Written Answers Nos. 222-240
222. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when he expects a report on the EV Commercial Fleet Trial to be published; the measures his Department is taking to incentivise and support small-to-medium businesses in electrifying their commercial fleet; whether his Department plans to introduce new measures following the final report on the trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14654/24]
View answerThe Government of Ireland have set down ambitious targets to be achieved in the transport sector: a 51% reduction in emissions across the transport sector by 2030 and a target of almost a million electric vehicles (EVs) on Irish roads by 2030.
When combined with policies that support increased active and multi-modal travel, EVs represent a viable pathway for the decarbonisation of the transport sector.
Commercial fleets contribute to the transport emissions in Ireland. There is an opportunity to significantly reduce emissions in the transport sector by encouraging the electrification of commercial fleets. The Government provides a wide range of supports to encourage businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles including:
• Accelerated Capital Allowance
• Benefit in Kind
• eSPSV grant
• A grant support for the purchase of new N1 category electric vehicles for business and public entities.
• AFHDV grant scheme
• The SEAI EV Dealership Awards which recognise and reward excellence in the promotion and sales of electric vehicles in Ireland.
I launched the EV Commercial Fleet Trial on 21 July 2022 to afford businesses the opportunity to test an EV free of charge for a minimum period of 3 months. This trial will allow businesses real world experience of having an EV on their fleet and showcase the benefits, savings and the suitability and viability of EVs in a commercial setting.
To ensure as positive an experience as possible, ZEVI in conjunction with SEAI have made the decision to install charge points or ensure an operational charging strategy is in place for each business prior to delivery of trial EV.
The participating businesses span a host of different industries and are made up of large industry, public sector and SMEs.
The trial is running in four blocks of 50 businesses. and will be fully complete in June. SEAI will undertake the data analysis and a report compiling of the full data set collected. It is anticipated that the findings will be published in Q4 2024. My department will study the report findings and make any further policy decisions thereafter.
223. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will give consideration to establishing a fund specifically aimed at noise mitigation/sound barriers to mitigate the impact of major motorway construction projects on local residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14669/24]
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 maintenance 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.
Noise mitigation measures for new National Roads projects are funded through the overall allocation for the road project in question. As such, the need for a separate fund does not arise.
With regard to existing National Roads, the amended European Communities (Environmental Noise Regulations) 2018 (S.I. No. 549) deal with the requirements to prepare noise actions plans to be developed for the purpose of managing environmental noise issues and their effects, including noise reduction, if necessary.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the national authority for overseeing the implementation of these Regulations. Local authorities, in their role as designated Action Planning Authorities, are responsible for making and approving noise actions plans.
The finalised action plan is the responsibility of the respective local authority. While TII have a role in the preparation of noise maps, funding cannot be provided to TII from the Department as they have no role in the implementation of such plans under the Regulations. Therefore, all Environmental Noise related issues are a matter for each respective local authority.
224. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of the current number of applicants awaiting a driving test, by county and the length of time. [14677/24]
View answer225. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the cost of hiring an additional ten driving testers. [14678/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 225 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the Driver Testing Service and the information on applicants requested is held by it. The Authority also holds tester cost information, as the employer of the driving testers. As such, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
226. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the cost of hiring an additional ten NCT testers. [14679/24]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service, including the recruitment of staff, is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response with the information requested has not been received within ten days.
228. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of any plans to increase toll costs again this year; the estimated cost of deferring such a move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14682/24]
View answerAs 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). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Toll charges are reviewed annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will take place towards the end of this year, and it will only then be possible to indicate if toll charges will change in 2025. As such, there is no basis for any further increase in tolls to be applied during 2024.
229. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the status of the Dublin-Navan rail line upgrade, including the cost of work completed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14683/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area, including County Meath.
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, which I approved early last year, sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042, and it provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for Counties Meath, Dublin, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow. Having a transport strategy is vitally important to ensure we assess how the different modes can deliver for the region and also how we can sequence delivery to maximise benefits and deliver value for money.
The issue of a rail connection between Dublin and Navan was re-examined as part of the development of the Transport Strategy. That re-examination supported the development of a rail line to Navan and the final Strategy now includes delivery of the line over the medium term.
I am pleased to say that the NTA has allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann for the establishment of a design team to commence work in 2024. This work will involve the route option selection, planning and design phases of the project. Iarnród Éireann has commenced the procurement process for this pre-construction phase of the project. It is anticipated that a route options public consultation will take place in late 2025 or early 2026.
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.
230. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if changes can be made to the current LIS rules in order that roads in west Donegal will qualify for the scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14689/24]
View answerThe Local Government Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for a Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). Under that scheme, funding can be provided to local authorities for the construction and improvement of non-public roads (that is roads not taken in charge by local authorities) which meet the criteria set out in the Act.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities for the maintenance of public roads; the Department of Transport does not operate a LIS. The Department of Rural and Community Development is providing funding for the LIS, I suggest the Deputy's question be directed to that Department for response.
231. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport what sections of the M7 have been shut and for how many days during the month of March to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14713/24]
View answer232. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport what efforts were made by TII to inform the road-using public that sections of the M7 were closed during March 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14714/24]
View answer233. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport what consideration TII give to the requirements of the road-using public in determining to fully shut a section of the M7 and in their efforts to inform the public of the closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14715/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 to 233, inclusive, together.
As 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.
234. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be issued with a date for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14734/24]
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.
235. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport his plans to support the roll-out the UBER service in rural counties like Cavan and Monaghan due to the taxi shortage and the impact this is having on the rural pub/restaurant trade; if he will outline what his Department are actively doing to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14754/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
I can inform the Deputy that Uber is licensed by the NTA as a dispatch operator, and has been operating as such in Ireland since 2014. Since Uber is considered a transport service which offers the carriage of passengers for reward, it is subject to the same regulations as other SPSV operators. Dispatch operators are required to only provide bookings to SPSV licenced drivers using SPSV licensed vehicles.
As of 29th February 2024, the number of licensed SPSV drivers is 26,567. Two hundred and fifteen (215) of these licences relate to drivers in Monaghan, while a further 241 are licenced to drivers who operate in Cavan. The current number of licensed SPSVs in the fleet is 19,796. 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).
Section 73(5) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 provides that I 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.
Where there is a demonstrated lack of SPSV services, applications are open to any person who wishes to provide a local area hackney service, subject to the regulations. To operate a local area hackney service, two licences are required. These are (1) a local area hackney licence for the vehicle and this three-year licence is obtainable from the NTA; and (2) a licence to drive a local area hackney - this licence is obtainable from An Garda Síochána. This is not required if a person already holds a valid licence to drive small public service vehicles.
A resident of the area in respect of which the local area hackney licence is sought, is not required to undertake the Industry Knowledge or Area Knowledge tests as would normally be the case when applying for SPSV driver licences. Local area hackney drivers nevertheless must be licenced and their vehicles must be licenced and insured. There are currently 25 local area hackneys active nationwide.
In 2023, the NTA launched the Local Hackney Pilot scheme, a grant-aided pilot to support rural transport needs where existing transport services were found to be lacking. Despite significant work undertaken by the NTA to support the provision of local hackney services nationwide, only two operators chose to become licenced under the grant supported Pilot (Roundwood and Castlepollard).
236. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the delivery of additional carriages for Dublin-Rosslare Europort rail line. [14788/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the delivery of additional carriages for the Dublin to Rosslare line is a matter for Irish Rail in conjunction with the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
237. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost in 2024 if the security personnel budget onboard the LUAS increased by 33%. [14789/24]
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 security spending is a matter for Transdev. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Transdev for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it might be possible for the 139 bus service to service Clonaugh, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14806/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for decisions regarding the routes of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this instance JJ Kavanagh & Sons Limited.
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.
239. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he can provide an update of the current stages of the Connecting Ireland rural bus scheme, including how many routes have been rolled out and which are yet to be rolled out, by county, in tabular form. [14836/24]
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, 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.
240. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the N2 upgrade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14837/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
There are a number of projects on the N2 which are listed in the current NDP. Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the projects on the N2. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
