Written Answers Nos. 228-242
228. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of recent changes to bus routes in the Dublin 12 area and the cancellation of some routes; whether there has been an increase in scheduled bus departures and in bus-carrying capacity as a result of these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55252/23]
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 questions in relation to bus services in Dublin 12, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
229. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an explanation from the NTA for the decision to remove services from parts of Crumlin under the new BusConnects plans, and the decision to leave residents in Ballyfermot with no direct link to the Rathmines area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55253/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued 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. It is a key part of the Government’s policy to improve public transport and help address climate change.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Dublin. 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.
230. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport how Dublin Bus is planning to make transport more accessible for people with mobility issues and particularly for wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55262/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. The NTA also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessibility of buses, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
231. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport how the BusConnects scheme considered the access needs of people with mobility issues such as wheelchair users in the redesign of the Dublin Bus network, particularly in the context of interchanging between different bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55263/23]
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, as overseen by the National Transport Authority (NTA), 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.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to the specific query mentioned, 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.
232. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport what plans are in place to review the effectiveness of the newly established bus routes rolled out as part of BusConnects phase 5b, particularly the local routes such as the L55; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55264/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued 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. It is a key part of the Government’s policy to improve public transport and help address climate change.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Dublin. 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.
233. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 5 December 2023, the reason Dublin only has one motor tax office, given the population and size of the county; if consideration will be given to reinstating the motor tax office in a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55317/23]
View answerLocal Authorities have responsibility for the operation of Motor Tax Offices. Statistics below show the number of Dublin based vehicles taxed using the online facility is greater than any other county in Ireland.
2023 Motor Tax Discs Issued to end November
|
County |
MTO |
On-Line |
Total |
On-Line % |
|
CARLOW |
13,741 |
57,444 |
71,185 |
80.70% |
|
CAVAN |
12,871 |
66,553 |
79,424 |
83.79% |
|
CLARE |
22,411 |
101,768 |
124,179 |
81.95% |
|
CORK |
53,374 |
479,569 |
532,943 |
89.99% |
|
DONEGAL |
32,718 |
123,371 |
156,089 |
79.04% |
|
DUBLIN |
67,666 |
973,514 |
1,041,180 |
93.50% |
|
GALWAY |
41,663 |
211,884 |
253,547 |
83.57% |
|
KERRY |
21,339 |
132,777 |
154,116 |
86.15% |
|
KILDARE |
22,656 |
218,438 |
241,094 |
90.60% |
|
KILKENNY |
17,756 |
85,001 |
102,757 |
82.72% |
|
LAOIS |
17,039 |
71,046 |
88,085 |
80.66% |
|
LEITRIM |
6,628 |
28,045 |
34,673 |
80.88% |
|
LIMERICK |
36,018 |
157,657 |
193,675 |
81.40% |
|
LONGFORD |
9,747 |
34,231 |
43,978 |
77.84% |
|
LOUTH |
20,542 |
96,268 |
116,810 |
82.41% |
|
MAYO |
27,072 |
108,193 |
135,265 |
79.99% |
|
MEATH |
19,968 |
189,025 |
208,993 |
90.45% |
|
MONAGHAN |
13,508 |
50,534 |
64,042 |
78.91% |
|
OFFALY |
15,577 |
68,357 |
83,934 |
81.44% |
|
ROSCOMMON |
19,691 |
55,112 |
74,803 |
73.68% |
|
SLIGO |
14,950 |
51,790 |
66,740 |
77.60% |
|
TIPPERARY |
30,863 |
152,861 |
183,724 |
83.20% |
|
WATERFORD |
22,183 |
104,895 |
127,078 |
82.54% |
|
WESTMEATH |
22,712 |
74,440 |
97,152 |
76.62% |
|
WEXFORD |
30,807 |
150,693 |
181,500 |
83.03% |
|
WICKLOW |
18,087 |
129,262 |
147,349 |
87.73% |
|
Grand Total |
631,587 |
3,972,728 |
4,604,315 |
86.28% |
234. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has engaged with the Minister for Justice in respect of safety for night-time commuters and transport workers during the Christmas period. [55324/23]
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.
While the safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff is of utmost importance, arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on public transport are matters which first and foremost must be managed by each public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.
My Department has also been engaging directly with the NTA and the PSO operators on the issue of anti-social behaviour and in relation to ensuring the safety of passengers and staff.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the safety of night-time commuters and workers is an operational matter for the operators in conjunction with the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
235. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is in discussions to buy a motorway (details supplied) given the toll increases across all routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55333/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
236. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55359/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
237. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the increased investment being made in Local Link services in both counties Carlow and Kilkenny, including future plans for such an extension. [55373/23]
View answerMy Department is strongly committed to improving public transport services in rural areas and to piloting new transport initiatives for people of all ages and abilities living there.
My Department and the NTA are supporting this by providing increased funding for enhancing TFI Local Link services, for both regular "timetabled" services, and "door-to-door" demand responsive services as well. There has been a substantial increase in funding allocated for Local Link services since 2016, going from €12.2 million in 2016 to €43m in 2023.
The additional funding has enabled the introduction of over 100 new Rural Regular Service routes, as well as improvements to DRT services. The new Rural Regular Services operate at least five times per day over a 5,6,7 days per week schedule. They are specifically designed to ensure connectivity with other public transport services and better linkage of services between and within towns and villages.
Additionally, we have also been exploring the expansion of non-conventional modes of transport to give the public a well-rounded transport offering. The community ethos is also maintained as we continue to operate our well-received Community Car Scheme.
One of the key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland is under my Department and the NTA's Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which aims to develop an integrated, accessible, and sustainable network of public transport offerings across Ireland. The allocation for Connecting Ireland in 2023 is €8.35m, and the Budget for 2024 is currently in the process of being finalised.
An example of increased investment in County Carlow is the 887 seven day TFI Local Link bus service which frequents Carlow - New Ross, and offers enhanced connectivity to villages and areas such as Tinnahinch, Skeagh Cross and Ballinkillen Cross, which was launched in August 2023.
238. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport when the remaining sections of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 is to be signed into law. [55374/23]
View answerThe Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was recently signed into law by the President on 23 June 2023. This is a large piece of legislation which covers a multitude of topics.
In the Programme for Government, we committed to addressing a number of concerns, such as the use of e-scooters and e-bikes, variable speed limits, the roll-out out of zero and low-emission vehicles and supporting infrastructure, delivery of BusConnects, and prohibiting the anti-social use of scramblers and quads. The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 supports these commitments.
Work on the relevant commencement orders has already started. To date there have been three commencement orders signed into law covering the anti-social use of scramblers, provisions relating to the Irish Motor Insurance Database, BusConnects, and traffic management on National Roads.
Work is ongoing on the remaining provisions to be commenced. It is anticipated that most these will come into effect in the first quarter of 2024.
239. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of gritting an additional 45 secondary routes annually. [55375/23]
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.
With regards to Regional and Local roads, under the Department's Discretionary Grant, Councils have the discretion to use grant funding for eligible winter maintenance works. In this context it is a matter for each Council to determine its winter road treatment programme including the prioritisation of routes for salting/gritting.
240. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost to recruit two additional ship surveyors for his Department, in tabular form. [55376/23]
View answerShip surveyor complete an important function in terms of safety, security and protection. The estimated full-year cost to recruit two additional ship surveyors for my department based on current salary figures are outlined below:
|
Salary Cost |
€72,928 |
€72,928 |
|
|
Employers' PRSI |
€8,059 |
€8,059 |
|
|
Total cost |
€145,856 |
€145,856 |
€291,712 |
241. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for motor insurers to be granted access to information on his Department’s driver file database on disqualified drivers and verify the driver number of a driver on the entry, under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023; if motor insurance brokers will also be granted access to this information under the Act; if the information will be provided in real time to motor insurers directly from his Department; if so, if there will be a cost to access this information incurred by the insurer concerned; the reason for the delay in commencing this piece of legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55382/23]
View answerInsurer access to the Department of Transport's National Driver and Vehicle File (NVDF), to allow verification of the number of penalty points endorsed on a licence, is provided under Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2014.
The 2014 Act was amended by the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 to, among other things, extend access to endorsement details to include disqualifications and to allow access by intermediaries who have specific sanction from a vehicle insurer to enter into contracts on their behalf. Data will be available in real time and there will be no cost associated with access.
The relevant section of the 2023 Act has not yet been commenced, as my officials are working with insurance industry representatives to ensure the necessary systems are in place to provide the extended access. Once this is done, the provision will be commenced.
242. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he can confirm that lands purchased by qualifying young farmers is entitled to young farmers relief notwithstanding the fact that the land involved may be part of a legally incorporated farm business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54581/23]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to the relief from stamp duty that is provided for by section 81AA of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999. Section 81AA provides for relief from stamp duty in respect of transfers of agricultural land to individuals who come within the definition of “young trained farmer” on the date the deed transferring the land is executed, subject to certain other conditions being met.
The policy intent of the relief is to promote lifetime transfers of farmland and encourage more young people to pursue farming. This is reflected in the qualifying conditions of the relief, which require that the individual acquiring the land (the transferee):
• is under 35 years of age on the date of execution of the deed of transfer,
• holds an approved agricultural qualification,
• intends to spend not less than 50% of his or her normal working time farming the land for a period of not less than 5 years from the date the land is transferred, and
• retains ownership of that land for a period of at least 5 years from the date of the land is transferred.
I am advised by Revenue that it accepts that the requirement that the transferee intends to spend at least 50% of his or her normal working time farming the land may be satisfied where the farming activities are carried out through a company or a partnership. This could arise where the transferee leases the land to the company or partnership concerned. For the relief to apply in the case of farming activities carried out through a company, the transferee must be the main shareholder and working director of the company and must farm the land on behalf of the company.
Accordingly, while the relief is available only to individuals who come within the definition of “young trained farmer”, and not to companies, it may apply where the individual transferee subsequently leases the land, or part of it, to a company.
Further guidance on the operation of young trained farmer relief is available at: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/stamp-duty/stamp-duty-manual/part-07-exemptions-and-reliefs-from-stamp-duty/section-81aa-transfers-of-land-to-young-trained-farmers.pdf.
