Written Answers Nos. 162-181
162. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport what actions the Road Safety Authority plans to take to reduce the long waiting times in queues on the MyRoadSafety portal where a driving test applicant wants to book any of the cancelled short notice slots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10220/24]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed response in relation to the specific case raised.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
163. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 20 February 2024, given that no one bar essential workers could sit a driving test or avail of lessons in 2020 and 2021, if he will take this into consideration and advocate for the RSA to make temporary changes to third learner permits to last for two years rather than one (details supplied). [10226/24]
View answerWhile I am aware of the restrictions in place in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic, I do not intend to make changes to the regulations in place for obtaining a third or further learner permit. If a person has sat and failed a driving test, the third or further permit will be granted for 2 years. If not, the permit will be granted for 1 year.
164. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport to provide the number of registered taxis and hackney vehicles in operation in each county in each of the years 2019, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10228/24]
View answer165. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport to provide the number of registered taxis and hackney drivers in operation in each county in each of the years 2019, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10229/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the collection and publication of statistics relating to SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated 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.
166. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the enforcement investigation into divergent flight paths on the north runway; when this investigation is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10281/24]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is seeking an update on the enforcement action being taken by Fingal County Council against daa seeking compliance with a planning condition (condition 5) attached to the grant of planning permission for the North Runway in 2007 which relates to a restriction on night-time aircraft movements at Dublin Airport between 2300-0700.
The High Court granted daa leave to apply for a judicial review of the Council's decision to take enforcement action and the matter is listed for hearing on 12 March 2024.
167. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of the number of nighttime flights that have taken off from Dublin airport from 1 January to 27 February 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10282/24]
View answerAs the deputy will be aware, daa has the statutory responsibility for the operation, management and development of Dublin Airport.As the issue raised by the deputy is an operational one, I have forwarded your request to daa for a direct response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office
168. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers that passed through Dublin airport between 2019 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10283/24]
View answerStatistics on passenger numbers at Dublin Airport between 2019 and 2023 are set out in the table below.
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
Dublin Airport |
32,911,227 |
7,385,704 |
8,455,325 |
28,085,562 |
33,522,251 |
daa has reported that of the 33,522,251 passengers recorded in 2023, 31,908,471 passengers passed through the terminals; 1,081,800 passengers are connecting passengers; and 532,222 are classified as "other" passengers who did not use the terminals and include transit passengers who do not exit the plane and other categories such as Search and Rescue and Air Ambulance.
Statistics on passenger numbers are compiled and published by the Department on the government website on a quarterly basis. The figures are provided to the Department directly by each airport and are subject to change.
169. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport when safety improvement works will commence at a dangerous junction in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10309/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
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.
170. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the CIÉ salaried pensioners association report; if he agrees with the contents that the CIÉ superannuation scheme increase is sustainable at 2.6%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10325/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.
As of end December 2022, the Balance Sheet deficit for the two defined benefit pension schemes operated by CIÉ, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), was €396.5m. While the funding position improved during 2022, and the 1951 scheme now meets the MFS, the RWS currently does not meet the MFS and the funding level is marginal and subject to future market volatility.
In relation to RWS, I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July 2022.
Regarding the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. This is being considered by the Department in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputy may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days, and the proceedings are next listed for the 24th of April 2024.
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes. CIÉ would be best placed to advise on this issue, and any queries in relation to the contents of the Willis Towers Watson report.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
171. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport when Moyross rail station will be opened and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10329/24]
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 works at Moyross train station.
Construction of a new train station at Moyross is proposed under the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS). Moreover, in order to support the delivery of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, which in turn is a key part of the Government’s plan to achieve a 50% reduction in transport greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland by 2030, I launched the Pathfinder Programme in October 2022. Construction of a new train station at Moyross was selected for inclusion in the Pathfinder Programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific queries raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days
172. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport to provide the list of new rail stations to be opened under the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; when works will commence on each; when each will be opened and operational, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10330/24]
View answerThe Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann.
Noting the NTA's role in the development of the strategy, 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.
173. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport when Moyross rail station will be opened and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10335/24]
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 works at Moyross train station.
Construction of a new train station at Moyross is proposed under the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS). Moreover, in order to support the delivery of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, which in turn is a key part of the Government’s plan to achieve a 50% reduction in transport greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland by 2030, I launched the Pathfinder Programme in October 2022. Construction of a new train station at Moyross was selected for inclusion in the Pathfinder Programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific queries raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
174. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport to provide the list of new rail stations to be opened under the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; when work will commence on each; when each will be opened and operational in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10336/24]
View answerThe Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann.
Noting the NTA's role in the development of the strategy, 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.
175. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport to provide the list of new rail stations to be opened under the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; when works will commence on each; when each will be opened and operational, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10337/24]
View answerThe Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann.
Noting the NTA's role in the development of the strategy, 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.
176. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the current plans to upgrade the 233 bus route to provide an improved public transport service to the villages of Killumney, Aherla, Cloughduv, Kilmurry and Crookstown (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10345/24]
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 NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have 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.
177. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated by his Department to each of Ireland's regional airports for each year 2020 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10365/24]
View answerExchequer supports totalling almost €125m were provided to regional airports by my Department between 2020 -2023. Please see the table below, which provides a breakdown of funding to each airport by funding scheme over the period 2020-2023.
|
AIRPORT |
PROGRAMME |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
TOTAL |
|
Donegal |
Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 |
€826,105 |
€1,193,262 |
€1,289,830 |
€1,186,442 |
€4,495,639 |
|
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme |
€258,421 |
€258,421 |
||||
|
Donegal Total |
€826,105 |
€1,451,683 |
€1,289,830 |
€1,186,442 |
€4,754,060 |
|
|
Kerry |
Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 |
€2,655,506 |
€4,084,378 |
€2,511,597 |
€1,747,930 |
€10,999,411 |
|
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme |
1,797,586 |
€1,797,586 |
||||
|
Kerry Total |
€2,655,506 |
€5,881,964 |
€2,511,597 |
€1,747,930 |
€12,796,997 |
|
|
Ireland West |
Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 |
€2,236,894 |
€3,191,390 |
€4,111,658 |
€6,454,862 |
€15,994,804 |
|
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme |
2,805,709 |
€2,805,709 |
||||
|
Ireland West Total |
€2,236,894 |
€5,997,099 |
€4,111,658 |
€6,454,862 |
€18,800,513 |
|
|
Waterford |
Emergency Subvention |
€375,000 |
€375,000 |
|||
|
Waterford Total |
€375,000 |
€375,000 |
||||
|
Cork |
Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 |
€14,460,343 |
€1,369,591 |
€15,829,934 |
||
|
COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021 |
€16,689,769 |
€16,689,769 |
||||
|
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme |
€8,379,000 |
€8,379,000 |
||||
|
Cork Total |
€25,068,769 |
€14,460,343 |
€1,369,591 |
€40,898,703 |
||
|
Shannon |
Emergency Capital Supports |
€303,513 |
€5,349,560 |
€1,126,539 |
€6,779,612 |
|
|
Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 |
€10,511,149 |
€12,579,211 |
€23,090,360 |
|||
|
COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021 |
€11,595,027 |
€11,595,027 |
||||
|
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme |
€5,494,000 |
€5,494,000 |
||||
|
Shannon Total |
€303,513 |
€22,438,587 |
€11,637,688 |
€12,579,211 |
€46,958,999 |
|
|
TOTAL |
€6,397,018 |
€60,838,102 |
€34,011,116 |
€23,338,036 |
€124,584,272 |
Over €70m was provided under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. This Programme supports Ireland’s smallest airports i.e., those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than one million annual passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). In addition to targeting funding at safety and security projects and activities, the Programme also supports projects with a sustainability focus, encouraging airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience.
A further €28m was provided under a one-year COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme in 2021. As the Deputy is aware, at that time by virtue of their size and passenger numbers neither Shannon nor Cork State airports had been eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme. However, in recognition of the impact COVID-19 had on these airports, Government provided capital and operational supports in 2021. This one-year programme mirrored the focus and objectives of the Regional Airports Programme. Due to supressed passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021, both Shannon and Cork State airports later become eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme in 2022, with Shannon Airport remaining eligible in 2023 also.
In addition, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances faced by Irish airports during COVID-19 and taking account of the recommendations of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, a further unprecedented €18.7m was allocated to regional airports in 2021 under an EU State Aid approved COVID Supplementary Support Scheme for Irish Airports. This funding compensated the smaller regional airports at Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West for the damage caused to them by COVID-19. The funding allocated to Shannon and Cork State airports provided them with the flexibility to roll out route incentives and charge rebates, in consultation with airlines. This funding supported the strong rebound in passenger traffic witnessed across Irish airports in 2023.
Additional exceptional supports were also provided over this period. On foot of a Government decision in 2020, additional capital supports totalling €6.78m were provided to Shannon Airport over the period 2020-2023, to support vital Embankments works as well as the completion of a Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) project.
In addition, emergency operational support of €375,00 was provided to Waterford Airport in 2020. In the absence of scheduled passenger services, Waterford Airport has not been eligible for supports under the Regional Airports Programme since 2016. However, in recognition of the financial challenges faced by the airport, operational funding was provided to allow time for airport management to consider future options for the airport.
In relation to funding available for allocation in 2024, almost €9m in capital and €4m in operational supports are available for allocation this year. Eligible airports are Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West. My Department is currently assessing capital grant proposals received from airports, and I hope to make an announcement in relation to capital funding allocations in the coming weeks. As in previous years, requests for operational supports will be assessed later in the year, with allocations made by year end.
In addition, while not eligible for supports under the Programme since 2022, in recognition of the important role of Cork Airport to the economy of the south region and nationally, capital funding of €6m was made available to Cork Airport last year under Budget 2023. This funding will support, in principle, the commencement of a significant security screening project and is consistent with the Programme for Government action to deliver capital programmes required to support services and ensure safety at our state and regional airports. This project is currently being appraised in accordance with the Public Spending Code/Infrastructure Guidelines, for funding consideration this year also.
178. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport to provide the list of new rail stations to be opened under the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; when works will commence on each; when each will be opened and operational, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10366/24]
View answerThe Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann.
Noting the NTA's role in the development of the strategy, 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.
179. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the ground rents payable by his Department or agencies under its remit, by named property, by name of landlord and by amount payable, in the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10425/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is predominately responsible for the procurement, purchase and rent of office and other accommodation required for Government Departments, including the Department of Transport. The Department does however pay rent on the Valentia Marine Rescue Sub- Centre. Sir Adrian Fitzgerald has been paid a sum of €2,000 a year for the years 2016 to date.
The renting, leasing and hiring of office space for public bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for those bodies and accordingly I have referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
180. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the new rail stations to be opened under a strategy (details supplied); when works will commence on each; when each will be opened and operational, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10438/24]
View answerThe Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann.
Noting the NTA's role in the development of the strategy, 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.
181. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the PSO funding required for the procurement of a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10446/24]
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 TFI Local Link services, the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and the development of New Town Services.
The development of the Ennis new town public transport service is a part of the wider NTA Town Services programme and is dependent on the annual Estimates process.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new services, including in Ennis, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
