Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport whether he will make further resources available to the NTA to ensure that it can provide capacity along rural routes to ensure that passengers are not regularly left stranded at bus pick-up points because buses are full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42785/23]
View answerI am strongly committed to improving public transport services in rural areas. Whether it is reduced car dependency, or a more integrated transport network, our vision for rural Ireland is ambitious.
My Department and the NTA are supporting this ambition by providing increased funding to boost Local Link services, for both regular "timetabled" services, and "door-to-door" demand responsive transport services. This has also enabled the Department and the NTA to support the 15 Transport Coordination Units spread across Ireland.
Our focus continues to be on funding and expanding Local Link services. The Deputy will be pleased to hear that funding for Local Link has increased from €12 million in 2016 to circa €43 million in 2023. The additional funding has enabled the introduction of over 100 new Rural Regular Services, improvements to DRT services, and the introduction of evening/night-time services in certain rural areas. Encouragingly, annual passenger numbers have increased from 1.76 million passengers in 2015 to 2.8 million in 2022.
One of our key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland is the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which aims to develop an integrated, accessible, and sustainable network of public transport offerings across Ireland. The NTA are planning to roll out 67 new and enhanced services nationwide this year, following the successful rollout of 38 new and enhanced services in 2022. We are also looking to explore alternative options to boost coverage by non-conventional options such as Smart Demand Responsive Transport, Community Cars, and Local Area Hackneys.
My Department and the NTA continue to actively engage on the efficient and timely delivery of this Plan. With regards to specific services, I would direct the Deputy to pose these queries to the NTA directly in light of their statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services.
22. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the efforts he is making to improve the 109 and 109A bus services in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42983/23]
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 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 in relation the 109 and 109A bus services to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
23. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the mechanisms available to a resident in north Louth (details supplied) whose home has sustained over €50,000 worth of damage following three serious road traffic accidents on the road in the past six months, including one fatal accident; when Louth County Council will install a crash barrier or other traffic mitigation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43040/23]
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, where applicable. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.Applications for funding under my Department’s Safety Improvement Scheme are invited on an annual basis for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. Councils are made aware of this and are asked to submit applications in order of priority. As Louth County Council is responsible for maintaining and improving its regional and local roads, it is the Council's responsibility to determine its priorities and work programme while taking account of the funding provided from grant allocations and from the Council's own resources.Louth County Council received an allocation of €174,000 for safety improvement works in 2023. Our records indicate that the Council's application did not include a scheme at Mullatee, Carlingford, Co. Louth.
24. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a detailed update on a road project (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43093/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.
The N25 Midleton to Youghal scheme, which includes bypasses of the villages of Castlemartyr and Killeagh, was not listed in the NDP; however, an allocation of €100,000 was made available in 2022 to Cork County Council to allow for the development of a Strategic Assessment Report as then required by the Public Spending Code. That Strategic Assessment Report was submitted to my Department in January 2023 and a further allocation of €800,000 was provided by my Department in 2023 to ensure continued progression of the scheme this year. By the end of the year it is expected the scheme will have completed the next phase of its development through the finalisation of a feasibility report while Cork County Council are also seeking to have a new technical advisor in place by year end to assist with the scheme’s subsequent phases.
25. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the southern relief road in Carlow. [43010/23]
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 initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.Approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or for road realignments.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.Following the completion of a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) by Carlow County Council concerning options in relation to a potential Southern Relief Road, the Council was given clearance to proceed to prepare a Preliminary Business Case and the Council is in the process of progressing this.
26. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport to outline if he is satisfied with the public consultation aspect of active travel projects supported by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42891/23]
View answer41. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport to make whatever arrangements are necessary to ensure that full Part 8 planning requirements are followed with regard to active travel schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42892/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 41 together.
As 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.
All projects funded under the NTA’s Active Travel programme must show compliance with all necessary planning approvals, including Part 8, as well as compliance with requirements under the Public Spending Code. Projects supported through Departmental funding via the NTA are subject to oversight to ensure compliance with the various planning and design requirements, including circulars issued by the Department’s National Guidelines and Standards Group (NGSG) in relation to design, audit and quality control.
Department of Transport-funded projects are subject to statutory and non-statutory public consultations, and I am currently considering proposals to strengthen the public consultation requirements in accordance with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. In addition, my Department is working with local authorities in order to create an environment whereby there will be greater levels of community engagement at early stages of infrastructure projects in order to enhance public support for these important projects, without which they will not have the desired impact in terms of modal shift and emissions reduction.
27. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that a portion of the Luas line, which is expected to extend into Finglas, has not been included in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43066/23]
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 development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including light rail.
I am aware that the National Development Plan 2021-2030 does not include the extension of the Luas Green Line to Finglas. The NDP sets out the Government’s over-arching investment strategy for the period up until 2030 and the extension of the Luas to Finglas is a project planned for after this period.
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2022-2042 was published by the NTA in January 2023, following my approval. Implementation of the strategy has been divided into three phases – short-term up to 2030 to align with the funding allocations for public transport projects under the NDP, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. Luas Finglas is identified in this transport strategy as a scheme to be delivered in the medium-term as part of the proposed expansion of the Luas network.
The preliminary business case for the Luas Finglas project was submitted to my Department by the NTA in August 2023 and will soon be brought to Government for its approval in line with the Public Spending Code. This will enable the project to enter the statutory planning process through the submission of a Railway Order Application to An Bord Pleanála. The precise start date for construction of the Finglas project will depend on a number of factors, including a decision in relation to the planning application.
28. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport what engagement he has had with TFI and bus service providers in North County Dublin regarding the regular occurrence of buses not turning up, and thus leaving commuters with no service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42895/23]
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 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 in relation to bus service providers in North County Dublin, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
29. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport whether he is aware that there are bus routes on the rural link services where bus stops are up to 14km apart, thus rendering them unsuitable for use by people living in dispersed rural communities; if he is aware of the issue, the steps he has taken to ensure in dialogue with the NTA that all rural dwellers have access to these services along the routes they travel on, similar to the basis that Bus Éireann provides pick-up for passengers along rural routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42784/23]
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 development of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for planning of TFI Local Link routes and services, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
30. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will allocate funding for building the Metro West Liffey bridge, ahead of the construction of Metro West, in order to facilitate walking and cycling and a more direct W4 bus route from Dublin 15 to Tallaght (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43110/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that earlier this year I approved publication by the National Transport Authority (NTA) of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042. This is the statutory transport strategy for the region and sets out a range of ambitious proposals for delivery over the period to 2042. In relation to metro, and as outlined in the Strategy, the analysis conducted concluded that a metro line from Swords to Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport would be the key area of focus for metro delivery out to 2042. The project referred to by the Deputy as ‘Metro West’ does not therefore form part of the Strategy’s horizon out to 2042.
The Deputy raises an interesting point as regards how best to create active travel linkages across the Liffey and, noting the NTA’s responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question in relation to the area raised to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
31. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that sufficient funding is allocated to allow the N2 Clontibret-to-the-Border and the N2 Ardee-to-Castleblayney bypass road schemes to progress to the next respective stages without further delay. [43043/23]
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 these projects.
I can confirm that €600,000 has been allocated for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney scheme in 2023 in order to meet project commitments. In addition, the N2 Clontibret to the Border scheme was recently selected to receive EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding, and matching funding will be provided through TII. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for these projects will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
32. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport his engagement with the RSA regarding the danger of wild deer on our roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43145/23]
View answerMy Department engages with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) on an extensive range of road safety matters. On the specific issue of the dangers of deer on the roads, there has not been any direct engagement with the Authority.
The appropriate road signage, including hazard warning signs regarding deer or other wild animals is the responsibility of the local authorities. However, the Authority provides a range road safety campaigns on several types of hazards to road users and facilitates road safety training and education campaigns in schools and wider communities to promote safe road use for all road users.
33. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the total spent so far, as of September 2023, on the MetroLink project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42893/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the final budget for MetroLink will not be set until after the planning process and completion of tendering and procurement, with the Government having the final decision about whether to proceed to construction.
Between the start of 2018 and end-August 2023, a total of €123.5 million has been invested in MetroLink. During this time MetroLink has progressed from a design phase to the submission of a Railway Order in September 2022 and appointment of a Client Partner this summer.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
34. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether he will consider provision of a bus route to upper Glanmire, Glenville and other rural areas in Cork. [43061/23]
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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland, including in county Cork, 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.
35. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 410 of 11 September 2023, for a status update on the rollout of park-and-ride in Galway city; for an update on the site location analysis; the expected timeline for the rollout of park-and-ride in the identified areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42976/23]
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 in our cities, including the provision of Park and Ride facilities.
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.
36. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to improve the Dublin to Sligo rail service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43167/23]
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.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's recently published draft timetable for rail services, the issue of the improvement the Dublin to Sligo rail service is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and 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.
37. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport what plans/strategies are being introduced to reduce waiting times in Cavan’s driving test centre; if he is aware of the lengthy waiting times at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41551/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working closely with the Authority to address the issue of driver testing waiting times, which is affecting many throughout the State, including people in Cavan.
The driver testing 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 underway and being managed by the Authority. I have been advised that the first tranche of new recruits were deployed in September. The additional driver testers are being allocated across the driver testing service with a focus on the geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.It is expected that once the full complement of additional driver testers are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will begin to decline and the agreed service level of average wait times of 10 weeks or less will resume by the middle of 2024.
38. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the details of the fine applied to the NCT operator (details supplied) by the Road Safety Authority; if he will outline the timeline when this occurred; when his Department became aware of the fine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43094/23]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have referred the Deputy's queries on these matters 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.
As this is a matter of high public interest, of financial impact to the Exchequer and one of importance to citizens, on 5 June of this year I wrote to the Chair of the RSA Board to urge the Authority to bring a quick and fair resolution to the dispute between the RSA and the NCT contractor. Subsequently, I can confirm that the RSA has confirmed that contract mechanisms have been applied where service levels are not met and these have been settled.
39. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport his views on Shannon Airport permanently remaining part of the regional airports programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43155/23]
View answerThe Regional Airports Programme (RAP) for the period 2021 to 2025 supports Ireland’s smallest airports i.e., those that provide connectivity and handle fewer than 1 million passengers annually (based on an average over the two preceding financial years).
By virtue of its size and passenger numbers Shannon Airport was not eligible for funding under the RAP until 2022. At that time Shannon airport became eligible due to supressed passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021 as a direct result of COVID-19 and continued to remain eligible under the RAP this year. Based on forecast passenger numbers for 2023 Shannon airport will not be eligible for funding under the RAP in 2024.
A mid-term review of the Programme is however currently underway. The review will consider how the RAP is currently delivering on its objectives, primarily in the context of supporting connectivity and balanced regional development. The potential inclusion of airports of up to 3 million annual passengers (which would facilitate the inclusion of Shannon airport) is being considered as part of the review. The review is due to be complete later this year.
Over the period 2020-2022 Shannon Airport has benefited from unprecedented aviation Exchequer supports, totalling over €34 million, with a further €12.6 million made available for funding consideration and allocation in 2023. This funding has facilitated the strong recovery of Shannon Airport, with 2023 being the best year for passenger numbers since 2009.
40. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that Local Link services can accept school transport tickets when those services provide the most effective arrangements for pupils. [43042/23]
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.
The School Transport Scheme meanwhile comes under the remit of the Minister for Education.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for Local Link services, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
