Written Answers Nos. 250-269
250. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend the ten-year rule for taxi drivers with vehicles registered in 2012 given the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16312/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including age limits for vehicles, is a matter for the independent regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
251. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the assistance that is available to taxi drivers wishing to replace their vehicle with electric models. [16313/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the most recent information from the EPA and SEAI, passenger cars account for approximately half of all land transport emissions in Ireland. In addition to supporting, where feasible, switching trips to sustainable mobility options, a transition to low and zero emission cars is one of the changes necessary if Ireland is to substantially reduce its transport emissions.
Government has put in place several key policies and provided generous incentives to encourage the transition from conventional, fossil fuel vehicles towards lower-emitting fuels and technologies including electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are a prominent mitigation measure in the Climate Action Plan and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 936,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is very challenging but indicative of the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to reduce national emissions and reach its legally binding emission ceilings in future years.
The transition of the taxi and hackney fleet (technically called Small Public Service Vehicles - SPSVs) towards zero/low-emission vehicles has an important role to play in effecting a substantial reduction in transport CO2 and of air pollutant emissions, particularly in Irish towns and cities due to the high mileage travelled by these vehicles, the stop/start and idling nature of their work, as well as the predominance of fossil fuels within the sector. Increasing the uptake of electric vehicles in the SPSV sector also has a strong leadership and demonstration effect on the public, introducing more people to low/zero emission mobility options. As such, I was delighted to announce the continuation and extension of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme in 2021. The Scheme which is administered by the NTA provides enhanced supports, up to €20,000, for eligible taxi and hackney drivers switching to EVs.
In addition, at Budget time, I announced a 2021 allocation of €15 million which will support up to 750 taxi and hackney drivers in scrapping their older vehicles and replacing them with zero-emission capable electric alternatives. The scrappage scheme is open for taxis and hackneys reaching their maximum permissible age limit in 2020/21. Up to €20,000 is available for eligible drivers switching to a new all-electric vehicle and up to €32,500 for those moving to a wheelchair accessible full electric vehicle.
As a further measure to support the SPSV sector's transition to low emissions, dedicated charging infrastructure for EV taxis is currently being developed across the country. Last year, my Department funded installation of SPSV-dedicated EV charging infrastructure at Dublin and Cork airports, as well as at Heuston, Kent and Colbert train stations. My Department will support further installations for SPSV charging at key transport hubs in 2021.
Other supports to incentivise the take-up of EVs more generally include:
- Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief of up to €5,000 for battery electric vehicles and low rates of VRT for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles;
- Up to €5,000 in grant support for the private purchase of a new electric car (M1), and up to €3,800 for the purchase of a new electric van (N1) by a company or where a motor dealership is purchasing a demonstration vehicle;
- Benefit-in-kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
- Grant support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger up to a maximum of €600;
- Lowest rate of motor tax (€120 per annum) for battery electric vehicles and generally low rates of motor tax for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; and
- A discount on tolls of 50% for battery electric vehicles and 25% for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (up to a maximum amount of €500 per year with greater reductions off-peak on the M50).
252. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the additional supports his Department is considering to assist the aviation industry through Covid-19 restrictions and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16318/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including the aviation sector. These supports include the wage subsidy scheme, waiving of commercial rates, deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme, with some of these now extended to 30 June 2021. Irish airlines and airports have availed of over €200 million through these supports to date. Liquidity funding is also available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises.
In November 2020, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the aviation sector, the Government agreed a revised funding package of €80 million specifically for Irish aviation in 2021. A part of this package, over €21 million, is being provided to our Regional Airports Programme (RAP). The new RAP, published on 4 February, gives funding certainty to those airports up to 2025. Those airports eligible for RAP support are Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West (Knock). Additionally, €32 million is being provided to Cork and Shannon Airports through a new one-year COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme.
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €26 million Irish state aid scheme to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by COVID-19 and the travel restrictions imposed by Ireland to limit its spread. This scheme consists of three measures: a damage compensation measure; an aid measure to support the airport operators up to a maximum of €1.8 million per beneficiary; and an aid measure to support the uncovered fixed costs of these companies. The aid will take the form of direct grants and airports will be invited to apply for funding under this Scheme shortly.
This scheme will augment the supports already in place and help the industry to maintain connectivity and to make a recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. It cannot be excluded that further targeted supports may be required later in 2021, particularly in the event that restrictions on travel remain in place throughout the forthcoming summer season.
The Government is fully alert to the devastating impact of the global pandemic on international travel and values the critical role that aviation plays in the Irish economy. It is expected that it may be some time before it is possible to permit a large-scale return to air travel, but we remain committed to ensuring that the aviation sector can maintain the necessary core capability to retain strategic connectivity, and to quickly rebound when circumstances allow.
253. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport his views regarding essential workers (details supplied) who have partially completed their mandatory essential driver training lessons but are unable to complete their 12 lessons nor book a driving test due to current Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16327/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder level 5 restrictions, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date. Essential Driver Training (EDT) is thus currently suspended.
While my Department is fully aware of the difficulties that this poses for essential workers who have not yet completed their 12 EDT lessons, I must emphasise that this decision has been taken in line with official public health recommendations that everyone in Ireland work to limit the spread of the virus by staying at home and minimising social contacts in so far as is possible.
Officials both in my Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that EDT can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
254. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if the Irish Coast Guard will be requested to resume a dedicated specialist cliff rescue resource in the north Dublin and Fingal areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16329/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard continues to work towards resuming Cliff Rescue operations at the 17 locations around the coast, including the North Dublin & Finglas areas, which have been affected by the temporary suspension which arose from a cross-functional assessment carried by the Coast Guard. This assessment evaluated necessary actions relating to procedures, equipment, training and the oversight and assurance mechanisms necessary to ensure the continued safety of its personnel. As a matter of priority, the Irish Coast Guard is actively working on addressing all issues now identified and reinstating the provision of Cliff Rescue services as quickly as possible.
255. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of HGVs inspected by county based on the press release of 3 March 2021 from the RSA; and the number inspected with minor, major and dangerous defects in each of the years 2018 to 2020, by county. [16334/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
256. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of roadside inspection checkpoints attended by RSA vehicle inspectors in each of the years 2018 to 2020, by county based on the press release of 3 March 2021 from the RSA. [16335/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
257. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of minibuses, buses and coaches inspected by county in each of the years 2018 to 2020 based on the press release of 3 March 2021 from the RSA; and the number of minibuses, buses and coaches that were inspected found with minor, major and dangerous defects by county in each of the years 2018 to 2020. [16336/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
258. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for a reinstatement of an inbound access from the M20 Limerick southern ring road to Carew Park link Road, Limerick given that the Limerick city south regeneration committees have been effectively cut off from the national network; if he will request that Transport Infrastructure Ireland include an inbound access to the Carew Park link road in the context of the M20 project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16366/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra268. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for a reinstatement of inbound access from the M20 Limerick southern ring road to Carew Park link road in Limerick given that the Limerick city south regeneration committees have effectively been cut off from the national network; if he will request that Transport Infrastructure Ireland to include inbound access to the Carew Park link road in the context of the M20 project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16503/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 268 together.
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 as legislated by the Oireachtas 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. It would not be in accordance with the intent of the Oireachtas as expressed in the law for the Minister to issue directions on such operational matters to TII. The work of TII and its partner local authorities 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.
259. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if motorcycle lessons will be allowed to go ahead at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16378/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
260. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the level of EU funding drawn down for walking infrastructure in each of the years 2017 to 2020; the planned level of EU funding to be drawn down for walking infrastructure in each of the years 2021 to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16386/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra261. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the level of EU funding drawn down for cycling infrastructure in each of the years 2017 to 2020; the planned level of EU funding to be drawn down for cycling infrastructure in each of the years 2021 to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16387/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.
With regard to EU funds, my Department received re-imbursed funds from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) following Interreg projects Carlingford Lough Greenway, Ulster Canal Greenway (Phase 2), North West Greenways Network and North West region - Multimodal Transport Hub. The division and allocation of this fund is the responsibility of the SEUPB.
Details of the drawdowns in the years 2017 to 2020 are as follows:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2017 |
€14,339.38 |
|
2018 |
€1,357,389.81 |
|
2019 |
€2,048,321.25 |
|
2020 |
€3,276,716.31 |
Details of the forecast level of EU funding to be drawn down for the years 2021 - 2023 are as follows:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2021 |
€1,600,000 |
|
2022 |
€2,400,000 |
|
2023 |
€2,760,000 |
262. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the level of EU funding drawn down for road infrastructure in each of the years 2017 to 2020; the planned level of EU funding to be drawn down for road infrastructure in each of the years 2021 to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16388/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is the EU's funding instrument for the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) for the programming period 2014-2020. Funding under CEF is delivered in the form of co-funding grants allocated following competitive calls for proposals. Co-funding rates vary depending on the call for proposals and the type of project, generally ranging from 20% to 50% of eligible costs. Under the 2014 - 2020 programme, a total of €30.2 million had been awarded to road projects led by or involving Irish project promoters. The drawdown of EU funding provided under the CEF programme is not readily available by year.
This funding supported a variety of road infrastructure projects. These include the development and deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) for traffic management led by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the rollout of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) network by Gas Networks Ireland, and studies undertaken by Donegal County Council. The last mentioned project concerns the preparatory work required to remove bottlenecks over a length of 31 km at three road sections in Co Donegal: Ballybofey to Stranorlar; Letterkenny to Manorcunningham; and Manorcunningham to Lifford/Strabane. This covers the designs and reports required to obtain the necessary statutory and other approvals to facilitate the future construction. This project aims to enhance regional accessibility and improve connectivity and traffic flows to/from the North-West region.
Details on each of the road projects funded by CEF 2014 - 2020, are available at the following link:
https://ec.europa.eu/inea/sites/inea/files/cefpub/eu_investment_in_transport_in_ireland.pdf.
The new CEF programme for 2021 - 2027 will see approximately €11.3 billion available under the general envelope for all transport projects, open to all Member States. Negotiations on a three-year work programme for the 2021 – 2023 period are near completion. The work programme will set out the indicative budgets and types of eligible projects that can apply for co-funding grants. The aim of this is to enhance predictability and transparency for stakeholders, enabling higher quality proposals to be submitted to the EU.
In terms of road infrastructure, funding opportunities are set to continue in the fields of ITS and alternative fuel infrastructure, with a greater focus on electricity and hydrogen. It will also allow Member States with no rail network or Member States with an isolated rail network, including Ireland, to apply for the funding of road construction.
My Department and I continue to promote the CEF programme to Irish stakeholders with the aim of maximising Ireland's potential drawdown of EU funds for transport. All potential applications to the programme in the coming years, including for roads, will be considered and evaluated in the context of national priorities and Ireland's overall participation in the programme.
As the Deputy will be aware, historically, the Cohesion Fund was a significant envelope for supporting our national transport networks, including our roads. While the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has overall responsibility for EU Cohesion Policy and the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds, it should be noted that the Cohesion Fund is directed towards Member States whose Gross National Income (GNI) per inhabitant is less than 90% of the EU average. For the 2014-2020 period, the countries that qualified for the Cohesion Fund were: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. As net EU budget contributor, Ireland does not qualify for Cohesion funding.
263. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the measures that will be taken to further develop Rosslare Europort as a centre for direct shipping between Ireland and the continent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16418/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Rosslare is a Tier 2 Port under National Ports Policy and a Comprehensive Port under European TEN-T Policy.
Rosslare is unique among the State-owned ports, as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts but is instead operated on a commercial basis as a division of Iarnród Éireann with all investments funded from port revenues. This is similar to other ports in Ireland which receive no Exchequer funding and must fund all their infrastructure developments through their own resources, borrowing or through EU grant funding.
There has been a significant increase in shipping services from Rosslare direct to the continent as a result of Brexit. Rosslare reports huge demand for these services with an almost 500% increase in freight units through Rosslare when compared to the same period last year.
Iarnród Éireann and Rosslare Europort’s strategic development plans for the port over the coming years includes investment plans for €35 million in customer facilities, port infrastructure, freight facilities, port assets, new technology and linking the new entrance of the port with the proposed new port access road.
The Masterplan will allow for expansion in the port’s current key areas of RoRo freight and passenger transport.
The Department of Transport (DoT) has been advised by Iarnród Éireann that this investment is to be financed from the port’s own resources and planning approval has been granted by Wexford County Council for the development.
The Department has further been advised by Iarnród Éireann that clearance work commenced in December 2020. The company envisages the completion of this work over the course of four phases totalling between three and five years and that the port will be able to continue to operate normally while this is carried out.
In addition, with regard to the upgrade of the N11/N25 from Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour, Wexford County Council is in the process of studying feasible options for the development of this project, taking into account feedback received from local residents and community groups during the public consultation. It is currently anticipated that the preferred scheme option will be confirmed and announced by week ending 18th of July.
Wexford County Council are also progressing the N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road and the preferred scheme option was confirmed in December 2020. The Preferred Scheme Option is now progressing through Design and Environmental Evaluation, and it is anticipated that the scheme will proceed to Statutory Processes in late 2021.
The N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road will tie-into the N25 Ballygillane Roundabout which is anticipated to proceed to construction in late 2021.
264. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if a request for an exchange driver licence by a person (details supplied) will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16458/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a driving licence exchange agreement with South Africa. A holder of a South African driving licence can exchange their licence for an Irish licence on taking up residence in Ireland. Under our national legislation, all foreign licences recognised for exchange must not be expired by more than one year.
All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). While my Department does not have access to individual applications, I have been informed by the RSA that the application referred to by the Deputy is being processed, and progress is being monitored.
265. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if a review is being carried out on the NTA National Cycling Manual; if the manual is poverty, gender and age-proofed to ensure maximum uptake of cycling as an alternative mode of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16483/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware of the National Cycle Manual which was first published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2011 and is the principal source for guidance on the design of cycle facilities in Ireland. Following a review of the National Cycle Manual by the NTA I expect a revised and updated Manual to be available later this year.
Once finalised, the NTA intends to complement the publication and dissemination of the new Manual with a series of training sessions for relevant stakeholders and it is my expectation that this work, together with other initiatives planned in the area of Regional Design Offices and local authority resourcing, will result in improved outcomes across the country.
266. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the provision of additional flat surface car parking in urban centres given the commitment in the programme for Government to a modal shift to cycling, walking and public transport. [16498/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware this Government is committed to the rejuvenation of our urban centres. In my mind that rejuvenation means increasing the ‘liveability’ and quality of life for all citizens who live or visit our cities, towns and villages and making them centres of commercial, social and cultural activity for their hinterlands, whether that hinterland is urban or rural in nature.
I acknowledge that this issue is a whole of Government one and indeed one for which the Deputy’s own Department has an important role. I understand that his Department is developing new ‘sustainable settlement guidance’ to offer practical and targeted guidance towards improving practice as regards sustainable settlement planning and best practice urban design, including reducing the impact of parking on the public realm. This will type of guidance will support work underway in relation to the ‘Town Centres First' initiative which is being led by his Department and the Department for Rural and Community Development, an initiative which I very much support.
A key part of that rejuvenation of our urban centres means improving the public realm and that is recognized in the National Planning Framework through its references to same for each of the five cities and also its specific National Policy Objective 18a in respect of rural towns. I note this particular National Policy Objective is also supported within the recommendations of Our Rural Future – Rural Development Policy 2021 to 2025 which was launched this week.
Interventions in our urban centres must therefore be considered with regard to whether that intervention will improve the ‘liveability’ of the area or detract from it. I believe that a key intervention in that regard within the ambit of my Department is to increase the funding available to support improved active travel infrastructure – walking and cycling – and I am delighted that we have increased that funding and are now seeing active travel specific funding being rolled out across the country.
The Deputy may also wish to know that issue of parking in urban centres and its influence on people’s choice of transport mode is something that was raised by consultees during my Department’s consultation period on our review of sustainable mobility policy and it was also considered as part of the Five Cities Demand Management Study, which will be published very shortly.
It is my clear position that we need to promote sustainable mobility and prioritise interventions that assist, and not hinder, that promotion.
267. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of a refund for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16502/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA person whose application to renew a driving licence cannot be processed due to the recent extension provided is entitled to a full refund.
All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). My Department does not have access to individual applications. I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.
269. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the amount of motor tax collected in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [16517/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraGross motor tax receipts for 2019, 2020 and to the end of February 2021 are as follows:
|
Year |
Gross motor tax receipts (€) |
|
2019 |
964,349,811 |
|
2020 |
939,554,114 |
|
2021 (to end February) |
163,476,762 |
