Catherine Murphy
Question:186. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the commuter services that will benefit from the extra commuter carriages that will come into the fleet over the next few weeks. [12785/24]
View answerRail Network
Questions (186)
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 decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Irish Rail.The issues raised by the Deputy are an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
Dublin Airport Authority
Questions (187)
Catherine Murphy
Question:187. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of defibrillators located in public areas in both terminals within Dublin Airport; and the number and percentage of DAA staff are trained in the use of this vital equipment. [12786/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport. As the provision of defibrillators and training staff at the airport is an operational matter for daa, 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.
Bus Services
Questions (188)
Seán Sherlock
Question:188. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to remove a roundabout as part of BusConnects (details supplied). [12806/24]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork.
Planning for the implementation of the redesigned bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be rolled out over the coming years. The draft network will provide an increase of over fifty percent in bus services across the city. It will provide a better overall network that will allow more people to gain more access to more places more quickly, whilst fully integrating with rail modes.
A third round of public consultation on the the 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors in Cork concluded at the end of last year. Following on from this, data gathering and survey work necessary for the production of the Environmental Impact Assessment for a submission to An Bord Pleanála will continue.
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.
Park-and-Ride Facilities
Questions (189)
Catherine Connolly
Question:189. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 1 February 2024, the status of the roll-out of park and ride in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12829/24]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of park and ride facilities nationwide.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA's Park and Ride Development Office for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Bus Services
Questions (190)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:190. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to increase the frequency of the 109A bus services which connect with DCU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12844/24]
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 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 request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Bus Services
Questions (191)
Robert Troy
Question:191. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the NTA to review the withdrawal of the 706 and 706X bus service by a company (details supplied) from Athlone and Dublin. [12849/24]
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 those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the NTA’s public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. As a commercial operator, any decisions taken by Aircoach regarding routes scheduling and timetabling are a matter for the company, the NTA has no powers to refuse an application from an operator to reduce or withdraw services on a commercial route.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, such as Aircoach route 706/706X, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Rail Network
Questions (192)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:192. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport when the Glasnevin (interchange) DART+ and MetroLink rail station will be opened and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12874/24]
View answerWritten answers
MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre. MetroLink will serve 15 stations on opening, including Glasnevin station.
An Oral Hearing for the planning application for the project is currently ongoing. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.
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 MetroLink.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions in relation to the areas raised to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Road Safety
Questions (193)
Pa Daly
Question:193. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport his views regarding the rejection of a Section 38 request for a safety improvement project funded under safety improvement works (details supplied); if Kerry County Council and Tralee Municipal District will be considered for future funding after the rejection [12915/24]
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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
The Department sought applications in October 2023 for consideration for funding of safety improvement works on regional and local roads to be carried out by local authorities in 2024. The schemes for inclusion in the application are decided by the individual local authorities.
In the 2024 Allocations, Ardfert Junction received an allocation of €110,000 under the Safety Improvement Works programme. Due to a variety of factors, a local authority may have to reprioritise projects and as such may require to redirect funds from selected projects within their allocation.
The relevant local authority must liaise with the Department to determine the redistribution of the allocation and gain approval from the Departmental inspector.
According to our records, Kerry County Council have not contacted the Department in relation to this scheme.
Greenways Provision
Questions (194)
Duncan Smith
Question:194. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport what he considers to be best practice in relation to consultation on route selection for greenways through urban areas, noting that his Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways contains guidelines for engagement with landowners and interested groups in rural areas yet has no such guidelines for urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12927/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was developed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Department of Transport in 2021 and includes information on the planning, design and construction of Greenways as well as an overview of the public consultation processes involved. The Code is relevant to Greenway projects falling under the remit of TII, which are known as National and Regional Greenways and are generally over 20km in length.
Urban Greenways more often fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA) who are responsible for the Active Travel Infrastructure Programme, mainly based in urban areas in local authorities around the country. As well as such Greenway projects, the Active Travel Infrastructure Programme delivers cycle lanes, footpaths and school-based projects under the Safe Routes to School Programme. All NTA projects comply with their guidelines on consultations.
Noting the role of the NTA in these projects, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer in relation to those guidelines. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
Córas Iompair Éireann
Questions (195)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:195. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport in relation to the CIÉ superannuation scheme 1951; if his Department has finished considering the draft SI in conjunction with NewERA; the timeframe for when an increase might be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12956/24]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.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. The Department is still in the process of considering the draft SI 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.Accordingly, I have forwarded the aspect of Deputy's question related to "the timeframe for when an increase might be sanctioned" to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Córas Iompair Éireann
Questions (196)
Paul Donnelly
Question:196. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount that CIÉ has generated from rent from coffee docks and other retail units at major train and bus stations in 2023 and to date in 2024. [12962/24]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
The property affairs of CIÉ are matters for the CIÉ Board in accordance with the provisions of the Transport Acts 1950 and 1964. 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.
Legislative Measures
Questions (197)
Paul Donnelly
Question:197. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to legislate to shorten the amount of time gardaí have to wait before they have power to seize vehicles without tax over one month instead at over two months at present. [12966/24]
View answerWritten answers
The legislation referred in the Deputy’s question is Section 41(1)(c) of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, as amended by the Road Traffic Act 2006, which gives a member of An Garda Síochána the power of detention, removal, storage and subsequent release or disposal of a vehicle using the public road, where the member reasonably believes that the vehicle’s motor tax has expired for two months or more. Motor tax enforcement is kept under review in liaison with An Garda Síochána. There are no current plans to amend the two month period.
Driver Test
Questions (198)
Seán Canney
Question:198. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he will change the rules where a person who does their driving test in an automatic car currently will not be licensed to drive a manual car to allow the automatic licence to include a manual licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13012/24]
View answerWritten answers
I have no plans to change the rules to allow a person who holds a driving licence for an automatic transmission car to drive a manual transmission car.
A person must pass their driving test in a manual transmission vehicle if they wish to obtain a driving licence to drive a manual transmission car.
If a person passes their driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle, the driving licence issued restricts the driver to driving automatic transmission cars only and this is indicated by a code on the licence. A person with such a licence cannot drive a manual transmission car legally as they have not displayed in the driving test that they possess sufficient ability to safely drive a manual car on a public road.
A holder of a licence restricted to driving cars with an automatic transmission only can remove this restriction by passing a test in a car with a manual transmission. Details can be found on the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) website here: www.ndls.ie/about/upgrade-an-automatic-car-licence-to-manual-licence.html .
Cycling Facilities
Questions (199)
Colm Burke
Question:199. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the provision of additional funding for the expansion of the Cork city bike scheme into the north side of Cork city in view of the increase in bike journeys in Cork city from 2022 to 2023 as set out in a recent review undertaken by the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13074/24]
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, including the public bike schemes.
Therefore, matters related to the management or expansion of public bike schemes is a matter for relevant local authorities, in conjunction with the NTA.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
Active Travel
Questions (200)
Thomas Pringle
Question:200. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he will reconsider the decision not to install a walkway as was planned over the Clady river at Bunbeg, County Donegal; to detail the money already spent in surveys and other propriety work on this project; if he will meet with local representatives from the community to discuss the need for the walkway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13103/24]
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.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question relating to the Clady River project to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
Pension Provisions
Questions (201, 202)
Joe Carey
Question:201. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the board of a company (details supplied) to comply with the spirit of the Mulvey report 2023 and provide a pension increase in 2024 for pensions in payment to pensioners of the IAA in line with the pension increase recommendations within the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13136/24]
View answerJoe Carey
Question:202. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will instruct the board of a company (details supplied) to provide an amount within the Eurocontrol user charge unit rate air navigation charging mechanism, to ensure that current pensions in payment to pensioners of the IAA receive occasional pension increases concurrently with the occasional pay increases received by their colleagues still working within the State's air navigation and regulation services, in light of the huge increase since the Covid pandemic ended in the demand for commercial and leisure air travel and in light of the significant rise in consumer inflation for pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13137/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.
From 1 May 2023 responsibility for past pensionable remuneration for all Irish Aviation Authority (“IAA”) staff, transferred from the IAA to AirNav Ireland.
In line with the Rules of the Pension Plan any increases to pensions in payment are at the discretion of AirNav Ireland, and where proposed are subject to ministerial approval.
I understand that in 2014 in the light of adverse market conditions and falling bond yields, the Board of the then IAA took a decision to cease accruing for discretionary increases to pensions in payment. The decision followed agreement with the Staff Panel of Trade Unions in 2011 on a Pension Recovery Plan to address a significant deficit in the Main Pension Plan. The Pension Recovery Plan covered the period 2011 to 2018. It was necessary to agree a second Pension Recovery Plan in 2019 which remains in place until 31 December 2024.
Both pension recovery plans, which were concluded with consent of Pension Trustees, do not provide for increases to discretionary benefits.
The priority of AirNav Ireland has been to protect core pension benefits.
I understand that the solvency of the pension plan has improved significantly of late and, in this regard, the Board of AirNav Ireland approved a 2% increase to pensions in payment with effect from 1 January 2023. This increase was implemented following ministerial approval. An increase in respect of 2024 is also being considered.
A large portion of AirNav Ireland income derives from regulated charges applied for air traffic control services which it provides in Irish controlled airspace. These charges are set at EU level, in accordance with an economic regulatory process administered by the EU Commission ('Performance Plan' process). In setting the charges, a whole range of costs and service level issues are considered and subject to detailed analysis, including staffing costs and pensions costs.
AirNav Ireland has indicated it is considering development of a Pensions in Payment Policy to align with the next Performance Plan period, commencing 2025.
Question No. 202 answered with Question No. 201.
Rail Network
Questions (203)
Paul Murphy
Question:203. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the current progress for the MetroLink; what is the estimate for completion of this project; and how he will ensure that this project is completed within the estimated timeframe and within budget. [13178/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, an Oral Hearing in relation to the planning application for MetroLink commenced on February 19th and is scheduled to run until March 28th. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.
The final budget for MetroLink will not be set until after the planning process and completion of tendering and procurement, with the Government having the final decision about whether to proceed to construction. Officials in my Department engage with the National Transport Authority (NTA) on an ongoing basis in relation to the budget and progress of all major projects, including MetroLink.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including MetroLink.Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions in relation to the areas raised to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Public Private Partnerships
Questions (204)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:204. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide details on all planned PPP projects and ongoing PPP contracts; the status of each project; the anticipated or known capital cost; the anticipated or known cost to the Exchequer over the lifetime of the contracts; the annual total payment of PPP unitary charges and the percentage share of the total capital budget for his Department and all public bodies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13206/24]
View answerWritten answers
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).
With regard to the payment mechanism associated with toll operations, it is a contractual obligation which may incorporate a traffic guarantee mechanism. Therefore, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Regarding the MetroLink, the final budget for MetroLink will not be set until after the planning process and completion of tendering and procurement, with the Government having the final decision about whether to proceed to construction. The Preliminary Business Case provided a range of potential costs from €7.16bn to €12.25bn, in 2021 prices and excluding VAT. Around a quarter of the project cost will be financed through a public-private partnership to be repaid after services begin operation, which will reduce the initial cost to the Exchequer.
Aviation Industry
Questions (205)
Claire Kerrane
Question:205. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the impact that increased Irish Aviation Authority fees could have on smaller flying clubs and students; if he is considering any measures to address concerns around this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13236/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Aviation Authority (“IAA”) is responsible for the safety and security of civil aviation in Ireland, as well as the economic regulation of commercial aviation operations. Its functions are funded by way of fees and charges to the end user. The setting of such fees and charges is a matter for the IAA.
I understand that the IAA has recently increased some of its fees, for the first time since 2015, for licences and certificates. These fee increases are necessary to maintain safety and security standards in Ireland, as well as improving services to licence holders.
Licensing fees have increased by an average of 20% which is in line with the level of inflation since they were last changed in 2015.
The fee for a registered training facility registered for private pilot licences is €420 per year.
The fee for the initial issue of a private pilot licence (valid for 5 years), including initial type or class rating(s) and instrument rating(s) where these are included in the application and including instructor rating(s) is €300.
These fee levels are similar to those pertaining in other comparable European Union Aviation Safety Agency Member States.