Written Answers Nos. 75-86
75. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an unredacted version in electronic format of the residential retrofit note provided by his Department to the programme for Government talks will be provided; and if an unredacted version of the collated briefing by his Department will be provided. [16264/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set highly ambitious targets for the number and depth of residential retrofits and heat pumps to be installed over the period to 2030. The targets are to retrofit 500,000 homes to a B2/cost optimal equivalent and install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings by 2030.
A cross-Departmental Retrofit Taskforce has been established to develop a new retrofit delivery model capable of achieving these targets. This process has been informed by consultation with stakeholders and an analysis of relevant national and international experience. The model is designed to address barriers to energy efficiency investments in four key areas: customer proposition and demand generation, financing and affordability, supplier capacity, and delivery structure. The Retrofit Taskforce report is to be published in Q3 2020.
The Department prepared a note on residential retrofit and a collated briefing note in order to inform the recent Government formation talks. These notes were published on the website of the Department of the Taoiseach with redactions made in accordance with Section 29 of the FOI Act 2014, which relates to the deliberative processes of an FOI body. In line with FOI rules, the full note will be available when the deliberative process has concluded.
76. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will instruct each airline (details supplied) that operates flights out of Ireland on pain of forfeit of Government financial support to discharge their responsibilities to customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16257/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra78. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures that will be put in place to protect persons following public health advice to not go abroad in summer 2020 who will not receive a refund from the airline for their flights, which were not cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16271/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 78 together.
As the Deputy is aware, current Government advice to people is to avoid all non-essential travel overseas, based on the advices of our public health experts. As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of cancellations. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law. I understand that the main Irish airlines are currently allowing customers who are booked to travel over the summer months to move their flights with zero change fee. That said, I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances. Clearly, if the industry is seeking to secure State financial support to help it through the current period - which is one of the recommendations from the Aviation Taskforce - then a commitment to fairness and clarity on consumer rights will have to be offered in return, at the very least.
77. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an aircraft (details supplied) received approval to land and refuel at Shannon Airport; if it was approved to transport weapons or munitions or other military materials through Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16268/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Chicago Convention is the main treaty that governs international civil aviation. Article 5 of the Convention makes provision for overflights and stops for non-traffic purposes, including for refuelling, for aircraft from Contracting States engaged in non-scheduled flights. Both Ireland and the United States are party to this Convention. This provision is implemented in Irish law in the Air Services Authorisation Order, 1993. A stop for non-traffic purposes was authorised for the aircraft concerned, pursuant to Article 3 of the Air Services Authorisation Order, 1993.
There was no application made for exemption to carry munitions under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973.
79. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider providing a scheme for local authorities to make local tertiary roads safer for cycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16308/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' 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.
I believe that there are opportunities to improve facilities for cyclists in both urban and rural areas.
The Deputy is likely aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA) works with local authorities in all five cities in developing improved cycling infrastructure across relevant local authority areas and a number of significant projects are underway in various cities. In addition in recent months the NTA issued a Circular to all 31 local authorities offering technical and financial support to local authorities in the development of interim mobility measures in response to challenges posed by the current COVID-19 Emergency. These measures include initiatives such as improved cycling facilities and I would encourage all local authorities to avail of these supports. We can already see the benefits of these type of measures in many local authority areas and their introduction is supporting local communities and local businesses as society and the economy looks to reopen and recover.
In addition, my Department is examining the scope to make regulatory provision to limit the use of certain through routes (in particular on local secondary and local tertiary roads) to non-motorised traffic except for access purposes. It will also examine the possibility of designating such routes as ‘Green Routes’ or ‘Quiet Lanes’. Local authorities will, of course, be notified by Circular as soon as final decisions are made on any of these matters.
80. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the levels of funding that will be available for new greenway and cycling infrastructure in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16309/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is aware that the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to walking and cycling, including for this effort to be supported by an increased multi-annual budgetary allocation which would amount to some €1.8 billion over the lifetime of the Government.
I look forward to working with the Deputy in the coming years as we seek to fundamentally change the nature of transport in Ireland.
81. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for a driver test, which is required in order for the person to take up employment in the UK. [16159/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply to this individual’s case. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
While this is an operational matter for the RSA, it is my understanding that on the resumption of the driver testing service, it is planned that there will be a prioritisation of appointments. Those whose appointments were cancelled by the RSA due to the Covid-19 situation along with frontline healthcare workers will have first priority. Priority then will be given in order of application date. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as we move through the service resumption.
82. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons waiting for a driver test; the actions he is taking to clear this backlog quickly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16176/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. 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.
While this is an operational matter for the RSA, I understand the Authority, in reopening driver testing services, has considered a number of issues including the backlog of people waiting for tests. I should emphasise that the reopening of the driving test will involve particular difficulties in complying with health guidelines. Those whose appointments were cancelled by the RSA due to the Covid-19 situation along with frontline healthcare workers will have first priority. Priority then will be given in order of application date. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as we move through the service resumption.
All of the resumed services are now subject to appropriate public health protocols. Services must be booked in advance, and people should follow the required protocols for the sake of their own health and that of others.
83. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans of the National Roads Authority to reduce noise pollution from the M50 motorway in Heather Grove, Palmerstown; the measures contained the Dublin agglomeration plan that can assist with this; the timeline for the implementation of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16177/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications , Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing Exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.
Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction, including noise mitigation measures, for individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise was transposed into Irish law by the Environmental Noise Regulations, 2006. This legislation requires TII and local authorities to undertake strategic noise mapping every five years for all major roads carrying in excess of 8,250 annual average daily traffic (AADT). Noise maps identify and prioritise cluster areas which will require further assessment and may require mitigation measures to be put in place. Once strategic noise maps have been produced, the results are used for each local authority to develop Noise Action Plans as required by the Environmental Noise Regulations.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a more detailed and direct reply on this matter. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
84. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that the A5 is kept firmly on the agenda at any upcoming North-South Ministerial Council meetings; if projects funded under TEN-T, namely, the Letterkenny to Lifford N14 and the twin towns bypass, remain central to the programme for Government commitment to balanced regional development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16180/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the planning and implementation of the proposed A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. The Government has committed to provide funding of £75 million (sterling) towards the cost of the 1st phase of the scheme once the planning process is concluded. A Planning Inquiry in relation to the project is underway at present with the Inspector’s report expected to be completed later this year.
The status of the A5 scheme has been a regular item for discussion at previous NSMC – Plenary and NSMC- Transport Sectoral meetings and I expect that this will continue to be the case when these meetings resume.
In relation to the TEN-T funded projects, as Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications and Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing 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 Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the position of this project.
Noting the above, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
85. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is an alternative method available for a person (details supplied) to renew a driver licence due to Covid-19 medical restrictions. [16182/20]
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.
86. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided to allow Irish Rail users to host their tickets on their smartphones to reduce the need for physical tickets and ticket kiosks. [16224/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding relating to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann. I have therefore referred 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.
