Written Answers Nos. 121-140
121. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport to detail the latest costs total under consideration by his Department for the construction of the Dungarvan to Mallow greenway; within these costs outline if he will highlight the variance cost percentages being offered for issues such as construction inflation, environmental impact assessments and planning delays due to judicial appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44743/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Greenways. Funding is administered through the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) 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 TII in the matter, 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.
122. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the updated timeline for publishing in full the route for a project (details supplied); the cost incurred on the project to date and since May 2023; and the dates he has met with the NTA and TII on the project from June 2023 to October 2023, in tabular form. [44744/23]
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 design and development of light rail projects in the Greater Dublin Area and Cork. 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 development of projects such as Cork Light Rail Transit.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has agreed responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including the Cork Light Rail project.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
123. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 13 of 5 October 2023, his plans and actions to accelerate the delivery of active travel networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44783/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel, while the National Transport Authority has responsibility for selection of projections and direct oversight on their delivery in cooperation with the local authorities.
The Deputy will be aware of the significant increase funding for in Active Travel in recent years. In 2020 and 2021, local authorities experienced challenges in spending their full Active Travel allocation, including lack of capacity within teams as well as lower cost at the earlier stages of projects i.e. planning and design. My Department and the NTA worked closely with local authorities to both increase capacity through the provision of funding for dedicated Active Travel teams, and to progress projects through to construction and delivery stage. This resulted in full allocation spend in 2022, and, by the end of 2022, over 600km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure since the increase in funding levels.
It is projected that full allocation spend will be achieved once again in 2023, and additional funding is likely to be made available due to the number of projects being delivered around the country. Given that local authorities are fully spending their funding and delivering at a high and consistent level, it is difficult to see how the delivery can be further accelerated at this time, however we are continuously focusing on maximising delivery where possible.
This is evidenced through initiatives such as the Department of Transport's Pathfinder Programme, through which around 50 Active Travel projects around the country are receiving additional focus and targeted resourcing to be delivered at an accelerated pace and to a high standard in order to act as exemplars for similar projects which will be progressed in future.
In addition, the NTA has delivered training to local authorities on Rapid-Build Infrastructure, which are schemes that utilise cost-effective measures to deliver walking and cycling infrastructure more quickly than through traditional, full-build construction methods.
Delivery of improved active travel networks continues apace across the country, supported by the Active Travel teams now established in every local authority, and measures such as those outlined above can assist in making sure the delivery timeframes are optimised, where possible.
124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if a bus service from Leixlip to Blanchardstown hospital can be facilitated or incorporated into current routes to facilitate elderly people from this area getting to and from medical appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44787/23]
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 specific question in relation to a new bus service from Leixlip to Blanchardstown Hospital can be facilitated or incorporated into current routes to facilitate elderly people from this area getting to and from medical appointments, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
125. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of additional DART carriages and train drivers that would be required if the frequency of the DART was increased to every 20 minutes in both directions on Sundays and bank holidays. [44828/23]
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.
The questions raised are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
126. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of installing a minimum of one defibrillator at each manned full time train station and for all necessary staff in each of those stations to be trained to use them. [44829/23]
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.
The questions raised are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions 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
127. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount per local authority that was unspent and returned to the NTA under the active travel project implementation heading in the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023. [44852/23]
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 the matter, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
128. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a complaint (details supplied) with the provider; if he will ensure it improves the bus services offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44855/23]
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.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to Go-Ahead Ireland bus route 76, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
129. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to consider expanding bus routes in the west of Ireland, especially a route which could link Tralee, Limerick, Galway and Sligo. [44864/23]
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 specific question in relation to expanding bus routes in the west of Ireland, especially a route which could link Tralee, Limerick, Galway and Sligo to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
130. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport to outline the efficiency of bus services (details supplied) in the Dublin mid-west area over the past three years; the amount of fines issued to the operator in this same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44869/23]
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.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
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.
131. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the current estimated date for the opening of the new Shannon crossing road project. [44879/23]
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 Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme is one of a number of strategic regional and local road improvement schemes being undertaken under the National Development Plan.
Implementation of the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme is the responsibility of Clare County Council. Following the conclusion of the tender process for the main construction contract for the scheme, the contract was awarded in 2022 and the construction programme is underway. My understanding is that the scheme is scheduled to be completed in Q3 2025.
132. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport when the new south Kerry greenway will be completed. [44881/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Greenways. Funding is administered through the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) 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 TII in the matter, 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.
133. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the reason the waiting time for a driving test in Donegal has increased (details supplied); if he can provide a list of the current waiting times in all test centres nationwide in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44943/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service.
The specific information requested is held by the RSA. Therefore, I have referred 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 delays, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. In response to these pressures, the Authority reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval in March 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 geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
As the additional driver testers are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will begin to decline and the RSA estimate that the agreed service levels of average wait times of 10 weeks will resume in mid-2024.
134. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on the new citylink service from Mayo to Dublin Airport servicing Athlone, and to confirm if this service accepts the free travel pass. [44958/23]
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 of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
Further, the bus services referred to by the Deputy are commercial bus services and as such responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company.
As the NTA is also the licensing authority for the commercial bus sector, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
135. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the NTA prioritises resurfacing works on the N55 between Athlone and Ballymahon, as this main artery has not received substantial investment in some time. [44959/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management 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.
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.
136. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure Transport Infrastructure Ireland prioritises measures to reduce traffic speed on the N55 at Tang, County Westmeath (details supplied). [44960/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management 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.
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.
137. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA can provide a bus stop at Tang, County Westmeath. [44961/23]
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 nationwide.
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.
138. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress of the review of the student Leap card and young adult card discounted fare scheme; whether the inclusion of 16-18 year olds in the scheme is being considered; and to provide a detailed breakdown of the costs and benefits of including 16-18 year-olds in the student Leap card and young adult card discounted fare scheme. [44992/23]
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
As the Deputy may be aware, participation in the YAC scheme was initially for 19 to 23 year olds inclusive. However, in October 2022 the YAC was further extended to include full-time third levels students aged 16 to 18 years old.
In light of the NTA's responsibility with regard to the administration of the Young Adult Card, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
139. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide his Department's update in respect of the A5 upgrade. [44997/23]
View answerThe planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the authorities in Northern Ireland.
The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 have been governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start, and under this Agreement the Government is committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded. Provision of £25 million sterling is being made by my Department in 2023 for funding the scheme, should this be required.
The Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland estimates the total scheme cost for the A5 project is £1.6billion with completion expected by 2032/2033 and the largest funding demands over the 2025 to 2028 period. The Department for Infrastructure expects to have the report of the Public Inquiry by year end and possibly sooner. The Department for Infrastructure has informed the Department of Transport that construction of the Main Works is currently planned to start in April or May of 2024 with the commencement of Section 1 from Newbuildings to Strabane. However, this is subject to a number of conditions being met, including a positive outcome from the report of the Public Inquiry, completion of the Statutory Orders and agreement of a Target Cost with the contractor. If there is a further legal challenge the start dates will likely be revisited.
I can confirm that my Department regularly engages with colleagues in the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. These engagements consider a range of North/South transport proposals, including the A5, and further engagement is scheduled over the coming months. In October there is a bilateral meeting in Dublin between Departmental officials and Northern colleagues in relation to the A5.
140. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45057/23]
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.
The question raised 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.
