Written Answers Nos. 94-121
94. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 13 January 2021, if an additional query (details supplied) will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5132/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, regardless of when the individual was added to the panel, the two-year time frame is in reference to when the panel was originally established in 2017.
95. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the scheme currently in place for drivers aged 70 years of age and over will be extended to facilitate drivers who are immunosuppressed or in a vulnerable health category to renew their driver licence by post if they cannot attend at a NDLS centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5137/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPostal applications will not be extended to those under the age of 70 years.
Driving licence applications can be made online with a verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Service Card (PSC). Details of how to apply can be found on the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) website at www.ndls.ie.
Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireland, the possible extension of driving licences is currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected shortly. This extension, when agreed, will allow those who can not apply for a licence in person due to the Level 5 restrictions to have their licence extended for a period of months and so continue to drive.
96. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when an essential worker (details supplied) will receive their licence after passing their test in November 2020. [5149/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
97. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be issued with a heavy goods vehicles driver test appointment; if this case will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5152/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
98. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the mechanism for a person to travel who has recovered from Covid-19 but who would still test positive to a PCR test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5153/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe extent to which the public, including arriving passengers, are advised to either restrict movement, adhere to other public health measures or undertake Covid-19 testing is based on the advice of the public health authorities. My Department assists with the implementation of public health measures in relation to international travel, as decided by Government following relevant advice.
Since 16 January 2021, all passengers arriving into Ireland (unless exempt) are required to have evidence of a negative or ‘not detected’ result from a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test that was carried out no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland.
If a citizen has a genuine humanitarian emergency requiring urgent travel, they should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate immediately for advice and consular assistance before commencing their journey.
Passengers are asked to present evidence of their negative/‘not detected’ result before boarding their airplane and will be denied boarding if they cannot produce such evidence or do not claim to fall into an exempt category.
Exemptions include international transport workers such as hauliers, airline and maritime crew. It also includes children aged 6 and under. There is no exemption for persons who have recovered from COVID 19.
Intending passengers are advised to seek information about any public health requirements of countries that they are to visit. Such requirements may include a negative or not-detected PCR test result.
99. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if the NDLS will grant an extension of time to a person (details supplied) in respect of a driver license renewal pending their appointment with the immigration services in order to receive their GNIB card; if the difficulties that have arisen due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be taken into account and the extension of time granted to allow the person sufficient time to be provided with a GNIB card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5155/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when heavy goods vehicle driver tests will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5156/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions effective from 31 December 2020, candidates can attend their scheduled driving test appointment provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. Details on what is included in the list of essential workers and retail outlets can be found at www.gov.ie
The RSA would ask that if someone is not involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets, that they please cancel their appointment. They can do so by logging on to www.myroadsafety.ie click on My Booking and then Cancel Booking and choose Non Essential Worker as the cancellation reason. If they have not already registered on www.myroadsafety.ie they must do so before completing this action. The slot will then be reassigned to an essential worker. Do not call or email the RSA to cancel a test.
A customer who has an appointment for a driving test during Level 5 restrictions, and who is an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services and retail outlets should attend their driving test as normal.
Anyone looking for an urgent driving test appointment and falls into either of these categories 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.
Anyone travelling to a driving test centre to sit a driving test, and is an essential worker, is exempt from Level 5 travel restrictions. It may be useful for candidates to bring proof of their appointment if stopped by a member of An Garda Síochána on their way to sit their test.
101. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if the retendering of bus routes will cease for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5159/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the operation or procurement of public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), 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.
102. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he had with local authorities in relation to developing priority cycle routes along existing tertiary roads and available roadside space; if funding will be provided for the development of such routes; if a pilot programme will be considered to gauge the effectiveness of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5163/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of public regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
My Department is currently giving consideration to the scope for repurposing certain tertiary roads as "quiet lanes" suitable for use as cycle routes. In the context of examining updates to the Traffic Signs Manual, consideration will be given to designing a new sign to delineate such routes and to developing an associated Advice Note for local authorities.
If such a policy is adopted following consideration, a pilot programme may be considered for implementation in 2022.
103. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the status of the northern ring road; and if this will be progressed further when a decision is made on the M20 route in 2021. [5209/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
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.
104. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost and timeline of the M20. [5210/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 the current status and funding of this proposed project, pending also the Government's proposed review of the NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
105. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a driver test; the number that are essential workers; the number waiting for driver theory tests in tabular form; and his plans to provide funding to ease the backlog once level 5 restrictions are eased. [5218/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecific details on the number of persons awaiting a driver test and theory test 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.
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.
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.
Following discussions with the RSA, my Department has approved the hiring of a further 40 temporary driver testers for 22 months, and the process of recruitment is now underway. However it will take some time for people to be selected and trained. 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.
My Department will continue to monitor and review any financial and other resource implications.
106. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the status of the development of a walkability study that would assist local authorities in ensuring their areas are accessible for those with disabilities. [5223/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI very much welcome the recent publication by the National Transport Authority (NTA) of its Universal Design Walkability Audit Tool. The Tool was developed as a collaboration between the NTA, Age Friendly Ireland, Green-Schools and the National Disability Authority’s Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. This Audit can be used to capture the existing conditions of a specified walking route in relation to its walkability.
I hope that local authorities across the country utilise this new Tool with a view to improving walking infrastructure for citizens across the country.
107. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the additional personnel in local authorities working on cycling infrastructure; the number of personnel needed to implement the school streets initiative; the projected funds needed per local authority to roll out the initiative across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5305/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 by this Government are to deliver the desired outcomes.
As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future commits toward an expansion and enhancement of dedicated expertise on active travel across our local authority system, including the Regional Design Offices.
In recent months the National Transport Authority (NTA) has been working with local authorities to consider 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 by the NTA, committing to funding those proposals and requesting the CCMA consider the proposals as appropriate to ensure the issue is progressed.
It is intended that these additional resources, which may ultimately total almost 250 posts across the local authorities and Regional Design Offices, will work on all aspects of active travel, including any initiatives in relation to schools as are being developed by my colleague Minister of State Naughton.
I look forward to working with the NTA, CCMA and local authorities 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.
108. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made to address the delays being experienced by learner drivers in accessing the driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5312/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Driver Theory Test has not been deemed to be an essential service under level 5. As a consequence, the service is closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place. Customers who have a Driver Theory Test scheduled during the level 5 restrictions will be contacted to notify them that their test will be rescheduled free of charge when the service resumes. Updates around the resumption of tests will be published on www.theorytest.ie.
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.
While I regret the inconvenience caused by the necessity to adhere to the restrictions, the safety of the public must be of paramount importance.
109. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider amending S.I. No. 527/2007 - Road Traffic (Recognition of foreign Driving Licences) Order 2007 to include territories that secured a swap for a UK licence that would allow a driver to continue driving in this State. [5314/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen establishing a driving licence exchange agreement with another country, the relevant authorities in each jurisdiction study and compare the two licensing regimes, so that each side can be satisfied that they are compatible and that drivers are tested to the same standards. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law. It is important to remember that driver licensing law exists to ensure that people licensed to drive on our roads meet high standards of safety. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level, and this is why driving licences issued by Member States are mutually recognised.
An EU driving licence is exchangeable for an Irish driving licence, except where the licence issued by the other Member State was itself issued in exchange for a licence from a state that is not a Member State, or a state that Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with. Under its own national legislation, a Member State may enter into a driving licence agreement with any third country, but this agreement does not place an onus on another Member State to recognise the licence also.
110. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driver licence application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5365/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have sight of the licensing process system. 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.
111. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if Ireland has achieved the required reduction of 6% in greenhouse gas intensity as required under the EU fuel quality directive as mandated by the end of 2020; if not, the penalties being imposed on fuel suppliers that have not complied with the reduction in greenhouse gas intensity requirements; and the estimated likely return to the Exchequer from these penalties in 2021 and subsequent years until compliance is achieved. [5370/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraArticle 7a of the Fuel Quality Directive placed an onus on transport fuel suppliers to achieve at least a 6 percent reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions in fuel and energy placed on the market by the end of 2020 and in subsequent years, compared to a 2010 baseline.
This requirement was transposed into Irish law by the European Union (Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Calculation Methods and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2017 (SI 160 of 2017 ). In line with decisions taken at EU level, SI 160 of 2017 was recently amended by S.I. No. 670/2020 (European Union (Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Calculation Methods and Reporting Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations 2020) to ensure the 6% reduction requirement continues past 2020.
Under these regulations, the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) is designated as the competent body responsible for implementation of Article 7a. NORA estimates that an overall carbon intensity reduction of approximately 3% will be achieved for 2020.
The Fuel Quality Directive and the Renewable Energy Directive are currently being reviewed at EU level in terms of aligning transport energy targets with the European Green Deal. With these reviews on-going and given that compliance under the FQD will continue beyond 2020 a decision was taken not to impose penalties under the regulations with respect to 2020.
The Department will continue to assess and review policy and legislative requirements for how we maximise decarbonisation efforts for the transport fuel sector. In this regard it should be noted that any payment of penalties to be pursued under the relevant regulations will be retained by NORA.
112. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to move the CPC course (details supplied) to an online platform similar to the UK in order to reduce the risk for participants during level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5400/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) does not facilitate on-line Driver CPC training. EU Directive 2003/59/EC which introduced Driver CPC was updated in 2018 by EU Directive 645 of 2018, and while the amended directive allows for the use of ICT tools such as e-learning and blended learning as part of CPC training, a substantial amount of the training will be required to be completed in an approved Driver CPC training centre.
The RSA believes that delivering some part of the training online is the way forward and it is their intention to consult with the industry, including all Driver CPC training organisations to establish how training can be enhanced and improved within the scope of the opportunities provided for in the EU legislation. It is hoped that this review will start in early 2021.
113. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if learner permits which are due for renewal during this period of public health restrictions will be extended until restrictions are lifted; if so, the extended period proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5461/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireland, the possible extension of driving licences is currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected shortly. The possible extension of learner permits will be considered when this decision is made.
114. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if he has put in place facilities for essential workers awaiting theory tests and driver tests in order that they can qualify to drive to their place of employment; if it is possible to do theory tests online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5485/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 Deputy should be aware that the operation of the driver theory tests is handled by the RSA, under contract, and it is for them to devise the most effective way of how bookings for essential workers will be handled once normal services are resumed.
My Department had previously requested that the Road Safety Authority, as the body legally responsible for the driver theory test, examine whether theory tests can be taken on line remotely and what is required to do so.
The Driver Theory Test service has recently launched a pilot phase of a new initiative, which offers a Remote Testing service for specific categories of Theory Test (C, D, CD, BMT, TMT, ADI, CPCB, CPCT).
Following a review of the pilot phase, I understand the RSA expect the initiative to be extended for car and motorcycles. The RSA are keen to progress and extend the service to all categories of Driver Theory Test, however scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
During Level 5, driving tests are only available to those involved in essential services.
The RSA would ask that if someone is not involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets, that they please cancel their appointment. They can do so by logging on to www.myroadsafety.ie click on My Booking and then Cancel Booking and choose Non Essential Worker as the cancellation reason. If they have not already registered on www.myroadsafety.ie they must do so before completing this action. The slot will then be reassigned to an essential worker. Do not call or email the RSA to cancel a test.
A customer who has an appointment for a driving test during Level 5 restrictions, and who is an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services and retail outlets should attend their driving test as normal.
Anyone looking for an urgent driving test appointment and falls into either of these categories 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.
115. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if the NCT is deemed an essential service; the rationale for its change of status since the first lockdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5528/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NCT has been classified as an essential service (see Part 2, Item 14(x) of the Schedule to the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 701 of 2020)) and accordingly the service is to continue. Measures have been put in place to ensure the operation of the service is in accordance with HSA guidelines and public health advice.
The Deputy may wish to note that Ireland, as a Member State of the European Union, is required by law to carry out a periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles at regular intervals throughout the vehicle's lifecycle. The applicable dates for periodic testing are provided for by national legislation under Regulation 3(2) of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017). The NCT is an essential safety check and an important road safety measure that provides for a reduction in road accidents by detecting defects such as faulty brakes, worn tyres or defective headlights. It is important that we do all we possibly can to keep our roads safe at this time, to minimise pressure on the health and ermergency services.
The exceptional four-month extension to test due dates for vehicles which was provided for by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 was given as a direct result of the suspension of the National Car Test roadworthiness service (NCT) on 28 March 2020. This suspension allowed the NCT Service to put a range of health and safety protocols in place at test centres to facilitate vehicle roadworthiness testing. No further extensions are currently anticipated.
116. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of CIÉ pension holders in 52 scheme negotiations; if the pension holders will receive an increase in their pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5534/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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”); and issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
I have therefore 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.
117. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether all future provision of urban-style bus services should use electric buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5558/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future commits to a requirement that all new urban buses be electric hybrid or electric.
In that regard I very much welcome the National Transport Authority’s announcement in December in relation to the launch of a procurement process for electric buses. As I stated at the time I think the introduction of zero emission buses will help reduce air pollution, improve public health and improve access to public transport for people of all abilities.
While that announcement was primarily in relation to the bus fleets in major urban centres across the five cities, I understand that the NTA is exploring options with regard to similar such procurement frameworks in relation to town bus fleets, such as those referred to by the Deputy and referred in the response already provided by the NTA.
118. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be made available to secure provision of an urban-style bus service in Carlow town (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5559/21]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.
The Covid-19 health emergency has had a profound and swift shock to the public transport sector. Public transport’s designation as an essential service throughout the pandemic means, that although fare revenues have collapsed, most of the cost of operations remains and must continue to be met in order to fulfil Government’s broader policy objectives. Government support for all public transport services in 2020 amounted to over €620m. For 2021 over €670m has been provided in funding in order to ensure that the existing level of public transport services, albiet at a higher cost, continue to operate in a safe manner. By comparision, the level of PSO and Local Link funding provided in 2019 was in the region of €300m.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government does commit to the introduction of new services, including new town services, in order to improve public transport connectivity. I intend to pursue additional funding for such services in the context of the Programme for Government during 2021.
119. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Transport if an interim and safe measure will be devised to allow the primarily young cohort of persons to practice driving within the confines of public health and road safety guidelines given the recent extension to the level 5 restrictions and the significant backlog that exists for driver theory testing (details supplied). [5560/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI will not be making any changes to the existing legislation in the learning to drive process.
The first step to learning to drive in Ireland is to pass the driver theory test. Upon passing the theory test, an individual can then apply for a learner permit. A learner permit allows them to learn to drive on public roads in Ireland, provided they are accompanied at all times by a qualified driver. Until a person has successfully completed their driver theory test and obtained their learner permit, they cannot practice driving on roads.
Allowing individuals to take to our roads without completing the driver theory test will only put their and others’ safety at risk – and risk further pressure on our health services.
While the driver theory test remains closed during level 5 restrictions, the Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests within health constraints 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.
While I regret the inconvenience caused by the necessity to adhere to the restrictions, the safety of the public, whether through contracting Covid or through deaths or injuries on our roads, must be of paramount importance.
121. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the status of the MetroLink development as of 31 January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5628/21]
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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including 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.
