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Thursday, 18 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 64-82

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (64)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

64. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if the driver licence of a person (details supplied) will be extended. [9087/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The extension of learner permits is being kept under constant review. However no decision to extend them this year has been made to date.

A learner permit can be renewed up to 5 years after the expiry of the permit without the need to resit the Driver Theory Test.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (65)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

65. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport if funding was sanctioned or authorised by his Department since 2018 for Irish Rail towards the publication of the recent report by a company (details supplied) into the future of the Western Rail Corridor; and the details of all meetings held between officials of his Department and officials of Irish Rail since 2018 in relation to the commissioning, preparation, completion and payment for this report, in tabular form. [9111/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As advised in my composite reply to questions numbered 33, 34 and 35 on 21 January 2021, the engagement and payment of any fees to the consultancy firm referred to by the Deputy was a matter for Iarnród Éireann in line with their contractual arrangements with that firm whom they commissioned to undertake the study on the Western Rail Corridor. No specific funding was provided by my Department to Iarnród Éireann in relation to this particular report.

The Deputy has asked about meetings between the Department and Iarnród Éireann in relation to the commissioning, preparation, completion and payment for the report. As regards meetings specifically about the IÉ consultants' work and report, I can confirm that - as would be expected in a process of this nature - my Department had an introductory meeting with Iarnród Éireann and their consultants on 4 April 2019 as the consultants commenced their work and began their engagement with stakeholders. My Department met again with Iarnród Éireann and their consultants on 4 July 2019 and finally, following submission by Iarnród Éireann of a draft report, my Department met with Iarnród Éireann and their consultants on 24 February 2020 as part of the Department’s initial review of the draft report and technical assessment of it as an economic appraisal with reference to relevant Public Spending Code and Common Appraisal Framework guidance.

Separately, the Deputy is likely aware that my Department meets Iarnród Éireann and the Commission for Rail Regulation on a quarterly basis in relation to the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC). The IMMAC is a contractual arrangement derived from EU and Irish law and provides funding toward the protection and renewal of the rail network. In accordance with the legislative framework, the Commission for Rail Regulation is the designated independent monitoring body for the purposes of the IMMAC. I am informed that reference was made to the Western Rail Corridor review at those meetings over the period 2018 to 2020 under Any Other Business along with other topical issues such as National Development Plan project updates, Dublin-Cork track relaying project, and the proposed study of high-/higher speed rail.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (66)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

66. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the contact details for the sections that deals with all ongoing and established grant funding in his Department and in each agency under the remit of his Department, in tabular form. [9139/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Details of established grant funding schemes administered by or on behalf of my Department are set out in the table below.

A number of agencies under the aegis of my Department also administer ongoing grant schemes, and I have forwarded your question to them for direct reply. You should expect a response within 10 working days.

Grant Schemes Administered by the Department of Transport February 2021

Name of Scheme

Details of Grant Scheme

Contact Details

Regional and Local Roads Grants to local authorities

State road grants for regional and local roads are allocated to local authorities in January of each year. These grants are intended as a supplement to local authority expenditure from their own resources.

regionalandlocalroads@transport.gov.ie

Temporary supports for the Commercial Bus Operators (CBO)

Financial assistance to essential commercial bus operators who are under financial distress due to the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue because of COVID-19.

PTCorporateAndServices@transport.gov.ieGrants@nationaltransport.ie

Mountain and Cave Rescue Grants Community Rescue Boat Grant

The Department of Transport, through the Irish Coast Guard, administers an annual grant scheme to Mountain Rescue Ireland, the umbrella organisation for mountain rescue teams on the island of Ireland, and to associated membership teams.

MSD@transport.gov.ie

Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)

National Contact Point for CEF Transport under the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)Further information is available on the Department’s website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/331b18-trans-european-network-for-transport-ten-t-and-connecting-europe-fac/

EUCoordination@transport.gov.ie

Electric Small Public Service Scheme

The aim of the eSPSV20 Grant Scheme is to increase the uptake of low emission SPSVs. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, together with influencing the uptake of low emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of low emission vehicles.

Climatechangeunit@transport.gov.ie

Funding under the Strategy for the Future Development of Regional and National Greenways.

This is a long-term Strategy with the aim of increasing the number, length and regional spread of greenways across the country. It sets out guidance to project promoters on matters including strategic nature, length, design standards, accommodation works and early consultation with communities and landowners along proposed routes.

greenways@transport.gov.ie

Regional Airports Programme

Exchequer support is provided to Ireland’s regional airports through a Regional Airports Programme. The 2021 – 2025 Programme is administered by the Department of Transport in line with EU rules on State aid to airports and airlines.

AirportsDivision@transport.gov.ie

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (67)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

67. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if final payments have gone to the contractor for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9140/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (68)

John Brady

Ceist:

68. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver licence applications and renewals that are currently awaiting processing; the average wait time by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9146/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Specific details on the number of persons awaiting licences or renewals and average wait times are held by the Road Safety Authority.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (69)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

69. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the case of a person (details supplied) regarding a driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9164/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As per the EU Directives on driving licensing, a person cannot hold more than one driving licence. A person normally resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU licence to drive here. Normal residence means the place where a person usually lives, that is for at least 185 days in each calendar year, because of personal and occupational ties.

It is not possible to issue a dual licence. Ireland can only issue a driving licence for an Irish resident, and not for another jurisdiction. EU driving licences are mutually recognised; a person can continue to drive on an EU licence when they come to reside in Ireland but must apply for an Irish licence when the original licence expires. As the UK is no longer a Member State, a UK licence is no longer recognised for driving in Ireland.

With regard to motor insurance, my Department does not have the power to direct insurance companies on insurance products, as insurance companies are private companies. The provision of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter for insurance companies.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (70)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

70. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport when he will meet with a deputation from Tipperary County Council concerning the N24 Motorway project; if he will engage with Tipperary County Council to organise this meeting at the earliest convenience (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9166/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will understand, I receive a large number of diary requests that are considered and coordinated with my private offices in both the Department of Transport and Department of Environment, Climate and Communications in a weekly joint meeting. I note that it is not always possible to respond in the affirmative to every request.However, I note that I am scheduled to meet a number of local representatives to discuss concerns in relation to transport issues in Tipperary Town and the surrounding region on Friday 19th February.I look forward to meeting with representatives from Tipperary County Council to discuss the highlighted issues at a future date when my diary allows.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (71)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

71. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if a relative can travel to a European country to provide care support to a daughter during recuperation from a serious operation; and if so, the person or body to which an application for travel should be submitted. [9177/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government continues to advise against non-essential international travel and that essential travel is undertaken with due regard to public health safety measures.

S.I. No. 29 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions ) (COVID-19) (NO. 10) (Amendment) (NO. 2) Regulations 2021, which was recently signed by the Minister for Health include the provision under Regulation 4 that an applicable person shall not leave his or her place of residence to go to an airport or port for the purpose of leaving the State without reasonable excuse.

A reasonable excuse includes an applicable person leaving his or her place of residence to go to an airport or port for the purpose of leaving the State in order to -

(a) work, comply with a contract of employment or contract for services, or otherwise engage in work or employment,

(b) without prejudice to the generality of subparagraph (a) - (i) provide services to, or perform the functions of, an office holder appointed under any enactment or under the Constitution, or a member of either House of the Oireachtas, the European Parliament or a local authority, or (ii) provide services essential to the functioning of diplomatic missions and consular posts in the State,

(c) attend, for educational reasons - (i) a primary or secondary school, or (ii) a university, higher education institution or other education and training facility, to the extent that it is necessary for such educational reasons to attend in person,

(d) accompany to a school referred to in subparagraph (c)(i), or to a university, higher education institution or other education and training facility referred to in subparagraph (c)(ii), any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person,

(e) attend a medical or dental appointment, or accompany, to such an appointment, any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person,

(f) seek essential medical, health or dental assistance for the person, for any other person residing with the person, or for a vulnerable person,

(g) attend to vital family matters (including providing care to vulnerable persons),

(h) attend a funeral,

(i) fulfil a legal obligation (including attending court, satisfying bail conditions, or participating in ongoing legal proceedings), attend a court office where required, initiate emergency legal proceedings or execute essential legal documents,

(j) if the person is a parent or guardian of a child, or a person having a right of access to a child, give effect to arrangements for access to the child by - (i) the person, or (ii) another person who is - (I) a parent or guardian of the child, or (II) a person having a right of access to the child, or

(k) where the person is not ordinarily resident in the State, leave the State.

A copy of all the relevant regulations can be found here

https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Further travel advice can be found on the following website.

https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/coronavirus/general-covid-19-travel-advisory/

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (72, 73)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

72. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport his views on correspondence in respect of a road project (details supplied) in County Kerry; if the project team will engage meaningfully with the affected landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9208/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

73. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if planning and proposals for future major road projects will allow for more consultation with landowners and affected parties before the publishing and imposition of proposed routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9209/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.

As 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 and the consultation process for road projects in general.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (74, 75, 76)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

74. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons working here as of November 2020 under a transport management certificate of professional competence attained in the UK or Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9218/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

75. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who availed of the opportunity, prior to the new year, of swapping their transport management certificate of professional competence for an equivalent issued here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9219/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

76. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the options available to persons employed here who currently have a transport management certificate of professional competence issued in the UK or Northern Ireland to attain one that is valid within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9220/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 to 76, inclusive, together.

In November 2020, my Department wrote to all those nominated as Transport Managers on Irish Road Transport Operator Licences who hold a UK-issued Transport Management Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), reminding them of the position that such UK-issued certificates would not be valid if working for an EU-based operator after the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020.

The communication further outlined that the European Commission had in November indicated that a corresponding Irish (EU) certificate could be issued before the end of the Brexit transition period. My Department then made arrangements for the resultant application process with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the body responsible in Ireland for the issuing of Transport Management CPCs and strongly urged affected persons to make contact with the CILT as soon as possible and in advance of the end of 2020.

According to my Department’s records, as at mid-November 2020 a total of 214 Transport Managers with a UK-issued CPC were designated as the active transport manager on Irish Road Transport Operator Licences, which includes road haulage and passenger operators.

According to figures received from the CILT, a total of 320 applications from holders of UK-issued CPCs for a corresponding Irish certificate were submitted to the CILT as at 31 December 2020. This figure includes some applicants who are not currently designated as Transport Manager on an Irish Road Transport Operator Licence but who, for example, may work in the haulage or passenger operator industry in Ireland and wished to ensure that they could obtain a corresponding Irish certificate should they in the future wish to work as the designated transport manager for an Irish operator.

As the Brexit transition period ended on 31 December, any UK transport management CPC holder who did not apply to the CILT by that date and who wish to obtain an Irish equivalent certificate will need to pass the Transport Management CPC examination administered by the CILT. The next examinations are scheduled for March 31 and June 30 and prospective candidates should contact CILT to register. They will not be required to undertake the 100-hour training course that is normally mandatory before taking the examination.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (77)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

77. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with representatives of airlines since he assumed office including virtual meetings; and the details of the persons or bodies present at those meetings and the discussion that took place. [9221/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In managing the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the aviation sector, officials in my Department engage with airlines and indeed the wider aviation industry on a frequent and ongoing basis.I have set out below the engagements that both I and Minister of State Naughton have held with the Chief Executives and senior representatives from airline companies to discuss international travel and the impact of Covid-19 on the aviation sector since our appointment to office in tabular form.

10/7/2020

Aviation Recovery Taskforce - Minister Ryan and Minister Naughton

10/7/2020

Aer Lingus - Minister Ryan and Minister Naughton

27/7/2020

Ryanair - Minister Naughton

1/10/2020

Ryanair - Minister Ryan and Minister Naughton

11/11/2020

Ryanair - Minister Ryan and Minister Naughton

25/11/2020

Stobart Air - Minister Naughton

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (78)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

78. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if a commitment made two years ago to provide a public bus service for Carlow will be delivered on; the estimated costs involved; the reason the service has not been delivered to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9238/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services in particular areas, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government commits to the introduction of new services, including new town services, in order to improve public transport connectivity. The NTA is working on initiatives to improve connectivity through rural areas and in towns, and I intend to pursue additional funding for such services in the context of our Programme for Government commitment.

The Deputy will be conscious that, at the present time, the Government has had to hugely increase its funding in order to continue to support existing transport services during the Covid-19 health emergency. Public transport’s designation as an essential service throughout the pandemic means, that although fare revenues have collapsed with the reduced passenger numbers, most of the cost of operations remains and must continue to be met in order to fulfil Government’s broader policy objectives. For 2021 over €670m has been allocated to enable continuation of the existing level of public transport services. By comparison, the level of PSO and Local Link funding in 2019 was in the region of €300m.

The Programme for Government commits to a transformation of transport in this country, and I look forward to stepping up the availability of public transport services across the country over the course of this Government.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (79)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

79. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if international travel restrictions in place during Covid-19 level 5 also apply to private small aircraft entering Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9241/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government continues to advise against non-essential international travel and that essential travel is undertaken with due regard to public health safety measures. Public health safety measures concerning international travel apply to all persons arriving in the State and do not differentiate between arrival by small private aircraft or large commercial aircraft.

The relevant Regulations SI 44 and SI 45 which were signed by the Minister for Health are available on the Government website.

https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (80)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

80. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the status of resolving the legal lacuna with regard to the control of horse-drawn carriages legislation in Dublin city (details supplied). [9269/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy may be aware that the preparation of the necessary legislative proposals in regard to the regulation of horse-drawn carriages in Dublin is a complex issue requiring engagement by my Department with several stakeholders including Dublin City Council. Work on this issue unfortunately did not progress in 2020 due to the need to prioritise works associated with the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Work on this issue is, however, now progressing.

Unlike other local authorities in the country, Dublin City Council lacks the power to regulate and set standards for horse-drawn carriages. My Department is currently working with Dublin City Council to consider how best to safely repeal the Dublin Carriage Acts 1853-55, which vests the power to regulate horse-drawn carriages in Dublin with the Dublin Metropolitan Police Commissioners, to whom An Garda Síochána is the successor.

National Transport Authority

Ceisteanna (81)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

81. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the progress of the construction of the national train control centre, the preferred location for which is Heuston Station; if the plans to incorporate the metropolitan traffic unit of An Garda Síochána and the traffic control activities of Dublin City Council are proceeding; and when the centre will be operational. [9256/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the National Train Control Centre.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (82)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

82. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to encourage the expansion of and investment in the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles which is essential for facilitating the necessary take up of such vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9257/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s policy regarding the increased usage of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is primarily driven by the Climate Action Plan which sets a target of 936,000 EVs by 2030.

To support these EVs, a network of 690 publicly accessible charge points is already available including circa 100 fast chargers, which are mainly found on national routes. The majority of these chargers have been rolled out by the ESB through its eCars programme, with some public chargers being provided by local authorities, retail outlets and private companies.

The Climate Action Fund (CAF) has also allocated up to €10 million to a project from ESB eCars that will further enhance its current network and complete a nationwide EV charging network capable of facilitating large-scale electric vehicle uptake over the next decade. In addition to the CAF project, the Government is also providing support for home charging and on-street charging.

Home charging is considered the primary method of charging for the majority of EVs in Ireland and is a convenient, cost effective and environmentally-friendly means of charging, especially when using night-rate electricity. It accounts for circa 80% of EV charging sessions and will continue to be the primary method of charging in the future. The EV Home Charger Grant Scheme has been in operation since January 2018 to support the installation of home chargers for purchasers of new and second-hand BEVs and PHEVs. The grant provides generous support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger, up to a maximum of €600.

Currently, work is being progressed to expand the EV Home Charger Grant to include shared parking (e.g. in apartment blocks). There are a number of complex planning issues to address before it will be possible to expand this grant and the Department and the SEAI are working to address the issues involved.

Since September 2019, the Public Charge Point Scheme has been in place to provide funding to local authorities for 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 those owners of EVs who do not have access to a private parking space but rely on parking their vehicles on public streets to charge their EVs near their homes. Infrastructure installed could also provide the opportunity for people visiting the area to park and charge their EVs.

In addition, the Department is also making €2 million available this year through the SEAI to support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as hotels and shopping centres. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.

Finally, the Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government published in June last year, commits to publishing an electric vehicles infrastructure strategy. Once completed, the strategy will provide a key framework for ensuring we continue to have sufficient infrastructure in place to keep ahead of demand, while also ensuring that appropriate planning and development guidelines are followed in providing the necessary capacity. It is envisaged that the strategy will be published this year.

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