Written Answers Nos. 202-221
202. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the proposed Connecting Ireland route (details supplied); the actions he will take to ensure this is prioritised for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14161/24]
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 and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for new and enhanced public transport services under Connecting Ireland, including services in County Wicklow, 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.
203. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if his Department uses community radio for advertising and public awareness campaigns; if not, the reason, given the vital role community radio often plays in the dissemination of information to local communities; if his Department will consider using community radio for public awareness campaigns in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14175/24]
View answerMy Department works closely with a media buying agency to plan its radio advertising for public awareness campaigns. The media agency have advised that community radio stations are not commercially licensed and therefore inventory is not available to trade commercially. Due to their limited scale these stations are often run off local funding, donations, and on a volunteer basis, which means they typically are not set up to take advertising.
In the past, community radio stations have gone on to become commercial regional stations - one hybrid example is Radio na Life, who were formerly non-commercial community radio but since the introduction of the Official Languages Act have sought a commercial license and are now utilised as part of Department of Transport media plans.
My Department includes local and regional radio in its advertising media plans, supporting radio in each county, and has undertaken advertising across over 20 regional stations in the past 12 months.
The performance of my Department’s advertising campaigns are carefully monitored. The choice of media is tailored to each campaign to maximise performance. My Department’s channels of communications are kept open to consistent review, including channels for radio advertising.
204. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the proposal to extend the DART to Wicklow town; the work that has been done to date by his Department to support this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14178/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the Wicklow Capacity Enhancement Study.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
205. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the board of an organisation (details supplied) to comply with the spirit of the Mulvey Report 2023 and provide a pension increase for 2024 to pensioners of the IAA, in line with the pension increase recommendations within the Mulvey Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14181/24]
View answer206. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if will he instruct the board of an organisation (details supplied), 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, to provide an amount within the Eurocontrol User Charge Unit Rate 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 air navigation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14182/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 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.
207. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14221/24]
View answerDaa has statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Dublin airport and has submitted a planning application to Fingal County Council seeking to increase the passenger cap to 40m and planning permission for capacity enhancing projects including new aircraft piers and stands. I cannot intervene in the planning process, including the application seeking an extension of the existing passenger cap at Dublin Airport. No capacity constraints exist at our Regional airports.
However, I can advise the Deputy that increasing capacity of Dublin Airport is in line with the National Aviation Policy, which recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport to meeting national social and economic policy goals and includes the objective to develop Dublin Airport as a secondary hub airport.
Government acknowledges the value of aviation in supporting economic development, international connectivity and tourism via airports. With regard to our regional airports, Government policy seeks to optimise conditions for regional development and connectivity, both for social and economic benefits. In line with these objectives, through Exchequer funded programmes, over €149m in targeted capital and operational supports to our regional airports has been provided over the past 10 years. This funding has supported vital safety and security related projects and activities at our regional airports, ensuring that these airports have remained compliant with EU safety and security related obligations.
This funding included over €41m in supports for Shannon Airport and almost €33m for Cork Airport. Almost €15m of Cork Airport’s funding supported a runway overlay and electrical substation project, a key strategic asset for the South of Ireland for the next 20 years. The Deputy will be pleased to note that passenger numbers at Cork Airport last month were up 25% compared to March 2023 and at Shannon Airport, passenger numbers last month have increased by almost 17% when compared with March 2023.
In addition to these targeted supports, an unprecedented €116m in Exchequer funding was provided to Irish airports in 2021 under an EU State aid approved COVID-19 Supplementary Support Scheme for Irish airports. This funding has compensated our small regional airports at Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry for the damage caused to them by COVID as well as having provided our State airports with the flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, greatly supporting recovery and growth of connectivity.
This level of funding in recent years is a clear indication of the importance Government attaches to our regional airports being well positioned for growth. Ireland has established good connectivity via our regional airports with the UK, Europe and America. Exchequer funding provided to date has enabled this connectivity and the strong recovery of traffic through our regional airports, with passenger traffic across the regional airports last year recorded as 9% above 2019 passenger levels (the last comparable period prior to COVID-19).
208. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to encourage An Garda Síochána to tackle the dangers of users of e-scooters, motorised bicycles and bicycles not wearing high-vis clothing, having no visible back or front lights, and complying with rules of the road, and generally not being aware of their own safety or other road users while driving/cycling (details supplied). [14261/24]
View answerProtecting the safety of all road users is a priority for my Department and my officials have regular engagement with An Garda Síochána to support the enforcement of road traffic law. My officials hold regular meetings with An Garda Síochána to discuss legislative matters and general road safety.
Additionally, my department chairs two interdepartmental working groups focused on the integration of electric scooters into our traffic system and new rules for e-bikes and e-mopeds, both of which are attended by senior management of An Garda Síochána. These working groups meet every fortnight, to facilitate the introduction of relevant legislation in Q2. This includes discussion of planned efforts by An Garda Síochána to ensure the safety of cyclists and e-scooter and e-bike users, as well as pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
The Deputy will know that the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 defines a new category of vehicle in the Road Traffic Act, 1961, powered personal transporters or PPTs, which will include e-scooters, and provides powers to regulate their use in public places. E-scooters will only become legal to use on public roads when regulations are passed in Q2. Until the regulations for their safe use and technical standards are in place, the use of e-scooters in public places remains illegal.
Amongst other rules, e-scooters will not be allowed to use motorways, footpaths or pedestrianised areas, to carry passengers or goods or to be fitted with a seat, as this can make the vehicle less stable. A maximum speed limit of 20 km/h will apply, unless a lower speed limit has been set for a specific road or part of a road. E-scooters will require front and rear position lights, visible to a distance of 50 m, and reflectors. The regulations will also require that lighting is maintained in good condition and its use will be mandatory during lighting-up hours. They will also be required under law to have front and rear brakes and a bell or horn to alert other traffic and pedestrians to their presence. E-scooters users must be over 16 and will be prohibited to use their vehicle while intoxicated. The Act gives An Garda Síochána the powers to enforce these new rules. A range of penalties will apply for misuse of e-scooters, including fixed charge offence penalties of €50.00.
As for bicycles, the use of helmets and personal protective equipment (PPE) will not be mandatory for e-scooters or e-bikes, although strongly recommended by my Department and the Road Safety Authority. This is to ensure that mandatory use does not present a barrier to uptake of active travel and less-polluting transport modes.
The Deputy should note that PPE and suitable helmets will be mandatory for e-mopeds, as these will be classed as L-Category vehicles like mopeds and motorcycles, and all the requirements and penalties for those vehicles will apply.
209. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the steps he and Irish Rail are taking to improve onboard WiFi and mobile phone connectivity on its intercity lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14307/24]
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 WiFi availability and mobile phone connectivity is 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 a reply within ten working days.
210. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport to provide all available information on the recipients of the wheelchair-accessible grant for taxis; for a breakdown of these recipients, by category (individually owned or rental taxis); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14316/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the Wheelchair Accessible Grant Scheme, 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. The NTA is responsible for the collection and publication of statistics in relation to the Wheelchair Accessible Grant Scheme. 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.
211. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of safety concerns of taxi drivers at night; for an update on his latest engagements with taxi driver groups on this topic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14317/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSVs 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 have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
The NTA conducted taxi driver research nationally in September/October 2022. The survey shows that of those who state they don’t currently work nights (12pm - 05:59), just over four in five have ever worked nights. Of those who have stopped working nights, 48% cite the reason being personal safety and 40% cite customer behaviour and/or extra cleaning costs.
Almost one in three state nothing would encourage them to work nights. In order to be incentivised to work nights, 19% of drivers wanted better safety measures to be in place, and a further 8% wanted the opportunity to earn more money. The National Maximum Taxi Fare which increased from 1 September 2022, and coincided with the survey, included an average fare increase of 12%, with more weighting towards premium times (20:00 – 08:00) to encourage more operators to work at peak time to meet demand.
The NTA carried out a similar survey recently, and those results will be published in the coming months.
The Advisory Committee on SPSVs is the central focus of engagement with the SPSV sector in relation to issues affecting the sector. Drivers are an important part of the Committee’s membership, and at least four positions on the Committee, which are reserved for members who can represent driver interests, are filled by licensed SPSV drivers from across the country. I am satisfied that this ensures the Committee’s advice is informed by the perspective of drivers. I met the Committee in February 2023 and I plan to meet again in the coming months.
Section 73(5) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 provides that the Minister may consult with, or seek the advice of, the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles on any matter arising in relation to their functions with respect to small public service vehicles and their drives. I have recently written to the Advisory Committee to request its consideration of how taxi availability can be assessed, and to make recommendations on how relevant data can be collected.
212. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of reports that the cost of renting vehicles from taxi rental companies may be contributing to the national taxi shortage; if he is aware of reports that the ban on individual sale of taxi plates may be contributing to the issue; if he is aware of reports that rental companies are charging high fees to rent out plates in contravention of NTA rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14318/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSVs 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 have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
At present, the NTA will only issue new licences for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). This is to promote the availability of WAVs in Ireland’s small public service vehicle fleet nationally, not just in larger urban areas. To support the wider availability of WAVs, the Department has funded the WAV grant scheme annually since 2014, to provide financial support towards the acquisition or conversion of suitable vehicles to operate as WAVs in the SPSV fleet. It is the NTA who administrate the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant scheme.
Apart from owning their own WAV, it is open to a person who holds a valid SPSV driver licence, issued by An Garda Síochána, to rent a suitable vehicle. The person providing the rental package must:
1. be the registered owner of the vehicle licensed in his/her name and must provide appropriate insurance for the period of the rental; or
2. be entitled to use the vehicle as an SPSV for a minimum period of 12 months. This can be achieved via a lease agreement. The person must also provide appropriate insurance for the period of the rental.
They must:
1. ensure that the person driving is fully licensed to drive the vehicle as an SPSV, and provide and maintain appropriate SPSV insurance;
2. keep a record of the name, address and contact number of each person driving the SPSV and their SPSV driver licence details; and
3. retain these records and make them available for inspection by the NTA on request.
The person providing the rental must also notify the NTA of the rental, either using the NTA’s online system, or by calling the SPSV Information line. They must provide the details of the period of the arrangement, the renter’s SPSV driver licence number and the vehicle registration number. They must also maintain a record of the vehicle licence associated with the rental agreement. This licence holder is the only party the NTA may engage with in respect of SPSV licensing activity.
The Taxi Driver Research Report for October 2022, available here, showed that of those who rent a taxi the cost per week for the majority of those surveyed (54%) is between €150 and €200. Updated statistics around the cost of renting will be published by the NTA in the coming months.
The transfer of licences for SPSVs is, at present, prohibited under section 14(1) of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013. All SPSV vehicle licences are unique to the person to whom the licence has been issued and cannot be transferred or sold to another person.
In 2011, the Taxi Review Group examined standards and practice in the taxi sector. This Review Group included various stakeholders, such as dispatch operators, drivers, consumers, as well as the regulatory and enforcement agencies. The Review Group considered that it was necessary to move away from a system whereby a licence would have value. Instead, a licence should determine a person’s suitability to carry out a function and it should not have monetary value or be traded on the open market. Therefore, the current licensing regime is built on this principle. An SPSV licence should simply indicate a person’s suitability to carry out the role of taxi operator, as decided by Revenue, An Garda Síochána and the NTA.
As of 29th February 2024, the number of licensed drivers is 26,597, while the current number of licensed vehicles is 19,796. In addition, t here is no cap on either vehicle or driver licence numbers in Ireland. The NTA is currently accepting licence applications for wheelchair accessible taxis, wheelchair accessible hackneys, limousines, and local area hackneys.
213. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the latest updates on addressing taxi shortages at peak times; if this includes extending the operating hours of public transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14319/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSVs 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 have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Both the NTA and the Department have taken a number of steps to support taxi drivers nationally and to increase the number of taxis available to passengers. I support the measures taken by the NTA to ensure the safe and effective operation of the SPSV sector, and acknowledge the work of SPSV drivers in delivering this service to a high standard.
The NTA’s Board approved an average increase of 12% on taxi fares from 1st September 2022. The increase is weighted in favour of premium hours, such as weekend nights, Sundays, and bank holidays. It is designed to attract more people to the taxi industry and to encourage more taxi drivers to work during unsocial hours, such as late nights, therefore increasing availability of taxis to passengers nationally. This late-night fare weighting is working very well, which is borne out in a much-reduced number of consumer complaints received by the NTA. As the Deputy may be aware, taxi drivers are self-employed and can choose their own hours of work within the regulatory framework.
The current number of licensed vehicles is 19,796. 47% of those vehicles are licensed to drivers with addresses in rural areas. A licensed vehicle can be operated anywhere in the country. It is only the licensed driver that has a geographical area restriction. In May 2023, the NTA undertook a nationally representative survey of taxi user research which covered the topic of availability. Of the respondents, which included both rural and urban areas, 81% reported finding it easy to get a taxi (under 15 minutes).
A total of 2,168 new SPSV driver licences have been granted by An Garda Síochána, the licensing authority for SPSV drivers, in the last 12 months. This is a 72.6% increase when compared to the previous 12 months (March 2022 to February 2023). For 2023, the monthly average for new driver licences issued was 166. This is due to the NTA's ‘Driver Recruitment Campaign’ which ran in July 2022. In comparison, 2022 had a monthly average of 99 per month, 2021 had 45, 2020 had 71 and 2019 had 139.
There is no cap on either vehicle or driver licence numbers in Ireland. The NTA is currently accepting licence applications for wheelchair accessible taxis, wheelchair accessible hackneys, limousines, and local area hackneys.
Section 73(5) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 provides that the Minister may consult with, or seek the advice of, the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles on any matter arising in relation to their functions with respect to small public service vehicles and their drives. I have recently written to the Advisory Committee to request its consideration of how taxi availability can be assessed and to make recommendations on how relevant data can be collected.
Finally, with regard to public transport services,, Dublin Bus operates ten 24-hour services (including Routes 15, 39a, 41, C1, C2, C5, C6, G1, G2 and the N4) seven days a week across the city. Dublin Bus also operates the Nitelink, which offers twelve routes every Friday and Saturday night to suburbs all over Dublin.
Currently there is one 24-hour bus service in operation in Cork, which runs between Ovens/Ballincollig and Carrigaline. However, under the BusConnects Cork programme it is intended to adapt this service into to two separate 24 hour bus routes crossing the city, with plans for the second service to cover the area from Carrigaline to Hollyhill.
While I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, 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.
214. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that an updated lease on the old rail trail greenway is brought forward and put in place. [14330/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Greenways. Funding is administered through the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) 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 TII in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
215. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to delays in the issuing of new bus route licences by the National Transport Authority (details supplied); the actions he will take to ensure that there are no further delays in this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14358/24]
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. Under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the licensing of public bus passenger services.
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.
216. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a matter in relation to a car sale can be addressed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14361/24]
View answerMy Department through the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) maintains a record of the ‘registered owners’ of motor vehicles. Articles 9 and 10 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (SI No. 385 of 1992) and amendments made thereon set out the procedures regarding notification and recording of change of vehicle ownership.
While data from the NVDF is shared with An Garda Síochána, the issuance of speeding fines, including establishing who the vehicle owner was at the time of the offence, is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
Notwithstanding the above, should the individual concerned contact An Garda Síochána on this matter, my officials will assist An Garda Síochána to confirm the recorded change of ownership.
217. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport whether the NTA has engaged even in exploratory discussions with State landowners along the t-route of a possible Metro South extension from either Stephen's Green or Charlemont that would travel via Cathal Brugha Barracks, for example; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14527/24]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 is the statutory transport strategy for the region and sets out a range of ambitious proposals for delivery over the period to 2042. In relation to metro, and as outlined in the Strategy, the analysis conducted concluded that a metro line from Swords to Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport would be the key area of focus for metro delivery out to 2042.
There were a number of studies and reports that informed the development of Dublin's integrated transport system, as set out in the Strategy, including feasibility studies for a metro to Knocklyon and a metro to Sandyford. While the Strategy states that the south Dublin area is best served by bus rapid transit (such as BusConnects) and light rail (such as Luas) for the foreseeable future, it notes that the MetroLink terminus at Charlemont can facilitate any potential future metro extensions to serve the south west, south or south east of the Dublin area should sufficient demand develop.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) reviews and updates the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area every 6 years and so the issue of a southern extension of MetroLink may be reconsidered in future. Noting the NTA’s responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question in relation to the area raised to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
218. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport to outline in detail what plans and action have been taken by the NTA to date, or are planned for the future, in terms of providing park-and-ride facilities for Dublin commuters - particularly on the southside of the city, to take advantage of any proposed BusConnects projects which are due to be implemented subject to An Bord Pleanála decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14528/24]
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 provision of park and ride facilities.
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.
219. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport to outline what steps have been taken to provide park-and-ride facilities at major motorway interchanges, as is the case in Derry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14529/24]
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 provision of park and ride facilities.
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.
220. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be given for the N70 Kenmare to Sneem road to ensure all work is carried out as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14559/24]
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.
221. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in order that they can commence employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14576/24]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all application and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my officials have the power to intervene in individual cases.
Urgent test appointments are available for employees of the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services, where the applicant needs to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work). A request for an urgent appointment can be made on the RSA website.
