Written Answers Nos. 162-181
162. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the local authorities which have requested applications for the public charge point scheme; the local authorities that have completed applications; the local authorities that have been approved; the local authorities that have installed chargers under the scheme; and the number of charge points involved in each case in tabular form. [40853/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Charge Point Scheme has been in place since September 2019 and will continue to be available during 2021 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of this scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles (EVs), who do not have access to a private parking space but rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes, to charge their EVs. To date no chargers have been installed by local authorities under the scheme. The SEAI has, however, received requests from twelve local authorities for applications under the scheme and two completed applications from Louth County Council and Dublin City Council to install a total of 24 charge points within their administrative areas. These applications are currently being assessed for approval. The relevant information for the twelve local authorities who requested an application is provided in tabular form below.
|
Local Authority |
Completed application |
No. of Charge Points |
Approval status |
Charge points installed |
|
Louth County Council |
Y |
20 |
Pending |
0 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
N |
|
|
|
|
Dublin City Council |
Y |
4 |
Pending |
0 |
|
Mayo County Council |
N |
|
|
|
|
Laois County Council |
N |
|
|
|
|
Kerry County Council |
N |
|
|
|
|
Sligo County Council |
N |
|
|
|
|
Cork County Council |
N |
|
|
|
|
Roscommon County Council |
N |
|
|
|
|
Limerick County Council |
N |
|
|
|
|
Galway County Council |
N |
|
|
|
|
Galway City Council |
N |
|
|
|
My Department is working closely with a number of key stakeholders, including Local Government, to ensure electric vehicle charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand. This includes helping to develop appropriate guidance for local authorities in line with Programme for Government objectives so as to facilitate the expansion of our national charging network through the supports available under the Public Point Charge Scheme. In addition, it should be noted that the four Dublin local authorities are currently examining their approach for a network of charging infrastructure in the metropolitan area.
163. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the provision of greater powers of enforcement to the Commission for Communications Regulation with a particular focus on improving competition, innovation and customer service within the communications sector as promised in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40952/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraComReg currently has a suite of enforcement and sanction powers available to it in regulating the telecommunications sector. Transposition of the European Electronic Communications Code, a new European regulatory framework will, inter alia, further ensure effective consumer protection and includes enforcement measures which should in turn further enhance competition and innovation. Against the backdrop of the transposition of the Code, my Department, in collaboration with ComReg, is developing proposals to further strengthen ComReg's enforcement regime, as committed to in the Programme for Government, with a view to developing draft legislative proposals.
164. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding waste services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40974/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question 172 of 17 November 2020. The position is unchanged.
165. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a new Eircode will be expedited for a person (details supplied) [41020/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory (APG), a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licenced businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my Department that over 119,600 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015.
An Post have informed my officials that they have updated the individual's address data on their systems and this information should then be issued from An Post GeoDirectory to Eircode. My Department has requested Eircode to contact and liaise directly with the individual in question regarding the assignment of an Eircode for this property address.
166. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the amount of the announced €2.6 million of funding for Shannon Heritage Group sites that has been remitted to the group; the amount that remains to be remitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40892/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra175. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the stage the announced review into Shannon Group is at; when he expects this review to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40893/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra176. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given into the ownership of the heritage sites within the current review; if there is an option of a new owner being discussed such as the local authority or OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40894/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra177. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if there is intention to open the Shannon Heritage sites for the months of January through to April 2021, restrictions permitting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40895/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the reason he is of the view that without the completed review, that Shannon Group are best placed to manage the airport, commercial properties and heritage sites and in effect continue at the same capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40896/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the reason he committed to undertake a review of the Shannon Group company in the first instance; the purpose of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40897/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will review communications with all relevant bodies and the staff at Shannon Heritage sites; and the allowances he will make for the voices of staff to be heard within the ongoing review. [40898/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179 and 180 together.
I would like to thank the Deputy for her questions in relation to Shannon Group, one of which has been forwarded for my attention by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
As we are all too well aware Covid-19 is having a devastating impact across our economy with the aviation and tourism sectors particularly affected. Given Shannon Group operates in both these sectors, the impacts on the Group, in terms of its future strategic and financial outlook, have been severe.
Taking these factors into account, together with the importance of Shannon Airport to the Mid-West region, I considered it appropriate that my Department would undertake a review on the future viability of Shannon Group, including restructuring measures, financial supports and any other measures that may be necessary and appropriate including in relation to Shannon Heritage. I intend to revert to Government with recommendations on this issue in the coming weeks.
The Deputy should be aware that prior to Covid-19 Shannon Group had been delivering on its commercial mandate and improving profitability. Since separation from daa, passenger numbers at the Airport had increased every year until 2019 when Shannon was particularly badly impacted by the global grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX and more recently in relation to the impacts of COVID. In recent years visitor numbers have increased at the tourist attractions operated by Shannon Heritage and the Group recorded and continues to record strong growth in its commercial property company.
In relation to Shannon Heritage, as I have previously advised, having considered the importance of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and King John's Castle to the local economy and the region, from both a tourism and jobs perspective and given the unprecedented impact of Covid-19, a commitment was made to provide the incremental costs required to ensure that these two landmark tourist attractions, which were due to close at the end of August, could remain open to the end of 2020. However, since that commitment was given, new restrictions introduced to control COVID-19 meant that the sites had to close in October. My Department is engaging with Shannon Group on the detail and conditions attaching to the funding necessary to provide the incremental costs of keeping the sites open to end 2020. In that regard I understand that there will be an outdoor Christmas tourism offering at Bunratty Castle and Folkpark in line with public health restrictions.
The position in relation to the opening of Shannon Heritage sites in 2021 is a matter for Shannon Group which operates its business on a commercial basis. I also understand that Shannon Group has engaged at all times with its staff on the issues and difficulties being faced by the Company.
Finally, in recognition of the devastating impacts of Covid on Shannon Group, Government is providing almost €30m in supports to the Group in 2020 and 2021. I can assure the Deputy that Government recognises the strategic importance of Shannon Group to the economy of the Midwest region and indeed nationally and is confident that the supports provided to the Group will provide a solid financial foundation for the Group in 2021 and position it for recovery in the future.
167. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has been the subject of an investigation by the Data Protection Commission from 2016 to date; the number of specific investigations underway or completed; the dates on which his Department was first notified of the investigation; the details of the investigation; the nature of the complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40821/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not been subject to an investigation by the Data Protection Commission from 2016 to date.
The Department is firmly committed to ensuring compliance with its obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation and to safeguarding the rights of individuals in relation to the processing of their personal data by the Department.
168. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for his introduction of e-scooter related legislation. [40833/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI intend to legislate for e-scooters in accordance with the Programme for Government in early 2021. This involves 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 are currently working on drafting the necessary changes to primary legislation. Subject to satisfactory resolution of the necessary issues, I intend to bring forward amendments to the relevant enabling primary legislation when the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is before the Oireachtas in the next few months.
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 on public roads and in public places. However, they may be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.
169. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to ensure an increased take-up of cycling by females; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40834/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware my Department provides funding to support An Taisce’s Green Schools Travel programme which last year launched a national campaign entitled #andshecycles which aims to encourage schoolgirls in particular to cycle and address some of the barriers that may prevent them from cycling.
Separately of course the new Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to walking and cycling, supported by an increased multi-annual budgetary allocation amounting to some €1.8 billion over the lifetime of the Government. Importantly I want to see this funding deliver segregated cycling infrastructure across the country and I note that the evaluation of the Smarter Travel Areas programme, available on my Department's website, demonstrates that poor perception of safety is the biggest barrier to increasing cycling mode share generally.
Finally my Department is currently carrying out a review of Sustainable Mobility Policy and issues such as those raised by the Deputy can be considered more fully in the context of this work which is currently ongoing. I intend that the new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including active travel.
170. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the amount expended by the NTA to date on the BusConnects project since its inception. [40843/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 the BusConnects programme.
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.
171. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the commuter numbers for 2019 and to date in 2020 using all public transport modes in Dublin, including LUAS and trains or DART; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40844/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport 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.
172. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider immediately extending the renewal period for driver licences by an additional six months to allow for more capacity in the NDLS system to deal with the backlog of cases and to ensure persons are not left without the capability to drive. [40845/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no plan at this time to further extend the validity of driving licences. Irish driving licence law is based on a framework of EU law, and the current extensions bring us into line with the EU legislation.
All driving licences that expired between 1 March and 31 August 2020 were extended for 7 months. The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority, closed in March as per Government instruction and re-opened in June. The extension was granted to extend the validity of driving licences that would have expired at a time when it was not possible to renew such licences, and to assist the NDLS resumption while adhering to the return to work protocols.
Protecting public health is a priority for the Government and the RSA has worked with their providers to increase capacity through a combination of additional staff, extended and additional operating hours (i.e. Sundays where needed), and the provision of overtime while ensuring public safety.
In addition, the online facility has been expanded to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications to enable accessibility on-line rather than by calling to an office. A MyGovID verified account, which requires a Public Service Card, is needed to access the online system.
173. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the reason there is no rail representative on the National Transport Authority; his plans to address this shortcoming; his views on the disadvantage this poses for the development of rail and timetables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40854/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 14(1) of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, as amended by Sections 29 and 30 of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, provides that the National Transport Authority (NTA) shall consist of a Chairperson and 11 ordinary members, who perform and carry out the functions of the NTA in accordance with the Acts, and that appointments to the Authority are made by the Minister for Transport.
The legislation specifies that (other than for the three ex officio appointments required by the legislation), appointments are made from persons who, in the opinion of the Minister, have wide experience in relation to transport, industrial, commercial, financial, land use planning or environmental matters, the organisation of workers or administration.
The NTA has responsibility for the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and the provision of public transport infrastructure. As Minister, I will continue to have regard to the need for an appropriate mix of experience across relevant areas, including rail, when filling future vacancies on the Authority.
174. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the reason the terms of the Irish Aviation Authority 1996 pension scheme were amended in 2012 without a collective agreement of the staff of the IAA when a mediated collective agreement was in place until 31 December 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40888/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA submission has been made on behalf of some staff of the Irish Aviation Authority in accordance with Section 41 of the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993 in respect of the IAA 1996 pension scheme and this matter. Section 41 provides that a dispute on superannuation benefit may be submitted to the Minister for Transport. I am not able to comment on the details of that submission at this point but can advise the Deputy that it will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
181. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the DART underground; the benefits it would bring to the greater Dublin area; the timeline to progression; if a decision has been made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40903/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am sure the Deputy welcomes the progress made thus far on multi-billion euro investment programme known as DART+ (DART plus) which seeks to double the capacity of the rail network in the Greater Dublin Area and will unlock the potential for large-scale housing delivery in a number of key locations across the city.
Over the summer I launched the public consultation process in relation to DART+ West which relates to the current Maynooth Line and I look forward to doing similar in relation to DART+ South West, the current Kildare Line, in due course. I have no doubt the Deputy welcomes the additional services and improved infrastructure this will bring to passengers across Kildare.
As required by the Public Spending Code , preparation of a preliminary business case for DART+ is well underway which, when completed, I will bring to Government for decision. I very much look forward to seeing the DART+ programme progress in the coming years.
In relation to the proposed DART Underground, the issue can being considered as part of the recently commenced review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area led by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and of course the review of the National Development Plan which is currently underway and will establish a framework for investment over the next 10 years.
