Written Answers Nos. 1031-1055
1031. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish guidelines for taxi drivers on the way in which they can implement changes to protect drivers and customers regarding Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6542/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority, as the regulatory body for the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, has published information for the SPSV industry which includes guidelines on how to keep vehicles clean to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This document is available on the NTA's website.
I have also 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.
1032. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to re-opening non–commercial gyms and personal training sessions in phase two of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business on 8 June 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6550/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government-approved Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, and its specific phasing, is based on public health advice. Compliance with the various requirements attaching to each phase of the Roadmap is essential to ensure continued progress against the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Friday last, I established an Expert Group on Return to Sport, which will provide guidance to the sporting bodies so that they can prepare for the phased return to sporting activity in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Business and Society. In this context it is necessary that each sporting body prepares a detailed protocol setting out the manner in which it proposes to achieve compliance with the restrictions applicable to each phase.
The Government has recognised the importance of sport and physical activity in the development and phasing of the Roadmap. Phase 1 of the Roadmap, which commenced on 18 May, permits certain outdoor sports and physical activities in groups of no more than 4 people, all of whom may not travel further than 5 km from their homes, and where social distancing can be maintained.
1033. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when NDLS centres will re-open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6560/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of public services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publications of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol agreed by employer and trade union representatives, including carrying out risk assessments.
Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this, as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
1034. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the length of time persons will have to wait to do their driver test due to Covid-19; if extra driving lessons will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6564/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of public services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publications of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol agreed by employer and trade union representatives - including carrying out risk assessments.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the driving test raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.
I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests at this time is inconvenient to those awaiting such tests. On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions for which the RSA is responsible to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap .
Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities. No additional driving lessons will be required.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
In regard to lessons, there is a mandatory requirement to complete a course of 12 Essential Driver Training lessons, and this has not changed.
1035. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand the public bike scheme in Cork, Limerick, Galway and introduce one in Waterford. [6575/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure. The administration and expansion of public bike schemes in the regional cities is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply . Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1036. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the next round of sports capital allocations will be opened. [6576/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The most recent (2018) round of the Sports Capital Programme attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects.
All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline. The review of these appeals was completed last month with 6 new allocations approved.
Now that the appeals process is finalised, a full review of the 2018 round of the SCP is being undertaken. A decision on the timing of the next round of the programme will be taken when this is complete.
1037. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of NCT tests due between 1 and 28 March 2020 but were unable to take place due to no available dates for testing before 28 March 2020. [6592/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No.477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of periodic roadworthiness testing in the State. Accordingly, I have forwarded your query to the RSA as it relates to an operational matter.
1038. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given instructions to the NDLS, NCTS, CVRT or theory test centres regarding their re-opening plan; if he will consider the possibility of having them re-open as soon as possible while allowing for social distancing measures to deal with a growing backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6594/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of public services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recent, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol agreed by employer and trade union representatives – including carrying out risk assessments. All such plans naturally have to take account of backlogs due to the period of closure.
The CVRT service began operating again as of 18 May 2020. Dates for the resumption of the remaining RSA functions and services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public, from both infection and death or injury on the roads, is of paramount importance at this time and in this, as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
1039. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the information made available to insurance companies from the national vehicle and driver file; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6615/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 5(1) of the Road Traffic Act 2014 data relating to penalty points is provided to Insurance Companies from my Department's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF). There is also a signed agreement in place between my Department and the insurance industry for the provision of penalty point data.
The data provided consists of the penalty point offence description, number of penalty points applied for the offence, date of the offence, start date of offence on the NVDF, the total number of days remaining for the offence; and the total number of penalty points applied.
Penalty Point Data is exchanged between the Department and the insurance industry via a secure web service interface mechanism and the data is made available in real-time on a per query basis. Penalty Point data on the NVDF is available to all vehicle insurers registered with the Central Bank of Ireland. Any insurer can seek access to the same information by making an application to my Department.
1040. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a timeframe for the resumption of driver tests will be confirmed; and the stage the re-opening phases test will resume (details supplied). [6626/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of public services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recent, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol agreed by employer and trade union representatives – including carrying out risk assessments.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the driving test raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.
I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests at this time is very inconvenient to those awaiting such tests. On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions for which the RSA is responsible to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap .
Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
1041. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when CVRT centres will re-open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6644/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to tell you that Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVR) testing resumed on 18 May 2020, initially only for those vehicles with a test due date prior to 28 March 2020 (i.e. for vehicles that did not benefit from the three-month extension to certificates of roadworthiness). CVR testing is expected to resume fully over the following weeks for those vehicles with a test due date on or after 28 March 2020.
1042. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to support local sporting organisations and clubs with funding or grants as a result of Covid-19. [6646/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA COVID-19 Sports Monitoring Group, chaired at Ministerial level, has been established to engage directly with the sporting bodies. Sport Ireland is also directly engaging with the sporting bodies on an ongoing basis in relation to the development of protocols to facilitate a safe return to training and competition.
This extensive engagement with the sport sector has highlighted the significant, adverse impact of COVID-19 and the importance of implementing an appropriate and focused response to the challenges facing all strands of the sector, ranging from the local sporting organisations and clubs to the National Governing Bodies. It is accordingly intended to develop a Sport Recovery Action Plan, in consultation with the sector, aimed at minimising the impacts and preparing the sector to restart activity, as part of the national recovery and renewal.
1043. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timelines for the introduction of an online facility to apply for a first-time learner driver permit which currently cannot be processed online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6670/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1044. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the provisions being made to enable the children of farmers to apply for first tractor driver licences online in order to carry out work on their farms during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6671/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1043 and 1044 together.
To obtain a category W licence for work vehicles and land tractors with or without a trailer, a person must first pass the BW category driver theory test to gain their learner permit, and then pass the W category driving test. As with other aspects of driving licence services, driver theory tests and the over-counter issuing of learner permits are currently suspended.
The Road Safety Authority is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of public services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recent, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol agreed by employer and trade union representatives – including carrying out risk assessments.
It is not possible to carry out the driver theory tests online, as it is vital that the identity of the candidate can be established, and that there is no possibility of fraud or misrepresentation. I appreciate that the inability to carry out the driver theory test at this time is inconvenient to those awaiting such tests.
Dates for the resumption of the Authority's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
The RSA continue to work on expanding the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types. When this facility becomes available the RSA will update its website.
1045. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an alternative is being considered to ensure that persons can still apply for a driver licence online or by post if they do not have a valid public services card in view of the fact that the issuing of the card has been suspended during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6695/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor those who hold a current drivers licence, in response to the Covid-19 restrictions introduced by the Government on 27 March 2020, I am pleased to tell you that Regulations were signed which extend the period of validity for all driving licences due to expire between March and June for a further four months.
No action is required of licence holders whose licences had been due to expire within this time period, as there is no need to apply for a new licence at this time.
For those who are applying for a driver licence, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is currently examining how it can resume services in line with the Government framework and National Return to Work Safety Protocol. The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time. Dates for the resumption of services and any specific arrangements that need to be put in place to allow for the provision of these services will be determined in consultation with the health authorities and relevant national experts.
If you need further information please contact the RSA by emailing them at licensingqueries@rsa.ie
1047. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had discussions with the banking sector in relation to the need to support the tourism and hospitality sector through the major difficulties that have arisen due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6700/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister Ross and I have engaged with banking representatives to address difficulties being experienced by tourism businesses. We held two meetings with the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland on 16th April and on 5th May to discuss issues of concern including interest on facilities, credit ratings, personal guarantees and overdraft facilities.
1048. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the budget allocated to his Department for 2020; the breakdown of this budget for the transport, tourism and sport sections; if this has been revised since its original allocation due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6738/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department's budget is published in the Revised Estimates for 2020, available at www.gov.ie. The Department's budget has not been revised in the light of the Covid 19 emergency. The impact of the pandemic will be managed in the standard manner for managing annual budgets, albeit with an expectation that the variances from planned expenditure in 2020 will be very significant in a number of areas.
Underspends and overspends will be balanced out where possible later in the year via the transfer of savings in some areas to overspends in other areas. It is too soon to give an accurate picture of what these figures will be.
Supplementary estimates may be required in areas of significant overspend, under circumstances where it is clear that savings within the budget are not sufficient to cover overspends due to the unusual impact of Covid 19. As I mentioned in my Statement to the Dáil last week, the public transport system is a critical part of the plan for the re-opening of the economy. My Department is working closely with the National Transport Authority, NTA, and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to assess and quantify the additional funding requirement in relation to public transport this year.
1049. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount his Department allocated for spending on road, cycling and rail infrastructure in addition to public transport in each of the years 2017 to 2020, in tabular form; the breakdown of this spending for 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6739/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.
|
Year |
Public Transport (except heavy rail) - €m |
National Roads - €m |
Regional & Local Roads - €m |
Walking & Cycling** - €m |
Rail infrastructure - €m |
|
2017 |
184.000 |
460.038 |
321.296 |
0* |
170.000 |
|
2018 |
195.000 |
492.050 |
416.803 |
3.000 |
201.000 |
|
2019 |
211.650 |
576.686 |
483.366 |
15.000 |
252.500 |
|
2020 |
288.900 |
674.041 |
525.166 |
76.600 |
341.500 |
|
Public Transport - €m |
National Roads - €m |
Regional & National Roads - €m |
Walking & Cycling*** - €m |
Rail infrastructure - €m |
|
48.5 |
142.4 |
59.2 |
2.3 |
115.3 |
1050. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of constructing 1 km of cycle path; the estimated cost of constructing one kilometre of footpath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6740/20]
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) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including cycling infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the 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.
1051. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed light rail system for Cork; the estimated cost of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6741/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1052. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if introducing light rail or tram systems in cities other than Dublin has been examined by his Department; if so, if a summary of this information including the estimated costs will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6742/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1051 and 1052 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, while in relation to light rail specifically, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) also has a statutory role in delivery of the infrastructure in line with the plans developed by the NTA.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that transport strategies have been developed, or are being developed, for each of the major cities. As part of the development of those strategies all potentially relevant transport options are considered. Strategies have been developed and published in relation to Dublin, Galway and most recently Cork and all details regarding those strategies are available to view on the website of the NTA. I can inform the Deputy that for each of those strategies light rail was considered during their respective development and details in relation to that consideration is available on the website and within the relevant strategies.
Transport strategies will be developed by the NTA, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, for both Limerick and Waterford and work has already commenced in relation to Limerick and will hopefully commence by end Q2 in relation to Waterford.
Specifically in relation to the current status of the light rail system for Cork as contained within its Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy and noting the NTA's responsibility in the 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.
1053. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of transport infrastructure projects funded by his Department expected to be completed within the next five years; the estimated final cost of these projects; if a breakdown of same by the categories of road, active transport and public transport will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6743/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Project Ireland 2040 Capital Tracker published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform provides details of infrastructure projects, indicative allocations, current status, project commencement dates and proposed completion dates. It is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/6db7c4-investment-projects-and-programmes-tracker/
The individual projects and programmes are subject to compliance with the Public Spending Code, including its requirements in relation to appraisal and Sanctioning Authority approval points.
1054. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the subsidies paid to the operators of tolled roads or tunnels as part of the so-called traffic guaranteed clause for each specific road or tunnel in each of the years 2014 to 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6744/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1055. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the reduction in traffic levels due to Covid-19 will affect the traffic guarantee clauses included in contracts with operators of toll roads and tunnels; if the State will be liable to pay subsidies to replace the expected traffic during this time; the estimated cost of this for each toll road or tunnel in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6745/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1054 and 1055 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
