Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:230. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the average number of haulage trucks that arrive into Irish ports on a weekly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12803/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPorts Traffic
Ceisteanna (230)
Freagraí scríofa
Provisional figures for 2020 from the Irish Maritime Development Office indicate the average weekly RoRo Units for export and imports arriving at Irish Ports was 22,560. The breakdown of this figure is as follows:
|
Provisional figures for 2020 |
Number |
|
Average Weekly RoRo Units 2020 |
22,560 |
|
Average Imports |
11,378 |
|
Average Exports |
11,182 |
The Central Statistic Office release statistics on port traffic on a quarterly basis. Details on Q3 2020 port traffic were released on the 21st of January 2021 (for ease of reference, see link https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/spt/statisticsofporttrafficquarter32020/).
Córas Iompair Éireann
Ceisteanna (231, 232)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:231. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport if a pension increase will issue to CIÉ group pensioners during the current review. [12804/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaurice Quinlivan
Ceist:232. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport if there has been an analysis carried out by his Department of the CIÉ pension scheme given the lack of post retirement increase and the underfunding of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12805/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.
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.
In relation to the RWS, CIÉ has prepared and recently submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme, and these drafts are now being considered by my Department. There are several steps involved before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process. I understand that the Trustees of the Scheme are also consulting members prior to submission of an application to the Pensions Authority under Section 50 of the Pensions Act 1990.
Concerning the 1951 scheme, I understand that proposals related to that scheme were referred to the Labour Court, and a recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020 is being considered the Trade Unions and has been approved by the Company.
I am also forwarding the Deputy's questions to CIÉ for direct response. Please advise my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (233)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:233. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department conducted a policy review for the development of a rail link from Limerick to Shannon Airport. [12806/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the draft Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in September 2020 and was open for public consultation for 8 weeks.
Submissions received during that public consultation are currently under review and I understand that the NTA is also conducting further analytical work to inform the next iteration of the Strategy. I understand that among the issues raised during the public consultation related to the role of rail in the region, including potential connectivity to Shannon, and that role is under further examination by the NTA.
I believe a further public consultation on a revised Strategy will be held during Q2.
Bus Éireann
Ceisteanna (234)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:234. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason Bus Éireann has increased the fare from Kenmare to Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12829/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in operational aspects of public transport such as fares. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA is the statutory body with responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service contracts.
Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please inform my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Pilot Training Courses
Ceisteanna (235)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:235. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if flight training schools can operate civilian training flights during level 5 public health restrictions; if so, the way in which they have been advised regarding travel distance restrictions while in flight; and if civilians and non-essential workers are permitted to travel beyond 5 km from their primary residence in order to participate in practical flying tuition. [12852/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At Level 5, the public health risk means that people are asked to stay at home, except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes. Attending a flight training school is considered to fall within the category of education. On 6 January 2021, the government announced that all higher, further and adult education should remain primarily online. However, where such activities cannot be done remotely, such as practical and skills-based tuition, limited on-site presence is permitted and those attending such tuition can travel beyond the general restricted 5 km limit.
Flight training is an educational activity that requires direct non-remote interaction with aircraft which cannot be replaced with online alternatives. Attendees of a flight school are attending a recognised training organisation and therefore may travel outside the 5km radius from where they reside. Not all those attending flight schools are necessarily trainee pilots. Some may already be qualified and employed commercial pilots attending the flight school to acquire a particular additional qualification or rating. As such they would be qualified pilots and considered essential workers. The completion of pilot training courses is time critical and attendees must complete flight training within regulated timeframes.
All public health regulations and guidelines must be strictly adhered to and operational and cockpit procedures of the flight school must be in line with HSE Covid procedures.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (236)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:236. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend expiry dates for initial basic training certificates of satisfactory completion for motorcyclists during Covid-19 level 5 restrictions similar to the extensions provided in respect of NCT and driver licences as a result of the pandemic restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12861/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
During the first lockdown from March of last year, my predecessor extended the validity period of Initial Basic Training (IBT) certificates, and I can confirm that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has recently submitted a proposal to my Department for a further extension. This is currently being considered within my Department. No decision has yet been made.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (237)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:237. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if motorcycle driving lessons for persons not currently on a waiting list for a motorcycle driver test can take place under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12862/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of driving instruction has been defined in legislation introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Health, as an essential service that may continue under level 5 restrictions, albeit in extremely limited circumstances.
Both Essential Driver Training (EDT) for cars and Initial Basic Training (IBT) for motorcycles are currently suspended. Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons to both driving and motorcycle learners, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already completed their required modules and has been scheduled a test date.
While I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses to learners who have not yet completed their training, I am sure the Deputy will agree with me that the limiting of the spread of the virus and the safeguarding of public health must take first priority here.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (238)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:238. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if truck driving lessons for persons not currently on a waiting list for a truck driver test can take place under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12863/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of driving instruction has been defined in legislation introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Health, as an essential service that may continue under level 5 restrictions, albeit in extremely limited circumstances.
Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons to learners across all vehicle categories, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already completed their required modules and has been scheduled a test date.
While I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses to learners who have not yet completed their training, I am sure the Deputy will agree with me that the limiting of the spread of the virus and the safeguarding of public health must take first priority here.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (239)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:239. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of hiring one additional driver tester. [12902/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Road Safety Authority (RSA), who have statutory responsibility for the operation of the driver testing service, is entirely self-funded, I have referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (240)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:240. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some learner drivers cannot bring their children to school or travel to work as they cannot sit a driver test and the waiting list for a test could be up to 30 weeks when testing resumes; the way in which he plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12903/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can assure you that the Department is very aware of the challenges facing the RSA as they work hard to further manage the backlog in the Driver Testing Service. I acknowledge that there are many different cohorts across all areas of society who have being impacted by the increased demand on the service.
The driving test service is not currently operating as normal due to the impact of Covid-19. Tests are only available, under Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, to essential workers. This has had a significant impact on waiting times.
RSA driver testers are undertaking driving tests in extraordinarily difficult conditions in the current Covid-19 environment. The driving test is conducted in an enclosed space for a period of over 15 minutes, where physical distancing is not possible.
Given the significant risk to testers when conducting a driving test, Government has deemed that the driver testing service should be available ONLY for essential workers in Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions. The Road Safety Authority offers driving tests to those who can produce evidence that they are an essential worker, in accordance with Government definitions. No exceptions can be made.
My Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to help the service meet the growing demand for tests within the current public health situation. An additional 40 driver testers have been authorised along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. Recruitment has commenced and a panel will be formed. However, hiring of testers requires advertising, selecting candidates and training. Newly hired testers require 7 weeks of training in order to be ready. Training is given by experienced testers, so while new hires are in training the capacity of the service is reduced.
The RSA are also looking at a number of other measures, including whether the number of tests a driver tester can perform each day can be increased. Any decision on this matter will be guided by health protocols.
Until Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions have been eased, no progress can be made on addressing the backlog. However, the Road Safety Authority has plans in place for when the service is allowed to resume for all learner permit holders to be tested at the earliest possible date, and a gradual return of driving test times to their pre-Covid levels.
Road Safety Authority
Ceisteanna (241)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:241. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the RSA submitted a request for 80 additional driver testers in October 2020; the reason the request has not yet been met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12904/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In late 2020, the RSA presented an initial plan to the Department outlining its proposals for carrying out its functions under the COVID Framework. This plan included proposed measures needed to reduce current waiting times. Amongst the range of options outlined, the RSA sought sanction to recruit 80 additional testers.
My Department examined this request in detail in relation to its robustness and deliverability, while also taking into account financial and other implications. Following this review, my Department approved the hiring of 40 temporary driver testers. This was subsequently also approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. These new hires will be in addition to the 36 temporary testers that I previously gave sanction to rehire during the latter part of 2020.
I would like to point out that the provision of extra testers will not on its own suffice to address the problem. One of the difficulties is with the reduced capacity of driving test centres, given limits on throughput due to Covid restrictions. Even with the additional 40 recruits, the RSA will need to look at possible additional temporary test centres.
The Department and the RSA will monitor how the new testers are impacting the system as they come on stream from June 2021 and as the Covid restriction level reduces. I will keep the situation under review as to whether further recruitment of additional testers will be necessary in the latter half of 2021.
Airport Landing Slots
Ceisteanna (242)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:242. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to extend the 80:20 use it or lose it slot allocation rule for airlines that is set to expire at the end of March; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12905/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Regulation (EU) 2021/250, providing temporary relief from the slot utilisation rules at Union airports due to the COVID-19 crisis, was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 19 February 2021 and entered into force the following day.
This Regulation does not replicate the previous waiver of the 80:20 slot usage rule, but It does provide some alleviation by means of a reduced obligation to operate allocated airports slots, and permits a portion of those allocated slots to be protected if handed back within a set period. It has also granted the European Commission the power to adopt delegated acts until 21 February 2022.
For information, the text of this regulation can be found at this link: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/250.
Aviation Industry
Ceisteanna (243)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:243. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the value of financial requests submitted by airlines here during the ongoing pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12906/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in the aviation sector. The supports include the wage subsidy scheme, alleviation of commercial rates, deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme. My Department has estimated that over €100 million in operational supports has already been made available to Irish airlines under a number of these schemes.
Liquidity support is also made available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund, and €150 million has been invested in debt funding in Aer Lingus. This investment is designed to complement ongoing investment by Aer Lingus’s parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), in the airline.
It remains open to airlines to engage directly with the relevant agencies concerned with a view to drawing down supports, and the amount of any such funding sought would be a commercial matter for the airlines concerned.
Question No. 244 answered with Question No. 207.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (245)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:245. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when driver tests and lessons will resume; the additional protections that will be provided to driver testers and approved driving instructors to ensure their safety at work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12908/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The operation of the Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and as such the RSA, and its service providers, are responsible for the health and safety of staff under health and safety legislation, including assessments of their various functions, and developing safety protocols to ensure the safety of their workers and customers.
Given the significant risk to testers when conducting a driving test, Government has deemed that the driver testing service should be available only for essential workers in Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions. The Road Safety Authority offers driving tests to those who can produce evidence that they are an essential worker, in accordance with Government definitions. No exceptions can be made.
Level 5 legislation defines driving instruction as an essential service "where the person receiving instruction has a booking reserved to undergo a test". To have a booking reserved is understood here as to have been allocated a specific time and date for a test, as opposed to have only applied for one.
These limitations in both services will remain in place until level 5 restrictions are eased.
The RSA have provided the Department with comprehensive information concerning the measures that have been put in place across all their services to ensure they can continue in a safe manner and in line with HSE and HSA guidelines.
Public services must be delivered in a safe way. The driving test involves challenges because of the need for drivers to sit in the same vehicle with test candidates, and to move between vehicles which are not controlled working environments.
The Road Safety Authority, which is responsible for driver testing, has worked with medical advice to ensure that the service is as safe as possible, but this means a reduction in capacity of 42%.
It is a tribute to the success of the health protocols that, although thousands of driving tests have taken place, there has been no case of transmission of Covid-19 through a driving test.
Approved Driving Instructors (ADIS) are entirely independent operators and neither the Road Safety Authority nor the Department can dictate how they run their individual businesses. It is up to each driving instructor or driving school to make the appropriate choices to protect themselves and their families.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (246)
Michael Ring
Ceist:246. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if there are any changes for trailers (details supplied); if there are regulations being introduced for trailers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12913/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy may be aware that I recently signed into law the European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations (S.I. No. 556 of 2020). These Regulations set out the requirements for new types of trailers and extensions for existing types of trailers.
Trailer types that have been approved under the previous European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval: Entry into Service) Regulations (S.I. 157 of 2009) remain unaffected. There is no specific change for trailers over 10 ft in length and the existing masses and dimensions requirements for such trailers have not changed.
The Deputy may wish to note for his information that an amendment to the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 5 of 2003) is included in my Department's legislative programme for 2021. These Regulations give further effect in Irish law to Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019, amending Council Directive 96/53/EC of 25 July 1996, laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the EU the maximum authorised dimensions and weights in national and international traffic. In particular, these Regulations increase the maximum permitted weights and dimensions of relevant types of vehicle in specified circumstances (including vehicle combinations which are towing trailers), in order to facilitate the use of zero-emission vehicles. No further regulations in relation to trailers are anticipated at this time.
Departmental Internships
Ceisteanna (247)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:247. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the number of students who undertook work experience or internships with State and semi-State agencies under his aegis in 2019; the cost in wages and allowances; and the estimated numerical capacity of State and semi-State agencies to provide work experience and internships on an annual basis. [12965/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have referred the Deputy's question to the State and semi-State agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply. Please advise my private office if a reply is not received within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (248)
Robert Troy
Ceist:248. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to make the wearing of high-visibility clothing compulsory for cyclists and pedestrians. [13011/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To create a statutory obligation on the wearing of reflective clothing would entail making it a criminal offence under Road Traffic legislation. A person in breach of such a provision would fall to be issued with a fixed charge notice or summonsed to court, depending on what procedure would be put in place for the processing of such offences.
I believe that the wearing of such clothing is best pursued by way of educational and publicity campaigns run by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) rather than by pursuing a punitive approach to the issue.
Indeed, the RSA, which has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness, advertising and the dissemination of road safety information, has already undertaken a number of campaigns to promote awareness among pedestrians and cyclists of the need for visibility on our roads.
Several million high visibility vests, armbands, rucksack covers and other such items have been distributed by the RSA, an Garda Síochána, Road Safety Officers, Age Action and the Vintners Federation in recent years. A number of measures have also been included in the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 aimed at increasing the wearing of high visibility clothing among pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. The Rules of the Road also include a strong recommendation supporting the wearing of light, and preferably high-visibility, clothing.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (249)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:249. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties experienced by drivers who have taken up normal residence in Ireland within the past 12 months and need to exchange their driver licences; and if he will consider an extension to the one-year timeframe in view of these difficulties. [13040/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A person can drive on a foreign licence for up to a year as a visitor to Ireland. This provision is provided for under the 1949 Geneva Convention. A person resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU driving licence to drive here.
The current average processing time for exchanging a licence is 12 -15 working days, but can take up to 3 months depending on the licence and the necessary checks that have to be made. The recent extension of validity for Irish driving licences will ease the pressure on the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) and is expected to reduce processing times.
Under the current Level 5 restrictions, appointments for attendance at an NDLS centre are only available to essential workers. An application for a licence exchange can be made online if the applicant has a verified MyGovId account which requires a Public Services Card.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (250)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:250. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided to assist farmers in the construction of agricultural underpass crossings on non-national roads in cases in which such facilities are deemed essential in the interests of public safety, particularly road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13071/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The improvement and maintenance of 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. While my Department provides grant support to assist local authorities with the maintenance and renewal of regional and local roads, a grant programme for the provision of road underpasses is not under consideration.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (251)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:251. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter concerning the renewal of a driver licence (details supplied); when a refund will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13177/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All inquiries relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), operated by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). My Department does not have access to individual applications. Having said that, the matter the Deputy has raised has been noted by my Department.
More generally, I can advise the Deputy that a further extension to the expiry dates of driving licences has been introduced in response to the continued disruption caused by Covid-19 to driver licensing services in Ireland and across the EU. The extension will apply to different groups of licence holders including those who benefited from extensions in 2020.
A new driving licence will not be issued for the extension period. The RSA will automatically update driver records to show the new expiry date. The NDLS may not be able to process a submitted application to renew a driving licence if the driver record has been updated and is already showing the new expiry date for the driving licence. Any original supporting documents, submitted with an application form, will be returned and refunds will be made where applicable.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (252)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:252. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the cost of real-time systems used by public transport operators (details supplied). [13217/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including Real Time Passenger Information.
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 a reply is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (253)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles in use that are totally reliant on electricity propulsion; his expectations for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13234/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. Electrification will be key to achieving this objective in the transport sector.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the 2019 Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 936,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years. The Government, supported by the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, has worked to ensure that conditions and policies are in place to support citizens in making greener vehicle choices. As the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive suite of measures is available to EV drivers, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable motor and BIK tax rates, as well as a comprehensive charging network. These measures have collectively contributed to increased take up of EVs in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a low base. There are currently around 28,000 EVs under taxation in Ireland and, of these, according to recent figures from the National Vehicle and Driver File, 14,363 fully electric vehicles are registered in Ireland.
In accordance with Programme for Government commitments, my Department is expanding the scope of vehicle types to include personal electrified modes of transport. For example, legislation is being drafted to enable the legal use of electric scooters. Subject to resolution of outstanding issues relating to road safety and the movement of traffic, I intend to bring forward amendments to the relevant primary legislation when the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill comes before the Oireachtas in the next few months. Accordingly, I am confident that we are making real progress towards the delivery of our ambition for the transition to an electrified and low-carbon transport system.
With regard to public transport, moves are already afoot to electrify the bus and rail networks. To date, a total of 280 diesel-electric hybrid buses have been ordered, of which 100 should be operational by mid-2021, with the remainder to be delivered before year end. The National Transport Authority (NTA) are also tendering for both single- and double-deck fully electric town buses, with the first vehicles expected to arrive towards the end of next year. My Department is also funding electric vehicle pilot projects in rural areas under the Local Link programme.
Finally, building on the eSPSV grant scheme that was in place for the last 2 years, I have introduced an EV scrappage scheme to support taxi and hackney drivers switching from older vehicles to EVs.
National Car Test
Ceisteanna (254)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:254. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the reason that persons, who had NCT tests due before 28 March 2020, were not given a four-month extension on their NCT validity despite the fact that they could not secure tests in NCT centres for a number of months thus resulting in some drivers having only seven to eight months NCT certificate validity after testing; the reason the four-month extension was not granted across the board in view of the exceptional circumstances at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13304/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would clarify for the Deputy that the applicable dates for periodic roadworthiness 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 initial test due date for a vehicle is determined using the date of registration of that vehicle and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of that date. Accordingly, all test due dates are predetermined based on the date of registration of a vehicle. Any NCT certificate issued in respect of a vehicle is only valid up to the test due date that falls after that certificate was issued and does not constitute a 12 month warranty for their condition.
As the Deputy notes, the Road Traffic (National Car Test) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 amended the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415 of 2017) to provide an exceptional 4 month extension to test due dates for vehicles with a NCT certificate expiry date on or after 28th March 2020, where the vehicle was not first registered after August 2016. The extension was directly linked to the suspension of NCT services in March 2020 due to Covid 19 and was granted to extend the validity of NCT certificates which would have expired at a time when it was not possible to renew such certificates.
The suspension permitted the NCT Service to put in place a comprehensive range of measures to ensure compliance with public health advice and health and safety guidelines which facilitated resumption of services from July 2020.