Written Answers Nos. 66-93
66. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is grant aid available for the installation of air to water heating systems in new domestic builds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5541/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years. Heat pumps are an attractive and extremely efficient alternative to fossil fuel heating systems such as oil, gas and solid fuel heating systems. In order to assist with the achievement of these targets, €221.5 million in capital funding has been provided this year through my Department’s Vote to the SEAI for residential and community retrofit schemes. This represents an 82% increase on the 2020 allocation and is the largest amount ever for the schemes. This allocation will kick-start the first phase of our national retrofit plan.
Grants available through SEAI aim to maximise emissions reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants which are available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as the best value for money for the Exchequer. Grant support is focused on improving the condition of existing dwellings.
As new homes are already required to meet specific energy performance standards and to incorporate renewables under the Building Regulations, I have no plans to introduce grant aid for new builds.
67. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when an area (details supplied) will avail of high-speed broadband. [5542/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention. I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 22 January 2021, over 166,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys in County Westmeath have been completed in Mullingar, Sonna, Stonehall, Taghmon, Jamestown, Hopestown and Athlone. Further details are available on specific areas within County Westmeath through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 22 January, 255 publicly accessible BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. BCP’s are installed at Streete Parish Park and Community Hall, Whitehall Community Centre, Milltown Emper Community Centre and Ballycomoyle GAA Club. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Scoil Náisiúnta Bhride has been installed by NBI for educational access as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
68. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated timeframe for broadband to be made available in a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5543/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the urgent need for the rapid roll-out of broadband in view of the fact that more persons are working and learning from home (details supplied). [5724/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra75. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the provision of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5726/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 74 and 75 together.
The Questions refer to premises which are located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 22 January 2021, over 166,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys in County Kerry have been completed in Townlands around Killarney including Muckross, Fossa, Kilcummin, Lissivigeen, Ballycasheen, Faha, Firies and Ballyhar, and in Townlands around Tralee including Curraheen, Abbeydorney, Kilflynn, Firies, Castlemaine and Ardfert. Further details are available on specific areas within County Kerry through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am aware that that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 22 January, 255 publicly accessible BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. BCP’s are installed at Gneeveguilla (Tureencahill), Railway Station Heritage Centre and Community Space, Inch Community Centre and Kielduff Community Centre, Cillín Liath. BCPs are installed and connected at Cable Station and Chapeltown. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Boheeshil National School, Dunloe Upper and Coars National School are installed by NBI for educational access as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the intervention area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
69. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps his Department is taking to improve and expand the remit of cybersecurity across Government. [5546/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra70. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of cybersecurity attacks and breaches there has been across each Department over the past five years. [5547/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 70 together.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) which is located within my Department is composed of highly skilled, specialist technical staff, with skillsets in areas such as computer science, software engineering, malware analysis, information technology forensics, cryptography, software development, and cyber security compliance, as well as general cyber security skills. The NCSC acts as a conduit for information sharing to its constituents across Government and State Agencies, together with Operators of Essential Services designated under the EU Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive.
The work of the NCSC includes, inter-alia, developing capacity in order to protect Government Information and Communications Networks, and engaging with national and international stakeholders in relation to sharing information, securing systems and responding to incidents. It also provides regular advisory notices to a very broad range of constituents, including public advisories published on its website www.ncsc.gov.ie
The 2019 National Cyber Security Strategy includes a number of measures directed at improving cyber security across government, including deployment of a sensor system to detect advanced cyber threats across government departments, and an ICT Managers' forum to facilitate the sharing of information and best practices. Significant progress has been made in the implementation of these measures. The Department has also engaged independent experts to undertake a capacity review of the NCSC and the outcome of that review will inform future decisions on the structure and resourcing of the NCSC.
While the NCSC maintains detailed reports and statistics surrounding all observed activities and incidents in order to enhance strategic and operational decisions, the NCSC does not release this information publicly for reasons of national security.
71. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the Celtic interconnector proposal as of 31 January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5629/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Celtic Interconnector is a €1 billion electricity interconnector jointly proposed by EirGrid and their French counterparts, the French transmission system operator, RTÉ (Reseau de Transporte d’Électricite). It is proposed as a 575km long (500km subsea), 700MW cable from the north-west coast of France to the south coast of Ireland. At this scale it would be able to provide electricity for some 450,000 homes. The Celtic Interconnector will provide a reliable high-capacity electricity link between Ireland and France that will have significant benefits for the people of Ireland. The project will provide access to the European internal energy market, leading to expected increased competition and lower prices in Ireland. It will also enhance security of electricity supply and facilitate increased capacity for renewable energy here via export access to the mainland European markets.
In late 2019 the European Commission announced a grant of €530m towards the construction of the interconnector under the Connecting Europe Facility fund. This grant was made possible by significant support for the project from the Irish Government that resulted in its designation as an EU Project of Common Interest.
Extensive planning by EirGrid and a period of public consultation took place last year with regard to the development of interconnector infrastructure, following which decisions were reached on the interconnector's location in East Cork. A further decision was arrived at by EirGrid regarding the establishment of an enhanced community benefit scheme for impacted communities.
While I have no function in this matter, my officials have been informed that EirGrid will likely submit its planning application for Celtic Interconnector project in Spring this year.
72. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to delays for applicants of the warmer homes scheme; if he has been in touch with the SEAI; the action being taken to tackle these delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5650/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 142,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. There are currently over 7,000 homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are:
- currently undergoing works;
- have been allocated to contractors for works;
- have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor,
- or are awaiting the initial survey of their home.
Eligible homes are allocated on a first come, first served basis, and the average time between application and allocation to a contractor is now 23 months. The wait time is a result of strong demand for what is an extremely popular scheme. Wait times were also impacted by changes to the scheme introduced in 2018 which expanded and enhanced the range of energy efficiency measures available as well as an extension of eligibility rules.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 related restrictions have also impacted waiting times under the scheme. Works are currently suspended in line with the public health measures in place under Level 5 as announced by Government on 6 January. Works will recommence as soon as the public health advice allows. SEAI's Covid-19 Notice can be found at the following Link: https://www.seai.ie/covid-19-notice/
Budget 2021 provided €109 million in capital funding to support lower income households to retrofit their homes with €100 million of this funding allocated to the Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents a €47 million increase on the 2020 allocation and is the highest ever budget for this scheme. In addition to the increased budget, capacity by the industry to deliver more activity has also increased due to a new, broader contractor panel to provide works which commenced at the end of 2020. I also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to allow it drive the various grant programmes that it operates, including the Warmer Homes Scheme, and to ensure that level of activity envisaged under the Programme for Government is delivered. My Department is also in regular contact with the SEAI at official level in relation to the operation of the Scheme.
Recommendations on the implementation of changes to the scheme to better target those most in need will also be finalised shortly.
73. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if gold prospecting is defined as essential work during the current Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5668/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government advice is clear that within level 5, people should work from home unless it is absolutely necessary to attend in person for the delivery of an essential service. The list of essential services is available at www.gov.ie. My Department communicated with the minerals exploration sector in March and September 2020 to reiterate the advice provided by the Health and Safety Authority for employers in relation to COVID-19 and the Health Service Executive’s COVID-19 best practice guidelines on restriction of movements and self-isolation. My Department continues to review the situation and may issue further notices as the situation develops.
76. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications received by SEAI for the better energy warmer homes schemes in 2019 and 2020; the average timescale of work being completed once approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5737/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 142,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. There are currently over 7,000 homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are: currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor or are awaiting the initial survey of their home.
The number of applications received by SEAI for the scheme in 2019 and 2020 is set out in the table below.
|
Warmer Homes Scheme work programme |
2019 |
2020 |
|
New applications |
5,682 |
2,786 |
Eligible homes are allocated on a first come, first served basis and the average wait time from receipt of application to allocation to contractor is currently 23 months. Once allocated to a contractor the time to complete works is dependent on a number of factors including the scale of works to be completed, access to the property, availability of materials, weather and more recently COVID-19 public health restrictions.
The work programme was negatively impacted by Covid-19, particularly between March and June 2020 when the scheme was fully paused in line with Government guidelines. The impact of the current restrictions on the scheme is being closely monitored and activity will recommence as soon as possible.
78. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress of implementation of a nationwide ban on smoky coal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5829/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to extend the Smoky Coal Ban to new towns and, over the term of the Government, to move towards a full nationwide ban. I have already delivered on the first part of that commitment by creating 13 new Low Smoke Zones with effect from 1 September 2020, and the ban now applies in all towns with populations in excess of 10,000 people.
The next step in the process will be a public consultation to assess views on the development of legislation to regulate the broader use of solid fuels in the residential sector. This is being done with a view to transitioning to lower polluting fuels for residential heating and will:
- assess the merits of a national approach to regulating sold fuel;
- determine which solid fuels should be regulated;
- consider how these fuels should be regulated; and
- set out an appropriate timeline for the implementation of any new regulations.
The consultation will be launched in the coming weeks and the responses received will inform the decisions to be made regarding the extension, implementation and enforcement of the existing ban on a nationwide basis.
79. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the forecasted completion date of high-speed broadband roll-out to premises in County Tipperary; and the current status of the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan including promised properties and delivered properties in County Tipperary. [5912/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools. The deployment plan forecasts construction commenced in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years. I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 22 January 2021, over 166,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed including 8,211 in County Tipperary. Surveys have been completed in the surrounding townlands of Aherloe, Ballinalard and Bansha and pre-build works have commenced in these areas. Surveys are progressing in the Roscea area and surrounding townlands and have started in Cashel, Townspark, Boherlahan, Goolds Cross, Knockavilla, Garrenroe, Camus Bridge, Golden, Shanballa, Dogstown, Racecourse Cross, Rosegreen, Knockbrett, Mayfield, Boscobell and Dualla. Further details are available on specific areas within County Tipperary through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 22 January, 255 publicly accessible BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. BCP’s installed in County Tipperary are Drom Community Centre, Killoscully Community Centre and Killea GAA Club. BCP sites connected are Moyglass Community Hall, Killurney Community Centre and Aglish Community Centre. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Poulacapple National School and Killeen National School are installed by NBI and will be connected with high speed broadband for educational use through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Education as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of the schools aspect of the project was announced late last year and will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
80. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to implement the recommendations of a report (details supplied) in relation to post offices. [6024/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe importance of the post office network has been clearly demonstrated throughout the pandemic where we have seen a range of initiatives through our post offices which have helped support local communities, the elderly and vulnerable. The serious decline in mail volumes and the impact of Covid-19 on footfall through post offices has had a severe impact on the postal network and the revenue being generated for postmasters.
A lot of work has been done over the past few years to develop the network and this has had a positive effect for both postmasters and customers. This momentum needs to be maintained and if An Post, the postmasters and Government work together we can ensure that the network can emerge as a central hub for a wide variety of valuable community-focused services.
Government believes An Post has untapped potential to do more and make a further significant contribution across many areas of public, business and community life in Ireland. What we are doing now is working with An Post to investigate the scope to channel additional services through the network. As with any business the post office needs to develop commercial strategies to enable it to grow and maintain its relevance for its users. All options will be considered fully and efforts will be redoubled to give effect to our commitment to ensuring a sustainable and viable post office network.
In the circumstances, there are no proposals to introduce a Government funded subsidy for the post office network.
81. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the contact he has made with Bus Éireann regarding the planned cessation of X8 expressway bus links in County Tipperary; his views on this decision in the context of plan to reduce carbon emissions; his views on this decision in view of the poor level of rural transport available to persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5016/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra83. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the contact he has made with Bus Éireann regarding the planned cessation of X12 expressway bus links in County Tipperary; his views on this decision in the context of his plan to reduce carbon emissions; his further views on this decision in view of the poor level of rural transport available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5047/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra91. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport if alternative public transport options are being considered regarding the decision to cease the Bus Éireann X12 route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5117/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra120. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the level of engagement between his Department and Bus Éireann following a decision by Bus Éireann to suspend the X12 expressway route between Dublin and Limerick and the X8 expressway route between Dublin and Cork; if he is satisfied there is an alternative level of connectivity on other transport networks which commuters can access with ease when the X12 and X8 expressway routes are fully suspended; his views on the removal of the X12 and X8 expressway routes; if the X12 and X8 expressway routes have previously or are currently in receipt of funding through the public service obligation subsidy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5596/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 83, 91 and 120 together.
Both the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators throughout the Covid-19 Emergency. The public transport system in Ireland has played an essential service role over the course of the pandemic, especially in carrying essential workers and others making necessary journeys.
In this regard, the Government agreed substantial increases to the PSO budget to support continuation of PSO services during the Covid situation in 2020 and 2021. In addition, the Government has recognised the situation of the licenced bus sector - which normally operates on a commercial basis without public subvention but which, during the Covid crisis, was in a situation where its operations were no longer commercially viable, owing to the impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers and the associated drop in fare revenue.
Therefore, last June the Government decided to introduce new, temporary financial support for certain licensed services provided by commercial bus operators to ensure the continued operation of these essential services. The Expressway business operated by Bus Éireann is one of the many commercial operations of licenced public transport services that have been able to avail of this new, temporary, Covid-related support.
The temporary support was initially introduced for a period of 6-months, with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. The NTA on behalf of my Department, entered into contracts with the licensed bus sector to provide funding for routes where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention. As it remains the case that commercial bus operators are still under severe financial distress due to the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue as a result of Covid-19, on 26 January 2021, Government decided to extend the temporary funding supports for the licensed bus sector for a further period of 3 months, with an option to extend contracts on a monthly basis thereafter.
As is the case in many other sectors of the economy, despite these Government supports, Covid-19 has resulted in significant financial pressures for public transport operators. As you will be aware, Bus Éireann’s Expressway business operates on a commercial basis in competition with other, private, commercial operators in the licenced bus market. Following extensive analysis and work within the company, the decision to consolidate its Expressway network was taken by the Board of Bus Éireann in September 2020. This was a commercial decision by the company. The decision affects four routes: the Dublin/Belfast service (which ceased operations in November 2020): and services on the Dublin to Cork, Limerick and Galway routes.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement public service obligation (PSO) service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfiguring to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
I understand that Expressway ceased its X12 Limerick/Dublin route with effect from Saturday 30 January 2021. In light of the decision by Bus Éireann to cease operating the X12 route, the NTA completed a detailed assessment of the X12 corridor and have determined that despite Expressway’s withdrawal, sufficient connectivity is provided by the remaining operators and the public service obligation is adequately met by other rail and bus services, thereby negating the need for any further intervention on the route.
I understand no cessation date has been confirmed by the company for the X8 Cork/Dublin or 20/X20 Galway/Dublin routes and these routes are continuing to operate with the temporary Government funding supports, albeit at a reduced level in line with the reduction in demand. The NTA will undertake similar examinations in respect of these corridors affected by Expressway’s route consolidation process, to ensure there are no gaps in the network, and to assess if there is a need to provide any additional services. This will be done prior to these services ceasing operation.
On a separate front, the Deputies may also wish to note that, as part of the initiatives introduced in the Government's announcment of a Stimulus Package last July, there will be a significant expansion of PSO bus services in several areas across the country. Among other things, this will involve the taking on of 120 additional drivers by Bus Éireann, and will enable increased bus services in Cork city centre, as well as more frequent services in Navan town, Drogheda, Limerick city, and counties Clare and Tipperary.
Concerning carbon emissions - a key objective of my Department is to secure an efficient and low emission public transport system. As public transport is responsible for less than 5% of our transport emissions, in absolute terms, converting public transport fleets to low carbon alternatives will have a limited impact on national emission reductions. However, greening the public fleet does fulfil a strong leadership and demonstration role as we shift towards a low-carbon economy. To this end, I am committed to continuing to green the public transport fleet, and to making each public transport journey less carbon-intensive.
The national bus fleet, which carries the majority of public transport passengers, is already moving to lower emission alternatives. During 2020, a total of 280 diesel-electric hybrid buses were ordered, which are plug-in hybrids allowing overnight charging and which have capability of over 2.5 km continuous running in zero emission mode, allowing sections of the routes to operate in this mode. A number of these vehicles were delivered during December and will enter into service over the coming weeks. A total of 100 such vehicles should be operational by the end of the first quarter of 2021, with the remaining 180 vehicles to be delivered during quarter 3 and quarter 4 of this year.
82. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered implementing measures to reduce the price of electric cars to give buyers a wider variety of options given that the importing of used cars from the UK is no longer economically viable due to VAT increasing the price of second-hand cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5031/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting the roll out of EVs so as to ensure the ambitious commitments as set out in the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan are met. In this regard, this year will see continued support to further enable the roll out of Electric Vehicles and related charging infrastructure. In addition to the continuation of vehicle grants and home and public charging, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) will also be introducing support for destination chargers for locations such as hotels, shopping centres or places of employment while a new EV marketing campaign has been launched by the SEAI to assist citizens in making informed choices on the environmental and economic benefits of driving an electric vehicle.
In addition, at Budget time, I announced a 2021 allocation of €15 million will support up to 750 taxi and hackney drivers in scrapping their older vehicles and replacing them with zero-emission capable electric alternatives. The scrappage scheme will be open for taxis and hackneys reaching their maximum permissible age limit in 2020/21. Up to €20,000 will be made available for eligible drivers switching to a new all-electric vehicle and up to €32,500 for those moving to a wheelchair accessible full electric vehicle.
The list of current supports to incentivise the take-up of EVs includes:
- Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief of up to €5,000 for battery electric vehicles and low rates of VRT for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles;
- Up to €5,000 in grant support for the private purchase of a new electric car (M1), and up to €3,800 for the purchase of a new electric van (N1) by a company or where a motor dealership is purchasing a demonstration vehicle;
- Benefit-in-kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
- Grant support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger up to a maximum of €600;
- Lowest rate of motor tax (€120 per annum) for battery electric vehicles and generally low rates of motor tax for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; and
- A discount on tolls of 50% for battery electric vehicles and 25% for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (up to a maximum amount of €500 per year with greater reductions off-peak on the M50).
It is widely expected that, over the next number of years, the combination of improvements in technology, reductions in vehicle purchase prices, increasing driving ranges and model availabilities from manufacturers, coupled with Government incentives and new investment in the recharging network will maintain the current positive policy environment under which electric vehicle sales have risen steeply in recent years, albeit from a low base.
84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken by his Department to provide support to the aviation sector in the current environment given the effect of Covid-19 on the sector and the thousands of employees who rely on this sector for their livelihood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5066/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is monitoring the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis, in consultation with all key stakeholders and relevant Government Departments.
The Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in aviation. The supports include the extended wage subsidy scheme, alleviation of commercial rates, and tax clawback. To date, over €100 million in operational support has been made available under these schemes for Irish airports and airlines. Liquidity support is also available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund.
In November, the Government also agreed a revised €80 million funding package specifically for Irish aviation in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the sector. My Department is currently engaging with the European Commission regarding formal approval of this package which will be implemented in line with EU State aid rules.
85. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the N5 Ballaghdereen to Scramogue project; when it is anticipated that construction will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5079/21]
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.
86. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when a driver licence will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); when the matter will be successfully concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5092/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have sight of the licensing process system. 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.
87. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the status of the pilot programme by the RSA to examine whether theory tests can be taken online remotely; if this programme was successful; and when applicants will be allowed to sit their driver theory test online in view of the fact that there are thousands of persons on a waiting list to get a slot for same. [5097/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile this is an operational matter for the RSA, my Department had previously requested that the 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). During the pilot phase Remote Testing will be available on a limited basis and extra capacity will be added as it is rolled out to allow more customers to sit their bus, truck, CPC or ADI Theory Test online.
This pilot phase is still ongoing and will be reviewed in due course. Following this review, I understand the RSA expect the initiative to be extended for car and motorcycles.
While, the RSA are keen to progress and extend the service to all categories of Driver Theory Test, scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
88. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of incoming passengers at Dublin Airport since 16 January 2021. [5101/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra137. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers arriving into Ireland on a weekly basis since 11 January 2021, by country of departure including seaports and airports in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5882/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra147. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who arrived into airports and ports by country of departure in Ireland in each week of January 2021; the number that arrived by the country of origin based on the country that issued their passport; if the figures as published cover charter flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5983/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 137 and 147 together.
Aviation statistics on passengers arriving through the State Airports by the final point of departure prior to arriving in Ireland are compiled on a weekly basis and are published on gov.ie at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b61012-aviation-statistics/
The figures include both scheduled and charter flight passengers. Statistics are complied on the basis of the flight origin, rather than origin of the passenger or their passport infromation. Transfer passengers are not included in the arrival statistics for the airport as Ireland is not the final destination for these passengers who do not leave the airport before travelling onwards. All the statistics are provisional figures provided by the airports and are subject to change.
In relation to ports, the Department does not have the level of detail requested by the Deputy. It is estimated that there were approximately 26,070 arriving and departing passengers for the month of January at Dublin and Rosslare Ports.
89. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the number of UK licences for drivers living here that were not exchanged before the deadline of 31 December 2020; the steps drivers with Northern Irish licences need to take in relation to same; if the Road Safety Authority and National Drivers Licence Service communications strategy will be evaluated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1382/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority had no way of knowing how many drivers resident in Ireland were driving on a UK/NI driving licence. The approximate number of licences to be exchanged (Irish residents with UK/NI licences), estimated in early 2019, was based on estimates from the insurance industry and was in the region of 70,000.
From 2019 to mid January 2021, the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) has received 71,052 applications for exchange of a UK/NI driving licence. The NDLS continues to receive applications for exchange daily; however, these figures have reduced. From 1 January to date, the NDLS has received on average 110 applications daily.
For anyone who did not exchange their UK/NI licence by the deadline, their UK/NI licence is no longer valid to drive here in Ireland. It is only valid for exchange purposes.
Anyone resident here who is the holder of a UK licence, or indeed any other foreign licence from outside the EU that Ireland has a licence exchange agreement with, can exchange their driving licence for an Irish licence by visiting www.ndls.ie.
90. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the continuing forced ownership of cars for persons in County Donegal as detailed in the research paper Identifying Hotspots of Transport Disadvantage and Car Dependency in Rural Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1383/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt a policy level I think the paper referred to by the Deputy raises a very important issue and one which I firmly believes needs to be addressed in both rural and urban Ireland – increasing the capacity of our sustainable mobility infrastructure and services to ensure more and more people can make the switch to a sustainable option as their preferred transport mode.
This issue of societal accessibility to sustainable mobility options was a topic raised by stakeholders during the public consultation process held last year as part of my Department's review of sustainable mobility policy. Submissions received during that process commented that accessibility constraints to sustainable mobility should be considered in a wider geographical and socio-economic sense and I think those comments have clear resonance with this particular research paper also. The Deputy may wish to be aware that a report of that public consultation process is available to view on my Department’s website:
https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/f1b503-public-consultation-on-a-review-of-sustainable-mobility-policy/
The issue is certainly one which we will consider further as we look to develop, and publish, the revised policy during the year and I look forward to engaging further with the Deputy in that regard.
Complementing that policy development work, the Deputy is likely also aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has been examining how best to improve public transport across the country (excluding the Greater Dublin Area, Regional Cities and Large Towns). This examination is entitled ‘Connecting Ireland’ and it aims to provide better connections between villages and towns by linking them with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.
I am advised that the NTA has now started a three-stage consultation process on its proposals, designed to ensure that meaningful engagement takes place with different stakeholders in transport development at the appropriate stage when developing service revision plans. Phases 1 and 2 have already started and are running concurrently. They focus on consulting with Local and Regional Authority officials on the main concepts of Connecting Ireland. Phase 3 which will be a broad consultation with all stakeholders is planned for later in 2021.
I hope the Deputy can see that there are a number of important strands of work underway in addressing this very important topic.
92. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of inspections for cabotage activity of foreign HGV operators carried out by the Road Safety Authority in each of the years of 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and the number of prosecutions arising from such inspections. [5120/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis matter relates to the operational activities of the Road Safety Authority. As such, it has been forwarded to the RSA for direct reply to the Deputy.
93. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of additional buses across all networks for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann during level 5 restrictions; and the services in Dublin 7 and Dublin 15 that received additional buses during this current level 5 lockdown. [5126/21]
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 day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus. Therefore, 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.
