Written Answers Nos. 162-181
162. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport his views on a second operator (details supplied) pulling out of the Galway to Dublin route from April; if he is concerned at bus routes being pulled at a time when people are being encouraged to use public transport; his plans to ensure greater public transport options for rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13361/24]
View answerAs 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.
163. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount collected in fee in respect of overflight permits in the years 2019 to date in 2024, in tabular form. [13369/24]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is seeking information on the fees charged for the provision of en route air navigation services. AirNav Ireland, who provide these services since 1 May 2023 (prior to that date these services were provided by the Irish Aviation Authority) and are the recipient of these fees, have informed me that the following are the sums in respect of the years 2019 to 19 March 2024.
|
Year |
En route charges collected €’m |
|
2019 |
130.7 |
|
2020 |
52.0 |
|
2021 |
67.6 |
|
2022 |
120.0 |
|
2023 |
126.1 |
|
2024 (to 19 March 2024) |
19.2 |
164. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be allocated to a project (details supplied); the timeframe for the delivery of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13392/24]
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 the rollout of new and enhanced Town services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in County Westmeath, 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.
165. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he funds the National Transport Authority’s installations of school zones as part of the Safer Routes to School Programme; the process and the funding stream; the progress to date; what schools have engaged in the programme; the schools that have had school zones installed; when the next round of funding/applications will be announced in order that other schools can benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13429/24]
View answerThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones. These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 167 schools form Round 1 of the SRTS Programme while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Rounds 1 and 2 will be selected for forthcoming rounds. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme is expected to be announced later this year.
Given the number of schools currently registered with the Programme, there is currently no plans to open up the Programme for additional applications. It should be noted, however, that funding for Active Travel infrastructure for schools is not confined to the Safe Routes to Schools Programme alone. In some cases, schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works. All Active Travel funding looks to improve links to schools where possible, and this will be provided through the Programme for Government commitment that €360 million in cross-Government funding will be spent on walking and cycling per annum over the lifetime of the Government.
Given the role of the NTA in the administration of this Programme, I have referred your question to that agency who should be able to provide further detail on the progress of the Programme to date. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he remains satisfied that the main transport routes to mainland Europe are adequately provided for in order to ensure ready, unimpeded access to and from to continue to facilitate imports and exports to and from this country post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13452/24]
View answerMaritime transport is the most important means of connecting Ireland to international markets, accounting for more than 90% of Ireland’s international trade. An efficient and resilient maritime transport sector is fundamental to the successful functioning of the Irish economy.
At the end of the Brexit transition, Ireland saw a rapid and unprecedented reconfiguration of its traditional supply chains. New customs obligations drove a surge in the demand for services on direct routes between Irish ports and mainland Europe. RoRo traffic (Roll on/roll off freight cargo, which can be accompanied/ unaccompanied by a driver) on these services rose by 94% compared to 2020. This demand was driven largely by a reduction in the use of the UK Landbridge. RoRo traffic to ports in Great Britain has declined by 20% post-Brexit as a result. Direct EU traffic has doubled and now represents one-third of all RoRo volume, compared to 16% in recent years.
This major shift in traffic was made possible due to the preparation, innovation, and adaptability of the shipping operators in the RoRo and LoLo (container) sectors. By late 2020, new routes were opened, existing services were expanded, and additional capacity was added across all shipping modes. This was clear evidence of the ability of Irish supply chains to be resilient and reactive to changes in demand.
To put this in context, in 2019 Ireland had about 30 direct sailings to and from European ports. Today, there are over 70 direct sailings to the continent and capacity continues to be added. Ireland wants the maximum connectivity opinions possible. A well-functioning landbridge through Great Britain remains vital for Irish importers and exporters and it is a priority for the Irish Government to maintain that.
Irish supply chains have faced impacts from the end of the Brexit transition period, the COVID-19 pandemic, unprecedented increases in containership freight rates, rising fuel costs due to the conflict in Ukraine, and heightened inflation rates that increase the cost of all business activity. That this market continues to provide uninterrupted connectivity to international markets for Irish importers and exporters is evidence of its resilience.
My Department, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), continually monitors Ireland’s international maritime connectivity and has ongoing engagement with port and shipping stakeholders regarding a wide range of maritime transport-related issues.
167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which outstanding traffic bottlenecks will continue to receive remedial attention on local or regional routes in order to ensure the minimisation of traffic delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13453/24]
View answerIt is important to stress that the responsibility for the management of roads, including traffic management measures, lies with each individual local authority within its administrative area. Local authorities work in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland in the case of national roads. While the National Transport Authority is responsible for overall transport strategy in the Greater Dublin Area and liaises with local authorities in that regard.
168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is anticipated upgrades to rail services serving the commuter towns of north County Kildare will be carried out, if by provision of increased frequency of services the provision of extra carriages or alternatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13454/24]
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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to upgrades to rail services and frequency of services in north County Kildare are operational matters 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 a reply within ten working days.
169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which rural transport continues to be improved nationwide with particular reference to the provision of new routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13455/24]
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 rollout of new Town services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for new and enhanced public transport services in rural areas nationwide, 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.
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he expects to achieve sufficient improvement in the national arterial road network with particular reference to ensuring adequate distribution routes to meet the demand arising from increased job creation through the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13456/24]
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.
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.
171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to combat the daily traffic congestion on the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13457/24]
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.
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.
172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his future plans to combat the daily traffic congestion on the M4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13458/24]
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.
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.
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he has studied the weakest links in the transport system nationally; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13459/24]
View answerResearch and analysis make an important contribution to my Department’s overall mission of delivering an accessible, efficient, safe, and sustainable transport system which supports communities, households and businesses.
My Department has led research across a number of areas across the transport system, which have informed the development and implementation of national transport policy.
A key priority for my Department is to ensure that our transport system is integrated, resilient and decarbonised in a manner that is environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. My Department delivers research to provide for a robust evidence base for policy development, implementation, communication, and reporting in the transport sector. Research plays a key role in identifying and addressing gaps in data, and in modelling the impacts of emissions and carbon reduction measures across the interconnected transport, economic and social systems.
Climate Action and Sustainability Research is aligned with the Avoid-Shift-Improve framework set out in the Transport chapter of the Climate Action Plan 2024, as well as the Transport Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan. Examples of key studies informing policy development with regard to climate action in the Transport System which my Department has provided input to include Climate Action Plan Transport Modelling, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Redesigning Ireland’s Transport for Net Zero: Towards Systems that Work for People and the Planet. Both reports are available online.
My Department has also supported studies to inform the development and enhancement of our public transport system. The All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions. The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities including the potential for higher/high-speed, enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight. Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and it is intended that the final Review will be published by the Summer. Further information on the Review is available online.
Other recent examples of focussed analysis to inform policy development by my Department include:
• Spending Review of Ireland’s Road and Railway Network
• Focussed Policy Assessment on the Protection and Renewal of Ireland’s Regional and Local Road Network
• The Economic Cost Traffic Congestion within the Greater Dublin Area
My Department will host the Transport Research Arena (TRA) conference in April of this year, supported by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the European Commission. The biennial conference is the largest European transport and mobility research, innovation, and technology event, and will bring together policymakers, researchers, academia, and industry representatives to discuss how research, innovation and technology can work together to shape our current and future transport and mobility systems. As President of the conference, along with Minister of State Chambers as Vice-President, our aim is to showcase the best Ireland and Europe has to offer across the transport and mobility arena.
The theme of the conference for 2024 is “Transport Transitions: Advancing Sustainable and Inclusive Mobility”, and will be examined under a number of distinct sub-themes, including: Safe & Inclusive Transport; Sustainable Mobility of People & Goods; Efficient & Resilient Systems, and; Collaborative Digitalisation. Further information regarding this event can be found here: https://traconference.eu/
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which his Department continues to evaluate the transport system, road and rail, public and private to ensure the development of efficient and effective transport in all areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13460/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme, and for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key National Strategic Outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others.
As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year – however most national road projects in the NDP will continue to be progressed in 2023.
A major priority in the NDP, in line with the Department’s investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing national road network. The NDP foresees an exchequer allocation of circa €2.9 billion for the Protection and Renewal of existing national roads over the 10-year period to 2030, allocated fairly evenly across the decade.
With regard to public transport, the Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. To support this objective, under Budget 2024, a funding package of c. €613.463m has been secured for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Local Link services. This package includes funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the extension of the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services to include 24-and-25-year-olds, and the continuation of the 90-minute fare until the end of 2024. Funding has also been secured to support the continued roll-out of new and enhanced bus and rail services this year under programmes such as Connecting Ireland and BusConnects. The statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally rests with the National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA works with the public transport operators, who deliver the services and have responsibility for day-to-day operational matters.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to improving public transport and is backing up that commitment with significant infrastructure investments across the network.
The NTA in collaboration with local authorities, prepare transport strategies for the greater Dublin area as well as the Cork, Limerick-Shannon, Galway and Waterford metropolitan areas. These transport strategies ensure an evidence-led, holistic, multi-modal approach toward transport planning and provision.
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken by my Department in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland to 2050, in line with net zero carbon emissions targets.
I expect that a final report, taking account of the comments received during the recent Strategic Environmental Assessment consultation, will be submitted for Government approval, in both jurisdictions, by the Summer.
At an individual project level, the Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF), which implements the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) Infrastructure Guidelines, sets out the appraisal requirements for the transport sector including the requirement for scheme options to be assessed and evaluated using appraisal techniques such as Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Cost Effectiveness Analysis (CEA). The appraisal required is proportionate to the value of the scheme, major projects with an estimated value of over €200 million are subject to a review by independent technical experts under an External Assurance Process and presented to the Major Projects Advisory Group convened by DPENDR.
175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he continues to have discussions with his EU colleagues with a view to ensuring that transport costs here are competitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13461/24]
View answerWhile the specific topic of competitiveness has not been on the agenda of recent meetings of EU Transport Ministers, it remains an important consideration in all such discussions.
With respect to actions taken by this Government in response to the issue of transport costs, I refer the Deputy to my response to Dáil Question No. 86 of 14 February 2024.
www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2024-02-14/86/#pq_86.
176. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently intervene to ensure the reintroduction of the 20/X20 route by Bus Éireann in view of the recent withdrawal of the services of a company (details supplied) on the Galway – Dublin route. [13493/24]
View answerAs 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 commercial operators, any decisions taken by Aircoach or Bus Éíreann Expressway regarding routes scheduling and timetabling are a matter for the respective operators. 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
As the query raised in relation to the possible reintroduction of the 20/x20 routes relates to Bus Éireann's commercial service, Expressway, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
177. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number, location and capacity of local link transport services; and his plans to grow this service. [13533/24]
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 rollout of new Town services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for TFI Local Link services 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.
178. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the possibility of creating a digital platform for people living in isolated areas where public service transport is not feasible to access rides either by volunteers or on a cost covering basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13534/24]
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 rollout of new Town services.
Under Connecting Ireland, the NTA is examining the potential for non-conventional public transport services in rural areas, including the Smart (app-based) Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) pilot. For rural areas, it has the potential to integrate ‘first and last mile’ connections, reduce vehicle emissions and mitigate some of the risks of scheduled services while providing access to more places for more people.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in rural areas nationwide, and the Smart DRT pilot, 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.
179. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has reviewed the adequacy of the funding for regional and local roads in 2024; how it compares with last year; how need is measured; what measure he uses to establish relative need in different counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13546/24]
View answerIn 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.
On 15th February an Exchequer investment of €658 million in our regional and local roads across the State was announced which represents an increase of €32 million over the 2023 allocations. Each local authority received an increase in funding for their Restoration Improvement grant. This Exchequer funding is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources.
Within the budget available, grant funding is allocated on as fair and equitable a basis as possible to ensure that all local authorities are in receipt of funds to maintain the network. In this context, the allocation of the three biggest exchequer grant types (restoration maintenance, restoration improvement, and discretionary grants) are based on the length of regional and local roads within a local authority’s area, with additional weighting based on contributing traffic factors in specific areas.
This approach also means that, while central Government is supplying significant funding, it acknowledges that local authorities are best placed to make determinations in their own areas for maximum delivery of results. Indeed, the initial selection and prioritisation of maintenance and renewal works is a matter for each local authority. There is flexibility within the State grant programme for Councils to direct resources to address particular problems identified on their networks as they see fit.
It is important to note, arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, the four Dublin Councils are largely self-funding for works on regional and local roads since 2015 and my Department no longer provides grants to these Councils under the main regional and local road grant categories.
180. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if actively farmed farmland will be exempted from the residential zoned land tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13509/24]
View answerThe Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) was introduced in Finance Act 2021 and seeks to increase housing supply by encouraging the activation of development on lands which are suitably zoned and appropriately serviced.
It aims to bring those lands which have benefitted from investment in services and are capable of being developed forward for housing. The tax is an action contained in Housing for All, the Government’s plan for housing, to increase housing supply and is supported in the Programme for Government.
The tax applies to land that is:
• Zoned suitable for residential development whether it be solely or primarily for residential use, or for a mixture of uses, including residential use, and
• Serviced; This means where it is reasonable to consider the land may have access, or be connected, to public infrastructure and facilities, including roads and footpaths, public lighting, foul sewer drainage, surface water drainage and water supply, necessary for dwellings to be developed and with sufficient service capacity available for such development.
In order to be liable for the tax the land must meet both criteria.
Each local authority in the State is responsible for the preparation of an RZLT map for their functional area. In preparing the draft RZLT maps each local authority determines whether the zoned land is connected or able to connect to the six required categories of services. Any exclusions which would rule the land out of scope were applied. Each local authority then published a draft RZLT map identifying the land which meets the requirements of the legislation and which may be liable to the tax.
It is important to note that, to come within the scope of RZLT, farmland must be both zoned for residential use and serviced. Farmland that is zoned for residential use, but which is not currently serviced, is not within the scope of the tax and will only come within the scope of the tax should the land become serviced at some point in the future.
Agricultural land which is zoned solely or primarily for residential use and meets the criteria set out within the legislation therefore falls within the scope of the tax. These zonings are considered to reflect the housing needs set out within the core strategy for the relevant local authority area and landowners within such zonings may fall within the scope of the tax, in the interests of ensuring an appropriate supply of housing on zoned lands.
As part of Budget 2024, it was decided to extend the liability date of the tax by one year, from February 2024 to February 2025. This is to allow for the annual mapping cycle to complete and afford landowners another opportunity to raise issues for the consideration of the local authority regarding particular matters which would preclude housing being developed on the land, which may result in the land not meeting the criteria for inclusion as set out in legislation.
The deferral provides a further opportunity to landowners, whose land appears on a draft revised final map published on 1 February 2024, to request re-zoning or to make a submission regarding land not meeting the criteria for inclusion on the map.
Landowners who wish to make a submission regarding land not meeting the criteria for inclusion will have until 1 April 2024 to make submissions to the relevant local authority. Landowners wishing to make submissions regarding land for which they wish to make a re-zoning request have until 31 May 2024 to make submissions to the relevant local authority.
Decisions on whether to amend zonings as a result of submissions or at any other time are a matter for each local authority, taking into account the need to ensure that housing supply targets across the county can be met. It is worth noting that provision is made in the Planning and Development Act 2000 for elected members to seek a report from their Chief Executive on the matter of proposed re-zonings.
Furthermore, Finance Bill 2022 introduced an exemption for land that is within the scope of the tax but is subject to a contract that precludes the landowner from developing it. For the exemption to apply, the contract must have been entered into prior to 1 January 2022, i.e., prior to the introduction of RZLT. For example, where a farmer leased land prior to 1 January 2022 and the requisite conditions are met, the farmer may claim an exemption from the tax for the period of the lease.
The Department of Finance regularly engages with both the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the implementation of the RZLT.
Further information regarding RZLT maps and the related submission processes are available on each local authority website, or at www.gov.ie/rzlt.
181. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to ensure the Irish Strategic Investment Fund divests itself of holdings in companies currently listed on the UN database of businesses operating within the illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13358/24]
View answerThe NTMA inform me that the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) constructs its portfolio within the legislative framework set for it by the Oireachtas and will align it with any changes it makes. ISIF endeavours to be a responsible investor, actively integrating ESG factors into its decision-making processes with a view to enhancing the overall outcomes for the Fund and ultimately its beneficial owner.
ISIF has, to date, completed several divestment programmes and excluded investments from the Fund, consistent with legislative changes enacted by the Oireachtas which have had a consequential impact on ISIF’s investment strategy. In this context ISIF operates an exclusion policy which is consistent with its statutory mandate, as amended from time to time. Exclusion is used on a limited basis, reflecting exclusions mandated by legislation (such as the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018 or the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Act 2008).
Exclusions are also made on sustainable investment grounds using ISIF’s Exclusion Decision Making Framework including in respect of Tobacco and Nuclear Weapons.
At Dáil Second Stage on Tuesday, 16 May the Dáil agreed a 9-month timed amendment to consider the issues raised by the Private Members Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill, 2023. This was to allow for consideration of the issues raised by the Bill including alternative non-legislative based approaches or a combination of legislative and non-legislative based approaches which could achieve a similar outcome.
My Department has been working with the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) as part of the NTMA on the most appropriate way to address the issues raised by the Bill.
Officials from my Department along with officials from the NTMA had an engagement with the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee in October 2023 to discuss the Bill and a report issued from that Committee in January 2024 . Officials from my Department and officials from the NTMA engaged with the Committee on Finance, PER and Taoiseach for pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill on 20 March, 2024.
The Bill is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny and I await the outcome of that process.
