undertaken by Iarnród Éireann, in 2021. It was concluded that various works need to be undertaken by Iarnród Éireann before Kishoge station could be brought into use.
Following this, Iarnród Éireann has undertaken a tender process to appoint contractors to complete the works required to open the station. In parallel, Iarnród Éireann is in discussion with South Dublin County Council and relevant landowners to discuss the temporary and permanent access arrangements to the station taking account of the planned development in the area as part of the Clonburris SDZ.
It is anticipated that the agreements on the access arrangements will conclude in the coming weeks, with tender award later this month. The costs of the works will be identified when the tender is awarded. It is expected that the works at the station will take approximately 6 months to complete and, therefore, it is now anticipated that the station will open for rail passengers from next Spring.
Moreover, Kishoge station will form part of the planned new DART+ South West service between Dublin city centre and Hazelhatch & Celbridge. A planning, or Railway Order, application for this project was submitted last March and is currently under consideration by An Board Pleanála.
18. 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 for the non-national road network, 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. [43113/23]
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.
The primary focus for capital investment under the National Development Plan continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network which plays a critical role in supporting economic and community links throughout the country and is used by buses, cyclists, commercial vehicles, HGVs as well as private cars.
The National Development Plan will enable a spend of €5.35 billion on the protection and renewal of regional and local roads over the 10 year period until 2030. This funding will help fund measures including road pavement resealing and strengthening works across the network, bridge rehabilitation projects, climate adaptation and safety measures, drainage works together with community involvement schemes on less trafficked roads. Allocations will continue to be made at the start of each year to individual local authorities based on the overall regional and local grant budget for the year in question.
In addition to protecting and renewing the regional and local road network, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network and €677 million is earmarked for such improvements on new regional and local roads over the 10 year period until 2030. Road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding will be assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code (PSC) and my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF).
In February this year I announced an Exchequer investment of €626 million in our regional and local roads across the State which includes an increase in funding of €20 million for road pavement and rehabilitation works.
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 in July of a supplementary allocation of €22.5 million for their key road strengthening programmes.
19. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport his views on the situation whereby lifts in train stations across Dublin seem to be out of order on a regular basis, causing an issue for the elderly and people with disabilities; who has the maintenance contact; the frequency with which the lifts are serviced; when they were last upgraded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42832/23]
View answerI want to begin by reassuring the Deputy that I am fully committed to progressively making our public transport offerings accessible for all, especially for disabled people, persons with reduced mobility and older people.
To that end, addressing out-of-service lifts in train stations is particularly important given they significantly impact the ability of disabled and older people in particular to access services. I am pleased to say that funding for the Department's Accessibility Retrofit Programme - dedicated to wider improvements around accessibility - has increased from €3m in 2017 to €18m this year.
Irish Rail’s ‘Big Lift’ programme has also been instrumental in renewing and replacing life-expired and damaged lifts at stations nationwide. This is a separate four-year €18 million programme to renew and replace lifts at 52 stations across the rail network.
Due to funding under this programme, the number of lift outages has significantly reduced from 642 faults in 2019 to 212 across Ireland.
Irish Rail has advised it actively works to ensure that lifts re-enter service as quickly as possible in the event of a fault, in most instances within 24 hours. However, specific part replacement or major repairs can take longer.
Irish Rail is also installing a video security system on lifts under the ‘Lift Call’ programme to reduce instances of vandalism. This is a constantly-monitored system that releases the lift on request. Over 40 lifts have this feature installed in them to date nationwide.
As the Deputy will appreciate, my role as Minister relates to overall policy and funding, while the NTA has statutory responsibility for developing an accessible, integrated and sustainable public transport network. The NTA works with the public transport companies, including Irish Rail, who have responsibility for the operation and maintenance of services and infrastructure, such as lifts at stations.
20. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport what plans he has to reduce air pollution from traffic in order to comply with World Health Organization limits; his views on the recent research finding (details supplied) that almost everyone in Ireland is breathing dangerously polluted air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43109/23]
View answerEarlier this year, to address the environmental and public health issues associated with air pollution, this Government approved a new Clean Air Strategy for Ireland - published by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
The Clean Air Strategy seeks to enhance and protect the quality of air that we breathe through a comprehensive suite of cross-Government policies and measures that targets all sources of air pollution, including those from the transport, agriculture and residential sectors. Amongst its key commitments is to meet the WHO Guidelines Value by 2040.
To address air pollution from transport more specifically, the Department of Transport works closely with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and both departments co-chair the Urban Transport-Related Air Pollution Working Group (UTRAP). This Group, which consists of representatives from relevant government departments, agencies, local authorities and transport operators, published an updated assessment of urban transport-related air pollution issues in February this year.
With co-benefits for human health and urban environments as well as for reduced air pollutant emission levels, measures being taken to address these issues include 91 actions under our National Sustainable Mobility Policy. Collectively, these measures aim to create a transformational increase in additional daily sustainable mobility journeys - walking, cycling, public and shared transport - by 2030.
The publication of the Five Cities Traffic Demand Management Study in 2021 also established an important toolkit of measures for reducing traffic-related urban air pollution - and these are informing the development of a new National Demand Management Strategy for transport, which is expected to be published in 2024.
This new Strategy will support the commitment in the Climate Action Plan 2023 to reduce vehicle kilometres travelled by 20% as part of the overall effort to halve transport emissions by 2030. The aim of the Strategy is to ensure that our transport system can operate efficiently into the future, with a strong emphasis on co-benefits such as health, air quality, road safety and placemaking. The Strategy will be high-level in nature and will define the type of measures that may be deployed nationally.
Along with measures to reduce transport demand and increase sustainable mobility significant progress has been achieved in promoting the electrification of the public and private vehicle fleet including the establishment of Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) in July 2022. ZEVI is leading on the delivery of the Ireland’s ambitious targets to have an expected 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric vehicles by 2030.
As above, while pollutants originate from several sources, the transport sector accounts for more than 35% of Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 10% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Existing policy measures will go a long way towards reducing transport’s contribution to these pollutants, but further action may be needed - from all sectors - to comply with the WHO guidelines, and the timeframes envisaged within the Clean Air Strategy.
The Department of Transport will continue to work closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications via the UTRAP Working Group to support the ambition of the Clean Air Strategy.
