Written Answers Nos. 169-189
169. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport for an update on any planned reviews by the NTA in the Adamstown/Lucan area to facilitate the growing population and growing demand following both the build out of the Adamstown and Clonburris strategic development zones and the integration of Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection into the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52229/23]
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 decisions in relation to the routes 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 request for an or an update on any planned reviews by the NTA in the Adamstown/Lucan area to facilitate the growing population and growing demand following both the build out of the Adamstown and Clonburris strategic development zones and the integration of Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection into the local community to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
170. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the role that the Ryder Cup has played in securing his support for progressing the Adare bypass road with more urgency; if he is comfortable that commercial interests such as this should play such a role in progressing such projects; if projects such as the N24 project and the bypass of Tipperary town are at a disadvantage, given this approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52302/23]
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.
The Tipperary Bypass is part of the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction project which received an allocation of €1m in 2023. The project is currently in the Design and Evaluation phase, which must be completed before a Preliminary Business Case is presented to the Department as is required by the Public Spending Code. As such, it is at an earlier stage of the project lifecycle than the Adare Bypass.
All new National Roads projects listed in the National Development Plan (NDP) are considered for funding on an annual basis. The delivery programme for the N24 project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
The progression of one project does not imply that another will be delayed. It is expected that allocations for 2024 will be announced in the coming weeks.
171. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when additional capacity will be provided on a route where a public service contract is operated under the National Transport Authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52350/23]
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 decisions in relation to the routes 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 request for additional capacity on the 109X Cavan/Dublin PSO service to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
172. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers, approved by his Department in March of this year; if he will confirm the geographical areas where the first tranche of new recruits were deployed in September; if he will outline how many additional testers were assigned to Waterford; if he will outline how many additional testers were assigned to Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52353/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. As such, the specific information regarding the deployment of additional testers to particular locations, including to Waterford and Cork, is held by them. I have therefore referred that part of question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
My Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers in March of this year. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to 205, which is more than double the 100 sanctioned testing posts in June 2022.
The first tranche of new recruits were deployed in September and it is expected that before the end of the year there will be a net increase of 42 driver testers. These new recruits will be deployed across the driver testing service with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
With the introduction of additional testing capacity in September, there has been a steady decline in average wait times from 30.4 weeks at end-August to 24.9 weeks at end-October. This downward trend is expected to continue as the new testers into service and the RSA estimates that the agreed service level of average wait times of 10 weeks will resume in mid-2024.
173. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport for an update from the Road Safety Authority on a new permanent driving test centre for Drogheda, County Louth; if the RSA has any proposals for a new temporary centre for the town in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52375/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the information requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
174. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he has given further consideration to funding the next phase of the Mallow relief road to enable the project to be brought to planning stage. [52380/23]
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 this project.
I can confirm that €100,000 has been allocated for the Mallow Relief Road project in 2023. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. It is expected that allocations for 2024 will be announced by the end of the year.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you on the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
175. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the delivery date for the proposed BusConnects ‘O’ orbital routes serving the South Circular Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52389/23]
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.
BusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the existing bus system providing better bus services to more people. The BusConnects Dublin programme brings together all areas of bus investment identified in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, including enhanced and new bus infrastructure, investment in fleet and service enhancements such as higher frequency and new routes serving a wider catchment.
The Network Redesign for the entire Dublin network is being rolled out over 11 phases. The roll out of the Network Redesign began in 2021 with the launch of the first two phases – the H-Spine (Howth/Malahide to City Centre) in June and the C-Spine (Lucan/Celbridge to Ringsend via City Centre), in November 2021. Phase 3 was launched in May 2022. It consisted of two Northern Orbital Routes (N4 Blanchardstown to Point Village and N6 Finglas to Howth Junction). Phase 4, the G-Spine and Route 60 (Ballyfermot/Liffey Valley/Red Cow to the Docklands via city centre) was launched in October 2022. The NTA launched Phase 5a – the Western Orbitals in June 2023 and Phase 5b - the Southern Orbitals will launch in November 2023. The roll out of the Network Redesign will continue in the coming years subject to funding and driver availability.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to the specific 'O' route, 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.
176. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking to address the shortage of mechanics. [52395/23]
View answer177. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is aware of the issues a shortage of mechanics is causing for the public transport system in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52396/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
As 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 such as driver recruitment.
I understand that many operators in the transport sector are experiencing difficulties in recruiting mechanics , which is impacting the maintenance and servicing of vehicles and potentially affecting service delivery. These issues are found across all types of operators both public and private.
Despite regular recruitment campaigns and apprenticeship programs, the industry has been unable to attract enough candidates to fill the vacancies. To address this issue, the Department of Transport has supported the removal of mechanics from the Ineligible Occupations List as part of the ongoing review of the list by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as mechanics are crucial for maintaining existing public transport services and implementing government programs.
I understand that the review process is ongoing with submissions to the review under consideration by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy. It is expected that a report will be finalised shortly for the consideration of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, following which any recommendations approved would be implemented through amendment to the Employment Permits regulations thereafter.
178. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the capital works projects under the remit of his Department that have received EU funding in 2022 and to-date in 2023; and the EU funding received per project in each of the years in question, in tabular form. [52401/23]
View answerDeputy,
The capital works projects under the remit of this Department that have received EU funding in 2022 and to-date in 2023 are outlined as follows:
|
Capital Works Project |
Fund |
Year |
Funding Received (€) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cork Commuter Rail |
National Recovery & Resilience Fund |
2022 |
8,870,000 |
|
Cork Commuter Rail |
National Recovery and Resilience Fund |
2023 |
27,100,000 |
|
HGV Rest Stop Kilrane, Wexford |
Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund |
2023 |
69,000 |
179. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Banduff road scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52415/23]
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.
180. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding that will be allocated to the Ballyvolane Strategic Transport Corridor; how long the improvement project is expected to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52418/23]
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.
181. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Blarney village pedestrian and cycling infrastructure scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52419/23]
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.
182. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to open a new round of funding for the Safe Routes to School Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52420/23]
View answer183. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools that applied for the Safe Routes to School Programme; the number of schools that were successful; the number of schools that must wait for the next round of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52421/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
In March 2021, I launched the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme as a response to the need to improve safety at the ‘front of school’ environment and enhance access to school grounds. The programme aims to support walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools and to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities. This will help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing the necessary infrastructure.
The Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA). An Taisce’s Green-Schools is coordinating the programme and funding will be made available to local authorities who will play a key part in delivering the infrastructure along access routes and at the school gate.
All schools were notified of the programme and were invited to apply. 931 applications were received from primary and secondary schools across every county in Ireland, making up around a quarter of all the schools in the country. 167 schools form Round 1 of the Programme with a further 108 schools having been selected for inclusion in Round 2. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the first two rounds will be selected at a later stage without the need to reapply.
Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently. Round 3 schools are expected to be announced in 2024.
184. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to accelerating the upgrade of the N20 Cork Limerick motorway with a view to an earlier start date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52422/23]
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 this project.
The N/M20 Cork to Limerick project is subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code, and the next milestone under the code will be finalisation of the Preliminary Business Case at Decision Gate 1. I can confirm that €5,000,000 has been allocated for the project in 2023. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. The allocations for national roads for 2024 are expected to be announced by the end of this year.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you on the N/M20 project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
185. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter in relation to CIÉ pensions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52457/23]
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. The proceedings are next due for mention on the 24 of January 2024.
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.
186. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport where the 7 km bypass of Adare will start; where it will terminate; if it will be dual or single carriageway along the proposed 7km length; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52461/23]
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 this project.
I can confirm that €2,000,000 has been allocated for the Limerick to Foynes Project in 2023 which includes a bypass of Adare. On November 21st, Government approved the early delivery of the Adare Bypass element of the project. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. The allocations for national roads for 2024 are expected to be announced by the end of this year.
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.
187. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport when the final all-island rail review report will be published; if he will ensure that the outcome of the rail review is reflected in the revision of the TEN-T Network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52531/23]
View answerThe All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken by the Department of Transport in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This includes the role of rail freight and consideration of the growth potential of the rail freight market.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft report was published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July. The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September and submissions are now under review by the Project Team and officials from both jurisdictions
Following the SEA process and finalisation of the report, it is expected that it will be submitted for the approval of the Minister for Transport and Government, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers in the NI Executive, approval will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time.
As the Deputy may be aware, negotiations are ongoing on the revision of the existing TEN-T Regulation. This will be the first full revision of the Regulation since its adoption in 2013, with further revisions likely in the future given the Regulation’s horizon to 2050. Negotiations are currently at the trilogue stage in Brussels, with a final agreement possible over the coming months. My Department will continue to liaise with the relevant European Union institutions on the finalisation of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and its impact on Ireland’s position in relation to this current revision of the TEN-T Network.
189. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Finance the number of vacant homes identified by Revenue Commissioners as eligible for the vacant homes tax, by local authority administrative area or county, in tabular form. [52455/23]
View answer202. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the number of returns with respect to the vacant homes tax that have been received to date; the total number of properties recorded as occupied, those recorded as vacant; the total number of exemptions from the tax that have been claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52376/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 202 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) is a new measure announced in Budget 2023, which aims to increase the supply of homes for rent or purchase to meet demand. Legislative provision for the tax was made in the Finance Act 2022. A residential property will be within the scope of VHT, if it has been occupied as a dwelling for less than 30 days in a chargeable period.
VHT operates on a self-assessment basis, where the number of properties in scope and the amount of tax payable, depends on the self-assessed returns submitted by property owners, the number of properties declared as liable, and the number of property owners entitled to claim available exemptions from the tax. The first chargeable period ended on 31 October 2023 with the first self-assessed returns due on 7 November 2023 and the associated tax payable on or before 1 January 2024.
I am advised by Revenue that the online VHT Portal became available to the public on 25 September 2023, where property owners can confirm the occupation status of their property, file VHT Returns, make payments, and submit any necessary documentation to Revenue. The VHT portal guides the user through 3 steps, which allows them to either declare that the property is outside the scope of the tax, or to file the VHT return.
As of 20 November 2023, the 3 step process through the VHT portal had been completed in respect of over 50,000 properties, with approximately 45,000 such properties being declared as occupied and 5,000 properties declared as vacant. Out of this total, exemptions have been claimed in respect of approximately 2,000 properties. This leaves approximately 3,000 properties with a liability to VHT.
Revenue is continuing to carry out analysis of VHT returns received. Data by local authority administrative area or county is not available at this time.
