Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to add public health to the list of relevant areas of expertise to be considered by him in making appointments to the Climate Advisory Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51495/23]
View answerSection 9 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 sets out the range of qualifications, experience and competence deemed necessary for the proper and effective performance of the functions of the Climate Change Advisory Council.
There are no plans at present to extend the list of relevant areas of expertise in respect of appointments to the Climate Change Advisory Committee.
42. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to allocate additional resources to local authorities for the monitoring and enforcement of existing air quality legislation and to take the necessary steps to increase penalties for breaches of the forgoing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51496/23]
View answerMy Department has worked with the Local Government Management Agency to develop the business case for an enhanced enforcement structure to support the provision of improved co-ordination, expertise and advice to underpin consistent implementation of all air quality legislation across the country. I have made funding of up to €3 million available to support this regional enforcement group and I expect the business case to be submitted formally to the sector for approval in the coming months.
In the absence of a co-ordination body, officials from my Department have been engaging directly with enforcement personnel on the ground, developing guidance and training, holding workshops, providing funding, and supporting the sharing of best practice in relation to a range of air quality legislative obligations that are under the remit of the Local Authorities. I have provided grant funding of over €600,000 to support enforcement efforts on the ground, including a solid fuels sampling programme and an online sales pilot project.
My Department is also developing new legislation to strengthen the enforcement powers of the local authorities to support increased compliance with the regulations.
43. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will liaise with hiscounterpart in Northern Ireland to develop an all-island air strategy in order to further establish a statutory alignment of air quality legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51497/23]
View answerOfficials from my Department engage with their counterparts in Northern Ireland on a regular basis to discuss air quality matters. These interactions are important as we commence the implementation of Ireland’s first Clean Air Strategy and review progress being made in Northern Ireland on the development of their own strategy. At present there are no plans to develop an all-island strategy as both jurisdictions are at different stages in terms of policy development and working in different political contexts. However, given the transboundary nature of the issue, we continue to work closely to align our priorities and associated legislation in so far as possible to ensure continued improvement in air quality across the island.
44. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if Ireland plans to withdraw from the energy charter treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51250/23]
View answerI have publicly stated, most recently on the ninth of this month in this House that the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is not fit for purpose. The removal of fossil fuels and elimination or reduction of the sunset clause were key asks for Ireland as part of the modernisation process.
The Energy Charter Treaty modernisation has not progressed adequately. Therefore, Europe has signalled a full exit from the treaty should be undertaken now that modernisation has not been possible.
Throughout this process Ireland has expressed strong views within the EU on the compatibility of the Paris Climate Agreement and the ECT dispute resolution mechanism. We continue to express our views within the EU on these issues and we believe that our views carry more weight in international negotiations by advocating them as part of the European Union.
Ireland has signalled its intent to leave the Energy Charter Treaty but wants to do so in a coordinated way with the other Member States. Ireland is engaging with our EU partners on the way forward to achieve this.
Ireland is among nine EU Member States who have indicated they are withdrawing from the ECT; Italy left in 2015.
My Department is currently engaging with the Attorney General's Office on legal issues relating to the withdrawal process, which I expect to bring to Government to align with the coordinated EU withdrawal
45. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on a matter regarding an Army bereavement fund (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51369/23]
View answerIn addition to a range of State supports for families that suffer bereavement, the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund is also available for former members of the Defence Forces and their families. This fund was established to provide support to veterans of the Defence Forces who experience periods of difficulty, including family bereavement.
Support is organised and distributed through committees of serving military personnel who are active in each of the formations of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, the Naval Service, 1 Brigade, 2 Brigade and the Defence Forces Training Centre.
The Fund operates in a confidential and supportive manner to provide much needed support to military veterans, regardless of rank or length of service, and who are resident in the state and overseas.
While the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund operates as a fund within the Defence Forces, it works in close cooperation with the Veterans’ Associations, including the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.), the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO).
As there are a range of supports currently available, there are no plans to create a separate bereavement fund for former members of the Defence Forces. Every effort is made to ensure that those who have suffered a bereavement are made aware of the full range of supports available.
46. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport his views on the environmental impact of planned increases in container storage in the Poolbeg peninsula; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51200/23]
View answerAs Ireland’s largest commercial State port, Dublin Port Company handles approximately 50% of the total freight at Irish ports. In line with the National Ports Policy and the National Development Plan, Dublin Port Company is progressing implementation of its Masterplan 2040 to facilitate the Port to provide for future sustainable growth and changes in facilitating seaborne trade in goods and passenger movements to and from Ireland and the Dublin region in particular. Dublin Port Company has also signed up to the Climate Action Framework for commercial semi-state bodies, reflecting the role it is to play in decarbonisation.
The potential environmental impacts of any future strategic infrastructure development proposals within the port will be assessed by An Bord Pleanála and will be subject to public consultation as part of the statutory planning application process.
47. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to open the local hackney programme to new applications in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51205/23]
View answerThe 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.
48. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if traffic measurement recommendations (details supplied) will be implemented outside a school on the N70 as a matter of priority to ensure the health and safety of pupils, parents and teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51216/23]
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.
49. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when a road (details supplied) will be resurfaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51244/23]
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.
50. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51245/23]
View answerIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.Any new road projects that seek funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the 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.
In this regard, it is my understanding is that Kerry County Council are currently examining options for Listry Bridge, considering the needs and objectives, and deciding how best to progress to ensure value for money. My Department is committed to working closely with the Council.
51. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the distance between rest stops on the M6 motorway; his plans to put rest stops in place between Athlone and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51253/23]
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.
52. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the reason only two carriages are being used on the 8:01 train from Galway to Oranmore; the reason for cost of €4 one-way train from Galway to Oranmore; the reason leap cards are not in place; and the reason all trains do not stop in Oranmore. [51254/23]
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 by the Deputy in relation to rail services between Galway to Oranmore, are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann and the NTA for direct replies. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
53. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of additional WTE enforcement transport officers and enforcement vehicle inspectors recruited by the RSA in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [51338/23]
View answerThe information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority, as the employer of vehicle inspectors and transport officers. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
54. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the budget allocation for active travel spending in 2024; and the estimated number of kilometres of new cycling infrastructure that will be delivered in 2024. [51339/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for the overall policy and funding of Active Travel infrastructure. The allocation of this funding to the various local authorities falls to the National Transport Authority (NTA) who are responsible for overseeing the delivery of both new projects and upgrading of existing infrastructure.
The Active Travel grant allocations are finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) and take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year.
The number of kilometres of new cycling infrastructure due to be delivered in 2024 will therefore be dependant on the REV and will be announced early in the new year.
55. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of hybrid and hydrogen buses that will come into the Bus Éireann PSO fleets in 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [51340/23]
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 the national PSO bus fleet.
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.
56. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether contact has been made with a religious order (details supplied) in Cork to progress a bus shelter on Mulgrave road. [51370/23]
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 national provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
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.
57. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of habitual long delays and overcrowding for commuters attempting to take the 77a bus in Dublin; the reason for these problems; and what measures he will take to address them. [51541/23]
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 question raised by the Deputy in relation to delays and overcrowding for commuters on the 77a bus route in Dublin; the reason for these problems; and measures being taken to address these issues, is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. 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.
58. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport what plans he has with respect to the use of contactless payments by the NTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51583/23]
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 ticketing technology.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) project is an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods, thus reducing delays at bus stops associated with cash payment and to be complemented by an integrated and simplified fare structure. This new ticketing equipment will include modern features to support modern payment methods and replace the current Leap system.
Fundamental to the vision for NGT is to transition to an ‘account based ticketing’ scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments. This approach offers the NTA the best opportunity to to give citizens greater choice and more convenience, making it easier to use public transport. This 'account based ticketing' will also offer a platform for any subsequent extensions into into mobility as a service.
This vision is intrinsically linked to Project Ireland 2040, including the long-term overarching strategy to make public transit in Ireland better for all of its citizens.
In line with the Public Spending Code, NGT received Decision Gate 2 approval from Cabinet in March 2022. This approval allowed the NTA to proceed with the procurement process. The NTA is preparing a Final Business Case for NGT and it is expected that this will be submitted to Cabinet for approval at Decision Gate 3 in 2024. Following approval of the Final Business Case, the project can move to the implementation phase.
59. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the procurement process by the NTA for appointing a contractor to oversee the roll-out of contactless payments technology for rural and urban bus services. [51584/23]
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 ticketing technology.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) project is an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods thus reducing delays at stops associated with cash payment and to be complemented by an integrated and simplified fare structure. This new ticketing equipment will include modern features to support modern payment methods and replace the current Leap system.
Fundamental to the vision for NGT is to transition to an ‘account based ticketing’ scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments. This approach offers the NTA the best opportunity to to give citizens greater choice and more convenience thus making it easier to use public transport. This 'account based ticketing' will also offer a platform for any subsequent extensions into into mobility as a service.
This vision is intrinsically linked to Project Ireland 2040, including the long-term overarching strategy to make public transit in Ireland better for all of its citizens.
In line with the Public Spending Code, NGT received Decision Gate 2 approval from Cabinet in March 2022. This approval allowed the NTA to proceed with the procurement process. The NTA is preparing a Final Business Case for NGT and it is expected that this will be submitted to Cabinet for approval at Decision Gate 3 in 2024. Following approval of the Final Business Case the project can move to the implementation phase.
60. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the trial of contactless payments happening on Local Link services in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51585/23]
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 ticketing technology.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) project is an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods thus reducing delays at stops associated with cash payment and to be complemented by an integrated and simplified fare structure. This new ticketing equipment will include modern features to support modern payment methods and replace the current Leap system.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, and your specific reference Local Link Services, 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.
