Written Answers Nos. 2282-2299
2282. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to upgrade and develop the road between Tallaght and Blessington in view of the danger and difficulties being experienced by commuters on a daily basis on the N81 and in view of the fact that plans and proposals have been mooted for many years. [35073/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
2283. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if measures for the haulage industry such as fleet renewal and retrofitting to Euro VI standard which was undertaken on a grand scale by Transport for London, TFL, and proved to be successful will be considered; if adding the TFL retrofit equipment to SEAI’s triple E and accelerated capital allowance listings will be further considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35106/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince January 2018, my Department is responsible for motor tax policy and will explore possible measures to incentivise the upgrading of the national goods fleet. Among the options to be examined is amending the commercial motor tax system to reduce the tax burden for newer, cleaner HGVs with lower emissions, taking into account the Euro class engine rating of the vehicle in order to apply lower tax rates for cleaner engines.
My Department continues to keep under consideration the various measures, including vehicle fleet measures, that can reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from transport.
Retrofitting of heavy duty vehicles can play an important role, particularly with regard to air pollutants. However, a balance must be struck, by fleet procurers/owners and the Exchequer, between focusing resources on securing the best new technology in the vehicles entering the fleet and the cost-benefit ratio of investment in existing fleet vehicles - which is often dependent on the useful life remaining for that vehicle.
Issues relating to the Triple E Register and Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland are matters for my colleagues the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Minister for Finance.
2284. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the identification requirement for a person who wishes to renew their Irish licence online who is abroad; if a public services card is required; the identification required in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35113/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, which has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licensing Service. I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
2285. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to difficulties that exist for residents living in the Whitechurch area of Rathfarnham in accessing a bus service to local shopping centres, hospitals and nearby universities; and if he is satisfied that the proposals being discussed will improve access. [35117/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and 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.
2287. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of proposals (details supplied) over the 2011 to 2018 period on an annual basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35150/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department prepares and conducts Regulatory Impact Analyses in line with the Revised RIA Guidelines as published in 2009.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, it can be the case that due to the nature of the specific legislative proposal proposed a RIA is not always required in each instance of new legislation.
I have listed all the legislative proposals as per the Deputy's question in the following table:
Department of Transport Tourism and Sport Legislative Proposals 2011-2018
|
Year |
Legislative Proposal |
Did it Undergo an RIA |
Was it Published |
|
2011 |
Road Traffic Act 2011 |
No |
No |
|
2011 |
Road Traffic (No 2) Act 2011 |
Yes |
No |
|
2011 |
Road Transport Act 2011 |
No |
N/A |
|
2012 |
Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012 |
Yes |
No |
|
2012 |
Taxi Regulation Act 2013 (org. Taxi Regulation Bill 2012) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2012 |
Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Act 2012 |
No |
Yes |
|
2013 |
Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Bill |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2013 |
Harbours (Amendment) Bill- enacted as Harbours Act 2015 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2014 |
Road Traffic Act 2014 |
Yes |
No |
|
2014 |
Road Traffic (No 2) Act 2014 |
No |
No |
|
2014 |
State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2015 |
Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2015 |
Roads Act 2015 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2015 |
General Scheme for Public Transport Bill 2015 |
No. |
N/A |
|
2016 |
Road Traffic Act 2016 |
Yes |
No |
|
2017 |
The Irish Aviation Authority (Amendment) Bill 2017 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2017 |
COM (17)676: Proposal for a Regulation of the EP and of the Council setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles as part of the Union's integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles and amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 (recast)** |
No |
No |
|
2018 |
COM(18) 284: Proposal for a REGULATION setting CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles** |
No |
No |
|
2018 |
Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2009/33/EC on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles** |
No |
No |
|
2018 |
General Scheme for Railway Safety (Amendment) Bill 2018 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2018 |
Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2018 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2018 |
Vehicle Registration Data (Automated Searching and Exchange) Act 2018 |
Yes |
No |
** It should be noted that scrutiny notes have been prepared for these three proposals that indicated legislative changes; proposals still being considered by the Commission.
2288. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is the policy of his Department and Irish Rail to develop a train station on the north side of Drogheda; if a site has been selected for such a station; if his Department and agencies have costed the project; the overall cost of the development of a north Drogheda train station project; when such a station will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35152/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA), working with other relevant State bodies, is responsible for ensuring the planning, development and delivery of the public transport infrastructure priorities, including train station developments, in the Greater Dublin Area including Drogheda.
In light of the NTA’s role, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for their response regarding this matter.
2290. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount that has been spent on road maintenance in each year since 2007, in tabular form. [35155/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. Details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant booklets which are available in the Dáil Library.
In relation to national road maintenance, as Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. I have, therefore referred the Deputy's Question on road maintenance expenditure in respect of national roads to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The tables included in the regional and local road payment and allocation booklets outline expenditure by type of grant programme. For the Deputy's information an explanation of the purpose of the main road Regional and Local Road Grant Programmes is set out below:
Restoration Maintenance (RM): The purpose of the RM grant is to protect the structural integrity of the road by way of surface dressing through the sealing of the road surface. The purpose of restoration maintenance is to maintain the asset before it requires improvement.
Restoration Improvement Grant (RI): The RI grant programme is the main road strengthening programme and caters for surface restoration, pavement overlay works, complete road rehabilitation works and for drainage works where required.
Discretionary Grant (DG): Councils have discretion in spending these grants for improvement and maintenance works subject to selecting from a list of eligible works. However Councils are requested to prioritise projects which involve strengthening works, remedying road defects, winter maintenance and drainage works.
Bridge Rehabilitation (BR): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake bridge rehabilitation works.
Safety Improvement Works (BS): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake safety improvement works.
This year ring-fenced funding is being made available for Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) and a Drainage Programme. The CIS facilitates community involvement in repair and improvement of roads while the purpose of the Drainage Grant is to promote network resilience.
Specific Grant and Strategic Grants: The Department no longer seeks annual applications from local authorities in respect of the Specific (road improvement schemes costing up to €5m.) and Strategic (improvement schemes costing over €5m.) grant programmes. Instead it considers projects on a case by case basis taking into account the availability of funding and the outcome of project appraisals.
2291. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of grants for wheelchair accessible taxis by year and value (details supplied). [35156/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2293. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of new licences for wheelchair accessible taxis that have been granted in each year since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35158/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2291 and 2293 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the licensing of wheelchair accessible taxis, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. It is the NTA which administers the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant scheme for the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
2294. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of taxis that have been operational here in each year since 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35159/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the licensing of taxis, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
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.
2295. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether there are a sufficient number of taxis operational here to meet increasing demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35160/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. I understand that the NTA has been taking some actions, including changes in their approach to Driver Entry Test to encourage growth and address the number of drivers available in the SPSV industry.
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.
2296. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to protect Ireland's aviation industry and broader connectivity should the United Kingdom exit the Open Skies agreement. [35161/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has been clear that its approach to preparing for Brexit is aimed at minimising the impact it could have on our trade, our economy and seeking an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the EU.
The implications of Brexit, with regard to the aviation sector and Ireland's connectivity, will only become clear once the negotiations have been completed and the future EU-UK relationship has been decided.
Contingency planning in relation to Brexit, at both a national and an EU level, is focused on three areas: preparing for a no-deal scenario or so-called “disorderly Brexit”; preparing for a transition period based on the “status quo”; and preparing for the future EU-UK relationship.
In addition to the work on contingency planning, there are on-going consultations between my Department's officials, other Government Departments and Agencies, and other public and private aviation stakeholders in order to continue to plan for and mitigate the risks associated with Brexit.
It is also important that the aviation industry takes steps to prepare for the possibility of a disorderly Brexit and that industry stakeholders undertake contingency planning to minimise the impact of Brexit on their business.
2297. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average waiting time in weeks for a person to receive an appointment to do his or her driver theory test and practical driver test, respectively, in tabular form. [35162/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
2298. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the review of the National Cycle Policy Framework which he informed Dáil Éireann on a number of occasions in 2017, including 10 May 2017, would be published later in 2017; and if he has received a draft of the review. [35188/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has commenced a review of public transport policy “to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy”. Work on this policy review is progressing and is currently drawing together data and information from many sources. The review will cover all areas of public transport policy including the National Cycling Policy Framework (NCPF) published in 2009. While significant progress has been made under a number of objectives contained in the NCPF, my Department has not yet finalised a formal review of the policy framework or its implementation.
Having said that, one of the primary objectives of creating a National Cycling Policy Framework was to create a strong cycling culture so that cycling is seen as the normal way to get about, particularly when commuting over shorter journeys. The NCPF has been integrated into the Development Plans of the majority of local authorities, thus ensuring the objectives and policies to support and promote cycling are taken into account in current and future planning. In addition, the National Transport Authority (NTA) published the GDA Cycle Network Plan covering the seven local authority areas in the Greater Dublin Area in 2013.
Recognising the objective of the NCPF to promote modal shift to active travel, Census 2016 recorded a significant rise in the numbers cycling to work. It was also pleasing to note in the same CSO survey that walking or cycling were the preferred modes of transport used for 45% of all journeys under 2km. That growing trend will be catered for by providing a network of safe cycling facilities that will encourage increased numbers to adopt what is a convenient and healthy mode of transport. As traffic levels rise in urban areas, cycling will play an increasing role in alleviating congestion and contributing to economic success.
In the Greater Dublin Area there has been a significant modal shift. The Annual Canal Cordon Report 206-2017 recently published by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority - which provides data on trends in mode share of vehicles and people crossing the Canal Cordon in Dublin between 7am and 10am –further indicates this change. It shows that 70% of all inbound trips crossing the canal cordon were made by a sustainable mode which includes cycling, walking, taxi and other public transport. Over the last 11 years, the share for sustainable modes has grown by 9 percentage points, and since 2010 there has continually been year-on-year growth. The most recent figures show that the mode share for cars has dropped to under 30% for the first time; it is now 29.2%, compared to 40% as recently as 2010.
In order to continue to build on this momentum and to encourage further modal shift nationally, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have secured over €110m in capital funding which is directly allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford over the period 2018-2021. A further €135m capital funding is allocated over this same period for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects, and these will include projects that provide either direct or indirect improvements for urban cycling. Investment in the Bus Connects Programme commencing roll-out in Dublin will deliver a transformative investment package that will not only finance new and expanded bus routes, greatly improve bus access, but also includes the commencement of construction of core bus routes that include segregated cycle lanes and pedestrian footpaths, all which will greatly assist in encouraging modal shift. My Department also allocates funding for behavioural change programmes including Green Schools, Cycle Right and Smarter Travel Workplace and Campus programmes aimed at encouraging a modal shift.
2299. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to encourage active travel in line with the national obesity policy and plan. [35189/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to sustainable public transport including Active Travel measures.
Investment in walking and cycling infrastructure over recent years was delivered under a number of different programmes and schemes, namely the Smarter Travel Programme, Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme and the Regional Cities Programme. These programmes funded projects involving integrated initiatives across a number of aspects of active/smarter travel and incorporated measures such as investment in cycle lanes, bike parking, footpaths, traffic calming measures, shared streets and other interventions that encourage and support modal shift to walking and cycling across the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that as part of my Departments overall strategy to increase the numbers walking and cycling, I was delighted to secure over €110m in capital funding which will be directly allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford over the period 2018-2021, which represents a threefold increase in funding on 2018 over the four year period. This programme will provide active travel routes to help alleviate congestion by providing viable alternatives and connectivity with existing public transport infrastructure. A further €135m capital funding is allocated over this same period for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects, including investment in active travel measures and those that encourage modal shift to Active Travel. In addition to this, €55m will be spent in this same four year period on Greenways outside of the 5 cities, and the greenway programme will be largely aimed at providing an enhanced tourism and leisure amenity.
Government's recently published Project Ireland 2040 identifies key investment public transport priorities including delivery of comprehensive cycling and walking network for Ireland’s cities. It also recognises the BusConnects programme that aims to overhaul the current bus system in Ireland’s cities. Commencing roll-out in Dublin, BusConnects is not just about buses. It will provide much needed cycling facilities and make it easier and more attractive to cycle around the city region and is calculated to either build or improve over 200km of cycle tracks/lanes and pedestrian, alongside bus routes on the key radial routes into the city centre. In addition, BusConnects also presents a unique opportunity to make a better environment for pedestrians as we improve these corridors. In particular, we will improve the quality of footpaths and pedestrian crossings as well as improving pedestrian facilities at junctions. We will also enhance key local centres with additional landscaping and outdoor amenities.
In addition to funding for the provision of infrastructure, my Department continues to be active in promoting behavioural change to encourage more people to take up cycling and to cycle safely. Funding is provided on an annual basis to the National Transport Authority for the delivery of behavioural change programmes such as Workplace and Campus Travel Programme and the Green Schools Travel Programmes. My Department also engaged Cycling Ireland to develop a new national cycle training standard - "Cycle Right" – which was rolled out in January 2017. My Department also supports the great work that is being done by RSA in the promotion of safe roads for all road users, including the more vulnerable users such as cyclists and pedestrians. In addition my Department provides funding to local authorities throughout the country to assist in organising events and activities during Bike Week which further serve to promote cycling.
Recognising the interdependency between the Obesity Policy, Action Plan and Active Travel, I trust the above sets out the many steps that I am taking to encourage Active Travel in line with the National Obesity Policy and Action Plan.
