Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:126. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3914/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad Safety Authority
Ceisteanna (126)
Freagraí scríofa
Queries to the RSA should be addressed to the RSA CEO.
Alternatively, queries should be addressed to the director over the relevant area of the RSA.
A list of directors is to be found at https://www.rsa.ie/en/Utility/About-Us/Meet-the-directors/.
Questions Nos. 127 and 128 answered with Question No. 89.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (129)
Seán Canney
Ceist:129. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider granting an amnesty to those learner drivers who have completed the 12 lessons and are ready to do the test but cannot do so due to the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3925/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have no plans to amend the requirements on learner drivers or the driving test itself; we must continue to expect a high standard of our learner drivers before they can be allowed to take to the road as fully licensed drivers.
The last year that an amnesty for learner drivers was granted, 1979, there were 614 deaths on our roads with much smaller volumes of traffic, compared with a provisional number of 148 in 2020.
Under EU law, a person must pass a driving test to uniform EU standards before being granted a licence.
I would also like to point out that the learner drivers who present for test have undergone the required lessons and training, and presumably been assured by their driving instructors that they will pass, achieved a national pass rate of 52% in 2019, so a candidate who has fulfilled the training requirements is not automatically safe to drive on our roads.
The safety of the public, whether through contracting Covid or through deaths or injuries on our roads, must be of paramount importance. For this reason, we must not relax the standards required of our drivers before being awarded a driving licence.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (130)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:130. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether direct supports need to be given to local authorities on a staffing level to ensure active mobility officers and engineers are hired to ensure this funding is prioritised and utilised to its full extent given the increased opportunities for funding for local authorities to invest in active travel transport such as cycling and walking; the steps his Department is taking to ensure this funding for staffing is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3927/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
As I stated to the Deputy last week, I recognise that in the area of active travel a key constraint in recent years has been the lack of sufficient resources within local authorities to oversee and deliver the design and roll-out of new infrastructure, and this constraint must be addressed if the significantly enhanced funding levels announced are to deliver the desired outcomes. Indeed the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future commits toward an expansion and enhancement of dedicated expertise on active travel across our local authority system, and indeed within the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Regional Design Offices.
The NTA has been working with local authorities in considering the resources required to deliver upon Government’s ambition in the area of active travel. Last week I announced that I had written to the County and City Management Association (CCMA) indicting my support for the proposals developed thus far, committing to funding those proposals and requesting the CCMA consider the proposals as appropriate to ensure the issue is progressed.
I look forward to working with the CCMA and local authorities in this regard as we look to fundamentally change the nature of transport in Ireland and roll out high-quality, safe and segregated active travel infrastructure in urban and rural Ireland.
Road Safety Authority
Ceisteanna (131)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:131. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if the Road Safety Authority plans to name and shame for driving offences committed by drivers will include the addresses of drivers as appeared on the court summons or the driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3960/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The publication of disqualified drivers on foot of a court conviction obviously has data privacy implications and hence the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is required to undertake a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA).
As part of that PIA, the initial research, which looked at other jurisdictions, has highlighted the necessity for more detailed, primary research to prove/disprove the effectiveness of such a proposal.
When the research has been completed the Department will give due consideration to any proposals and seek legal advice prior to setting out provisions, to deal with “naming and shaming” drivers who are convicted of a road traffic offence and disqualified from driving, in future legislation.
Motor Tax
Ceisteanna (132)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:132. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 25 of 17 November 2020, the plans his Department has to provide for an appeals process within the motor tax legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3961/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Motor tax is payable if a vehicle is being used in a public place.
There is a facility within the current legislative framework to declare a vehicle off the road if it is not going to be in use in a public place. Additionally, where motor tax has been taken out, there is a provision for the granting of a refund of motor tax in certain circumstances, such as where an owner ceases to use the vehicle because of illness or disability, or where a vehicle has been stolen and not recovered, scrapped or permanently exported.
There are no plans to amend the legislation to provide for an appeals process in addition to the provisions outlined above.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (133)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:133. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 16 December 2020, if a driver test will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4010/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All enquires relating to scheduling driving tests are handled by the Road Safety Authority (RSA)- who have statutory responsibility for the operation of the test. My Department does not have access to individual applications nor have I any power to intervene or expediate individual cases.
The Road Safety Authority has advised it is prioritising driver testing for essential workers and has set up a dedicated webform for same. Anyone looking for an urgent driving test appointment and falls into this category can apply to book a driving test at www.myroadsafety.ie If there is no available slot and they have made an application, they can ask to be prioritised by accessing https://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/The-Driving-Test/Request-an-urgent-driving-test/ and providing the relevant details
Road Safety Authority
Ceisteanna (134)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:134. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 13 January 2021, if the Road Safety Authority has awarded contracts to a company (details supplied) in the past five years; if so, the value of such contracts; if the contracts were tendered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4024/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This is an operational 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Consultancy Contracts
Ceisteanna (135)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:135. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 13 January 2021, if Irish Rail has awarded contracts to a company (details supplied) in the past five years; if so, the value of such contracts; if the contracts were tendered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4025/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company 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
Brexit Supports
Ceisteanna (136)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:136. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the supports being provided to Irish road hauliers to enable adjustment to the challenges raised by Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4032/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The UK’s decision to leave the Single Market and Customs Union means that traders must now engage with a range of checks and controls on trade with Great Britain that did not previously apply. This is fundamentally impacting on many businesses in Ireland, including on the road haulage sector.
These changes represent a considerable shock to existing supply chains and logistics arrangements. The checks and controls which are now taking place are necessary and permanent, and are required in accordance with Ireland’s obligations to the Single Market and to protect public health and food. The Government fully acknowledges that this presents significant challenges and imposes additional burdens on hauliers and on all businesses trading with Great Britain. This is evidenced by the lower than anticipated flows of goods from Great Britain to Ireland since 1 January 2021.
The Government has provided a range of supports to assist businesses in adapting to the new rules and procedures that are now in place, including support from Enterprise Ireland’s Ready for Customs Grant scheme and Skillnet Ireland’s Clear Customs Training programme.
I am aware that the relevant agencies continue to work around the clock to ensure trade can flow to the greatest extent possible. Where difficulties have arisen for users in specific cases, the agencies are engaging directly – whether with the companies, representative organisations or individual drivers – to get the issues resolved.
I am also aware that the agencies have engaged extensively with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and other logistics representative bodies and continue to do so. A stakeholders' forum for the Haulage and Logistics Sector, including the IRHA and FTAI, hosted by my Department, meets weekly and comprises representatives from the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture and the Marine, and the HSE. In addition, the Departments and agencies engage with the IRHA and other representative bodies continuously on an ad hoc basis as issues arise. I also understand that the Revenue Commissioners held a technical workshop with the IRHA on Friday 15 January on the new Revenue systems.
My Department remains in regular contact with the haulage and logistics sector and also participates in Brexit retail and enterprise forums hosted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to monitor issues and developments in those sectors.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (137)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:137. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of grants provided by his Department to individuals purchasing electric cars in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4033/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchase Grant Scheme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), currently provides up to €5,000 in grant support for the private purchase of a new electric car and up to €3,800 for the commercial purchase of a new electric van. The vehicles in question may be battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or plug in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).
The table below indicates the total number of grants awarded from 2011 when the scheme was introduced and the annual spend in respect of the EV Purchase Grant Scheme:
|
Year |
No. of Grants |
Amount (Euro) |
|
2011 |
42 |
198,000 |
|
2012 |
183 |
767,400 |
|
2013 |
53 |
242,200 |
|
2014 |
257 |
1,203,400 |
|
2015 |
555 |
2,647,800 |
|
2016 |
638 |
3,038,800 |
|
2017 |
908 |
4,262,000 |
|
2018 |
1,999 |
9,133,600 |
|
2019 |
4,616 |
20,833,800 |
|
2020 |
4,843 |
23,511,800 |
|
Total |
14,094 |
65,838,800 |
The first payments for 2021 are expected to be paid shortly.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (138)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:138. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the commitment provided in Budget 2020 to double the number of local authority on-street charge points for electric vehicles in 2020; if that target was achieved; the number of charge points that were installed in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4034/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
My Department is working closely with 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 to facilitate the expansion of the national public charging network using the supports available under the Public Charge Point Scheme. I would also note that the four Dublin local authorities are currently examining a combined approach to developing a network of charging infrastructure across the metropolitan area.
Combined with an effective public charging network, Ireland's home charging policy will help sustain and service the expected growth of electric vehicles on Irish roads. Charging at home accounts for around 80% of electric vehicle charging in Ireland and to support home charging, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on behalf of my Department, administers an EV Home Charger Grant of up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an EV home charger unit.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Ceisteanna (139, 140)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:139. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which TII will update its statistics resource for 2020 (details supplied). [4047/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Murphy
Ceist:140. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount collected by road toll location in each month in 2020; the amount outstanding to be collected; and the cost of recovering unpaid tolls for 2020. [4048/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working day.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Local Authority Funding
Ceisteanna (141)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:141. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the specific funding streams available to local authorities to apply for; the amount that has been given by county; the amount awarded under each scheme in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4065/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.