Thomas Gould
Question:152. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether he raised concerns with Cork City Council regarding uneven allocation of Active Travel Funding in 2022 or 2023. [46148/23]
View answerActive Travel
Questions (152)
Written answers
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.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your questions to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
Active Travel
Questions (153)
Thomas Gould
Question:153. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport for an update on each of the projects funded under the 2022 active travel scheme for Cork City Council, in tabular form. [46149/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your questions to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Safety Authority
Questions (154)
Seán Crowe
Question:154. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the date by which the Road Safety Authority will have completed its review of the road traffic collision data sharing policies, and procedures and resume its statutory remit of issuing reports on road traffic collisions. [46190/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority is responsible for providing a range of essential road safety services, including the provision of driver testing, education and public awareness campaigns, and preparation of national road safety strategies. Given this role, it is essential for the RSA to be able to conduct research and analysis and provide data to relevant bodies in the sector, such as local authorities.
It is essential, therefore, that the RSA has a clear legal basis behind the sharing and receipt of data that it uses in its work. The RSA receives collision data from An Garda Síochána, which is required to enable local authorities to target investment appropriately, for example by providing funding to address sections of road with high levels of collisions.
The Gardaí conduct investigations into road traffic collisions and produce detailed collision reports. These reports provide information on the causes of collisions, which in turn indicates the responses needed to minimise and prevent future such incidents. The RSA has in the past received this data from the Gardaí but, following a review by An Garda Síochána, queries were raised about the appropriateness of sharing the data in the light of the General Data Protection Regulation and the associated safeguards on the sharing of personal information.
An Garda Síochána recently completed a review of the data fields that have historically been shared with the RSA and tabled proposals for what will be shared in future. These proposals are now under consideration by a specialist data subgroup beneath the Road Safety Transformation Partnership Board. In advance of the next meeting of the Road Safety Partnership Board on 14 November, the data subgroup is expected to produce a set of recommendations and clear action plan for the future sharing of data to ensure that the RSA and relevant road safety stakeholders have access to the required collision data.
Public Sector Pensions
Questions (155)
Paul Murphy
Question:155. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that roughly 2,260 CIÉ retired salaried staff have not received a pension increase since 2008; if he will ensure that the board of CIÉ assign adequate funds to the CIÉ Superannuation Scheme 1951 to pay increases to CIÉ pensioners in line with the-cost-of-living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46267/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.As of end December 2022, the Balance Sheet deficit for the two defined benefit pension schemes operated by CIÉ, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), was €396.5m. While the funding position improved during 2022, and the 1951 scheme now meets the MFS, the RWS currently does not meet the MFS and the funding level is marginal and subject to future market volatility.
In relation to RWS, I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July 2022.
Regarding the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. This is being considered by the Department in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputy may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months (next update due on 25 October).
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Departmental Data
Questions (156, 157, 158, 159)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:156. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of international ballast water management certificates issued by Ireland from the commencement of the statutory instrument that gave effect to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46282/23]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:157. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of type approval certificates of ballast water mandate system issued by Ireland from the commencement of the Statutory Instrument that gave effect to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46283/23]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:158. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of ballast water management systems which have been installed on or after 28 October 2020, certified by Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46284/23]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:159. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of inspections under section 12(4) of the statutory instrument that gave effect to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46285/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 to 159, inclusive, together.
The International Maritime Organization's Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, adopted in 2004, aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms from one region to another, by establishing standards and procedures for the management and control of ships' ballast water and sediments.
This is a particularly important international environmental Convention which requires all ships in international traffic to manage their ballast water and sediments to a certain standard, according to a ship-specific ballast water management plan. All ships will also have to carry a ballast water record book and an international ballast water management certificate. The ballast water management standards will be phased in over a period, with the 8 September 2024 set as the deadline for the majority of ships to have installed an on-board ballast water treatment system.
I recently signed into law the Sea Pollution (Ballast Water Management Convention) Regulations which will become operational once we have formally acceded to the Convention and which will allow us to implement its requirements and procedures.
The Deputy will be aware that under Article 29.5.2º of the Constitution, the terms of any international agreement that will result in a charge on public funds must be approved by Dáil Éireann. There will be minor costs involved in implementing the Regulations to give effect to the Convention, primarily related to the training of surveyors of the Marine Survey Office. In light of this, the Tánaiste is bringing forward a Memorandum for Government on my behalf seeking agreement from Cabinet colleagues to the bringing forward of a Dáil Motion for approval to formally accede to the Convention.
If Cabinet colleagues agree, it is my intention to bring forward that Motion shortly and if approved by Dáil Éireann, to deposit the formal instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation as soon as possible. However, until such time as approval from Dáil Éireann has been received and the formal instrument of accession has been deposited, Ireland cannot legally implement, nor issue certificates under the Convention or the implementing regulations. In addition, under Article 18.3 of the Ballast Water Management Convention, there is a 3-month lead in period between accession and entry into force.
It is worth noting that even though Irish flagged internationally trading ships have not been issued with international ballast water management certificates, these ships do comply with the Convention, have ballast water systems in place and operate in line with Convention procedures.
Based on the foregoing, and subject to necessary approvals being received, it is anticipated that Ireland will be in a position to implement the Convention from Quarter 2 of 2024.
Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 156.
Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 156.
Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 156.
International Agreements
Questions (160)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:160. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to the ratification of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009, in the coming legislative term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46286/23]
View answerWritten answers
In many instances the introduction of primary legislation is necessary prior to the ratification of an international convention by the State; this is true of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the Hong Kong Convention).
My Department is currently working to progress a Merchant Shipping (International Conventions) Bill to give effect to several international Conventions related to fishing vessel safety, training, working and living conditions for fishers. Ratification of the Hong Kong Convention is included in the Department's legislative programme and will be part of a future Merchant Shipping (Environmental International Conventions) Bill. Given the complex nature of the Bill and the need to review existing legislation relating to the recycling of ships it is not possible to provide a definitive timeline for the completion of the Bill at this stage but it will not be within the coming legislative term.
International Agreements
Questions (161)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:161. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to the ratification of the protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances, 2000 (OPRC-HNS Protocol); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46287/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances (OPRC-HNS Protocol) was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2000 and extends the requirements which are in place for dealing with oil pollution incidents to include incidents involving hazardous and noxious substances.
Ratification by Ireland of the OPRC-HNS Protocol is included within a comprehensive 10-year maritime legislative programme, in place within my Department, which takes account of our legislative obligations at domestic, EU and international levels.
This Protocol has already been given partial effect in Ireland via the Sea Pollution (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 and with the implementation of the National Maritime Oil & HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NMOSCP) published in 2020.
The National Maritime Oil & HNS Spill Contingency Plan establishes Ireland’s national framework and strategy to coordinate marine pollution preparedness and response. The Plan addresses all oil and Hazardous Noxious Substance (HNS) pollution whether it originates from ships, harbours, offshore units, Oil/HNS handling facilities or land-based sources and covers waters in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In addition, it provides for and supports current mechanisms in requesting assistance from other countries through bilateral and multilateral arrangements in the event of a major maritime pollution incident.
As part of its legislative programme, my Department is currently assessing whether further legislation is required in order to fully implement the Protocol. Once this process has concluded we will be in a position to ratify the Protocol and fully intend doing so.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (162)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:162. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport for updated measures to improve the provision of electric vehicle charging points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46292/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerates Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
In January, I launched the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025, alongside an Implementation Plan. The strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
Destination Charging is a strong priority for ZEVI in 2023. In addition to a general scheme, a number of bespoke schemes are also in advanced stages of development and delivery, including:
A shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers
An EU Just transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers
These circa 300 sites, in addition to those under other destination schemes currently planned will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
I launched The National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan last month. This is the first element of the National EV Charging Network Plan which, will cover all publicly accessible EV charging in the country.
The National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan and associated initiatives will drive the delivery of charging infrastructure on the National Road Network. The Plan sets out ambitious targets for the level and coverage needed for En-Route charging on our national roads network. We are already seeing significant increased capacity of EV charging on our national roads, and this plan provides additional reassurance and certainty for EV drivers and those thinking of making the switch to EVs that they will be able to find high powered, fast and convenient EV charge-points where and when they need them.
The Plan sets out a provision of EV charging that will be ahead of demand and meet European requirements for charging electric cars, LGVs and HGVs by 2025 and 2030. The implementation of this Plan through enhanced grid connections, funding interventions and enabling measures will remove barriers and accelerate the delivery of high-powered EV charging.
Additionally, ZEVI has been engaging extensively with Local Authorities to develop their EV Infrastructure Strategies for Destination and Residential neighbourhood chargers. Local Authorities as part of their strategy development and implementation planning will identify locations and optimum sites where these types of chargers are required. ZEVI is currently engaging with Local Authorities and looking at potential direct multi-annual funding options for Local Authorities to install both Destination and Local neighbourhood Charging Projects. It is anticipated that Phase 1 projects will commence roll out in 2024.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (163)
Verona Murphy
Question:163. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the charging costs on public electric vehicle charging are included in the pending energy cost price reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46333/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years.
The Government’s EV target is a critical solution to reducing our transport emissions and is a key part of the strategy which also includes measures to reduce car journeys, through improved public and active transport networks.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
Price setting by electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base.
As such, any changes to the cost of charging are subject to the customer's home energy costs in the event that they have a home EV charger, or the pricing models implemented by charge point operators in the case of public EV charging.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (164)
Verona Murphy
Question:164. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the reason there has been a huge increase in the past 12 months on the cost of charging an electric vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46334/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years.
The Government’s EV target is a critical solution to reducing our transport emissions and is a key part of the strategy which also includes measures to reduce car journeys, through improved public and active transport networks.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
Price setting by electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (165)
Verona Murphy
Question:165. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to outline any plans there are to regulate the public electric vehicle sector in relation to charging costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46335/23]
View answerWritten answers
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
Price setting by electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base.
As such, any changes to the cost of charging are subject to the customers home energy costs in the event that they have a home EV charger, or the pricing models implemented by charge point operators in the case of public EV charging.
There are no current plans to introduce regulation on charging costs within the EV charging sector.
Taxi Regulations
Questions (166)
Johnny Guirke
Question:166. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport if plans are in place to extend the local hackney pilot scheme to further rural areas, in particular to areas of Westmeath, such as Clonmellon, Delvin, Raharney, which have no such service at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46349/23]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the Local Area Hackney Scheme, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Accordingly, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51