Written Answers Nos. 192-201
192. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if private car owners will have to avail of Motor Third Party Liability; the impact this will have on them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11250/24]
View answerUnder Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, motor insurance is required to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place. Motor third party liability (MTPL) insurance is the minimum level of motor insurance needed in Ireland for mechanically propelled vehicles. This insurance covers an accident causing damage to property or injury to anybody other than the driver. All MTPL insurance policies are valid throughout the European Union for the full term of their cover.
193. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to extending the maximum age of 2015 registered small public service vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11275/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Regulations made by the NTA in 2010 first established a maximum permissible age of 10 years for new standard taxis and hackneys. The ten-year rule was adopted in recognition of the need to strike a balance between achieving standards that offer the customer confidence, comfort, and safety, and allowing industry members to operate successfully.
The NTA's extension of age limits during Covid-19 was an emergency measure of a temporary nature, taken in recognition of the particular challenges posed by the pandemic and was specifically aimed at ensuring that no operator would be required to change their vehicle while passenger demand remained low due to the pandemic.
A series of global circumstances in 2022 had, in the NTA’s view, considerably worsened the capability of taxi and hackney licence holders to secure new vehicles. Therefore, the NTA further temporarily extended the maximum permissible age for taxis and hackneys so that no current vehicle licence holder would be forced out of the industry because a replacement vehicle could not be purchased. They did this by introducing Regulations on 18 November 2022, the purpose of which is to amend Regulation 31 (Maximum Permissible Age Requirements) of the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015.
The 2022 Regulations provide for a graduated return to the ten-year age limit, with vehicles whose 10-year limit was originally in 2020 or 2021 now extended to 2025, those whose original limit is in 2022 or 2023 now extended to 2026 and those whose original limit will be reached in 2024 extended to 2027.
The NTA has contacted SPSV licence holders to confirm the new final operation date of their current licensed vehicle. This amendment was made as an exceptional provision and contingency measure, as a result of vehicle supply issues. The NTA does not anticipate introducing any further maximum permissible age extensions.
194. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to confirm when works will begin in respect of each of the new rail stations of Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Carrigtwohill West, Water-Rock, Ballynoe under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme; when each will be opened and operational, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11421/24]
View answerThe Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, ‘Enable future electrification of Cork Commuter Rail’, was included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan (NRRP) as submitted to the European Commission in 2021. All works associated with Phase 1 will be completed by Quarter 3 2026 as required by the European Commission.
This will see a €185 million investment, €164m of which is EU funds, in Cork’s rail infrastructure. This will facilitate the longer-term electrification of the network through construction of a new ‘through’ platform at Kent Station to create an integrated suburban network, re-signalling of the network, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. All works included in the NRRP should be completed by 2026 as required by the European Commission.
Following approval from Cork City Council, the construction contract for the additional platform at Kent Station was awarded in early 2023 and enabling works have begun on site, with construction expected to be completed by 2025.
An Bord Pleanála granted a Railway Order with conditions to Córas Iompair Éireann for the double-tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton line in October 2023. Procurement preparations have started following this approval and a contract award is expected later this year, prior to construction commencing.
In addition to the Kent Station and double-tracking works above, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract to Alstom for a major signalling upgrade project on the Cork commuter rail network in June 2023. This signalling upgrade is required to increase the number of trains which can operate between Cork and Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.
As 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 Cork Area Commuter Rail programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
195. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will expand the capacity of the 350 bus service to Galway due to the increased demands at peak times for those travelling to and from university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11434/24]
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.
196. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on any applications received by a local authority to fund a project in the past ten years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11437/24]
View answer197. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the funding streams that a local authority can avail of for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11438/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
According to my Department's records, an application has not been received from Clare County Council in regards to the Ennis Northern Inner Relief Road.
From the outset it is important to highlight that, 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 existing network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
As regards potential future projects under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme, 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.
198. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if the Macroom Town/Millstreet Road entrance to the N22 Macroom Bypass (Kerry-bound carriageways) meets modern safety standards; if the requirement to stop is visible enough to motorists; if further measures to reinforce awareness of this requirement will be considered; if any collisions have been recorded at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11469/24]
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 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.
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.
199. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the likely opening date for the new Shannon crossing. [11525/24]
View answerThe Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme is one of a number of strategic regional and local road improvement schemes being undertaken under the National Development Plan.
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 Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. As such, the implementation of the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme is the responsibility of Clare County Council.
Following the conclusion of the tender process for the main construction contract for the scheme, the contract was awarded in 2022 and the construction programme is underway. My understanding is that the scheme is scheduled to be completed in Q3 2025.
200. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance to list, in tabular form, by each local authority area, the number of vacant homes tax (VHT) returns received by the Revenue Commissioners during the first chargeable period of 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023; the number of exemptions to the VHT applied for and the number of these applications allowed; the amount collected in respect of each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11212/24]
View answer201. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the vacant property tax (VPT), the number of times that the Revenue Commissioners have requested property owners who have assessed that VPT does not apply to their property, to confirm the status of their property or to submit a VHT return on their property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11213/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
The Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) as announced in Budget 2023, aims to increase the supply of homes for rent or purchase to meet demand. Legislative provision for the tax was made in the Finance Act 2022. A residential property will be within the scope of VHT, if it has been occupied as a dwelling for less than 30 days in a chargeable period.
VHT operates on a self-assessment basis, where the number of properties in scope and the amount of tax payable, depends on the self-assessed returns submitted by property owners, the number of properties declared as liable, and the number of property owners entitled to claim available exemptions from the tax. The first chargeable period commenced on 1 November 2022 and ended on 31 October 2023. The first self-assessed returns were due on 7 November 2023 and the associated tax payable on or before 1 January 2024.
VHT does not apply to derelict or uninhabitable properties. Where a property is uninhabitable, to such an extent that it is not suitable for occupation, it is outside the scope of VHT and is not taxable. In such circumstances, the property owner is not required to file a VHT Return.
I am advised by Revenue that the online VHT Portal became available to the public on 25 September 2023, where property owners can confirm the occupation status of their property, file VHT Returns, make payments, and submit any necessary documentation to Revenue. The VHT portal guides the user through 3 steps, which allows them to either declare that the property is outside the scope of the tax, or to file the VHT return.
Revenue has developed a vacant property register with data drawn from a range of sources including GeoDirectory, the Residential Tenancies Board, ESB Networks and Revenue’s own LPT register. The register is used to identify residential properties which may come within the scope of VHT. To date, Revenue have written to approximately 25,000 single property owners and 728 multi-property owners requesting the property owners to log onto the portal to confirm whether the properties are occupied or vacant and if applicable, to submit a return. Revenue will continue to refine the vacant property register and may contact further property owners at a later date, following data analysis.
Notwithstanding, property owners are required to submit a return if they determine that VHT applies to their property, even if they do not receive correspondence from Revenue.
To date, the 3-step process through the VHT portal has been completed in respect of 56,779 properties, with 50,710 properties being declared as either occupied or not subject to VHT and 6,069 properties declared as vacant. Of these, exemptions have been claimed in respect of 2,485 properties. Total liability to VHT as of 31 January 2024 is €2m of which, €1.2m has been collected, with Direct Debit (DD) or Annual Debit Instruction (ADI) payment arrangements in place for the balance.
While data is not currently available on the amount of VHT collected in each local authority area, the following table provides a breakdown of vacant properties by Local Authority as of 4 March 2024.
|
Local Authority |
No. of returns filed |
No. Vacant |
No. Exempt |
|
Carlow County Council |
438 |
45 |
23 |
|
Cavan County Council |
2,729 |
156 |
46 |
|
Clare County Council |
611 |
90 |
38 |
|
Cork City Council |
2,115 |
201 |
123 |
|
Cork County Council |
2,535 |
518 |
208 |
|
Donegal County Council |
1,908 |
424 |
124 |
|
Dublin City Council |
8,702 |
675 |
361 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown CC |
2,596 |
211 |
120 |
|
Fingal County Council |
2,648 |
181 |
85 |
|
Galway City Council |
1,724 |
107 |
49 |
|
Galway County Council |
953 |
184 |
59 |
|
Kerry County Council |
1,802 |
443 |
159 |
|
Kildare County Council |
955 |
167 |
63 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
3,115 |
93 |
35 |
|
Laois County Council |
2,727 |
117 |
22 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
643 |
78 |
26 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
1,651 |
417 |
128 |
|
Longford County Council |
348 |
55 |
29 |
|
Louth County Council |
1,506 |
156 |
70 |
|
Mayo County Council |
1,552 |
345 |
128 |
|
Meath County Council |
911 |
106 |
47 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
2,119 |
55 |
25 |
|
Offaly County Council |
385 |
67 |
23 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
458 |
95 |
34 |
|
Sligo County Council |
684 |
158 |
63 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
1,983 |
118 |
72 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
921 |
185 |
80 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
843 |
161 |
58 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
491 |
69 |
29 |
|
Wexford County Council |
6,033 |
235 |
91 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
693 |
157 |
67 |
|
Totals |
56,779 |
6,069 |
2,485 |
