James Lawless
Question:216. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine and address an issue in relation to a local bus service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57135/23]
View answerBus Services
Questions (216)
Written 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 NTA has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question the impact of the changes and service delivery issues in regards to the number 120X, S4, and 115 bus routes, to the NTA for direct reply. I also have forwarded the questions to Go-Ahead Ireland surrounding no. 120x and S4, and to Bus Éireann in regard to no. 115.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
National Car Test
Questions (217)
Claire Kerrane
Question:217. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will advise on NCT services in counties Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57151/23]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the Deputy's queries on these matters to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Questions (218)
Pauline Tully
Question:218. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to progress the funding for the N2 Ardee to Castleblaney road scheme. [57155/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
I can confirm that €600,000 was allocated to the N2 Ardee to Castleblaney Road scheme in 2023. The funding for this scheme, as with all schemes, will be kept under review and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII in 2024. The allocations for 2024 are expected to be announced in the near future.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the latest status of this project. 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
Road Network
Questions (219)
Pauline Tully
Question:219. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport to detail the additional funding that was announced in Budget 2024 to maintain and improve the county, regional and local road network. [57156/23]
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.
The 2024 regional and local road grant allocations will be finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume and will take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year. Within the budget available, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
Road Safety
Questions (220)
Francis Noel Duffy
Question:220. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport if there will be any requirements for lighting on personally powered transporters in the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57160/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 creates a new vehicle category called powered personal transporters (PPTs), which includes e-scooters, and provides for regulations to allow for their use on public roads. There are no current plans to regulate any type of PPT other than e-scooters.
E-scooter regulations for e-scooters will specify the technical requirements for e-scooters and the conditions for their safe use. E-scooters will be required to be fitted with front and rear position lights, visible to a distance of at least 50m, and reflectors. The regulations will also require that lighting is maintained in good working condition and its use will be mandatory during lighting-up hours.
Subject to clarification of some legal and technical issues, the regulations are now expected to be in place in 2024. E-scooters will not be legal to use in public places until that time.
Road Projects
Questions (221)
Sean Fleming
Question:221. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport when a project (details supplied) submitted by Laois County Council will be approved for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57162/23]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek funding under the Specific Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. These include some larger bridge rehabilitation schemes which are outside the scope of the Department's Bridge Rehabilitation programme (in excess of €200,000). All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
All applications received from local authorities are currently being assessed taking into account competing projects and the available budget. Grant allocations for 2024 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
Bus Services
Questions (222)
James Lawless
Question:222. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport to examine a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57182/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the expansion/planning of public transport services, capacity issues, and public transport infrastructure in Co. Kildare , I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Coast Guard Service
Questions (223)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:223. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for a progress update on the Greystones Coast Guard station; when the tender process will be completed; the timeline for construction and completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57196/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is responsible for the Irish Coast Coast Guard building programme which aims to ensure Coast Guard stations, around the coast of Ireland, are fit for purpose and meet the requirements of volunteers delivering this service. The programme is managed through the Office of Public Works (OPW) from planning design to build and on-going maintenance, with legal assistance from the Chief State Solicitor’s Office as required.
A site owned by Wicklow County Council was identified for the proposed Greystones Coast Guard station. Planning permission has been granted and the detailed design is being finalised. It is anticipated that the OPW will commence the tender process in Q1 2024 with construction to commence towards the end of the year.
The construction period for a facility of this type is approximately 14 months.
Departmental Data
Questions (224)
Catherine Murphy
Question:224. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of the personal and or person-specific data sets his Department holds that have been provided and/or shared with other Departments and/or Ministers and/or State bodies and/or agencies and/or local authorities in the past 20 years to date; if he will clarify if the transfer of data and/or records was in aggregated form or on an individual basis; and the reason the data and/or records were provided. [57221/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Transport shares data with Government Departments, Agencies and other bodies (including Motor Tax Offices) for the provision of services to citizens and to enable the operation of public services.
The Department of Transport only shares data where a sound legal basis exists. An effective governance framework is in place to ensure all data shared from the Department of Transport has a sound legal basis and complies with GDPR.
The volume of data shared by the Department is too large to work through on a case-by-case basis, but data shared with Government Departments, Agencies and other bodies offices may be aggregated or person specific depending on the categories of data being requested by the recipient and the legal basis for sharing.
The Government Departments, Agencies and other bodies that have received datasets from the Department of Transport include but are not limited to:
- An Garda Siochana
- Department of Public Expenditure, NPD Delivery and Reform
- Department of Social Protection
- Department for Infrastructure of Northern Ireland
- Health and Safety Authority
- Central Statistics Office
- Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
- Local Authorities Motor Tax Office and Traffic regulations under the Local Authority
- Insolvency Service Ireland
- National Transport Authority Taxi Regulator
- Personal Injuries Assessment Board
- Revenue
- Road Safety Authority
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland TII
- Tribunal of Enquiry
- SEAI Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
- European Maritime Safety Agency;
- EU / EFCA Coast Guards
- National Shared Services Office(NSSO) / Payroll Shared Service(PSS)
- Commission for Aviation Regulation
- Department of Foreign Affairs
- NewERA
- Public Appointment Service
- Health Service Executive
- State Boards
The legal basis for which data are shared include but are not limited to:
- Section 60(3) of Finance Act 1993 as amended and National Vehicle and Driver File (Access) (No.2) Regulations 2015 (S.I. No. 287/2015) provides for access to the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) data to those prescribed in Regulations by the Minister for Transport.
- S.I. No. 677/2019 - European Union (Registration of Persons Sailing on board Passenger Ships) Regulations 2019
- S.I. No. 166/2012 - European Union (Reporting Formalities for Ships) Regulations 2012 ,Customs, Commissioners of Irish Lights
- SOCIAL WELFARE (CONSOLIDATED CONTRIBUTIONS AND INSURABILITY) REGULATIONS 1996
- Section 9 (3) of the Road Transport Act 2011
- Article 6 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR; Regulation EU 2016/679)
- Relevant Legal Basis under Agency establishment Act
- Section 12 of the Road Transport Act 2011
- Article 16 of EU Regulation 1071/2009
- Section 17 of Civil Service Regulation Acts 1956 - 2005
- Section 4 of the Public Service Management Act 1997
- Section 4(4) of the Road Transport Act 1999
- Article 12 of the GBER (Commission Regulation (EU) 651/2014)
- The National Civil Aviation Security Programme is developed by the Department of Transport in accordance with EU Regulations and National Requirements, and in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (Annex 17) and European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Doc 30 Part II.
- Section 25 sub-section 1 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1943 (No. 7 of 1943)
- The Communications (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) (No. 2) Order, 1987 (S.I. No. 92 of 1987) as adopted by the Transport (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order, 2011 (S.I. No. 141 of 2011)
- State Airports Act 2004
- Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011
- Statistics Act, 1993
Park-and-Ride Facilities
Questions (225)
Michael Moynihan
Question:225. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to upgrade the car parking facilities at Charleville train station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57376/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The maintenance and upgrading of carparking facilities at train stations, including the one referred to by the Deputy, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of the Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply. Please contact 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
Bus Services
Questions (226)
James Lawless
Question:226. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport to examine reliability issues with the C3 bus service (details supplied); if plans are in place to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57378/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Parking Provision
Questions (227)
Paul Murphy
Question:227. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) will receive a disabled parking bay, similar to that provided in an area in Dublin 24, considering their comparable needs; if not, the reason; who holds the responsibility for such allocations within local authorities particularly concerning cases in which driveway modifications are not viable according to the council; and if the response will issue directly from his Department and not handed over to the local authority. [57380/23]
View answerWritten answers
My remit as Minister for Transport is limited to drafting of legislation underpinning the Disabled Parking Scheme, including eligibility for a disabled parking permit, the nomination of bodies responsible for issuing permits and the design and dimensions of disabled parking bays. The provision and physical location of these bays is a matter for each local authority.
While I understand that there may be exceptional circumstances in which a local authority may agree to install a disabled space outside or adjacent to a particular permit-holder's residence, such spaces are not reserved for the exclusive use of that individual and are available to any holder of a valid disabled parking permit. As my Department cannot direct any individual local authority to provide spaces at any specific location, and is unable to supply the details requested by the Deputy, he may wish to contact South Dublin County Council directly.
Road Network
Questions (228)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:228. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the East-West Link which includes a risk-based analysis for the east-west route between Dundalk and Cavan and the requirement for the necessary funding to made available for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57386/23]
View answerWritten answers
My department has been working with Cavan and Louth County Councils in relation to funding projects associated with the proposed upgraded East West Link Road. As the Deputy is aware the proposed scheme would run on regional routes from Dundalk to Cavan and national routes from Cavan to Sligo.
Going back some time there was a proposal for a substantial upgrade of the regional road part of the route; my department provided over €2 million to Cavan County Council, acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils, to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design stage.
However, more recent appraisal work has indicated a very substantial cost if the road scheme was fully implemented. As such, my department engaged Cavan County Council to carry out a risk-based analysis for the route between Dundalk and Cavan. This analysis explored the possibility of a series of interventions which could be implemented over time, and which could improve safety, journey times, and bring consistency to the travel speed along the route. From this risk analysis individual local authorities examined if, and how, projects identified could be brought forward, while taking into account their own priorities and available resources.
Following this process, my department allocated funding to both Cavan and Louth County Councils to carry out initial assessments of two possible schemes. Subsequently, both Louth and Cavan County Councils submitted Strategic Assessment Reports for these two schemes. These submissions have been reviewed and, subject to funding availability are expected to proceed to the next phase.
Departmental Policies
Questions (229)
Pauline Tully
Question:229. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport to detail the proposed new driver education plan for transition year students; to seek clarification on the reason approved driving instructors were not consulted on these new proposals. [57388/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the advancement of driver education.
I have therefore referred the 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Bus Services
Questions (230)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:230. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a bus pick up will be allowed for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1013/24]
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.
Bus Éireann's Expressway services, route 13, the bus route in question following clarification to the Deputy's question, is a commercial bus service and responsibility for the operation, including the creation of additional stops on the route of those services is a matter for the company.
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 and new Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the provision of public transport services, including door-to-door Demand Responsive Transport, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. I have additionally referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Rail Network
Questions (231)
Michael McNamara
Question:231. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the reason passengers travelling on the late evening Ennis to Dublin rail service must endure an hour-long wait at Colbert Station, resulting in a delayed 11pm arrival at Heuston Station; if the previous timetable will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1027/24]
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 the routes, including timetabling, of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to late evening Ennis to Dublin services is a matter for the NTA and Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA and Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
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
Driver Test
Questions (232)
Alan Kelly
Question:232. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the reason there is such a discrepancy between the volume of candidates that pass driving tests in Nenagh test centre compared to all other test centres in Tipperary; the number of tests taken, per month, in each test centre in Tipperary; and the percentage pass rate, by month, in each test centre in 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [1044/24]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Departmental Data
Questions (233)
Catherine Murphy
Question:233. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of fleet owners/managers and motor traders that failed to upload their vehicle details to the National Fleet Database, by county, as required under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, by the deadline of 30 November 2023; the number that face legal sanctions including prosecution in the District Court; the number subjected to fines of up to €500 per vehicle to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1071/24]
View answerWritten answers
The National Fleet Database (NFD) is part of the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID), which provides a single reference point for motor vehicles insured in Ireland. The IMID is operated by the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI).
The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 requires details for fleet and motor trader vehicles to be uploaded to the NFD. It is estimated there are approximately 250,000 fleet and motor trader vehicles operating on Irish roads.
MIBI informs me that, as of 1 January 2024, 232,859 such vehicles have been uploaded to the NFD. This represents 93% of the estimated fleet and motor trader vehicles in the country. Information on the breakdown of these vehicles by county is not currently available.
Coast Guard Service
Questions (234)
Catherine Murphy
Question:234. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which the Irish Coast Guard updated their vehicle details in 2021, 2022 and 2023 on the National Fleet Database. [1074/24]
View answerWritten answers
The National Fleet Database (NFD) contains the insurance details and licence plate numbers for all commercial fleet and motor trade vehicles on Irish roads. There is an obligation on commercial insurance policyholders to supply up to date and accurate information to the NFD.
There is no requirement for Delegated State Authorities (DSAs) to update the NFD. DSA vehicles, which includes Irish Coast Guard vehicles, are covered under State indemnity.
The Irish Coast Guard is fully compliant in its requirements in this regard. A state Indemnity motor disc is provided in lieu of a conventional insurance disc and confirms all appropriate indemnity arrangements.
Road Projects
Questions (235)
Mattie McGrath
Question:235. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for completion of the inner relief road Thurles, County Tipperary linking Slievenamon Road to the Mill Road; if funding is in place for same; if a route been finalised; if all land required has been secured; if the Thurles Bypass project will be considered for inclusion on the National Development Plan in the review to take place in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1096/24]
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 also a matter for the local authority.
The primary focus for capital investment under my Department's Regional and Local Road Grant Programme continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network with some limited investment in road improvement projects.
The 2024 regional and local road grant allocations will be finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume and will take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year. Within the budget available, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
Implementation of the Thurles Inner Relief Road scheme is the responsibility of Tipperary County Council.