John Connolly
Question:263. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the progression of Claregalway traffic calming and pavement restoration works in County Galway. [1558/25]
View answerRoad Projects
Questions (263, 264)
John Connolly
Question:264. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the progression of the phase 0 strategic assessment report for the development of a relief road in Claregalway, County Galway. [1559/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 264 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 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 N83 at Claregalway. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Question No. 264 answered with Question No. 263.
Haulage Industry
Questions (265)
Carol Nolan
Question:265. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide financial support to the road haulage sector to compensate for significant losses occasioned by storm damage to Holyhead Port in December 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1563/25]
View answerWritten answers
Earlier this month my Department received a request for financial support from the Irish Road Haulage Association for hauliers affected by the temporary closure of Holyhead Port. This request is currently under consideration by my Department.
Officials in my Department have written to the Irish Road Haulage Association seeking clarity on a number of points, specifically seeking additional information and documentary evidence of the losses incurred by hauliers as a result of the closure of Holyhead Port. Detailed documentary evidence of actual losses incurred is essential to enable a comprehensive consideration of the request.
In addition to the Department's role in reviewing the request, it should be noted that the decision on any potential scheme would be a matter for Government. Such a scheme would require a Government decision, EU State Aid approval and appropriate budget line funding.
Overall, the partial re-opening of Holyhead Port on 16 January 2025 was a significant and positive milestone, with both Stena and Irish Ferries again sailing between Dublin and Holyhead on a daily basis. This development will also help inform overall considerations in relation to the request for financial supports.
Bus Services
Questions (266)
Denise Mitchell
Question:266. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the engagement his Department or the National Transport Authority has had with the residents of Ayrfield, Dublin 13, in relation to the proposed BusConnects plan which would see the removal of a section of the estate boundary wall between Ayrfield Drive and the Malahide Road; if the Minister is aware of the serious safety concerns which have been raised by residents that the removal of this wall between the residential estate and a large main road would pose to children; the actions the Minister or the NTA is proposing to address those concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1564/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The specific issue which the Deputy has raised relates to the Clongriffin Core Bus Corridor (CBC) and proposals for a pedestrian/cycle connection which is planned to provide direct access for the residents of the Ayrfield estate to the bus service on the Malahide Road.
I understand that the NTA met with a delegation of the residents in July 2022, following the submission of the Clongriffin CBC to An Bord Pleanála to discuss concerns related to the proposal. The NTA committed to further discussion regarding the final details of the link design following a decision by the Board.
The issue of connection route at Ayrfield Drive was also subject to a number of submissions and considered by An Bord Pleanála as part of its review of the Clongriffin CBC planning application, with the inspector noting that there is a "justifiable need for the connection route at Ayrfield Drive based on the level of car dependency within the area".
The inspector also concluded that there had been extensive public consultation on the proposed changes.
The Clongriffin CBC received planning approval in January 2024, and Judicial Review proceedings have been commenced seeking to quash An Bord Pleanála's approval of the project by a resident in a different area of the scheme on a matter unrelated to Ayrfield Estate.
Due to those proceedings, the scheme is currently paused. The consultation with the residents in relation to the scheme details is also paused pending the outcome of the (separate) Judicial Review proceedings.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (267)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:267. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department have policies on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Department and those agencies; whether training has been provided to staff on the use of AI; if his Department has used AI, including large language models, in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1591/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is awaiting the publication of updated guidelines on the use of AI from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, which are due in the near future and these will inform any internal policy that is subsequently developed. In the interim, some departmental staff have attended events and training relating to the capabilities and potential applications of AI. Use cases and possible "proof of concepts" are being explored. However, my Department has not used AI in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments, nor has the Department deployed any AI tools on citizen facing services.
I have referred the Deputy's questions to the Department's agencies for direct, detailed reply as regards their actions in this area. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten days.
Bus Services
Questions (268)
Natasha Newsome Drennan
Question:268. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Transport to examine issues with a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1598/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for integrated local and rural transport in Counties Laois and Carlow, 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.
Road Projects
Questions (269)
Pat Buckley
Question:269. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the upgrade of a road (details supplied); the steps that can be taken to accelerate this at a national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1602/25]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. 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.
Any new road 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.
In this regard, Cork County Council submitted an initial project appraisal to the Department in 2019 regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Road. The project, as submitted, includes upgrading the existing N25-R624 interchange, the provision of a dual carriageway from the interchange to Marino Point, widening of Slatty Bridge, the provision of a new bridge crossing to Great Island at Belvelly and upgrading the existing R624 from Marino Point to Cobh.
The estimated cost of this scheme was more than €100 million, with possible staged implementation.
In line with Government requirements Cork County Council also produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Great Island Connectivity Scheme and a draft was forwarded to the Department in November 2022.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.
The Council submitted the POD to the Department in March 2024. Following the submission of the POD, the Council commenced work on developing a brief for the appointment of consultants to deliver the scheme through options assessment, design and planning, starting with the commencement of a Preliminary Business Case. The Council recently submitted the brief for appointment to the Department for review.
An allocation of €150,000 was made to Cork County Council as part of the 2024 Regional and Local Roads Grants to assist in the development of the Preliminary Business Case.
Grant allocations for 2025 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
National Transport Authority
Questions (270)
Paul Lawless
Question:270. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the National Transport Authority's one-off grant scheme for rural transport; and if he will reinstate the scheme, as it was a valuable resource in providing for hardship experienced by individuals or groups but was discontinued in 2020. [1635/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has 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 roll-out of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport 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.
Road Projects
Questions (271)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:271. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the extension to the Kilkenny northern ring road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1641/25]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. 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.
Any new road 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.
In line with Government requirements Kilkenny County Council produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension and a draft was forwarded to the Department in January 2023. The Department reviewed the SAR and returned its comments and observations to Kilkenny County Council for consideration.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.
In 2024, the Department provided funding for an updated POD, which has been submitted to the Department by Kilkenny County Council, and while this process was underway funding was also allocated for Traffic/Junction Analysis in the Butts Green area of the City to further assess and understand traffic patterns in the city.
Following a review of the POD by the Department, the Regional and Local Roads Division has engaged further with Kilkenny County Council on the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project) and funding requirements to progress the project to the Options Stage are currently under consideration.
Bus Éireann
Questions (272)
Mattie McGrath
Question:272. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with Bus Éireann to amend the rules to allow those over 70 years-of-age continue to drive school busses, subject to annual medical examinations, to help alleviate the shortage of school bus drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1657/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, under the education section of the new Programme for Government (PFG), Government has committed to "Carry out an independent assessment on the feasibility of removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 from the School Transport Scheme". I will be engaging with the Minister for Education and with Bus Éireann on this PfG commitment.
Road Safety Authority
Questions (273)
Willie O'Dea
Question:273. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the significant delays with the RSA waiting list since 2024 for both practical bus and walkaround test; if he is aware that the two tests are not always coupled together leading to further delays and additional costs; if he plans to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1665/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten days.
Pending this detailed response, I am informed that the CPC walkaround test can be completed at the same time as the truck/bus practical test or as a stand-alone test. If a candidate has applied for a CPC walkaround test, they can expect a booking invitation usually within 10-12 weeks. However, this may take longer in some centres with higher demand.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Projects
Questions (274, 275)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:274. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with TII regarding the Dunkettle interchange upgrade; if metrics are available to ascertain whether the upgrade has reduced travel time and whether the number of accidents has been reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1667/25]
View answerPádraig O'Sullivan
Question:275. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if TII is continually monitoring traffic times at the Dunkettle interchange; the number of incidents or accidents in or around the interchange over the past 12 months; if TII has any other assessment tool for assessing traffic safety and efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1668/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 274 and 275 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 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 regarding the Dunkettle Interchange to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Question No. 275 answered with Question No. 274.
Departmental Properties
Questions (276)
James Geoghegan
Question:276. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport the full address and Eircode of each property that is directly occupied by his Department where that address is located in Dublin, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1774/25]
View answerWritten answers
All office and other accommodation occupied by the Department of Transport is provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) which is responsible for the procurement of office and other accommodation required for Government Departments. Currently in Dublin my Department has officials accommodated in 3 buildings listed below as requested.
|
Dept of Transport, Leeson Lane |
D02 TR60 |
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ZEVI, St. Stephens Green House, 2nd Floor, Earlsfort Terrace |
D02 PH42 |
|
IRCG, Unit 1, Rosemount Park Road, Rosemount Business Park |
D11 TV00 |
Road Projects
Questions (277)
Séamus McGrath
Question:277. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport for a full update on the M28 Road project, Rochestown to Ringaskiddy motorway; the estimated timeline for the appointment of the main contractor; and the commencement of work and anticipated completion date of the overall project. [1790/25]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
Appointment of the main contractor and commencement of work is subject to Government Consent to award the contract under the Infrastructure Guidelines. In that regard, the final business case was submitted to the Department of Transport on December 20th.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Driver Test
Questions (278)
Séamus McGrath
Question:278. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time for a driving test in each driving test centre in each county; and the plans that are in place to reduce the waiting times. [1794/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten days.
Pending this detailed response, to address the issue of driver testing waiting times, in September 2024 my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022.
As a condition of sanction, my officials have requested that a plan is put in place to restore waiting times to 10 weeks as soon as possible. I understand that recruitment is well underway and additional capacity will enter the service in the coming months, helping to progressively reduce waiting times.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of testing capacity by test centre. This information is available at the following link: data.cso.ie/product/RSADTS.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Park-and-Ride Facilities
Questions (279)
John Connolly
Question:279. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the development of park and ride facilities at strategic locations around Galway city as part of the existing Galway transport strategy. [1811/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of park and ride facilities.
The Park & Ride Development Office of the NTA has developed a Park and Ride Strategy for Galway City. That Park and Ride Strategy envisages the development of up to five bus-based strategic Park & Ride sites (three for initial development and two for future development) and the expansion of rail-based Park & Ride at Oranmore.
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.
Coast Guard Service
Questions (280)
John Connolly
Question:280. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for the number and location of designated sites across the country in which the Coast Guard helicopter or emergency search and rescue helicopters can land in the hours of darkness. [1813/25]
View answerWritten answers
Coast Guard helicopter services are provided under contract by CHC Ireland (CHCI) operating out of four bases located at Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin. Helicopters are on 15 minutes notice to take off by day and 45 minutes notice by night. Bristow Ireland is replacing CHC as the contract provider and this transition is being conducted on a staged basis and due for completion this year. The contract operator is responsible for determining the suitability of any landing sites that it uses.
The current list of approved landing sites for night time use for Search and Rescue (SAR) and for HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) include:
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Approved Landing Sites in darkness |
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Achill Sound GAA Pitch, Co Mayo |
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Altnagelvin Hospital, Co Derry NI. |
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Ballybofey Athletics Track, Co Donegal |
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Ballyboughal Airfield |
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Blacksod CIL Depot, Co Mayo |
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Brownstown Head |
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Buncrana GAA Pitch, Co Donegal |
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Carlow IT GAA Pitch |
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Castletownbere GAA Pitch, Co Cork |
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Cork University Hospital |
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Cross GAA Pitch, Co Clare |
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Dingle GAA Pitch, Co Kerry |
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Downpatrick Head, Co Sligo |
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Dublin Base, Dublin Airport |
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Dunfanaghy GAA Pitch, Co Donegal |
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Goleen GAA Pitch, Co Cork |
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Haulbowline Naval Base |
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Kilkenny College GAA Pitch |
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Letterkenny University Hospital |
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Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar |
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Moville GAA Pitch, Co Donegal |
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Newcastle Airfield |
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Reenard GAA, Co Kerry |
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Sligo University Hospital |
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Sneem GAA Pitch, Co Kerry |
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University Hospital Galway |
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University Hospital Kerry, Tralee |
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University Hospital Limerick |
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Wexford Rugby Grounds |
|
|
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Offshore Islands |
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Aranmore Island, Co Donegal |
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Cape Clear Island, Co Cork |
|
Inis Meáin |
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Inis Mór |
|
Inis Oírr |
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Inishbiggle Island, Co Mayo |
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Inishbofin Island, Co Mayo |
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Inishmurray, Co Sligo |
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Inishturk Island, Co Mayo |
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Tory Island, Co Donegal |
Rail Network
Questions (281)
Barry Ward
Question:281. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on an underground metro for Dublin. [1826/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority's Transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 is the statutory transport for the region and sets out a range of transport 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.
MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, Dublin Airport, major employment zones, education, transport, and other facilities. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.
When operations commence, there will be trains every three minutes during peak periods. This can rise to a service every 90 seconds by 2060 with the system capable of carryover up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction. MetroLink will improve the quality of the urban environment and people’s lives, as well as enable the development of more well-connected homes in our capital city. It will contribute to a shift from the private car to more sustainable travel, helping to decarbonise the transport sector in line with government policy.
A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when Cabinet approved the project under Approval Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code. This approval enabled the project to move to the planning application stage, and in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála.
An Bord Pleanála held an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink in February/March 2024. This process allowed planning authorities, prescribed bodies, elected representatives and observers to share their views on the project. Following the Oral Hearing, An Bord Pleanála held an additional round of public consultation from 19th August to 8th October 2024. A planning decision on the project from An Bord Pleanála is awaited.
Subject to securing planning approval, and no successful legal challenges, TII will finalise a Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy for consideration at Approval Gate 2, in line with the infrastructure Guidelines.
Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence in the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.
Public Transport
Questions (282)
Barry Ward
Question:282. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the proposal to bring the Luas Green Line across the M50 near Finglas, and therefore closer to Dublin Airport. [1827/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
The Luas Finglas project is part of four proposed Luas network extensions identified in the NTA's statutory Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042. A Preliminary Business Case for the project was prepared by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) as the Sponsoring Agency and approved by the NTA as the day-to-day Approving Authority for submission to the Department of Transport.
The preferred route identified in the Preliminary Business Case was developed by TII following route options analysis and two periods of non-statutory public consultation. This preferred route does not extend beyond the M50. The proposal is that the extension will instead terminate at Charlestown.
In October 2024, following departmental approval on the Preliminary Business Case, Government consent to approval in principle for the Luas Finglas project was approved at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines. A Railway Order Application of the preferred route was lodged by TII with An Bord Pleanála in November 2024.
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.