Thursday, 15 Feb 2024

Written Answers Nos. 165-173

Defence Forces

Questions (165)

John McGuinness

Question:

165. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if agency nurses working in the Defence Forces without a contract will be given the same privileges, pay and conditions as those that have a contract; if the issues of pay and conditions for all the affected nurses will be harmonised and backdated; his plans, if any, to offer serving nurses full-time positions within the Force thereby removing the anomalies that exist and ensure fair and equal treatment for all concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7232/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

Where there are identified shortfalls in the provision of medical care to the Permanent Defence Force, a range of measures to ensure continuity of service are employed including outsourcing, contracted professionals, and agency workers. I am informed by the military authorities that there are no contractual arrangements between the Defence Forces and individual agency nurses and all such arrangements are made with the employing agency. A comprehensive review of all medical services in the Defence Forces that will commence in 2024, will inform future policy on all aspects of medical care in the Permanent Defence Force, including nursing services.

Road Safety

Questions (166)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

166. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene to make safe a dangerous junction at Greenhill, Mourneabbey, County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7107/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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.

Road Safety

Questions (167)

Noel Grealish

Question:

167. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport how much funding was allocated to Bóthar Dhoirefhearta, Carraroe, County Galway, in 2021, 2022 and 2023; if any funding allocated was unused; if so, what happened to this unused funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7115/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.

Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. 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.

As regards the funding provided to Galway County Council for Bóthar Dhoirefhearta, Carraroe, funds were only allocated by my Department in 2022 to the amount of €300k and this allocation amount was fully expended on the Bóthar Dhoirefhearta, Carraroe scheme.  All allocation details of the regional and local road grant allocations, and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.

Driver Test

Questions (168)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

168. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport when a person in County Donegal (details supplied) can expect an invite for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7152/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

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.

Unfortunately, neither I nor my department have the power to intervene in individual cases. As such, I have referred the question 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.

Road Tolls

Questions (169)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

169. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of the ongoing and frustrating campaign to remove the M1 tolls which consistently causes serious congestion in the largest town of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7178/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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. The M1 Gormanston to Monasterboice toll road, which bypasses Drogheda, is an example of such a scheme. As such, the management of the relationship with the PPP concessionaire on this route is a matter for TII. I understand that TII previously outlined to the Council that the implementation of a temporary waiver of the toll at Donore Ramps for all traffic would have the effect of inducing traffic to pass through Drogheda to bypass the toll on the mainline. This would lead to additional congestion in the town, as well as resulting in substantial costs due to lost toll revenues. In this scenario the costs would be very significant and TII would not be in a position to fund any such compensation.

Bus Services

Questions (170)

Paul Murphy

Question:

170. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport given the negative impact on residents who are being left without full bus services several nights of the week, what actions the NTA is taking to ensure that the 27 bus route which is being diverted from Brookfield in the evening due to anti-social behaviour is being restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7198/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the 27 bus route is an operational matter for the NTA in conjunction with Dublin Bus.  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.

Bus Services

Questions (171)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

171. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when the changes will come into effect on Bus Éireann Route 243 covering Bweeng and Grenagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7209/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 services, including the 243 route, in conjunction with the relevant operators. 

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Airport Policy

Questions (172)

Holly Cairns

Question:

172. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport whether there is an independent complaints mechanism available for those who wish to submit complaints against the DAA; if not, whether his Department would consider establishing such a mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7224/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Noise mitigation at Dublin Airport is subject to substantial regulation and oversight as well as best practice mitigation measures. These measures are designed to address long-term adverse effects of aircraft noise on health and quality of life, whilst also facilitating the sustainable development of the airport.

The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) which was established under statute in 2019 is the  independent regulator for the management of noise at Dublin Airport. ANCA is a separate and independent Directorate within Fingal County Council.

A Noise Abatement Objective (NAO) is a policy for managing the effects of aircraft noise emissions on the surrounding communities and environment at an airport. It is a plan to ensure that any growth at the airport occurs in the most sustainable manner possible.

A NAO for Dublin Airport was defined by ANCA in 2022 to ensure that aircraft noise is considered as part of the sustainable development of the airport. It has a clear policy objective set against measurable criteria and outcomes.  daa is responsible for introducing and ensuring that airport users comply with noise mitigation measures in place at the airport. 

On an annual basis, ANCA has a remit to review the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures in achieving the NAO for Dublin Airport.

daa has the statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Dublin Airport.  daa advise that each noise complaint received by Dublin Airport is logged and investigated individually and they respond to complainants in a timely fashion, providing relevant information on the investigations undertaken and the outcome of those investigations. They may also provide additional information where possible on airport operations. In some cases, daa may request further information from AirNav Ireland or the Chief Pilot or Flight Operations Manager of the airline which the complaint relates to. In such cases daa will inform the individual of the process and its outcome. I understand that Dublin Airport also provides ANCA with data on complaints logged with its online complaints system "Webtrack" in an annual compliance report.

I would like to advise the Deputy that a review of noise levels and their effects on local communities has been initiated by ANCA.  Through this process, ANCA will determine whether the change in noise impact at the airport since the opening of the new runway is of a scale that requires new noise mitigation measures or operating restrictions. The review which commenced in December 2022 is expected to conclude in the coming months.

Airport Policy

Questions (173)

Holly Cairns

Question:

173. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport what engagement he has had with residents affected by severe noise pollution as a result of flight paths in north County Dublin; what measures his Department is taking to assist these communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7225/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As the deputy will be aware, daa has the statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Dublin Airport, including in relation to noise mitigation at the airport.

Noise mitigation at Dublin Airport is subject to substantial regulation and oversight as well as best practice mitigation measures. These measures are designed to address long-term adverse effects of aircraft noise on health and quality of life, whilst also facilitating the sustainable development of the airport.

The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) which was established under statute in 2019 is the independent regulator for the management of noise at Dublin Airport. 

A Noise Abatement Objective (NAO) is a policy for managing the effects of aircraft noise emissions on the surrounding communities and environment at an airport. It is a plan to ensure that any growth at the airport occurs in the most sustainable manner possible.

A NAO for Dublin Airport was defined by ANCA in 2022 to ensure that aircraft noise is considered as part of the sustainable development of the airport. It has a clear policy objective set against measurable criteria and outcomes.  daa is responsible for introducing and ensuring that airport users comply with noise mitigation measures in place at the airport. 

On an annual basis, ANCA has a remit to review the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures in achieving the NAO for Dublin Airport.

In addition to this, I understand that a review of noise levels and their effects on local communities has been initiated by ANCA.  Through this process, ANCA will determine whether the change in noise impact at the airport since the opening of the new runway is of a scale that requires new noise mitigation measures or operating restrictions. The review which commenced in December 2022 is expected to conclude in the coming months.  

I understand that Dublin Airport also provides ANCA with data on complaints logged with its online complaints system "Webtrack" in an annual compliance report.

daa recently informed my Department that to enhance tracking of aircraft using Dublin Airport, daa have added 18 new noise monitoring terminals (16 fixed and two mobile) to the existing system, with 8 further fixed and 1 mobile monitor scheduled to be installed over the coming months.  

My Department and I regularly engage with daa on a number of matters including noise affecting communities around Dublin Airport. 

daa has assured me they continue to regularly engage with the community and stakeholders on issues related to noise at the airport. They advise me that in 2023 their Community Engagement Team conducted visits to just under 100 local homes and schools to discuss a wide range of issues ranging from flight paths to noise mitigation measures. I understand that this is in addition to the hundreds of email responses and updates issued to residents and local elected representatives.