Written Answers Nos. 182-201
182. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite the south Kerry greenway (details supplied); if it is not opened in the near future, if he will speed up any outstanding payments and accommodation works for adjoining farmers/landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46630/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
183. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to address the dangerous condition of footpaths and streets in Cahersiveen town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46631/24]
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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the N70 in Cahersiveen.
Noting the above position, in relation to the N70 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.
Investment in Active Travel infrastructure, including footpaths, has increased significantly in recent years, with around €290 million allocated to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for such projects last year alone. While the majority of this funding is dedicated to the development and construction of new walking and cycling Active Travel infrastructure, just under €40 million was earmarked last year for protection and renewal of existing Active Travel footpaths and cycle lanes. The 2025 allocations to each local authority, including Kerry County Council, are due to be announced in the coming weeks.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
The Department's grant funding for the maintenance of regional and local roads is allocated to local authorities on a pro-rata basis, determined mainly by the length of the regional and local road network in a local authority functional area. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
This approach also means that, while central Government is supplying significant funding, we are acknowledging that local authorities themselves 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 should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their area, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
Grant allocations for 2025 for regional and local roads will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
184. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will significantly increase funding for the N86 Tralee, Camp, Annascaul, Lispole to Dingle road in 2025 and bring this important national secondary route in County Kerry that caters for large volumes of local and tourist traffic up to modern health and safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46644/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
185. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing free public calibration and sealing of taxi meters after prices are adjusted by the NTA, to avoid a situation in which a taxi driver must spend over €200 to get their taxi meter re-calibrated and then re-sealed as a consequence of changing prices. [46686/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
When new taxi fares are approved by the NTA, the most recent being the 9% increase on December 1st by way of the 2024 Maximum Fares Order, all taximeters require a fare programme update and verification. Programming of taxi meters is completed by a private installer chosen by the SPSV driver. No grant is available to cover the cost of installation and I have no plans to introduce such a grant.
186. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if there is a plan to address the complications that many people who have shared parking bays face in charging electric vehicles, including the fact that a resident could face responsibility for any injuries resulting from a cable going from their home over public land to charge their car; if there is a plan to support the installation of fast charging units at shared bay parking in housing estates; and if any resulting liability issues have been considered [46687/24]
View answerHome charging is and will remain the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer. Home charging also assists in the overall management of the national grid by reducing the impact of reliance on higher powered and peak-time charging. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, however for those unable to do so a growing network of neighbourhood and destination charging will provide a reliable alternative.
While private EV charging cables going over public land are not currently permitted by law, a significant number of public charge points are scheduled to be delivered over the next year.
Local authorities will be funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to develop local and regional EV charging network plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking. Other solutions may include off-street community chargers, Shared Charging facilities, and/or use of local Rapid Destination Chargers or Hubs. Some authorities have already completed these plans, while others are in progress. We anticipate that most of these plans will be finalised by 2025.
ZEVI will continue to work directly with the local authority groups as they develop their strategies and will provide other supports and resources as necessary.
ZEVI is also working with DECC to consider what would be required to facilitate wider use and provision of EV charging using private wires.
187. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport the reason CIÉ pensioners who are members of the 1951 scheme received no increase in their pension since 2008 (details supplied). [46699/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ, Group and their employees.
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the respective Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. For the first time in many years both CIÉ pension Schemes now meet the Pensions Authority’s Minimum Funding Standard (MFS), but the scheme deficits are still significant. The MFS indicates both schemes ability to ‘wind-up’ as it currently stands, as opposed to the ability to fund an increase in pension benefits.
Any proposal to increase pension benefits would be dependent on the advice of the Schemes Actuary at the time an increase is proposed and must be done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes. Awarding discretionary pension increases remains a goal of the CIÉ Group, but it is not envisaged that any such increases can be awarded from the Schemes in the near term.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
188. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on a suggested bypass of Killorglin, County Kerry, including an additional bridge crossing over the River Laune; if plans are in place to ease the daily traffic gridlock in this busy town on the N70 Ring of Kerry route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46706/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines 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.
189. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if the design of the proposed Killarney to Farranfore bypass will include the re-location of the Iarnród Éireann railway station in Farranfore, closer to Kerry Airport, presently 1.4km apart, to facilitate ease of transfer of passengers who wish to use both facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46707/24]
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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the latest status of this project.
TII are best placed to provide you with a detailed response regarding engagement with other stakeholders in respect of this project, including with Iarnród Éireann.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
190. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will arrange to invest in the many single-lane bridges throughout Kerry that are too narrow and have deteriorated with age (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46708/24]
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. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for a number of targeted programmes, including the Bridge Rehabilitation Programme, which allows local authorities to apply each year for monies to undertake bridge rehabilitation works.
Any new road/bridge projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
Grant allocations for 2025 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
191. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if further resources can be provided to Kerry County Council to help expedite the long awaited Bealach Uíbh Ráthaigh/south Kerry greenway project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46710/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
192. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to request Iarnród Éireann to provide the long-awaited footbridge between the train and bus stations in Killarney (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46713/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, a proposed footbridge between the train and bus stations in Killarney.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
193. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to get "greenway ready" for the south Kerry greenway by carrying out a major road overlay in Glenbeigh village as a matter of priority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46714/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines 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 regarding the N70 at Glenbeigh. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
I also as Minister have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer in relation to active travel measures. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
194. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if Bus Éireann can divert one of the morning Longford Mullingar routes into Multyfarnham village. [46716/24]
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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
195. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the number of times that DART services have been delayed by operational difficulties since July 2024; a breakdown of what these difficulties were, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46760/24]
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 the number of times there have been DART service delays due to operation difficulties is a 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.
196. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of universal design audits undertaken by local authorities in 2024. [46810/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
The Universal Design Walkability Audit Tool was developed as a collaboration between the National Transport Authority, Age Friendly Ireland, Green-Schools and the National Disability Authority’s Centre for Excellence in Universal Design.
Noting the role of the NTA 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.
197. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport to report on the last meetings he held with the NTA and Bus Éireann on the current bus crisis in Cork; the date of these meetings; and when the timetable will be returned to normal. [46813/24]
View answerI met with the NTA and Bus Éireann on the 18th of October to discuss public transport issues in Cork. I subsequently met with Cork County Council on the 21st of October to discuss these issues, and measures that could be introduced to improve public transport services, this meeting was also attended by the CEO's of both the NTA and Bus Éireann, the Lord Mayor of Cork and Councillors from Cork County Council.
I would like to reassure the Deputy that my Department has regular engagement with the NTA and Bus Éireann at all levels, including at CEO level, in relation to, inter alia, service related issues.
In the short term, Bus Éireann continue to build a pool of candidates that can be trained to become bus drivers, but until all these positions are filled Bus Éireann will be challenged in delivering services. Bus Éireann, and other transport operators in the country, have been working hard to fill bus driver positions as evident from their comprehensive recruitment campaigns.
The NTA meanwhile continues to work closely with all operators to try and mitigate the impacts of these driver shortages, and will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. The NTA formally meets Bus Éireann on a regular basis to review performance, associated customer feedback and driver recovery plans.
In light of Bus Éireann and the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the portion of the Deputy's question regarding an update on timetables in Cork to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
198. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the reduced timetable and the current driver deficit in Cork, including the number of drivers in training. [46815/24]
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.
As the issues raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Bus Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company and the National Transport Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
199. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the M20. [46816/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €4,040,000 was allocated for the M20 Cork to Limerick project in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. The allocations for 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply on this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days
200. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to expanding the public bike scheme in a location (details supplied). [46869/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure, including the provision of funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for public bike-sharing schemes in Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway.
However, matters related to the day-to-day operations, management or expansion of public bike schemes are matters for the relevant local authorities, in conjunction with the NTA. As such, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
201. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to confirm when next gen ticketing will be rolled out on the Cork fleet for bus services. [46870/24]
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 ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA’s Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) project is for an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, including bus services. Fundamental to this project is a transition to an ‘Account Based Ticketing’ scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments.
In April 2024, following a competitive tender process conducted in line with all relevant EU and Irish procurement regulations, the NTA entered into a multi-year framework agreement with Indra Sistemas to deliver the NGT project. The advantage of the framework agreement is the flexibility it affords in terms of drawing down various services if required over the lifetime of the agreement.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply in relation to this project. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
