Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:136. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent to date on the BusConnects project. [44928/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBus Services
Ceisteanna (136, 137, 138)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:137. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated total cost of implementing BusConnects. [44929/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraJim O'Callaghan
Ceist:138. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of purchasing properties in Dublin in order to implement BusConnects. [44930/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 to 138, inclusive, together.
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 BusConnects Dublin.
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
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (139)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:139. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the Córas Iompair Éireann pension committee regarding the restructuring of pension benefits for the 1951 superannuation scheme; if legal and actuarial documentation and clarifications sought on behalf of the scheme’s pensions committee have been withheld from the legal advisers of the scheme; the steps he is taking to address these concerns and the funding shortfall in the pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44931/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
The CIÉ Group has two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”).
Concerning the 1951 scheme, I understand that proposals related to the scheme were referred to the Labour Court, and a recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020 is currently being considered the Trade Unions and has been approved by the Company. Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
In view of the above, I have referred the Deputy’s question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (140)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:140. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport his views on the campaign to extend the short hop zone to Drogheda, County Louth in the immediate future to address and reduce the unfair costs to commuters in Drogheda, County Louth and east County Meath who are subsequently travelling to Balbriggan, County Dublin to reduce their commuting costs which is creating more cars on the road at a time when Ireland is actively campaigning to increase public transport footfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44936/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in operational apects of public transport such as fares. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA is the statutory body with responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service contracts.
Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (141)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:141. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the short, medium and long-term plans of the National Transport Authority to address the transport and commuter needs of Drogheda, County Louth and its hinterland; the available funding streams that are open to both Louth and Meath County Councils to improve transport, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44979/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I know the Deputy welcomes the improvements the National Transport Authority (NTA) have introduced to Drogheda’s town bus services in recent years
I was delighted to secure additional funds last year to allow for further improvements to those services and expect that, in due course, these services will be much used by residents of the town. I am particularly pleased that these improved bus services ensure greater connectivity between the northern and southern sides of the town and, importantly, provide much improved connections to the town’s train station, and mean the town now has a real network emerging of public transport services. A network I hope to see evolve and improve in the years ahead as required.
Of course the town will also benefit from the multi-billion investment planned in DART as part of the DART+ programme and I look forward to seeing real progress in that regard during 2021 as I seek Government’s approval for the programme as a whole and, subject to that approval, individual elements of it will reach other important milestones during the year.
In relation to active travel infrastructure both Louth and Meath County Councils will be able to avail of the increased funding I have allocated for active travel and I would very much encourage both local authorities to engage with the NTA in that regard. I understand that both local authorities also availed of funding last year in relation to COVID Mobility Schemes. In the area of walking and cycling more generally, my Department also funds an extensive greenways programme and I expect a call for funding under that programme will be held later in the year.
In regard to your specific queries about the plans of the NTA, 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.
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (142)
John Lahart
Ceist:142. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be approved for the 4.6 km section of the Grand Canal greenway which stretches from Grange Castle to Hazelhatch, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44980/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I very much welcome the ongoing development of the Grand Canal Greenway and this year should see significant construction progress on three important elements of the Greenway –
- Daingean to Lough Boora (Offaly County Council);
- Edenderry to Daingean (Offaly County Council); and
- Sallins to Aylmer’s Bridge (Kildare County Council).
Construction of the Sallins to Aylmer’s Bridge section, together with the already completed Grange Castle to Inchicore section, does highlight the necessity to consider again the section highlighted by the Deputy’s question and I am sure that the matter can be considered as part of this year’s calls for funding.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that South Dublin County Council are currently working on a feasibility study to develop a scheme to link the Grand and Royal Canals with a Canal Loop Greenway. The scheme is being run in partnership with Fingal County Council, Waterways Ireland and the National Transport Authority, and I understand work may commence on South Dublin’s project in 2021.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (143)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:143. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a matter in relation to an application by a person (details supplied) to renew a driver licence will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45001/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). My Department does not have access to individual applications.
I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Cycling Facilities
Ceisteanna (144)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:144. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out an assessment of the impact of the proposed new cycleway on Strand Road, Dublin 4. [45062/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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, including cycling infrastructure.
The Deputy is aware that Dublin City Council is responsible for the proposed new cycling facilities along the Strand Road with funding to be provided by the NTA. The assessment criteria used for the trial are a matter for the Council in co-operation with the NTA.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matters raised, I have referred your 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
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (145)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:145. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if there has been progress in conducting a feasibility study into an extension of MetroLink. [45063/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including the review of the GDA Transport Strategy and the development of MetroLink.
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
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (146)
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:146. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority consulted with local Garda superintendents regarding the potential traffic implications of the BusConnects proposals. [45068/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects programme.
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
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (147)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:147. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if correspondence from a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; if the matter raised will be urgently referred to the RSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45108/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter I have forwarded it to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If the RSA has not responded to you within 10 working days please contact my office directly.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (148)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:148. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to increasing the age allowed for cars being used for hackney service given that it is causing extra costs to drivers to replace their cars while their business is considerably reduced due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45180/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Vehicle age limits for small public service vehicles (SPSVs) are a matter for the statutory regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The Deputy may be aware that, at the start of the pandemic, the NTA extended age limits for vehicles until the end of 2020. On 18th December, following public consultation, the NTA Board agreed to extend the age limits further to the end of 2021.
Coast Guard Service
Ceisteanna (149)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:149. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the operational limits for D-class and delta 7.9 m coastguard boats in Kilkee, County Clare taking into consideration its geographic area, weather conditions and seasonal time frames; and if Kilkee coastguard station is fully operational to allow call-outs for both boats. [45193/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Kilkee Coast Guard Unit operate a D-Class boat in line with the established Coast Guard operating parameters for these boats. The Kilkee Unit has also been provided with a 7.9m Delta RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) for which the crews are currently undergoing training. When this is achieved, Kilkee CGU will have both the D-Class and the 7.9m Delta RHIB available for operational taskings.
Coast Guard operating parameters for D-Class boats are to operate in conditions up to Beaufort Force 5 winds, a maximum significant wave height of 1.5m and up to 2 nautical miles from the coastline. IRCG 7.9m Delta class boats operate up to Beaufort Force 6 winds, a maximum significant wave height of 2.0m and up to 6 nautical miles from the coastline.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (150)
Niall Collins
Ceist:150. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if a panel (details supplied) will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45199/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA), I understand the previous panel referred to for Driver Testers was established in 2017. That panel has since expired and no further appointments can be made from the 2017.
I am pleased to say my Department has recently given sanction for the RSA to commence recruitment of additional driver testers on fixed-term contracts. The online application system for these new positions opened with effect from 12pm on Tuesday 22 December 2020. Closing date for receipt of applications was 8 January 2021 at 12pm.
The RSA intends to create a panel of driver testers from the suitable applications it receives. This panel will remain open for a period as defined by the HR Department in the RSA following the recruitment process and will initially be for a duration of two years.
More information, including a detailed job description and application form, can be found at https://www.rsa.ie/Utility/About-Us/Careers/
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (151)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:151. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the backlog of driver and theory tests which have accumulated due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1032/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is in constant contact with the Road Safety Authority since the start of the pandemic regarding all of its services, the impact of Covid-19 on those services, and how they can best be maintained in the current circumstances.
Due to suspension of driver testing services in the first 2020 lockdown, along with the health protocols since resumption of service and the further curtailing of services during subsequent level 5 restrictions, a significant backlog has developed. The need to once again return to level 5 restrictions for reasons of public health will inevitably impact further on delays to driver testing. During the level 5 period, driving tests will be available only to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work.
While the service is limited during level 5 restrictions, the Road Safety Authority is examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints with an eye to resuming wider testing after level 5. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
In this regard, I am pleased to say my Department has recently given sanction for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to commence recruitment of 40 temporary driver testers. The RSA has begun the recruitment process with the Public Appointments Service.
These new hires will be in addition to the 36 temporary testers who I previously gave sanction to rehire during 2020.
These measures will help to increase testing capacity. 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.
The RSA are also looking at a number of other measures, including whether the number of tests a driver tester can perform each day can be increased. Any decision on this matter will be guided by health protocols.
The Department has been in discussions with the RSA on how to return to the normal target for the maximum waiting time, which is around ten weeks. It is clear that it will not be possible to arrive at this quickly, given restraints which must be in place due to the pandemic. It is important to recognise that there are no quick fixes and that the continuing build-up of applications as the pandemic goes on means that it will take time to reach a normal waiting time.
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 has developed. Under current level 5 restrictions, the driver theory test has not been deemed to be an essential service. As a consequence, the service is closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place.
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 for when servicers are resumed. 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. Much like the driver testing service, it will take time for the theory test service to return to normal waiting times.
While I regret the inconvenience caused by the necessity to adhere to the restrictions, the safety of the public must be of paramount importance.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (152)
Chris Andrews
Ceist:152. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the amount BusConnects, both the network and the corridor projects, has cost the State to date including contractors and so on; if the BusConnects project can continue before a full review of the greater Dublin area transport strategy has been completed in view of changed travel and commuting practices following Covid-19; and if the deadline can be extended for the public consultation period given that lockdown restrictions have been in place for most of the consultation period. [1062/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I believe that Dubliners deserve an expanded and improved public transport network and that our publicly subvented bus system is, and will continue to be, at the heart of that network.
There is no doubt that the current restrictions have changed travel demand patterns but obviously those restrictions are imposed upon people in light of the ongoing public health emergency. It is clear to me that once this emergency passes we will still face a climate crisis which requires us to decarbonise our society and it is right to provide expanded and improved sustainable mobility options to support the just transition we need to make in the years ahead to achieve that decarbonisation.
The statutory arrangements underpinning strategic transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area require the National Transport Authority (NTA) to make a twenty year transport strategy and furthermore require it to review that strategy every six years. This type of long-term, evidence-based, strategic planning framework is in line with international best practice and one I very much welcome. An expanded and improved bus system, such as that proposed under the BusConnects programme, forms an important part of the Transport Strategy; I welcome the ongoing consultation by the NTA in relation to the review of the Strategy, and I see that process as complementing the work already underway in improving people's quality of life through the availability of better infrastructure and services for public tranpsort and active travel.
In relation to the Deputy’s specific questions around expenditure to date and the public consultation process, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for their consideration and direct reply in light of their statutory responsibilities for the programme. 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
Road Network
Ceisteanna (153)
David Stanton
Ceist:153. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the criteria used by his Department to consider the reclassification of roads to national road status; the roads that have been considered for and granted or refused reclassification to national road status for the period 2015 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1069/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The classification of roads as either a national road or a regional road is the responsibility of the Minister under section 10 of the Roads Act, 1993, as amended. A public road, other than one classified by the Minister as a national road or a regional road, is a local road.
The 1993 legislation also provides that where a public road which has been classified as a national or regional road has been realigned or bypassed the section of the pre-existing road which remains following the realignment or bypass becomes a local road unless reclassified by the Minister.
Roads classified as National Primary or National Secondary are funded by the State and construction, improvement and maintenance works are overseen by TII, in conjunction with the relevant local authority, and funded mainly from voted monies. Roads classified as Regional or Local roads fall under the responsibility of local authorities. The construction, repair and maintenance of these roads is funded by local authorities’ own resources supplemented by State grants.
Requests to classify a road as a national road or regional road are considered, in consultation with TII as appropriate. Criteria for consideration are numerous and include items such as function of road including access to towns and Cities, ports and airports, geographical regions, population centres and tourist regions. It also includes considerations of continuity of classification throughout the length of road, whether roads are feeder connections or links to the National road network, cross section, alignment and structural integrity as well as amount of heavy commercial vehicles.
In the period 2015 to 2020, requests have been received in relation to the reclassification of the following roads as national roads:
|
County Council's |
Road Number |
Road Details |
|
Cork County Council |
R586 |
Bandon to Bantry Road |
|
Cork County Council |
R624 |
Cobh Road |
|
Cork County Council |
R630 |
Midleton to Whitegate Road |
|
Donegal County Council |
R232 |
Laghey to Pettigo |
|
Donegal County Council |
R238 |
Buncrana Fire Station to to Junction with N13 Bridgend |
|
Donegal County Council |
R240 |
Cardonagh to Muff |
|
Donegal County Council |
R241 |
Greencastle Ferry Terminal to Moville and then to Muff |
|
Donegal County Council |
R263 |
Shore Road to Roundabout on Fintragh Road |
|
Longford County Council |
L1176 |
Flancare Link Road |
|
Louth county council |
Old N52 |
Re-classification of old N52 |
No decision has been taken to reclassify any of these roads as a national road to date. Further consideration may be given to the issue as part of a future general review of road classifications.
An extension to the N19 in the vicinity of Shannon Airport was classified as a national primary route in 2016.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (154)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:154. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the level of road that has been allocated to roads in County Monaghan in each of the years 2010 to 2020; the proposed allocations for 2021 for each category in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1092/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), 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 TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.
In this context, TII is best placed to advise on County Monaghan national road funding allocations from 2010 to 2020 and the envisaged allocation for 2021. 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.
Details of the regional and local road funding allocations to local authorities from 2010 to 2020 are outlined in the regional and local road grant allocation booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library. Details of end of year grant payments are included in regional and local road grant payments booklets lodged in the Oireachtas library each year and the 2020 payment booklet will be lodged shortly. Allocations for 2021 have yet to be decided.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Railway Stations
Ceisteanna (155)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:155. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will request full feasibility studies to take place on the opening of a much needed train station on the north of Viaduct, Drogheda, County Louth and the reopening of Dunleer train station in mid-County Louth in advance of the imminent DART expansion to Drogheda, both of which would further decrease the need to use private vehicles in the county and help meet carbon targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1103/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I was delighted to secure additional funds last year to allow for the introduction of improved bus services in Drogheda which complements the enhancements and new fleet previously introduced in 2019. These improved bus services ensure greater connectivity between the northern and southern sides of the town and, importantly, provide much improved connections to the town’s train station, which as the Deputy states will benefit greatly from the planned DART+ programme. The focus in relation to the town’s rail infrastructure is on delivering the DART+ programme and I look forward to the Deputy’s ongoing support in relation to that matter.
In relation to Dunleer, the maintenance, renewal and operation of the rail network and stations on the network including the former station referred to, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
Noting the Iarnród Éireann 's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann 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
Ferry Services
Ceisteanna (156)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:156. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made to encourage operators to increase direct shipping routes from Ireland to continental Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1104/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It has been clear for some time there would be disruption to the GB landbridge when customs and border controls between the EU and the UK were introduced at the end of the Brexit transition period. My Department, in conjunction with the IMDO, has been keeping the issue of direct shipping routes to the Continent under close review both in the context of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
My Department, along with the IMDO and other key Departments, undertook a major communications campaign in the run up to 1st January 2021, urging business using the UK landbridge to consider a switch to direct routes to avoid disruptions due to the new control regimes.
Since January 2019, my Department has had very regular discussions with shipping companies and other maritime stakeholders about the issue of maritime connectivity. In that time, we have consistently received strong assurances from the shipping companies that if there is an increase in demand for shipping capacity on direct routes to Continental Europe, they would respond.
Additional shipping links were added on direct routes to Continental Europe even during the Covid-19 pandemic in Summer 2020, including new RoRo services from Ireland to Zeebrugge, Santander and Portugal by CLdN.
In the run up to the end of the Brexit transition phase on 31 December 2020, the shipping companies further responded to changing demands with additional capacity on direct Ireland/France routes through a combination of increased frequencies, larger vessels and new services, including:
- Irish Ferries and Stena changing their schedules to minimise overlapping so that a daily RoRo services from Ireland to Cherbourg is being provided from 2 January 2021
- Stena Line moved an additional ship on to the Rosslare to Cherbourg route, doubling their capacity and frequency of sailings from January 4th.
- DFDS new service from Rosslare to Dunkirk commenced on 2 January 2021. There are six weekly departures from each port with a crossing time of 24 hours and capacity for up to 125 HGVs; and
- CldN added a second weekly call from Cork to Zeebrugge to cope with the increasing demand on this route.
The additional services introduced to northern France, which include the Stena Foreteller to Cherbourg and the DFDS/EURoRo service to Dunkirk, adds a further weekly capacity of roughly 2,500 units when unaccompanied trailers are included. There is also a new additional service from Cork to Zeebrugge supplied by CLdN which adds approximately 300 units per week once unaccompanied trailers are included.
Such actions reinforce the IMDO Report findings late last year about the willingness and ability of the shipping sector to adjust and respond to market demand.
Since 1 January, in light of the difficulties being experienced by businesses and hauliers with regard to the new customs procedures, my Department have been in contact with the shipping companies on a daily basis to monitor the situation with the assistance of the IMDO.
I also met with the shipping companies last week to hear first hand their concerns about the current situation regarding the difficulties being experienced by businesses with the new customs procedures and the impact on shipping services and to assist in resolving those problems where possible.
Given the level of difficulties being encountered, we are also encouraging the relevant shipping companies to ensure that the services they have in place align with the changing demands of industry, albeit that this demand may be transient as businesses become familiar with the customs procedures into and out of GB and exceptionally low volumes return to normal on Ireland/GB routes.
Some shipping companies have already responded with some temporary moves to address the situation, including Irish Ferries moving its largest ship, the WB Yeats, on to its Dublin to Cherbourg service and Stena supplementing its services this weekend, when demand is at its peak. The companies are currently assessing what further options are available on a temporary basis to increase capacity on these routes.
Based on current assessment, there is shipping capacity on the continental corridor from Dublin and Rosslare with the additional capacity coming on stream this weekend. However, it is acknowledged that capacity for accompanied freight is under pressure and options to alleviate this pinch point are being reviewed across the system.
I would encourage the ferry companies, haulage operators and businesses to work together, with Departments and Government agencies, to ensure the maintenance of the supply chain as the new customs requirements are bedded down. This requires all parties to review the various options available across all modes of transport.
Brexit Data
Ceisteanna (157, 158)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:157. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of calls that have been made to his Department’s Brexit helpline for freight shipping procedures at Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1106/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeale Richmond
Ceist:158. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of calls that have been made to his Department’s Brexit helpline for freight shipping procedures at Rosslare Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1107/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
The Department has established a Brexit email address Brexit@transport.gov.ie for queries from stakeholders and members of the public. Enquiries to this mailbox since 1 January 2021 have been received from 11 stakeholders and individuals.
Since the end of the transition period officials of the Department have been in direct communication with our stakeholders daily to gather information on any difficulties they may be experiencing in relation to the movement of goods both at Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort. Communications channels are well established between the appropriate officials and their stakeholders, be it the shipping companies or the haulage and logistics representative bodies.
The Department has encouraged all of our stakeholders to contact the Department with any issues that they encounter. Furthermore last week Minister Naughton held meetings with all of the ferry companies, the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), the Freight Transport Association of Ireland (FTAI) and both Dublin Port Company and Rosslare Europort to hear first-hand their experiences in this new trading environment.
My officials have established stakeholder engagement forums with the shipping companies and also with the haulage and logistics representative bodies that currently meets weekly. The relevant State Agencies also participate in these fora.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (159)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:159. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the current extensions for driving licences and learner permits will be extended by six months in order to alleviate the pressure on and risks to National Driving Licence Service, NDLS, staff and to reduce the need for persons to travel long distances and increase the risks of infection in order to renew same in a context of already long waiting times. [1118/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The possible extension of the validity of driving licences is being kept under review. However, Irish driving licence law is based on a framework of EU law, and the current extensions bring us into line with special emergency provisions adopted by the Union in light of the pandemic.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), has expanded the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office. A verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Services Card, is needed to access the online system. This is the fastest and safest way for people to renew their driving licences.
In addition, drivers over 70, who have attended an NDLS office in the last five years, are being invited to apply to renew their licences by post. They do not need to take action, a renewal package will be posted out to them.
For workers who have to attend the NDLS offices, they can be assured that protocols have been put in place to ensure that both staff and licence applicants are as safe as possible. This includes the requirement that all applicants book online in advance, and other measures implemented to create additional capacity without increasing the number of people on the premises at any one time, through a combination of additional staff, extended and additional operating hours (i.e. Sundays where needed), and the provision of overtime.
Motor Tax
Ceisteanna (160)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:160. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered providing an extension to car tax to compensate for the underuse of many cars over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1129/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Motor tax is payable where a vehicle is being used in a public place. It is payable on an annual, half-yearly or quarterly basis and is not based on the level of usage on the road.
There is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road where it is not going to be in use in a public place. The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act came into effect on 1 July 2013. The primary purpose of the Act was to replace a system whereby a vehicle was declared off the road retrospectively, which was unverifiable, with a system under which a vehicle must be declared off the road in advance.
Under the provisions of the Act, a declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months. However, if a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle.
Where a declaration is not made in advance, arrears of motor tax, if applicable, must be paid in full and motor tax paid for a minimum of 3 months before a declaration of non-use can then be made in the final month of the tax disc.
There are no plans to re-introduce retrospective declarations of non-use or to otherwise provide for the waiving of arrears of motor tax.