Written Answers Nos. 270-289
270. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if the extension granted to the expiry dates of some Irish driver licences will be extended to the 12-month grace period on licences from the United Arab Emirates given the current restrictions in accessing driver licences and test dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16523/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a distinction between motorists with a foreign driving licence visiting Ireland and those living in Ireland. For non-residents, under the Convention on Road Traffic 1949 (Geneva Convention) drivers from Contracting States carrying a valid driver’s licence can drive on each other’s roads for up to a year when visiting.
If a person is resident in Ireland, they must have an Irish/EU driving licence.
Ireland has entered into driving licence exchange agreements with some countries. In such cases, a foreign driving licence that has expired by no more than 12 months will be accepted for exchange. The licence is only recognised for exchange purposes and is not valid for driving in Ireland. Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with the United Arab Emirates.
Ireland cannot extend the validity of a driving licence issued by another jurisdiction, nor can we unilaterally amend the provisions of an international Convention.
271. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if the recently announced Safe Routes to Schools programme will fund a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16568/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted to recently launch Safe Routes to School which will support active travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country. The programme will see circa €15 million of funding this year to support walking/scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools.
As the Deputy is probably aware, the Safe Routes to School programme aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing walking and cycling facilities.
All schools are eligible to apply to the programme and information has recently been circulated from the Departments of Education and Transport to schools nationwide. The selected schools will be guided through the application process and will work with a designated infrastructure officer from Green-Schools who will liaise with the school and local authority as works are planned and carried out.
Schools will be selected for participation in the coming months in the programme for 2021 based on a mix of criteria including school type, location and school’s commitment to sustainable travel. The programme will select a number of schools for participation this year, with further opportunities for schools that are not successful in their application to reapply at a later date.
272. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the Irish Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16575/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard is currently undertaking a reform with the further development of its Safety Management System and Quality Assurance programmes. To assist with the programme of continual improvement there have been several improvements made to training, equipment and procedures which in the recent past has necessitated the temporary suspension of operations, i.e., boat and cliff functions, to facilitate the necessary improvements to the safety of the volunteers.
The Irish Coast Guard continues to work on the various recommendations of the MCIB report into the tragic loss of Caitriona Lucas which has in this case resulted in necessary improvements to the training for the crews of the boat units.
The recent temporary suspension of cliff operations was based on a risk assessment and was necessary to address safety matters within this function. The Irish Coast Guard is working to address these matters, as a priority, to re-instate the services at the earliest opportunity. The Irish Coast Guard has been in regular contact with the Cliff Unit Officers in Charge and have outlined the plan to address these matters. This plan has been shared with all Cliff units who are continually updated on the progress of the various matters being addressed.
The necessary improvements within the Irish Coast Guard, in this instance in the cliff rescue function, have been introduced to deliver effective oversight and management of the volunteer Coast Guard Units and to ensure that the Department meets its obligations in terms of securing and managing the health and safety of the volunteers while conducting Coast Guard activities. The Irish Coast Guard continues to take a pro-active approach to the safety of volunteers and will continue to mitigate risks to the volunteer Coast Guard units as they serve their local communities.
The contribution of over 900 volunteers to delivering on the mission statement of the Irish Coast Guard is most noteworthy. The Irish Coast Guard is committed to supporting the Coast Guard units who are manned with dedicated volunteers who give, with the support of their families, so freely of their time and energy. Equally the Irish Coast Guard will continue to discharge its duty of care to the volunteers by ensuring that the service is fit for purpose and is subjected to necessary improvements as and when they are required.
273. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to instances of litigation or the threat of litigation arising from the inclusion of social clauses in public procurement contracts in each of the years 2017 to 2020. [16603/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is not aware of any instances of litigation or the threat of litigation arising from the inclusion of social clauses in public procurement contracts in each of the years 2017 to 2020.
274. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to fund local authorities on an ongoing basis to ensure that greenways are properly maintained once they are opened to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16607/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced €63.5m in funding for Greenways in 2021 which includes an increase from 60% to 100% funding for the construction of nine greenways co-funded under the first call under the Strategy for the Future Development of Regional and National Greenways in 2019 . This was in recognition of the co-funding challenge for Local Authorities as a result of COVID Public Health Emergency measures.
Local Authorities are currently required to factor in the cost of maintaining greenways from their own resources when putting forward projects for construction funding. However, I intend to examine this issue ahead of the next round of funding for Greenways, which will comprise of a call for applications for both pre-construction funding and construction funding. I expect to issue that call later this year.
275. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the queries raised in correspondence from a person (details supplied) in relation to taking a holiday abroad in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16692/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraConsumer rights for overseas travel are protected under EU law, which of course applies in Ireland. Air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of airline passengers in instances of flight cancellations. It provides that where a flight is cancelled then the consumer must receive a refund within seven days. The EU Package Travel Directive provides a separate suite of consumer protections for people who make bookings through a licensed travel agent or tour operator. The customers of licensed travel agents and tour operators are entitled to refund within two weeks should they or their holiday provider cancel the booking.
While the legal position is one aspect, I have also sought clarification from both Aer Lingus and Ryanair on their current rebooking policies, particularly in the light of customers choosing not to travel. Aer Lingus has indicated that under their “Book with Confidence” policy - covering all flights scheduled to run until the end of 2021 including those who may have already re-booked for a future travel date – customers are able to change their travel date free of charge, as many times as they wish up to 2 hours before their flight. They also indicate that passengers may swap their booking for a voucher and that their vouchers are valid for 5 years.
Ryanair has stated that the expiry dates for vouchers that were issued last year have been extended to enable passengers to make bookings when travel is open again. In this vein, rebooking can also be made with no charge of flight fee for travel before 31 Oct 2021. Vouchers that were offered to customers whose flights were cancelled can be converted to cash at any time or can be redeemed for future bookings.
If any individuals are unclear about their rights, the Commission for Aviation Regulation has a dedicated web site for consumers www.flightrights.ie.
276. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) who has lived in Ireland since the age of four in 1972 and has held an Irish driver licence since 1998, can renew their driver licence without proof of residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16729/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll 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.
277. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if an aircraft (details supplied) that landed at Shannon Airport was approved to transport weapons or other US military cargo through the airport; if its passengers and crew who stayed overnight fully complied with the Covid-19 regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16731/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo exemption, pursuant to Article 5 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989, was granted for the flight in question.
Enforcement of COVID-19 Regulations are a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau, who undertake checks on arriving passengers at Shannon Airport to ensure they are in compliance.
I have forwarded the other elements of your question to Shannon Group plc. for direct reply. If you do not receive a reply from the Company within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
278. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a bus stop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16753/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra285. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided for new bus shelters in County Tipperary during the remainder of 2021; and the plans for 2022 in this regard. [16879/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 285 together.
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 the provision of bus stops and shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
279. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport when the initial basic training for motorcyclists will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16803/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra286. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on the difficulties that essential workers currently experience in trying to secure a full driver licence, as they are exempt from the Covid-19 related ban on taking a driving test but are unable to do so due to the fact the current restrictions make it difficult to complete the mandatory 12 driver lessons in advance; if he will take steps to ensure that essential workers can complete their required number of lessons in order that they can take the test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16896/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 286 together.
Under current level 5 restrictions both Essential Driver Training (EDT) for cars and Initial Basic Training (IBT) for motorcycles are 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 my Department is fully aware of the difficulties that this poses for essential workers who have not yet completed their 12 EDT or IBT 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 and IBT can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
280. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the options available to Irish citizens that need to travel on essential business in cases in which their driver licence is out of date; if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16804/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent extension to the validity of driving licences was made by EU Regulation 2021/267 and is recognised across all EU Member States. Holders of Irish driving licences that have been extended under the EU Regulation should not experience any difficulties while driving in the EU.
281. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the impact current learner driver regulations are having on persons who move to or return to Ireland and can demonstrate a significant track record of driving abroad; if he will consider waiving the unaccompanied regulations for this cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16815/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish 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).
When people come to Ireland with a non-exchangeable licence, we have no option but to require them to go through the process of obtaining an Irish licence. This is a matter of public safety. While many may have a safe driving record, we have no way of measuring this.
People with a full but non-exchangeable licence go through the normal driver learning process but can avail of the shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons instead of the usual 12, and they do not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
It is important to clarify that a learner permit is not a licence, but a permit to allow a person to drive while learning. There will be no exceptions to the current laws in force around learner drivers. An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by An Garda Síochána may face penalty points, a fixed charge, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution.
282. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of new learner permit holders that held foreign licensed driving experience from 2016 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16816/21]
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.
283. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner permit holders by age group 17 to 24, 25 to 34, 35 to 44, 45 to 54, 55 to 64 and aged 65 and over from 1 January 2016 to 1 January 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16817/21]
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.
284. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to increase the capacity for a Dublin Bus route (details supplied) which accommodates County Wicklow and which is experiencing an increase in demand due to the reopening of secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16872/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 was designated amongst the essential services that have continued to operate during the Covid crisis. I would like to thank 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 safe operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.
The Government's "Living with Covid Plan" and subsequent "Recovery and Resilience Plan" sets out capacity guidance for public transport at each of the 5 risk levels identified in the Plan and provides guidance for the public about using public transport at the different risk levels, including that wearing face coverings is mandatory and encouraging the use of off-peak services and sustainable active travel alternative options, where feasible.
As you are aware, the country moved from Level 3 to Level 5 of the Plan with a number of specific adjustments at midnight on 24 December 2020 meaning public transport went from using 50% to 25% of vehicle capacity with effect from 26 December. Further announcements were made by An Taoiseach on 30 December and 6 January 2021 introducing additional health restrictions with public transport continuing to operate at 25% of vehicle capacity. Since then, the NTA has advised customers to continue to only use public transport for necessary journeys and to avoid peak-time travel. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most, in particular frontline workers and students.
Both my Department and the NTA are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice.
With regard to the Deputy's query in relation to the 84X route, this is an operational matter for the NTA in conjunction with Dublin Bus. Therefore I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
287. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport when the new chairperson of Shannon Airport will be appointed. [16897/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for his question in relation to the appointment of a new Chairperson to Shannon Group. I am conscious that this is an important and challenging time for Shannon Group and I intend to appoint a new Chairperson as soon as possible.
288. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport the status of the resumption of cliff rescue services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16909/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard continues to work towards resuming Cliff Rescue operations at the 17 locations around the coast, 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.
289. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to provide funding to local authorities to conduct feasibility studies for greenways and develop greenway projects to reach a shovel-ready status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16987/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department allocated funding €4.5m to 26 projects under the Carbon Tax Fund in 2020 to support feasibility, planning, design and other pre-construction work for National and Regional Greenways. Some of this funding carried over into this year contributing to the largest ever single year allocation of funding for Greenways of €63.5m. I also note that today the NTA have allocated €72.8m towards cycling and walking infrastructure projects in our rural towns and villages. We are seeing a step-change in funding for walking and cycling infrastructure all around the country, not just in our cities.
This will facilitate a pipeline of construction-ready greenway projects for the next call for proposals under the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways which should be open for proposals in quarter four of this year. It is hoped to include pre-construction and construction elements in this call.
I look forward to good quality projects being put forward under the next call for proposals for the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways as these greenways can both attract visitors and assist in regenerating rural communities, as well as providing a sustainable and healthy commuting option when linked into communities along their routes.
