Written Answers Nos. 241-260
241. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the approach he intends to adopt to setting new speed limits; how he will ensure that there is a focus on dangerous speeds, rather than on minor exceedances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47930/23]
View answerSpeed limits are set through a combination of default speed limits and ‘special' speed limits, as defined in the Guidelines for Managing Speed Limits in Ireland. The Guidelines provide advice to local authorities in the setting of speed limits having regard to matters such as road safety and road conditions. Exceptions to the defaults are permitted in the guidelines to aid and empower local decision making and ensure that a given speed limit is aligned with the prevailing conditions of specific sections of the road network.
The Road Traffic Act of 2004, as amended, sets out the current legislative basis for the setting of speed limits. The Act applies ‘default’ speed limits to different classes or categories of road and allows for local authorities to intervene and set ‘special speed limits’, within limitations, on roads in their area. The making of bye-laws to set 'special' speed limits is a reserved function of the elected members of a local authority.As part of Action 6 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, a review was undertaken to examine the framework for setting of speed limits in Ireland including specific consideration of the introduction of a 30km/h default speed limit in urban areas. This review is complete and was published in September.
Actions are now underway to legislate for updated default speed limits as recommended by the Review and to revise the Guidelines. Collectively, this will assist local authorities to carry out their own speed limit reviews and pass bye-laws for 'special' speed limits, where appropriate.
242. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he has any plans to introduce an earlier bus to Dublin from Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47972/23]
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 asking whether there are plans to introduce an earlier bus to Dublin from Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
243. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number permits his Department has issued to the US for transport of weapons via the Irish State in the years 2019 to 2023 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47996/23]
View answerExemptions from the prohibition of the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft are granted pursuant to Article 5 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989.
Applications are made by individual air operators (not States), with determinations made on a case-by-case basis and subject to a consultation process with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice. The Irish Aviation Authority is consulted only when such carriage also includes dangerous goods. The Department of Defence is kept informed of all applications.
Set out below are the total number of exemptions granted to US civil air operators, both overflying and stopping at a point in Ireland, from 2019 to 2023 (end October).
The weapons carried on board these aircraft were unloaded personal weapons of troops on board and no ammunition was carried.
|
Year |
Exemptions granted to US civil air operators |
|
2019 |
1,016 |
|
2020 |
1,152 |
|
2021 |
973 |
|
2022 |
1,049 |
|
2023 (end October) |
756 |
244. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if his Department engages a company (details supplied); if so, the duration and nature of the work; the cost of same to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48022/23]
View answerThe Department has no record of payments made to a supplier under the name of 'McKinsey'.
245. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if local authorities adhere to standards (details supplied) when installing disabled parking bays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48030/23]
View answerThe remit of the Department of Transport in respect of disabled parking is strictly limited to drafting of legislation underpinning the Disabled Parking Scheme, encompassing such aspects as eligibility for a disabled parking permit and the nomination of specific bodies responsible for issuing permits.
The provision and physical location of disabled parking bays on public roads is a matter for each local authority. The Deputy may wish to bring this query to the direct attention of the local authority sector, via the Local Government Management Authority (LGMA).
246. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Transport to outline the total cost to the taxpayer of the administrative errors incurred by the NTA which have resulted in extensions to the public participation process of the BusConnects Bus Corridor schemes; if these costs could be broken down by each error which has occurred to date, across each Bus Corridor scheme, and to include the costs of re-advertising each time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48046/23]
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 action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
247. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to review two complaints regarding a public transport bus (details supplied); if he will refer these matters to Bus Éireann for reply; if he will note that these complaints regarding this bus are on the increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48051/23]
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 issues raised in the complaints that the Deputy has forwarded are an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
248. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the RSA in respect of the official driving test routes at a test centre in the context of their fairness (details supplied); if the RSA will review the routes and work with the local authority to remark the road and consider alternative locations to test drivers. [48079/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. As such, neither I nor my officials have the power to directly intervene with regard to driving test routes.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply and a more detailed response on the issues raised. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
249. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule by driving test centre, indicating the number of category B tests taken in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will provide a further breakdown of the number of failed tests as part of that schedule, in tabular form. [48080/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including holding the detailed statistics sought. As such, I have referred the Deputy's question 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.
250. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding ringfenced and drawn down for a project list in an area (details supplied); and if a timeline has been established for same, in tabular form. [48088/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel and public transport. 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.
251. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport for assistance on a driving test matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48184/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of driver testing. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department hold information on, or have the have the power to intervene in, individual cases.I have therefore referred the Deputy's question 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.
252. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason for a delay in issuing a taxi licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48186/23]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, 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 question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
253. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48193/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of driver testing. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department hold information on, or have the have the power to intervene in, individual cases.I have therefore referred the Deputy's question 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.
254. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if, in light of the importance of road safety, he will provide clarification as to the reason his Department does not currently publish road collision data on a monthly basis; whether there are any plans to implement a more frequent reporting schedule in the interest of enhancing road safety awareness and prevention measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48198/23]
View answer255. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to publish road collision data on a monthly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48199/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, collision data are compiled by An Garda Síochána (AGS) in the first instance. AGS publish fatality statistics on a daily basis and other roads policing statistics on a regular basis, which can be accessed at: garda.ie/en/roads-policing/statistics/.
With regard to reporting on collisions more generally, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. The RSA receives AGS data for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions 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.
256. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if a person will be considered for a transport service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48202/23]
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 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 public transport services in county Kerry, 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.
257. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he will support an application to activate funds to determine the design phase of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48221/23]
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.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the status of this proposed scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
258. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a roads project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48230/23]
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.
Due to the pressures on the regional and local road network, 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.Mayo County Council received an allocation of €850,000 this year under the Strategic Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for the R332 Kilmaine to Foxhall Road project. It is my understanding that the the scheme is currently at design and land acquisition stage, with some pavement works expected to commence shortly.
Planning and implementation of the R332 Kilmaine to Foxhall Road project is the responsibility of Mayo County Council.
259. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport what proposals he has to ensure that pensioners who were in the CIÉ and Bus Éireann pension schemes, and have not received an increase in their pension since 2008, receive such an increase in pension in line with the cost-of-living since 2008; whether the question of an Exchequer subvention to these schemes has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48269/23]
View answerAs 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.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.
260. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure there is an adequate bus service on the 419 bus route from Galway to Clifden and Letterfrack; the improvements that are planned for the service on the route particularly at peak traffic hours and late night services leaving Galway up to 11.00 pm to Clifden and Letterfrack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48271/23]
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 questions raised by the Deputy in relation to the steps being taken to ensure there is an adequate bus service on the 419 bus route from Galway to Clifden and Letterfrack; the improvements that are planned for the service on the route particularly at peak traffic hours and late night services leaving Galway up to 11.00 pm to Clifden and Letterfrack is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
