Written Answers Nos. 91-106
91. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of the Bus Éireann review of services in the Ballincollig area, County Cork; when recommended changes will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45658/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra92. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the proposed changes to the No. 220 Bus Éireann route in the Ballincollig area, County Cork, will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45657/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.
The issues raised are a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Bus Éireann, and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
94. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the delay in the next phase of the public consultation for MetroLink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45653/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role he is taking with regard to the review of the MetroLink project on the south side of the city; and if he has considered proposals for continuing the tunnel boring machine south of the Charlemont Street stop and amending the preferred route alignment to allow for such a development. [45642/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 97 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area, including the MetroLink project.
A non-statutory consultation took place earlier this year in relation to the Emerging Preferred Route and issues raised together with submissions received as part of that consultation are under consideration by the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Noting their responsibility in relation to this matter, I have forwarded your query to the NTA for direct reply. Please notify my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
95. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether Ireland should dramatically reduce public transport fares to encourage its use in view of the urgent necessity to address climate change and CO2 emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45656/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for regulating fares charged by public transport operators so it is not within my remit to reduce public transport fares.
I am however acutely aware of the specific challenge facing Ireland in tackling climate change and achieving our renewable energy targets in our transport sector where travel demand is growing and fossil fuel use is firmly established. An efficient public transport sector is a key priority in meeting our climate change goals. Improving public transport services and infrastructure is central to providing an alternative to the private car not only to reduce congestion and emissions but also to enable the transport sector to cater, in an environmentally sustainable way, for the increasing demand associated with growing population and employment.
One of the primary objectives of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) Programme is to encourage modal shift and public transport use through higher service provision and lower fares. I have secured an aggregate funding increase of over 36% in PSO funding in the last three years. In Budget 2019, I have secured further additional funding which means I will be providing €287m to the NTA for PSO funding in 2019.
In addition to effecting modal shift, we are seeking to address climate emissions by encouraging a transition away from fossil fuels. I have outlined my ambition that by 2030 all new cars and vans sold in Ireland would be zero-emission capable. To support this ambition and a Programme for Partnership Government commitment, an interdepartmental Low-Emitting Vehicles (LEV) Taskforce was jointly convened by my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
The Biofuels Obligation Scheme also plays a major role in decarbonising the road transport sector in Ireland. The penetration of biofuels as a share of road transport energy has increased significantly over recent years from a share of 4 % in 2010 to 8% (by volume) from 2017. It is intended that the biofuel obligation scheme will be incrementally increased on a sustainable basis over the next two years.
Finally, an important role will be played by more efficient standards for vehicles. Ireland continues to push strongly for better EU vehicles standards, seeking greater ambition in regulations that ensure vehicles registered in Europe are increasingly more efficient and less emitting. It is through better technology and improved efficiency that carbon emissions generated by vehicles can be decoupled from increased economic activity and population growth.
96. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the lack of parking facilities at Portlaoise and Ballybrophy train stations, County Laois, and the need for upgrade and extension to encourage the policy of greater use of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45481/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Issues relating to the provision of car parking spaces at train stations on the heavy rail network outside of the GDA, such as Portlaoise and Ballybrophy, are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann.
In light of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them for further update and direct reply.
98. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will re-examine the fare structure on the commuter train lines with specific reference to Newbridge, County Kildare, which has not been included in recent fare restructuring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45651/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for regulating fares charged by public transport operators so it is not within my remit to restructure public transport fares.
I have therefore 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.
99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that substantial additional funding is provided to Cavan and Monaghan County Councils for the 2019 non-national roadworks programme in view of the deterioration of the road network in many parts of both counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45648/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, 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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
It is a matter for each Council to determine its priorities and decide its work programme taking available grant funding and its own resources into account. I always stress to Councils the importance of prioritising roads when allocating their own resources.
Grant allocations for 2019 will be decided once the 2019 Estimates process is concluded. Within the budget available to the Department, the approach taken is to allocate funding on as fair and equitable basis as possible. In this context, grants in the main grant categories are allocated based on the total length of the regional and local road network within the area of responsibility of the relevant local authority.
100. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of the A5; the details of his engagement with his counterpart in Northern Ireland on this project; the funding that will be made available for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45305/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities.
The current funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. This Agreement reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million towards the cost of Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane).
The funding allocated to my Department as part of the Capital Plan Review last year includes financial provision for meeting the Government's commitment regarding the A5 in three £25 million (sterling) tranches over the period 2019 to 2021. The project is the subject of legal proceedings at present.
In the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive, the Deputy will be aware that I currently do not have a counterpart and the North South Ministerial Council has not been meeting. However, the Senior Officials Group comprising Northern and Southern officials, established to oversee implementation of the Fresh Start Agreement, has been continuing to meet.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent of proposed augmentation and investment in rail services over the next five years, with particular reference to the extent that services can be tailored to meet the ongoing travel requirements of commuters by identifying the best way in which rail services in general can meet the demands of medium to middle distance commuters from towns and villages outside of the greater Dublin area, thereby alleviating road traffic congestion and reducing travel time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45369/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra906. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he plans to meet or exceed expectations regarding the extension of commuter and intercity rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45345/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 906 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for ensuring the development and delivery of public transport infrastructure, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, to meet the demands of the rail services, provision for which, as the Deputy is aware, is outlined in the Government's National Development Plan 2018-2027.
Over the period 2018 to 2022 our heavy rail network will benefit from significantly improved investment levels which will in turn benefit passengers across the network.
This investment will support the roll-out of the NTA's statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and Meath) and provide for projects such as
- Completion of the City Centre Re-Signalling project;
- Commencement of the National Train Control Centre project;
- Expansion of services through the Phoenix Park Tunnel to include off-peak and weekend, benefitting passengers along the Kildare line;
- Commencement of the overall DART Expansion project; and
- Procurement of additional rail fleet to allow for expected future passenger growth.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities on this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
103. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken on the establishment of a competent authority under EU Regulation 598/14 since pre-legislative scrutiny of the airport noise regulation Bill in early October 2018. [45611/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe General Scheme of the Airport Noise Regulation Bill 2018 was presented to and discussed in session with the Joint Oireachtas Committee early in October, in accordance with Pre-Legislative Scrutiny arrangements. My officials along with officials from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Office of the Attorney General have been working intensively to prepare the Airport Noise Regulation Bill 2018. The formal Bill is close to being finalised. I expect to present the Bill to the House this month and I look forward to the support of Deputies when it is presented.
104. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will direct Irish Rail to re-examine the new rail timetables for north County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45654/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, 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.
105. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional policy measures under consideration to change the expected transport sector greenhouse gas emissions from the increases predicted by the EPA to decreases in line with Ireland's 2030 climate targets and in line with the 2050 national transition objective. [45643/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Mitigation Plan agreed by Government in 2017 begins to set Ireland on a pathway towards decarbonisation and includes over 100 actions for Government Departments and public bodies.
As the Minister for Transport, I am acutely aware of the specific challenge facing Ireland in tackling climate change and achieving our renewable energy targets in our transport sector where travel demand is growing and fossil fuel use is firmly established. To address this challenge, emission reductions and energy efficiencies are being strongly pursued through four main channels.
Firstly, we are increasing investment in the public and sustainable transport to support modal shift and accommodate growing travel demand. An efficient public transport sector is a key priority in meeting our climate change goals. The NDP has committed €8.6 billion to public transport over the next 10 years to 2027. Improving public transport services and infrastructure is central to providing an alternative to the private car: not only to reduce congestion and emissions but also to enable the transport sector to cater, in an environmentally sustainable way, for the increasing demands associated with growing population and employment. Major projects planned include: BusConnects, which will transform the bus network in our cities with new and expanded bus routes, greatly improved bus access, designated segregated cycle lanes and park and ride facilities; investment in the DART Expansion Programme; and the MetroLink. We also have multi-annual urban Cycling and Walking Infrastructure investment underway for our main cities.
Secondly, we are encouraging a transition away from fossil fuels. In the 'National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland' I firmly outlined my ambition that by 2030 all new cars and vans sold in Ireland would be zero-emission capable. To support this ambition and a Programme for Partnership Government commitment, an interdepartmental Low-Emitting Vehicles (LEV) Taskforce was jointly convened by my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Phase 1 of the Taskforce considered a range of measures and options to accelerate the deployment of EVs. Arising from their recommendations further generous incentives for EVs were announced as part of Budgets 2018 and 2019 aimed at assisting all drivers in purchasing hybrid or electric cars, including significant toll reductions. Phase 1 of the LEV Taskforce is now complete and the LEV Taskforce Progress Report is available on my Department's website. Phase 2 has begun its work and will consider the options available to Government to support the deployment of other alternative fuels, namely natural gas, biomethane, hydrogen, and synthetic/paraffinic fuels, with a particular emphasis on the heavy duty vehicle sector.
Thirdly, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme plays a major role in decarbonising the road transport sector in Ireland. The penetration of biofuels as a share of road transport energy has increased significantly over recent years from a share of 4 % in 2010 to 8% (by volume) from 2017. It is intended that the biofuel obligation scheme will be incrementally increased on a sustainable basis to help meet the renewable transport target of 10% by 2020 as set under the Renewable Energy Directive. The obligation rate will increase to 10% by volume from 1 January 2019; and again to 11% by volume from 1 January 2020.
Finally, an important role will be played by more efficient standards for vehicles. Ireland continues to push strongly for better EU vehicles standards, seeking greater ambition in regulations that ensure vehicles registered in Europe are increasingly more efficient and less emitting. It is through better technology and improved efficiency that carbon emissions generated by vehicles can be decoupled from increased economic activity and population growth.
106. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the work being carried out on the legislation for the regulation of rickshaws. [45524/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, earlier today I received Cabinet approval for publication of a Draft General Scheme of a Bill to amend the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 so as to provide for the regulation of rickshaws. I am delighted that this Bill has been supported and I look forward to it progressing through the Houses.
Earlier this year I committed to examining what would be the best regulatory approach for rickshaws, as a result of the public safety concerns being raised. I tasked my Department with considering a range of options and engaging in consultation with a number of stakeholders regarding a new regulatory approach.
My Bill will introduce comprehensive new detention powers which will ensure effective enforcement of a ban on motorised rickshaws carrying passengers for reward, since these are the faster vehicles which create the greater risks. The Bill will also introduce a licensing regime for non-motorised rickshaws only. These new measures will ensure that rickshaws drivers and vehicles are vetted and registered and I am confident that this will significantly improve safety for passengers and for all road users. The new approach will also enhance customer experience and in turn help improve the ambiance in our city centres, bringing further benefits for tourism and local businesses.
It is my hope that this Bill can progress through the Houses without delay.
