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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 3 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 325-342

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (325)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

325. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the establishment of the national public transport forum; if he has identified the groups he will consult as part of the establishment of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32947/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government encompasses a wide and ambitious range of commitments for public transport, one of which is the establishment of a national level forum in relation to public transport.

The Deputy will also be aware that my Department has already been undertaking a review of sustainable mobility policy, which incorporates public transport and active travel. In this context the Department held a public consultation process between November 2019 and February 2020, and included a stakeholder event in the course of that consultation. Over 250 submissions were received as part of this public consultation process and these are currently being analysed. I intend to publish a report of the public consultation process shortly.

I intend to develop a new policy framework for the next 10 years that can provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme. The new policy statement will be informed by the review of the previous policy framework (known as Smarter Travel), submissions received during my Department's consultation period and the views and recommendations of other relevant stakeholders. The new policy statement will provide a platform to advance the ambitions of the Programme for Government in the area of sustainable mobility, including active travel, and will replace the previous Smarter Travel policy, dating from 2009. Therefore, our Programme for Government commitment about a forum will be progressed in the context of that new policy statement.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (326)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

326. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of establishing a commission to conduct an economic evaluation of higher speed rail links between the main cities in view of the commitment in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32949/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy is aware that the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future commits toward a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and I believe that rail has a strategic role to play in achieving that change.

Following a recent Transport Sectoral meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, Minister Nichola Mallon, MLA, and I both agreed that our Departments should further develop draft terms of reference for a proposed study of rail speeds, to ensure the finalised terms of reference take sufficient cognisance of the need for balanced regional development, particularly in relation to connectivity with the North-West.

I believe this study will allow for a full consideration of the strategic potential of rail, including the opportunities for high-/higher- speed rail where appropriate. This will be a significant study and my Department will work with the Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland to finalise the terms of reference to allow for the procurement process commence and I look forward to the commence of the study in due course.

Transport Policy

Ceisteanna (327)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

327. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of his plans to legislate for e-scooters and e-bikes as committed to in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32950/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware, electric scooters are a type of powered personal transporter (PPT). PPTs are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of which requires a valid licence, tax and appropriate insurance in accordance with Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. As PPTs do not fall under any existing vehicle category, it is not currently possible to tax and insure them and there is no separate licence category for them. Therefore they may not be used on public roads and in public places. However, their use is permitted on private land with the permission of the landowner.

I intend to legislate for e-scooters in accordance with the Programme for Government in 2021. This will involve identifying and developing appropriate amendments to primary legislation across a range of complex areas. The work must be carried out in such a way that it does not undermine the overall framework of Road Traffic Law or Road Safety in general. My officials have commenced work on drafting the necessary changes to primary legislation.

Experience overseas has shown that a change of regime may have consequences for road safety, the management of roads and footpaths, the movement of traffic, public transport and goods, public health and the environment. These are all factors which must be taken into consideration when legislating.

Until new legislation is in place, the use of electric scooters will remain illegal.

There are two types of e-bikes both of which are already provided for in existing legislation. Pedal assisted electric bikes with a maximun speed of 25kph are treated as regular bikes. Pedal assisted electric bikes with a maximum speed of greater than 25kph are treated as low performance mopeds which require the appropriate licence, tax and insurance.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (328)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

328. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the position regarding driver lessons during the Covid-19 emergency period level 5 restrictions; if persons including essential workers and family carers going for driver tests during the restrictions can go ahead and take their lessons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33045/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Regulations introduced on the 21st October by my colleague, the Minister for Health, define the provision of driving instruction as an essential service.

Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date.

Taxi Licences

Ceisteanna (329)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

329. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider waiving or reducing fees for the renewal of a five-year taxi licence and the annual PSV licences in view of the difficulties faced by the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33090/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Transport Authority (NTA), the statutory regulator, has since the start of the pandemic taken action to reduce the operating costs for small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators. It has extended vehicle age limits and waived late renewal fees through to March 2021. SPSV driver licences are valid for five years and there are no plans to waive these licencing fees, however, my Department will provide funding to the NTA to enable it to waive standard SPSV licence renewal fees in 2021. As vehicle licences are renewed annually, this is a measure which will benefit all SPSV vehicle licence holders.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (330, 331, 338)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

330. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to issues related to the reduced capacity on public transport services: his plans to address the issues; and if he has considered the allocation of additional resources to transport providers such as the rental of additional fleet as a temporary measure. [33091/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

331. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the provisions that have been made to ensure essential workers can travel to their place of employment in view of reduced public transport services now operating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33137/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

338. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if public transport providers can cope with demand in the next six weeks while operating at only 25% of capacity; if there are plans to provide additional services on train, DART, Dublin Bus or Bus Éireann routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33220/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 330, 331 and 338 together.

The continued operation of the public transport sector is important and, from a very early stage in the Covid-19 crisis, public transport was designated by Government as among the essential services that could continue throughout the emergency. Guided by public health advice, measures have been introduced across the system to enable the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and appropriate social distancing measures across the network. New Regulations were also introduced making mandatory the wearing of face coverings on public transport, with some limited exceptions.

There is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and, therefore, should only be used for essential travel, with only those who have to travel at peak times doing so. People are being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical, and organisations are encouraged to continue to facilitate working from home.

The Government is also spending considerable additional Exchequer funds on the public transport sector in order to support the continued operation of necessary services, despite the reduced demand and the restricted capacity owing to the Covid-19 situation. The Exchequer is now funding the PSO (public service obligation) regime far in excess of the allocation that had been provided under Budget 2020. In addition, the Government introduced a new temporary funding support for the non-PSO (licensed, commercial) bus sector in respect of its continuation of necessary bus services.

The Government's Living with Covid Plan , clearly sets out the guidance and restrictions that will apply for all sectors, including public transport, at the 5 levels of the Plan, including strong messaging that people should use active travel as an alternative where this is feasible. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most, most notably, frontline workers and those needing to travel to education.

The move to 25% capacity utilisation on public transport is amongst the measures introduced under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19, following recommendations made to Government by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). Issues arising from the reduction of capacity arose on some services at the commencement of Level 5, in particular on some early morning bus services. The problem was most acute on buses early in the morning, particularly in the Dublin region. The return of schools this week is likely to again put the public transport system under pressure.

The NTA issued a statement on their website on 20 October 2020 which says that they will look at “particular pressure points ” in relation to public transport should the need arise, with a view to addressing them at local level. Since the implementation of Level 5 restrictions, Dublin Bus for example has redeployed additional vehicles to address particular problem areas, where possible, to mitigate the impact of capacity pressures on the network. I would like to thank operators and their staff, particularly drivers, who continue to provide a service in difficult circumstances to ensure essential workers and students can get to work and school.

Both my Department and the NTA are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice. The NTA advise that the situation on Monday 2nd November, the return of schools following the mid-term beak, was much improved with a reduced level of capacity problems notified by transport operators.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (332)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

332. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to issue refunds if requested by the person (details supplied); if he plans to minimise the waiting times in view of the restrictions in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33188/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The scheduling of driver theory tests is an operational matter and I have no role here.

I have therefore passed the Deputy's query to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a response within 10 working days she should contact my office directly.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Water Levels

Ceisteanna (333)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

333. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter relating to surface water at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33194/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport 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 maintenance and improvement 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.

Noting the above position, 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (334)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

334. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport if persons who had a theory test cancelled as a result of level 5 restrictions can be facilitated with new appointments as soon as the test centres reopen on 1 December 2020 as opposed to joining the end of the queue for the next available appointment. [33195/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The scheduling of driver theory tests is an operational matter, and I have no role in this matter.

I have therefore passed the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct answer. If the Deputy has not received a reply within 10 working days please contact my office.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (335)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

335. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the measures in place to ensure that those who have had driver theory tests cancelled due to level 5 restriction can have a new appointment at the earliest available opportunity; the policy for rebooking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33198/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter, and one in which I have no role.

I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (336)

Michael Collins

Ceist:

336. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding an R plate for drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33210/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It must be understood that a learner permit is not a licence, but a permit to allow a person to drive on the roads while learning. The purpose of the driving test is to set out the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licensed driver. Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision.

I would also like to point out that the current pass rate for driving tests nationally stands at 52% for 2019, so having fulfilled all of the driving lesson requirements does not mean that an individual meets the standard required to pass the test.

Studies have repeatedly shown that unaccompanied learner drivers are markedly more likely to be involved in fatal collisions. For that reason, there can be no exceptions to the current laws in force around learner drivers. Regrettably, there has been an increase in fatalities on our roads so far in 2020, and we must not relax the standards required of our drivers before being awarded a driving licence, even in the case of frontline workers, whose lives and safety are so precious at this time.

Under Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions effective from midnight on Wednesday 21 October, forsix weeks, driving tests are being provided for essential workers.

While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure that the system returns to normal as soon as possible to allow learner drivers complete their training and, hopefully, pass their test.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (337)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

337. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport his views on excluding private coach operators from the Covid restrictions support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33215/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Public transport is a key facilitator of interaction in the economy and society; it is an efficient and sustainable way of getting people to work, education, shopping, public services, and social engagement.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Covid-19 health emergency has had a profound impact on the public transport sector due to the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenues.

In common with most developed economies, the public transport system in Ireland has played an essential service role over the course of the Covid-19 Emergency especially in carrying essential workers and others making necessary journeys.

The essential nature of these services have been acknowledged on number occasions by Government in recent months, most notably in the Government decisions to provided additional funding for Public Service Obligation Services, and the introduction of temporary funding measures for the licensed bus sector.

These temporary funding supports have been introduced to help ease the financial pressure on operators arising from the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue as a result of Covid-19.

They are aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months and are targeted at covering the gap between specified costs and the revenues generated on the services.

The supports are targeted at those classes of bus services where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention and in line with relevant State aid considerations.

The NTA is responsible for administering the funding support and is in the process of entering into contracts with the relevant operators.

These supports are in addition to the suite of other financial support measures that the Government has introduced to help mitigate the impact of Covid-19, including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment which operators can avail of and which remains open to new applicants until the end of the year, and a COVID-19 Enterprise Support Grant which can be put towards the costs associated with reopening a business, including the purchase of cleaning materials and personal protective equipment.

These measures are in addition to rates waivers, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports - all of which will help to improve cash flow amongst SMEs. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation have also set up on online tool to help support Irish start-ups and SMEs to navigate the range of Government supports and identify which support may be most relevant to their business.

Further, under measures introduced as part of the July Stimulus package, self-employed operators can also avail of tax relief this year to offset losses from this year against profits from 2019. They can also avail of liquidity and investment measures including the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme and the COVID-19 Business Loans Scheme which provides for loans of up to €25,000 interest-free for six months, with a Government rebate available for the interest payable for the following six months

Fáilte Ireland has also been tasked with developing a Business Continuity Scheme to help coach tourism businesses through this very difficult period. I understand that Fáilte Ireland is engaging with the sector to develop and roll out this scheme as quickly as possible, which has been allocated €10m in funding as part of the July stimulus package.

Question No. 338 answered with Question No. 330.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (339)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

339. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if action will be taken to ensure that sufficient capacity will be provided on a Dublin Bus route (details supplied). [33221/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The continued operation of the public transport sector is important and, from a very early stage in the Covid-19 crisis, public transport was designated by Government as among the essential services that could continue throughout the emergency. Guided by public health advice, measures have been introduced across the system to enable the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and appropriate social distancing measures across the network. New Regulations were also introduced making mandatory the wearing of face coverings on public transport, with some limited exceptions.

There is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and, therefore, should only be used for essential travel, with only those who have to travel at peak times doing so. People are being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical, and organisations are encouraged to continue to facilitate working from home.

The Government is also spending considerable additional Exchequer funds on the public transport sector in order to support the continued operation of necessary services, despite the reduced demand and the restricted capacity owing to the Covid-19 situation. The Exchequer is now funding the PSO (public service obligation) regime far in excess of the allocation that had been provided under Budget 2020. In addition, the Government introduced a new temporary funding support for the non-PSO (licensed, commercial) bus sector in respect of its continuation of necessary bus services.

The Government's Living with Covid Plan , clearly sets out the guidance and restrictions that will apply for all sectors, including public transport, at the 5 levels of the Plan, including strong messaging that people should use active travel as an alternative where this is feasible. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most, most notably, frontline workers and those needing to travel to education.

The move to 25% capacity utilisation on public transport is amongst the measures introduced under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19, following recommendations made to Government by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). Issues arising from the reduction of capacity arose on some services at the commencement of Level 5, in particular on some early morning bus services. The problem was most acute on buses early in the morning, particularly in the Dublin region. The return of schools this week is likely to again put the public transport system under pressure.

The NTA issued a statement on their website on 20 October 2020 which says that they will look at “particular pressure points ” in relation to public transport should the need arise, with a view to addressing them at local level. Since the implementation of Level 5 restrictions, Dublin Bus for example has redeployed additional vehicles to address particular problem areas, where possible, to mitigate the impact of capacity pressures on the network. I would like to thank operators and their staff, particularly drivers, who continue to provide a service in difficult circumstances to ensure essential workers and students can get to work and school.

Both my Department and the NTA are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice. The NTA advise that the situation on Monday 2nd November, the return of schools following the mid-term beak, was much improved with a reduced level of capacity problems notified by transport operators.

Metropolitan Area Networks Programme

Ceisteanna (340)

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

340. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the terms of options to be explored in the feasibility study on extending the metro to the south west and the weighting for each of the criteria assessed under each option. [33236/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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, including light rail.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (341)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

341. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the waiting time for applicants for the driver licence theory test and driver test; the reason for the long delays in getting appointments for these two tests; and his plans to reduce these waiting times. [33253/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Specific details on waiting times for driver tests and theory tests are held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of 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.

As you are aware, driving tests were temporarily suspended due to the Covid 19 emergency and since resuming operations, there has been an increased level of demand. Unfortunately, due to social distancing requirements, normal capacity is considerably reduced.

My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA who are examining ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints. I am pleased to say, my Department has already given approval to the RSA to retain 18 driver testers on temporary contracts due to expire in October and November, and to rehire up to 19 testers whose contracts expired in May. The authority is also examining the recruitment and training of new driver testers. However, I would like to stress that many of the issues impacting on the delivery of service are concerned with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff.

Covid-19 has also had a profound effect on the delivery of the Road Safety Authority’s Driver Theory Testing Services and a significant backlog developed.

The Driver Theory Test service has seen its capacity reduced significantly to comply with occupational and public health requirements. The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests while adhering to occupational and public health requirements. In this regard, they would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours also provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.

However, as you will understand, the decision to move to Level 5, which is essential for public health reasons, is now likely to lead to further delays. The driving test is being provided only for essential workers while Level 5 is in force, with theory tests being suspended.

While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure the resumption of services as soon as Level 5 is lifted.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Cycling Facilities

Ceisteanna (342)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

342. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the reason it is proposed that two cycle bridges be constructed over the Dodder river within 400 m of each other (details supplied); the estimated cost of the additional bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33262/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including cycling infrastructure and BusConnects.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
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