Written Answers Nos. 176-195
176. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the data available to TII regarding fatal and non-fatal accidents on a stretch of the N22 (details supplied) over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56381/23]
View answer177. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the weekday average traffic count threshold used by TII for the identification of roadways for improvement from single lane to dual carriageway/motorway standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56382/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
As 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.
178. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the Department of Education is currently piloting the use of well-being practitioners for primary schools in the Dublin area; if any consideration had been given to including this group in the category for fast track driving tests to facilitate this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56392/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters.
The RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process. Those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first.
Urgent tests are only available to applicants who are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services where the candidate would need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work).
Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs.
179. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driving test for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56402/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters.
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 is not received within 10 days.
180. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport how much was expended on transport of persons in receipt of temporary protection, per month, since February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56478/23]
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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
I wish to advise the Deputy that since 2022 my Department has provided funding to the NTA for the provision of emergency public transport services for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) housed in remote parts of Ireland, as a result of fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This funding for Ukrainian BOTPs is provided on a quarterly basis to the NTA. In 2022, the total amount of this funding was €1.287m and the total amount in 2023 was €2.656m. The allocation for 2024 is €4 million.
Routes identified through the Connecting Ireland consultation process are being prioritised to provide emergency public transport services to those Ukrainian BOTPs housed in rural or isolated locations to ensure better access to our local communities. This is being achieved through an acceleration of network improvements, including additional stops, route modifications, and more services with the aim to increase connectivity. To date over 100 new and enhanced services have been rolled out nationwide under Connecting Ireland.
181. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will receive their licence exchange; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56501/23]
View answerAll enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. My department does not have access to individual applications.
I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.
182. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent toll road increases and the specific effect it has on areas such as Inchicore, Chapelizod and the Phoenix Park with cars using those areas to avoid toll roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56565/23]
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 updating you as to traffic volumes on tolled motorways. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
With regard to regional and local roads, such as those in the areas you have referred to, traffic management is a matter for the local authorities concerned.
183. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric buses purchased by the NTA in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; the overall investment made; if all of these buses are currently in operation; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56575/23]
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 procurement of the national Public Service Obligation bus fleet.
As part of various actions to help address climate change, the NTA intends to transition its urban State subsidised bus services to zero-emission bus fleet. The intention is that new zero-emission fleet (battery-electric) will replace the older diesel-powered fleet on an incremental basis, as the existing buses reach the end of their efficient operational life.
An order for 100 double deck electric buses was placed in 2022 and these buses will continue to enter service on an incremental basis in the coming weeks using charging infrastructure at the Summerhill and Phibsborough bus depots.
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.
184. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will set aside increased funding in respect of the rural public transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56651/23]
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 €44.5m in 2023. In 2024, over €25m has been allocated to the Rural Transport Programme alone. The NTA transport planning team are currently finalising decisions regarding the best utilisation of these funds, and the timing of the roll-out of services.
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 will also be exploring the expansion of non-conventional modes of transport to give the public a well-rounded transport offering.
In addition, €10m was allocated in 2023 to the NTA for the rollout of Phase 2 of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and the introduction of the new town service in Carlow. Over 100 new and enhanced services have been introduced in rural and regional areas since Connecting Ireland started in 2022.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that since 2022 my Department has provided funding to the NTA for the provision of emergency public transport services for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) housed in remote parts of Ireland, as a result of fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The total amount provided in 2023 was €2.6m.
185. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the approach by the contractor approved to carry out NCT tests whereby the applicants are required to re-present for a test less than twelve months after passing their most recent NCT, as a consequence of the delays in securing appointments when due for their original test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56691/23]
View answerUnder European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness testing, Ireland, as for all Member States, must comply with the specified intervals for carrying out such inspections. This is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415/2017), as amended.
Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations provides that a vehicle's initial test due date is determined by its registration date and subsequent test due dates automatically fall on anniversaries of the registration date. A certificate issued for that vehicle is valid up to the test due date after the certificate is issued, not for 24 months, or 12 months for vehicles over 10 years old, from the date of testing.
Permitting NCT certificates to be extended beyond the minimum test due dates would place the State in breach of our obligations under EU law and may affect road safety, should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive. There are no current plans to amend this legislation.
186. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide clarification on the current surveying practices for fishing vessels, particularly those that fall just over the 15-meter mark, such as a vessel (details supplied) and consider reviewing these regulations to ensure they are fair and proportionate, and do not unduly push fishermen out of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56693/23]
View answerThe Merchant Shipping (Safety of Fishing Vessels) (15-24 Metres) Regulations 2007 apply to every mechanically propelled fishing vessel of 15 metres in length overall and over but less than 24 metres in length that are registered in the State. These Regulations set out the standards for the safe construction and equipment of fishing vessels and also the survey and certification requirements for new and existing vessels. The Regulations contain certain provisions that are common to all vessels and others that apply according to whether it is a new or existing vessel, or according to its area of operation and, in some cases, according to the length of the vessel. For example, in relation to fishing vessels of 17 metres or less in length, there are reduced requirements applying as set out below:
• the number and type of bilge pumps,
• the number of portable fire extinguishers,
• the number of life rafts,
• the number of lifebuoys,
• the number of portable two-way VHF radiotelephones.
All fishing vessels, regardless of length or the area of operation, are subject to a survey programme, which includes a survey every 4 years with regard to the structure, including the outside of the vessel’s hull, and the machinery of the vessel. The Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department carry out the surveys of 15-24m fishing vessels following receipt of an application from an owner. Before a Fishing Vessel Safety Certificate is issued, an MSO surveyor completes a declaration of survey to confirm that a fishing vessel complies with the requirements of the Regulations.
Other statutory requirements falling within the remit of the MSO may also be verified during such surveys including those arising from EU Directive 2017/159 concerning the implementation of the International Labour Organization's Work in Fishing Convention (2007), which requirements were developed in a social partnership agreement including the fishing vessel owners and the fisher representatives’ organisations.
My Department takes the safety of fishing vessels and their crew very seriously. I do not believe that the survey requirements for fishing vessels are unfair or disproportionate, but rather are in line with international best practice and serve to ensure that our fishing fleet are operating safely, which I am sure you will agree should come above all else. If there is a particular regulation a fishing vessel owner is having difficulty with, he or she may wish to make contact with the Marine Survey Office of my Department to discuss this matter directly.
187. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost per tonne of abating greenhouse gas emissions by facilitating and incentivising switching from diesel and petrol cars to electric cars. [56719/23]
View answer188. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost per tonne of abating greenhouse gas emissions by facilitating and incentivising modal shift from cars to public transport. [56720/23]
View answer189. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost per tonne of abating greenhouse gas emissions by facilitating and incentivising modal shift from cars to bicycles. [56721/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 187 to 189, inclusive, together.
I am unable to provide specific estimates on the costs of abatement through incentivising behavioural or technological shifts in transport in the manner requested by the Deputy. There are a myriad of factors that influence behavioural, technological and modal choice in transport and the process of isolating and determining the requested abatement costs would require more detailed analysis.
Life-cycle carbon assessment and cost estimates for transport projects or switching technology depend on a number of factors, including electricity pricing, total costs of ownership, detailed consideration of the alternative interventions regarding the quality and form of infrastructure, option, or level of service that is to be provided, along with careful analysis regarding the amount of emissions avoided through the specific intervention. In all cases, accurate estimation depends on the detailed design of a proposed scheme or programme.
As examples, the provision of safe cycling infrastructure is one such intervention considered as required to facilitate and incentivise modal shift from cars to bicycles. In February 2023, based on estimations of then recent project out-turn costs, the National Transport Authority estimated the typical average costs of providing active travel infrastructure (not generally inclusive of land costs) of between €0.1-€0.75m per km for a bollard protected cycle lane, and between €4-€7m per km for a full build segregated cycle track, which may require new footpaths, drainage, lighting and possible junction upgrades.
It is noted also that such construction costs have since been subject to inflationary pressures and further, do not encompass an accurate representation of the cost per tonne of abatement, which would require further analysis regarding the expected levels of transport demand, modal shift from private car usage, and emissions abatement facilitated through the provision of such infrastructure in the relevant geographic location.
Nonetheless, we have set legally binding carbon budgets and emissions abatement targets, and the Government has committed to significant levels of funding for walking, cycling, public transport and electric vehicle infrastructure to support climate action during this decade as part of the c.€35 billion allocation for transport under the National Development Plan 2021-2030.
This includes allocations of €13 billion between 2021 and 2025 and €22 billion between 2026 and 2030 for transport infrastructure projects, which will support delivery of BusConnects programmes in all five cities, the DART+ expansion, and commuter rail programmes in Cork and Limerick, along with the Metrolink project and approximately EUR360m per annum for new active travel (walking and cycling) infrastructure.
It must be noted, however, that the objectives in delivering this infrastructure extend far beyond just carbon abatement, to societal, safety, well-being and economic benefits, and to view or frame the cost of these projects purely in terms of ‘cost of abatement’ would not be representative.
Funding for the support of the rollout of EVs includes many grant and support schemes that facilitate and incentivise switching from diesel and petrol cars to electric cars, as detailed on the Zero Emissions Vehicle Ireland website (gov.ie/zevi), including EV purchase grant schemes, Home/Apartment charging schemes and tax reliefs that are available for battery electric vehicles. Under the recent Budget, c.€102m in total funding has been allocated to support the uptake of electric vehicles in 2024.
This investment in capital infrastructure and EV supports will also need to be complemented by increased and expanded public transport services. Under Budget 2024, a funding package of c.€613.5m was secured for PSO and Local Link services. This funding will support the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2024. Funding has also been secured to support new and enhanced bus and rail services next year.
It is clear that we must move quickly to reduce our carbon emissions and in doing so we must promote a modal shift away from private car use. However, as noted, this will require the delivery of a wide basket of integrated and complimentary measures (including those outlined above) – which modelling shows is capable of delivering the 50% emissions reduction required by 2030 – rather than any single mitigation option, and we are committed to increasing the provision of all sustainable transport alternatives over the coming years to support the reduction of emissions, and to benefit our wider society and economy as a whole.
190. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the implementation of next generation ticketing and cashless payment under BusConnects Cork; the expected benefits of this, especially with regard to punctuality and reliability of public transport services in the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56752/23]
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 integrated ticketing and BusConnects Cork.
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.
191. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if the area knowledge module of the taxi licence exam in Ireland will be updated to take account of the use of satellite navigation (details supplied) and Eircodes as common practice in the industry, considering a taxi driver in Nenagh, County Tipperary is expected to answer questions in this module on local area knowledge in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56753/23]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the Area Knowledge Module of the SPSV Driver Entry Test, 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.
192. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his Department plans to address the difficulties faced by the taxi industry in obtaining taxi plates, the prices of which have increased dramatically since the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56758/23]
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.
193. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the airmiles spent by the Government since 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56784/23]
View answerThe below table is the total amount of airmiles travelled by staff within the Department of Transport on each year. The information was obtained through Club Travel records, as they book all of the Departments flights. The Department has a green travel policy in place requiring consideration of travel arrangements being made. The Department also complies with the annual reporting and offsetting of airmiles undertaken.
|
Year |
Kilometers |
Miles |
|
2020 |
357,143 |
221,914 |
|
2021 |
66,789 |
41,499 |
|
2022 |
655,936 |
407,568 |
|
2023 |
1,135,300 |
705,413 |
194. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport how many additional Luas carriages will be purchased in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56785/23]
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 procurement of Luas carriages.
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.
195. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of people using public transport, that is bus, Dart, Luas, train since 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56786/23]
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 request in relation to the number of people using public transport, that is bus, Dart, Luas, train since 2019 to date, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
