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Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 24 Mar 2021

Written Answers Nos. 283-301

Harbour Authorities

Ceisteanna (283)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

283. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding transferred to each local authority in respect of the transfer of local harbours under the Harbours Act 2015 except funding for due diligence; the date and amount of each transfer since 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14294/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

No State funding has been transferred to the local authorities in relation to the port transfers. 

Following the transfers of the five Ports of Regional Significance to local authority control, where a port company transferred under the transfer of shareholding model, the company continues, as before, to fund all activities from its own resources. In the case of a port company that was dissolved and transferred directly under a local authority, it continues to generate income from port activities under the local authority.

The date and amount of each transfer is set out below.

Port Company Name

Local Authority  

Date of Transfer

Funding transferred to Local Authority

Wicklow Port Company

Wicklow County Council

30th August 2016

Nil

Drogheda Port Company

Louth County Council

2nd October 2017

Nil

Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

3rd October 2018

Nil

New Ross Port Company

Wexford County Council

1st August 2019

Nil

Galway Harbour Company

Galway City Council

1st January 2021

Nil

On an exceptional basis and due to potential environmental contamination, Exchequer funding of €93,328.54 was paid to Wexford County Council in 2020 in respect of the environmental clean-up of previously identified sites at New Ross.

Railway Stations

Ceisteanna (284, 285)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

284. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of train stations, including DART stations, which have lifts by county; his plans to upgrade the accessibility of train stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14324/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

285. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps that will be taken to address ongoing issues with lifts at Limerick Junction, Seapoint, Clontarf, Shankill and Clonsilla train stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14325/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.

The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.

As the issues raised are a matter for Irish Rail in the first instance, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the Company for direct reply.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (286)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

286. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure that front-line workers have access to public transport if current reduced capacity restrictions continue and specifically if dedicated services for staff to and from acute hospitals will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1826/21]

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 nationally.  Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and public transport has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis.  I would like to thank both all operators and their staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times.  A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services safely during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.  

The Government's "Living with Covid" and subsequent "Recovery and Resilience" plans set out capacity guidance for public transport at each of the 5 risk levels identified in the Plan.   With the current Level 5 restrictions, public transport operators are restricted to using only 25% of the passenger-carrying capacity on their vehicles.  Importantly, the Plan's Level 5 guidance on working from home where possible and on the closure of social, leisure and other facilities has significantly reduced the demand for public transport.  There is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and, therefore, should only be used for essential travel, with only those who have to travel at peak times doing so. For the duration of current Level 5 restrictions, public transport services are for essential workers and students and for essential journeys only.  People are also being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most and in particular frontline workers.

Both my Department and the NTA are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice. While no significant capacity issues have been reported by operators since the move to Level 5, the NTA and operators are continuing to monitor passenger loadings, and where necessary additional services will be provided on certain routes at certain times of the day subject to driver availability.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ceisteanna (287)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the decarbonisation of the public transport sector continues towards the meeting of targets; the incentives currently available or likely to become available to the private sector in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1834/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An efficient and low emitting public transport system is a key priority of Government. As the public transport sector is responsible for less than 5% of our land transport emissions, in absolute terms, converting public transport fleets to lower emitting alternatives will have a limited impact on national emission reductions. Nevertheless, greening the public fleet does fulfil a strong leadership role and I am committed to continuing to make public transport journeys less carbon-intensive. A comprehensive programme of work to green the sector is already underway, and there is a clear vision to move towards zero-emitting vehicles where and when possible.

In our national bus fleet we already have hybrid buses in operation and the expectation is to introduce fully electric town buses in the near future. Beyond urban bus services, my Department is also funding electric vehicle pilot projects in rural areas under the Local Link programme.

In terms of heavy rail, we are looking to expand electrification through the DART+ programme which will ultimately mean around 70% of journeys in any given year on the rail network will be on electrified services. In addition, we are expanding capacity on the Luas Green Line and will look at route options for Luas Cork, Luas Lucan and the preliminary design for Luas Finglas in the coming months. I also intend to seek Government approval in relation to MetroLink, a new largely underground electrified metro service in Dublin. Furthermore, I have launched an electric vehicle (EV) scrappage scheme to enhance the supports available for taxi and hackney drivers switching to EVs.

Collectively, these measures will see us progressively modernise and lower the emission profile of our public transport fleets, as well as creating an attractive alternative to the private car. As the Deputy is aware, I am fully committed to a shift towards public transport and active travel as a means of decreasing transport emissions. We’ve seen some welcome additions to active travel infrastructure and our public realm in recent months, as Local Authorities across the country have put in place measures to support local communities and businesses through the COVID crisis. And we want to build on these types of initiatives and support them through our commitment of €1.8bn over the lifetime of Government for active travel. This level of investment along with our significant investment in greening public transport will help improve quality of life and reduce emissions and air pollutants from the transport sector.

Beyond public transport we must also look to tackle emissions from the rest of the vehicle fleet. Most land transport emissions originate from passenger cars (just over half of emissions) with the heavy freight sector accounting for a further 18% approximately. The State is providing incentives to mitigate the cost of, and encourage the transition away from, conventional fossil fuel vehicles towards lower emitting fuels and technologies in these sectors.

For private cars, the Government has introduced a comprehensive suite of measures to encourage the uptake of EVs, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable tax regimes and an extensive public charging network. These measures led to a significant increase in EV numbers on Irish roads, albeit from a low base. There are approximately 30,000 EVs under taxation in Ireland at the moment. An Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway Working Group has also been established to consider additional regulatory, financial and taxation measures to further increase the rate of EV uptake.

In the freight sector, we are seeking to limit emissions in three main ways:

(i) at EU level, Ireland continues to work to secure improved vehicle standards;

(ii) at home, we are funding research projects specific to considering emission mitigation measures in the Irish freight sector; and

(iii) we are supporting companies to transition their fleets to lower emitting alternatives through a new Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant whcih launched on the 15th of March 2021.

Together measures in the public transport, private car and freight sectors will steadily decarbonise the transport sector and help Ireland achieve its emission reduction targets.

Road Improvement Schemes

Ceisteanna (288)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he remains satisfied that urgently required road improvements and upgrades or new roads previously committed to will continue to be provided as required given the need to meet future as well as present public demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10358/21]

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.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), road improvements and upgrades and the 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.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the review of the NDP and use the review to set out an updated NDP for the period to 2030.  The review of the NDP, inlcluding for national roads, will be aligned with the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040. Work is underway within my Department to contribute to this planned review. 

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils’ own resources supplemented by regional and local road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

The NDP provides for a gradual increase in funding for regional and local roads and there has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding particularly in the last four years – the €555 million allocated this year represents an increase of about 70% compared to 2017. Funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate maintenance and renewal of regional and local roads and so for this reason, the primary focus for capital investment continues to be the maintenance and renewal of the network with some limited investment in road improvement projects.

 The outcome of the NDP review will determine future capital funding for regional and local roads.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (289)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

289. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if there is a clause in the contract for the M3 tolled motorway that states a railway to Navan cannot be built until the motorway is paid for in full; if there is a similar clause relating to the M3 motorway and the provision of rail services in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14404/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. 

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Legislative Process

Ceisteanna (290)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

290. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the details of the process through which his Department drafts and produces legislation; if his Department outsources the drafting of legislation; if so, the Bills for which the drafting was outsourced since he took office; and the costs associated with the drafting of each Bill. [14430/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In drafting and producing legislation, officials in my Department work closely with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, the Department’s Legal Advisor and a number of Oireachtas committees.

While my Department has outsourced the drafting of a small number of pieces of secondary legislation (most of which are of a technical nature and are for the purpose of transposing technical EU Directives or Regulations) no primary legislation has been drafted in this manner.

 

Question No. 291 answered with Question No. 106.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (292)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

292. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport his plans to review current restrictions on driving instruction; if there is updated public health advice to inform possible regulations on driving lessons moving forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14459/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

During the current level 5 restrictions, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may only conduct lessons in circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date.

My Department is very aware of the difficulty this poses to learners who are unable to avail of instruction because they have not yet completed the 12 lessons required to book a test.  As only limited services are being provided at present in order to minimise the spread of Covid, it was decided that driving instruction may continue as an essential service, but in extremely limited circumstances.

While I very much regret the inconvenience and frustration that this might cause to both learners and instructors,  I am sure the Deputy will agree that public safety must take priority here.

Questions Nos. 293 and 294 answered with Question No. 273.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (295)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

295. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if the rules for bus operators (details supplied) will be relaxed in respect of their financial standing when applying for the renewal of the road passenger transport licence. [14502/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Financial standing is one of the requirements to engage in the occupation of road transport operator.  The specific requirements of financial standing are laid out in Article 7 of EU Regulation 1071/2009 which states that undertakings shall at all times be able to meets its financial obligations in the course of the annual accounting year. Financial standing is demonstrated on the basis of certified annual accounts showing capital and reserves of at least €9,000 when only one vehicle is used and €5000 for each additional vehicle used.

Regulation (EU) 2021/267 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated 16 February 2021 lays down specific and temporary measures in view of the ongoing the COVID-19 pandemic concerning the renewal or extension of certain certificates, licences and authorisations, the postponement of periodic training in certain areas of transport legislation and the further extension of certain periods referred to in Regulation (EU) 2020/698.

Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2021/267 (provided below for reference) deals with the issue of financial standing and allows an extension under Article 13 (1) (c) of EU Regulation 1071/2009 from six months to 12 months when a competent authority establishes, on the basis of annual accounts for accounting years covering all or part of the period between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021, that the transport undertaking does not satisfy the requirement of financial standing.   

Therefore, should a road transport operator not be in a position to show sufficient capital and reserves in their annual accounts covering all or part of the period between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021 they can be afforded a period of up to 12 months to again meet the requirement of financial standing.  I must also point out that should they fail to meet the requirement of financial standing within the 12-month period granted to them in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/267, their road transport operator license must be suspended or withdrawn as outlined in Article 13 (3) of EU Regulation 1071/2009.

I would encourage any road transport operator who has any queries regarding their financial standing situation to contact the Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit of my Department at rtol@transport.gov.ie.

Article 6 of EU Regulation (EU) 2021/267

Extension of time limits provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009

1. Notwithstanding Article 13(1), points (b) and (c), of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009, where a competent authority establishes in respect of the period between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021 that the requirements regarding the vehicle or vehicles to be kept at the disposal of and used by the road transport undertaking, as set out in Article 5, points (b) and (c), of that Regulation, are not satisfied, or establishes, on the basis of the annual accounts and certificates referred to in Article 7(1) and (2) of that Regulation for accounting years covering all or part of the period between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021, that a transport undertaking does not satisfy the requirement of financial standing laid down in Article 3(1), point (c), of that Regulation, the time limits set by the competent authority for the purposes of Article 13(1), points (b) and (c), of that Regulation shall not exceed 12 months.

2. Notwithstanding Article 13(1), points (b) and (c), of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009, where the competent authority has established between 28 May 2020 and 23 February 2021 that a transport undertaking does not satisfy the requirements regarding the vehicle or vehicles to be kept at the disposal of and used by the road transport undertaking, as set out in Article 5, points (b) and (c), of that Regulation, or the requirement of financial standing laid down in Article 3(1), point (c), of that Regulation and has set a time limit for the transport undertaking to rectify the situation, the competent authority may extend that time limit, provided that the time limit has not expired by 23 February 2021. The time limit thus extended may not exceed 12 months.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (296)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

296. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene in the case of a student (details supplied) in which they may have to miss out on their preferred college course due to a driver licence anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14522/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The scheduling of candidates’ driving theory tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the theory test service provider. I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (297)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

297. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the supports available from his Department to the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14523/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy may be aware that the Government has introduced a wide-ranging programme of supports with broad eligibility criteria for individuals and businesses, including individual operators of small public service vehicles (SPSVs), which have been adversely affected by COVID-19.  These supports include wage subsidies, rates waivers, restart grants, lending facilities, equity injection, business advisory supports, and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.

In addition to these general supports, my Department is providing funding to the National Transport Authority to enable it to waive annual vehicle licence renewal fees for 2021. Furthermore, it has increased the funding available to the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) grant scheme from €1 million in 2020 to €15 million in 2021.  In recognition of the particular difficulties faced by operators of older vehicles where the vehicle is reaching the end of its useful life, the amount payable under the scheme has doubled to €20,000 for those operators who scrap their older, high mileage vehicle for a new full electric model.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (298)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

298. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will address concerns raised by a person (details supplied); the reason persons with a full driver licence obtained abroad are compelled to undergo further testing once resident in Ireland; his views on whether this is a discriminatory practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14541/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There is a distinction between motorists with a foreign driving licence visiting Ireland and those living in Ireland. 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.

Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law. It is important to remember that driver licensing law exists to ensure that people licensed to drive on our roads meet high standards of safety. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level.

As such, all EU driving licences are exchangeable when a person moves from one Member State to another. In the case of non-EU jurisdictions, we may make bilateral agreements on licence exchange. These agreements can be made only when the relevant authorities in each jurisdiction have studied and compared the two licensing regimes, so that each side can be satisfied that they are compatible. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

In the absence of an exchange agreement, we have no option but to ask people to go through the necessary steps to obtain an Irish licence, as per the applicable EU legislation. I appreciate that this creates a burden in terms of time and cost for people who have, in many cases, a long record of safe driving. However, as a holder of a full but non-exchangable licence, an applicant can avail of the shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons instead of the usual 12, and will not have to wait the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.

Land Development Agency

Ceisteanna (299)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

299. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of his engagements with the chairman of the Land Development Agency since he became Minister; if he will provide a schedule of the roads and land development projects discussed in County Limerick.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14554/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, one of my key priorities is to promote the implementation of the National Planning Framework and facilitate better regional balance and more compact development within all our urban areas, based on the principle of 'transport lead' development. To succeed in this approach which favours the development of new housing close to sustainable transport hubs and other community facilities will require close cooperation between my Department, its agencies, local authorities and my Ministerial colleagues and officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Land Development Agency (LDA).

While I have not had a formal meeting with the Chair of the LDA since my appointment, I have had two direct discussions by phone which took place on 21 January 2021 and the 3 February 2021, in which we briefly discussed the interaction between evolving transport plans for Limerick and the activation of lands for residential development. I also updated the Chair on plans that I have asked my Department, the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail to examine regarding the rapid deployment of a new local rail network for Limerick City, and proposals for the development of the Coonagh-Knockalisheen Distributor Road.

I believe that, by working together, the two state arms of housing and transport have significant potential to transform the local environment in each of our towns and cities for the better of all local communities and I look forward to continued cooperation with my colleagues in Government and agencies such as the Land Development Agency to deliver these outcomes.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (300)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

300. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the amount of state aid granted to the Shannon Airport Authority since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic that has been for operational expenditure; the amount that has been for capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14564/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since the onset of Covid-19, Government has established a broad range of supports to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic on business.  Most of the supports - wage subsidy schemes, grants, low-cost loans, commercial rates waivers and deferred tax liabilities – are operational supports.

In terms of funding that has been allocated to Shannon Airport Authority specifically, a capital provision of €6.1 million was approved by Government in June last year to assist the airport in completing a hold baggage screening project.

Towards the end of 2020, Government also gave approval for the development of a new €32.1 million funding programme to support regional State airports in 2021.  Of this amount, €16.5 million has been allocated to capital projects and €15.6 million has been put in place to support non-economic operational activities.   Shannon Airport Authority (along with Cork Airport) is eligible to apply for supports under this Programme.  An invitation to apply for funding has issued and capital funding requests from the airports are currently being assessed by the Department.  Invitations to apply for operational funding will issue later in the year, most likely September.

In addition to the foregoing, my Department recently secured EU approval for a new Covid-19 supports package, which includes a measure to provide some compensation to all the State airports (including Dublin Airport) for damage caused by Covid-19 in 2020.  The total budget for this measure is approximately €20m.  The State Airports will shortly be invited to apply for this funding.

Irish Aviation Authority

Ceisteanna (301, 316)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

301. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the meetings his officials have had regarding the Irish Aviation Authority hybrid pension scheme in the past 18 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14573/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

316. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the reason, after the long and detailed negotiations with the IAA employee staff panel on the rescue of the deficit in the IAA staff superannuation scheme which resulted in LCR19713 (2010), this major industrial relations agreement was misleadingly represented by the IAA to his Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform during 2011 and 2012 as an agreement to amend terms and benefits of the IAA staff superannuation scheme without notifying IAA staff either individually or through their unions until late in 2018, just before LCR19713 was due to end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14797/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 316 together.

As the Deputies may be aware, the design and funding of pension schemes are governed and protected by the rules and regulatory framework set out in the Pensions Acts. All such schemes in the State must conform accordingly, and employers and Pension Scheme Trustees must engage as required with the Pensions Board. Matters relating to individual schemes are in the first instance a matter for the trustees, the employer and the staff and their representstive bodies.

In relation to the Irish Aviation Authority, Section 41 (7) of the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993 provides that a dispute on superannuation benefit may be submitted to the Minister for Transport for determination by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

I can confirm that two such submissions have been received by my Department on behalf of staff of the Irish Aviation Authority, and those submissions relate to the issues the Deputies have raised. These appeals are now with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in accordance with the statutory process and officials are engaging on those appeals.

As the appeal process is ongoing, I am not in a position to provide any further comment at this stage.

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