Duncan Smith
Question:196. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of new taxi drivers, by month, since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56787/23]
View answerTaxi Licences
Questions (196)
Written answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licencing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. The NTA is responsible for the collection and publication of statistics relating to SPSV licensing. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Bus Services
Questions (197)
Duncan Smith
Question:197. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of new bus drivers in each county since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56788/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
The request raised by the Deputy in relation to providing a breakdown of the number of drivers hired on PSO services in each county since 2020, is an operational matter for Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Go Ahead Ireland.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Rail Network
Questions (198)
Duncan Smith
Question:198. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of new train drivers since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56789/23]
View answerWritten answers
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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The query raised by the Deputy in relation to the number of new train drivers since 2020 is a matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Marine Accidents
Questions (199)
Ged Nash
Question:199. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the steps the Marine Survey Office is taking to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking of a fishing vessel off the coast of Louth on 15 December 2023 which resulted in the death of one fisher and injuries to another; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56821/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Marine Survey Office (MSO) of the Department of Transport has certain responsibilities under maritime legislation, including the enforcement of safety regulations and the investigation of incidents. MSO Surveyors are warranted under Section 728 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 to investigate breaches of the Act and relevant Regulations. MSO surveyors are also warranted under Section 39 of the Maritime Safety Act 2005 for the purposes of Part 3 of that Act, i.e., investigating offences relating to dangerous or careless navigation. The MSO will fulfil its responsibilities in this case as necessary. However, details of any activities carried out by the MSO in this case will not be released so as not to prejudice any potential subsequent proceedings.
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) is the independent body which examines, and if necessary, carries out investigations into marine casualties in order to determine its circumstances and its causes with a view to making recommendations to the Minister for Transport and the commercial and recreational maritime community for the avoidance of similar marine casualties in the future. The legislative framework for the operation of the MCIB, the reporting and investigating of marine casualties and the powers of MCIB investigators is set out in the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000. In carrying out its functions the MCIB complies with the provisions of the International Maritime Organisation's Casualty Investigation Code and EU Directive 2009/18/EC governing the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector.
Road Network
Questions (200)
Niamh Smyth
Question:200. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56839/23]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for each local authority.
Due to pressures on the regional and local road network, approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
The Department's grant funding for the maintenance of regional and local roads is allocated to local authorities on a pro-rata basis, determined mainly by the length of the regional and local road network in the county. Decisions regarding allocations to individual Municipal Districts are a matter for each local authority.
The Department appreciates that, within the overall parameters set for the grant programme, local authorities might need to target funding at particular problem areas and there is sufficient flexibility in the structure of the grant programme to allow for this.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment in certain locations, as required.
Grant allocations for 2024 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Network
Questions (201)
Niamh Smyth
Question:201. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56841/23]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
In late 2021 local authorities were invited to apply for funding for Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) projects for a two year programme for the period 2022-2023. Within the overall budget available for the CIS grant programme over the two year period, local authorities were allocated funding on a pro-rata basis unless an individual authority sought less than the pro-rata amount.
Local authorities were given a somewhat higher proportion of their overall allocation in the year 2022 and in March last year local authorities were notified of their CIS allocations for both 2022 and 2023.
The 2023 funding allocation for Monaghan County Council is consistent with this approach.
It should be noted that exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
As 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 query to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Licences
Questions (202)
James Lawless
Question:202. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport to examine an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56883/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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 questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
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 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Research and Development
Questions (203)
Denis Naughten
Question:203. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if he will list the ongoing research commissioned under the remit of his Department through the North-South Ministerial Council or Shared Island Initiative or through other all-island arrangements; if he will outline the research that has been completed; the date of publication of the research since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56924/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is progressing the delivery of a feasibility study for a green hydrogen refuelling corridor on a possible eastern green transport corridor between Belfast and Dublin. This study is co-funded by my Department, the Shared Island Fund and the Northern Irish Department for the Economy.
In relation to relevant research that has been completed, from the records available to my Department, it is noted that a review of the safety regulatory and infrastructural frameworks for the use of hydrogen as a transport fuel in Ireland and in Northern Ireland has been finalised. This review was co-funded by the Shared Island Fund. My officials are considering this finalised report and will be presenting it to me soon with a view to publishing it thereafter.
As the Deputy is aware, the purpose of the Shared Island research programme is to provide high-quality evidence and analysis on the opportunities, and the challenges, around deepening cooperation and connections on the island.
Rail Network
Questions (204)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:204. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 30 of 30 November 2023, the reason the NTA is not carrying out a study of the effect on intercity enterprise services before key decisions are made on the DART+ Coastal North Project, given that Irish Rail has already confirmed that DART+ may result in slower enterprise journey times; if he will request the NTA to discharge its statutory duty in transport planning and avoid a negative impact on this transport link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56953/23]
View answerWritten answers
The DART+ Coastal North Project is an element of the DART+ Programme which seeks to expand the electrification of the rail network and increase the capacity of the railway infrastructure to support enhanced levels of service between the city centre and Drogheda. The DART+ Coastal North project will not define the precise DART service pattern on the route on the day of opening, but considers what is required to provide a number of train paths on a particular section of the line.
To assist in the design development and assessment of the DART+ Coastal North project, various assumptions have been made about the timetable which will be used in the future. This includes the number and type of train services serving each station, including elements such as an hourly Enterprise train service between Belfast and Dublin. The introduction of more services stopping at all stations between Drogheda and Dublin city does have the potential to impact the journey time of the Enterprise services; however the scale of any impact will be dependent on a range of factors such as the build-up of the timetable, the signalling system in operation and the functional characteristics of the train fleet. Of further relevance, in addition to the DART+ Programme, the Department of Transport is progressing plans with Iarnród Éireann to enhance the current Enterprise services including potential for increased frequency, journey time reductions and new fleet.
Further detailed assessment will be undertaken when there is greater certainty on the range of factors that will influence the service delivery for both the DART+ Programme and the Dublin – Belfast Enterprise service.
Noting the Iarnród Éireann's role in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the IÉ for a more detailed response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
National Transport Authority
Questions (205)
Paul Murphy
Question:205. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure an answer is provided to a query sent to the office of the Minister of State for International and Road Transport and Logistics on 8 November 2023; if he will ensure that these complaints are addressed and a response to the unanswered PQ is provided (details supplied); his views on the lack of response provided to the NTA complaints submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56965/23]
View answerWritten answers
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. 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.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the NTA, and it is our understanding that the Authority responded to the Deputy's original query of the 17th of October on the 20th of December.
Bus Services
Questions (206)
Paul Murphy
Question:206. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the NTA to consider updating the route of bus S8/S6 so that the direct Dundrum and UCD connection is returned to the area of Woodfield/Scholarstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56972/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Transport Policy
Questions (207)
Pauline Tully
Question:207. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if consultation has taken place with disabled persons representative organisations in relation to the Active Travel Programme. [57013/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
It may interest you to note that at a policy level, my Department published the National Sustainable Mobility Policy in 2022 which has two particularly relevant high-level goals, namely –
Goal 5: Take a whole of journey approach to mobility, promoting inclusive access for all; and
Goal 6: Design infrastructure according to Universal Design Principles and the Hierarchy of Road Users model
Implementation of that policy is supported by Government’s commitment to allocate €360 million per annum toward walking and cycling across the lifetime of the Government.
In terms of individual projects, responsibility for their development and delivery lies with the National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities.
However, at a Departmental level, my Department has established a National Guidelines and Standards Group (NGSG) to oversee and coordinate all design guidelines and standards (including accessibility, cycling and other Active Travel projects) which have been developed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the NTA and Department of Transport.
The Group seeks to improve the consistency of approach across state bodies, including with the National Disability Authority (NDA), to lead to a more streamlined and consistent approach to the design and delivery of projects through the setting of minimum common requirements including on audit and quality control. I am currently seeking to further strengthen the Group, including through expanding the membership to include representatives from various organisations including the NDA.
You are likely also aware that the newly revised Cycle Design Manual (CDM), previously the National Cycle Manual, has been published recently and local authorities were being trained in its use towards the end of 2023. This new Manual was developed through consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including disability groups such as the NDA, and efforts were made to make the contents of the CDM as beneficial to all potential road users including those with disabilities.
Delivery of improved active travel networks continues apace across the country, supported by active travel teams now established in every local authority. The roll-out of improved and continuous active travel networks brings benefits to all users of such networks, including persons with disabilities and I look forward to seeing continued delivery in the years ahead.
Legislative Measures
Questions (208)
James Lawless
Question:208. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the new primary legislation on speeding limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57015/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Traffic Bill 2023 was approved for publication by the Government on 20 December 2023.
This Bill will act as a response to the ongoing rising trend of road fatalities and serious injuries. Three key areas will be addressed in the Bill: penalty point reform, drug testing at the scene of collisions, and the implementation of key Speed Limit Review recommendations.
In terms of speed limits, the Bill seeks to introduce safer default speed limits by reducing the default from 50km/h to 30km/h for ‘built-up areas’, from 100km/h to 80km/h for national secondary roads, and from 80km/h to 60km/h for local roads.
The Bill will be published shortly and it is hoped it will be signed into law in Q1 2024.
Transport Policy
Questions (209)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:209. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport the current project stages and project deliverable timelines for each of the remaining two sections of the Cork to Waterford Inter-Urban Demonstrator Pathfinder, for completion in 2024 and 2025, as indicated in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 30 November 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57051/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Cork to Waterford Inter-Urban Demonstrator project was selected to form part of the Pathfinder Programme in October 2022. When completed, the project will allow for seamless active travel between the two cities and will function as a demonstrator for similar inter-urban linkages which may be developed on other city-to-city routes at a later stage.
The Inter-Urban Demonstrator is an ambitious project, composed of nine individual sub-projects. Each sub-project is being delivered by the relevant local authorities (LAs) and being funded by either Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) or the National Transport Authority (NTA). Three of these sub-projects have been completed to date. The NTA and TII are working closely with the LAs to support the delivery of the remaining elements - with some more advanced than others.
While progress related to this overall project is monitored on a quarterly basis by a climate taskforce - the Sustainable Mobility Policy Leadership Group - a key criterion for selection as part of the Pathfinder Programme was capacity to deliver projects by end 2025. This has not changed. That said, all projects will be kept under review as the year progresses, and interventions made if required, in line with the management of the Pathfinder Programme as a whole.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (210)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:210. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric State vehicles as a percentage of the overall number of State-owned vehicles in 2023, broken down into diesel/electric, electric, petrol/electric, petrol/plug-in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57066/23]
View answerWritten answers
The details requested by the Deputy are provided in the table below. The data reflect the number of state-owned electric vehicles as a share of the total number of state owned vehicles. The data are based on licensed vehicles (with a current motor tax) as of 31 December 2023.
|
Fuel Type |
Number Of Vehicles |
Electric State-Owned as a % of Total State-Owned Vehicles |
|
ELECTRIC |
552 |
4.34 |
|
DIESEL/ELECTRIC |
29 |
0.23 |
|
PETROL/ELECTRIC |
142 |
1.12 |
|
PETROL/PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC |
46 |
0.36 |
|
Total Number of Electric State-Owned Vehicles |
769 |
6.04 |
|
Overall Number of State-Owned Vehicles |
12728 |
Departmental Data
Questions (211)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:211. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the total number of cars registered, by fuel type in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57067/23]
View answerWritten answers
Vehicle registration is a matter for Revenue. However, for the Deputy's information, the table below provides a breakdown of the total licenced car fleet by fuel type as of 31 December 2023. These figures represent the number of vehicles for there is a current payment of Motor Tax on record, regardless of year of registration.
|
Fuel Type |
Number Of Vehicles |
% of Overall Number |
|
DIESEL |
1,268,812 |
54.62 |
|
DIESEL/ELECTRIC |
6,593 |
0.28 |
|
DIESEL/PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC |
1,867 |
0.08 |
|
ELECTRIC |
57,730 |
2.49 |
|
ETHANOL/PETROL |
6,491 |
0.28 |
|
GAS |
139 |
0.01 |
|
OTHER |
13 |
0.00 |
|
PETROL |
811,818 |
34.95 |
|
PETROL & GAS |
905 |
0.04 |
|
PETROL/ELECTRIC |
124,149 |
5.34 |
Electric Vehicles
Questions (212)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:212. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV charging points delivered, by county, in 2022 and 2023, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57068/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging, enroute charging for long journeys and workplace charging.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerates Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2024 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
ZEVI has been engaging extensively with Local Authorities to develop their EV Infrastructure Strategies for Destination and Residential neighbourhood chargers. Local Authorities as part of their strategy development and implementation planning will identify locations and optimum sites where these types of chargers are required. ZEVI is currently engaging with Local Authorities and looking at potential direct multi annual funding options for Local Authorities to install both Destination and Local neighbourhood Charging Projects. It is anticipated that Phase 1 projects will commence roll out in 2024.
As of July 2023, there were approximately 2,100 charge points in Ireland of which 441 were fast or ultra-fast recharging points.
The Department of Transport does not at present maintain counts of available publicly accessible EV charging stations, which are owned and operated by commercial chargepoint operators, but ZEVI are developing a Data Strategy which, when implemented, will give the Department full visibility on this. The system will enable the collection of data from charge-points in near real time, and provide it on an Open Data basis. The obligation on charge-point operators and owners to share this data is legislated for in the EU Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation. This data system is expected to be in place by April 2025.
Road Projects
Questions (213, 214)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:213. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport his plans to accelerate the Galway bypass and improve travel in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57084/23]
View answerMairéad Farrell
Question:214. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay to the Galway bypass project to date; the timeline for commencement and completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57085/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 214 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 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.
Regarding the Galway City Ring Road, this project has now been remitted to An Bord Pleanála for consideration after the previous decision to approve the scheme was quashed by the High Court. I can confirm that €3,000,000 was allocated for the Galway City By-Pass scheme in 2023. The allocations for national roads for 2024 are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 214 answered with Question No. 213.
Parking Provision
Questions (215)
Michael McNamara
Question:215. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the criteria required in order to obtain a disabled parking permit; if his Department has plans or proposals to change those criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57131/23]
View answerWritten answers
The disabled parking permit is available to people living in Ireland whose mobility is severely restricted, whether they are drivers or passengers, or who are registered blind. Eligibility for the permit is not based on specific illnesses or conditions, but on the applicant's level of mobility.
My Department is currently undertaking an extensive review of the Disabled Parking Scheme, consisting of a thorough mapping of the present operation of the scheme, an analysis of the relevant legislative basis, and a targeted stakeholder consultation. I am happy to confirm to the Deputy that permit eligibility will be among the matters to be considered in close detail.