Written Answers Nos. 25-45
25. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if clarity will be provided on a matter (details supplied) in relation to the aviation industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23327/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish aviation sector is critical to economic development by providing a key enabler of international trade and business, including foreign direct investment and tourism. For this reason, aviation policy has, for decades, placed a priority on international connectivity. The sector is currently experiencing its most challenging crisis in its history. Many analysts are predicting that it will take several years for the sector to return to 2019 levels of activity. Traffic in 2020 was down around 80% on 2019, and revenue has fallen away dramatically as COVID-19 related restrictions on international travel continue to heavily constrain passenger traffic.
A sub-group of the National Civil Aviation Development Forum, specifically tasked with developing an Aviation Restart Plan, submitted a report dated 14 April with proposals that they believe will best provide for the restart and recovery of the aviation sector in Ireland. This report and its proposals are under review by the Department of Transport, in consultation with all relevant Government Departments. Additional clarity has been sought by the Department of Transport on operational matters.
Under the auspices of the Labour Employer Economic Forum, an aviation sub-group chaired by Minister of State Naughton, has also been charged with looking at the needs of the aviation sector in Ireland in the context of the impact of COVID-19. This sub-group is attended by delegations from labour and employer representative bodies, and is chaired by myself.
We are not yet positioned to restart aviation but are preparing the ground for when we can. Until then, Government will continue to provide support to the aviation industry through a range of measures - most notably the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, the objective of which is to maintain the link between the employer and employee, insofar as is possible. Over €200 million has already been made available in COVID-19 business supports for Irish airlines and airports.
We look forward to progressing our engagement with the aviation sector in Ireland and to working together to get international travel back on a strong footing when circumstances allow.
26. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Athy distributor route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23356/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. State grants, where applicable, are intended to supplement the funding allocated to the maintenance and improvement of roads by local authorities from their own resources.
The National Development Plan (NDP) does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate maintenance and renewal of regional and local roads. 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 schemes. In this context 12 regional and local road improvement projects were identified for development, subject to necessary approvals, in the NDP and the construction of a Distributor Road to the south of Athy connecting to the N78 is one of those schemes.
Under the Public Spending Code and the terms and conditions applying to regional and local road grants, capital projects are subject to review and approval at a number of stages. In this context, my Department recently approved this project to proceed to tender for the main construction contract.
27. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23390/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI accept that the aviation sector will continue to face a range of challenges over the coming months as the country continues to combat COVID-19. Though a protracted recovery is likely, the progress of our national vaccination programme and those of our European and other international partners will be key to recovery. My Department is monitoring the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis, in consultation with all key stakeholders and relevant Government Departments. Though we are not yet positioned to restart aviation, we are preparing the ground for when we can. Until then, Government will continue to provide support to the aviation sector. It is estimated that over €200 million in operational supports for Irish airlines and airports, have already been made available under the range of schemes provided by Goverment.
Getting international travel back up and running is vital for the continued economic well-being of this country and remains a priority for the Government. However, this can only be accomplished at a time that is safe to do so, and with public health advice fully considered.
The Government therefore welcomes the recent restart and recovery report produced by the aviation industry participants of the National Civil Aviation Development Forum (NCADF). The report contains many recommendations for consideration across Government and requires engagement across all relevant Government Departments and consultation with public health authorities, which is now underway. As part of the ongoing process, I have written to the NCADF seeking additional information and clarity on the operational readiness of the sector regarding a resumption of international travel, including detail on how passengers will travel through our airports in a safe and COVID-19 compliant manner.
28. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of park and ride facilities in each county; the details of proposed new park and ride facilities; the amount invested in park and ride facilities in 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23445/21]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including the provision of park and ride facilities generally and has established a Park and Ride Development Office as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2019.
Noting their responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
29. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses operating under the rural transport scheme; the number of kilometres this scheme covered in 2019; the number of communities this scheme serves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23446/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
30. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the inclusion of penalty points for those that park on footpaths and block access for pedestrians and wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23448/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraParking on a footpath and parking in designated bus and cycle lanes is illegal under the current Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking Regulations), as amended, and carries a fixed charge of €40, rising to €60 if not paid within 28 days.
Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 grants powers to the Minister for Transport to make regulations prescribing different amounts for fixed charge notice offences. The Department keeps these charges under constant review and can intervene to impose increases where it is deemed appropriate.
To prescribe an offence as one attracting penalty points would involve primary legislation. The offence of parking dangerously is already a penalty point offence, and an Garda Siochana may opt to use this offence to penalise drivers who have parked in such a way as to cause a danger to other road users, including pedestrians, wheelchair users, the elderly and children, including by forcing them to walk out onto the road to get around the vehicle. This reflects the general principle of applying penalty points only to those offences which directly cause a danger to road users.
While my Department is open to the possibility of introducing increases in fines for other parking offences, such changes will require engagement both with An Garda Síochána and with the local authorities so as to ensure fairness and proportionality and to take into account issues of implementation and enforcement.
31. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland will allow a review of planning permissions on a case by case basis rather than continuing with a six-kilometre sterilisation of lands adjoining the N24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23456/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management 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 current planning referral area for the N24 will be greatly reduced on the unveiling of route options and further reduced again with the determination of the preferred transport routing. In the case of the N24 Limerick Junction to Cahir scheme, June 25th next will see a major reduction of the referral area, when the route options will be put on public display. The same process will follow for the adjacent Waterford to Cahir scheme later in 2021.There is ongoing coordination between the project teams on both projects.
In this context, TII is best placed to advise you and 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.
32. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the status of his efforts to reform of the Taxi Advisory Committee. [23462/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra33. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the status of the membership of the Taxi Advisory Committee; and the organisations they represent. [23463/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra34. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether taxi drivers are fairly represented on the Taxi Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23464/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the remit of the Taxi Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23465/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra36. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the number of times the Taxi Advisory Committee has met in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23466/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra37. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the process for appointment to the Taxi Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23467/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37 together.
I would like to thank the Deputy for the opportunity to clarify the role of the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs), sometimes known as the Taxi Advisory Committee.
The Committee was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 to provide both the Minister and the NTA with advice in relation to small public service vehicles and their drivers. Neither the NTA nor the Minister are bound by any advice provided. To ensure that the Committee can provide an informed view on relevant policy and regulatory matters, its composition is prescribed by legislation to ensure that it represents a broad range of interests, and insofar as is practicable, ensures an equitable gender balance between men and women, and equitable representation from both urban and rural areas.
Drivers are an important part of the Committee’s membership, and four positions on the Committee are reserved for members who can represent driver interests. All four of these positions are filled by licenced SPSV drivers from across the country and I am satisfied that this ensures the Committee’s advice is informed by the perspective of drivers. The Committee also features dispatch operators, representatives of disabled passengers and older passengers, and members from the tourist industry, local government and from An Garda Síochána. I am of the view that one of the strengths of the Committee is this broad and diverse representation. The perspective of passengers is of particular importance in considering SPSV policy issues.
As mentioned, the role of the Advisory Committee is to provide advice to the Minister and the NTA on matters relating to the small public service vehicle sector. It is not a lobby group. As such, the agenda of this forum is not dictated solely by the concerns of driver representatives and meetings of the Advisory Committee do not replace the normal interactions that occur between taxi driver representative groups and the industry’s statutory regulator, the NTA. As Minister for Transport, I will continue to meet from time to time with representative groups as I would meet with any lobby group or interest group, and officials in my Department will continue to listen to their perspective. However, the focus of my engagement will continue to be the Advisory Committee given its statutory role. I have met with the Committee twice as Minister for Transport and I would hope to meet with the Committee again at least one more time this year.
Although the legislation prescribes the composition of the Advisory Committee, it does not provide for a specific method for filling vacancies on the Committee and, accordingly, the approach taken over the years has varied. The unpaid nature of positions on the Committee has posed a challenge in recruiting suitable candidates through open competition.
Last September I met with representatives of four taxi representative groups and invited them to put forward candidates to fill driver vacancies on the Committee. These groups, after lengthy consideration, advised the NTA in March that they would not take up these positions. As a result, officials in my Department and the NTA engaged with stakeholder groups to identify suitable candidates for the remaining vacancies with reference to the gender and regional balance requirements of the legislation. In appointing these candidates, I left open one vacancy on the Committee for the time being. I have done so because, although I respect the decision of the four taxi representative groups not to participate in the Committee, I nevertheless hope that they reconsider their position in time.
The current membership of the Committee is as follows:
|
Name |
|
Cornelius O’Donohoe (Chairperson) |
|
Fiona Brady |
|
Ann Campbell |
|
Joan Carthy (Irish Wheelchair Association) |
|
James Cawley |
|
Shajedul Chowdhury |
|
Francis Doheny |
|
Noel Ebbs |
|
Kevin Finn |
|
Peter Fleming (Beaufort Centre) |
|
Mary Henchy (Local Authorities) |
|
John Murphy |
|
Supt Thomas Murphy (An Garda Síochána) |
|
James O’Brien |
|
Martin Plummer |
|
Michelle Reid |
|
Al Ryan |
38. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the measures on foot of the announcements made on 29 April 2021 that are being introduced to allow driver testing and driver lessons along with theory testing. [23520/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Covid-19 restrictions are gradually eased, driving tests for essential workers will continue. Driving tests will also gradually recommence for those who are eligible to take the test, with those waiting longest being contacted first. First invitations will be issued later this month.
The RSA and the Department plan to reduce the waiting times and backlog of those waiting for driving tests as quickly as possible. In addition to recently recruiting 40 temporary testers, the RSA is looking to increase the number of tests to 7 per tester per day as well as extending operating hours when restrictions are lifted.
Under Level 5 Restrictions, no Essential Driving Training (EDT) sessions were permitted. However, EDT will now recommence for essential workers and for those who had not completed their EDT before the restrictions came into place. EDT will also commence for motorcyclists.
The Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service and remains closed. Because the service was closed for long periods of time over the last year, a large backlog of customers has built up. We recognise that it will take time to meet this demand and restore pre-COVID-19 waiting times when the service does reopen.
In response to this, the RSA will introduce an increase in capacity within the service when it is allowed to re-open. This additional capacity will see the number of tests increase from an average pre Covid19 output of 15,000 tests per month to 50,000 per month when the service resumes. This will help significantly to tackle the backlog of customers waiting for a driver theory test and shorten waiting times.
A pilot online driver theory test is underway for trucks and buses. This will be extended to car drivers later this month, initially with 3,200 tests being available per month. Online services will be made more widely available towards the end of 2021.
39. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the reason a lorry driver licence application was not processed for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23525/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. 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.
40. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take in relation to the proposed cuts to expressway services by Bus Éireann; if these cuts will commence on 15 May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23552/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to plans to cut the 100x expressway service; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that such a cut will leave towns such as Castlebellingham, Dunleer and Newtown Monasterboice without any public transport link to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23553/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.
Both the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators throughout the Covid-19 Emergency. The public transport system in Ireland has played an essential service role over the course of the pandemic, especially in carrying essential workers and others making necessary journeys.
In this regard, the Government agreed substantial increases to the PSO budget to support continuation of PSO services during the Covid situation in 2020 and 2021. In addition, the Government has recognised the situation of the licenced bus sector - which normally operates on a commercial basis without public subvention but which, during the Covid crisis, was in a situation where its operations were no longer commercially viable, owing to the impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers and the associated drop in fare revenue.
Therefore, last June the Government decided to introduce new, temporary financial support for certain licensed services provided by commercial bus operators to ensure the continued operation of these essential services. The Expressway business operated by Bus Éireann is one of the many commercial operations of licenced public transport services that have been able to avail of this new, temporary, Covid-related support.
The temporary support was initially introduced for a period of 6-months, with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. The NTA on behalf of my Department, entered into contracts with the licensed bus sector to provide funding for routes where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention. As it remains the case that commercial bus operators are still under severe financial distress due to the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue as a result of Covid-19, on 26 January 2021, Government decided to extend the temporary funding supports for the licensed bus sector for a further period of 3 months, with an option to extend contracts on a monthly basis thereafter. The NTA, following consultation with operators, has recently finalised a review of the scheme and as a result some changes to services are expected to be implemented later this month.
As is the case in many other sectors of the economy, despite these Government supports, Covid-19 has resulted in significant financial pressures for public transport operators. As you will be aware, Bus Éireann’s Expressway business operates on a commercial basis in competition with other, private, commercial operators in the licenced bus market. Following extensive analysis and work within the company, the decision to consolidate its Expressway network was taken by the Board of Bus Éireann in September 2020. This was a commercial decision by the company. The decision affects four routes: the Dublin/Belfast service (which ceased operations in November 2020): and services on the Dublin to Cork, Limerick and Galway routes.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement public service obligation (PSO) service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfiguring to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
42. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the cost of purchase, installation and training in respect of the introduction of night vision technology to the CHC fleet by the Irish Coast Guard. [23554/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNight Vision goggles were purchased and the 5 helicopters equipped to enable NVIS operations to take place. The costs related to this are in the region of €4m. Training of aircrew is underway. €1.7m has been paid to date towards this training.
The ability to conduct operations with the aid of Night Vision Goggles (NVG’s) brings an enhanced operational safety and situational awareness capability to Search and Rescue Helicopter Crews. This enhanced capability offers significant operational improvements for both SAR and HEMS operations. No other civil operator has introduced this capability in Ireland and it is a first for the regulator, the Irish Aviation Authority.
While the introduction was foreseen as a possibility at the outset of the contract, it was not included in the original requirement. It was intended that the capability would be introduced on a phased basis once funds were available and within safety and operational parameters. Once the equipment was installed, a training programme for all CHC crew was developed by the operator. For a variety of reasons, this programme has been interrupted and delayed, most recently owing to Covid restrictions. Once operational over the coming months, it will be a significant enhancement to the SAR service.
43. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a report on proposals for the continued realignment of the R572 from the N71 to Castletownbere fishing port; if EU funding is available for these necessary improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23558/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Strategic Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF). Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
As required under the project appraisal guidelines, an initial appraisal has been received from Cork County Council concerning the proposed realignment of the R572 at Adrigole. Following consideration of this submission by the Department, Cork County Council has been advised that further work is required on the project appraisal. The application for funding will be further considered once a revised appraisal is received. As part of the project funding appraisal form local authorities are required to outline proposed sources of funding for a scheme. In the case of the Adrigole scheme Cork County Council has indicated that it is seeking 100% funding from my Department. Possible alternative sources of funding would be for the Council to explore but as regards the regional and local roads grant programme operated by my Department, there is no funding available under an EU funding programme at present.
44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce a specific funding programme for the local improvement scheme due to the delay in having such roads repaired as discussed in Dáil Éireann (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23562/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe maintenance of roads not taken in charge by local authorities is the responsibility of the relevant landowners.
The Local Government Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). Under that Scheme, funding can be provided to local authorities for the construction and improvement of non-public roads (that is roads not taken in charge by local authorities) which meet the criteria set out in the Act. A contribution from the beneficiaries is required in all cases.
Up to 2012 my Department did provide ring-fenced funding for this scheme. However, due to the major cutbacks in roads funding arising from the post 2008 financial crisis, it was necessary for the Department to stop providing dedicated funding for LIS in 2012 and there was no funding for LIS in that year.
After that from 2013 to 2017, while there was no separate allocation for the Local Improvement Scheme, local authorities could use a proportion of their Discretionary grant for the Local Improvement Scheme if they chose to do so. The reason this approach was taken was that it was considered that Councils were best placed to decide whether to concentrate the limited grant funding available on public roads or to operate a local improvement scheme for non public roads.
In September 2017, my colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development reintroduced dedicated funding for the LIS and is continuing to fund the scheme. In light of the significant funding being put into LIS by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the need to direct resources into maintaining and renewing public roads, it was decided that the option of allocating a proportion of my Department's Discretionary grant to LIS would no longer apply from 2018. This remains the position.
While the National Development Plan 2018-2027 provides for a gradual increase in funding for regional and local roads, investment is not yet at the level needed to ensure that the public road network is being maintained adequately. For this reason, I consider that I need to continue to concentrate funding on the maintenance and renewal of the public regional and local road network together with some targeted investment in road improvement projects.
The funding for the LIS will continue to be available from the Department of Rural and Community Development in 2021.
45. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if a matter (details supplied) in relation to a shipwreck will be examined. [23567/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe relevant legislation in cases such as that referred to by the Deputy is the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993. This Act sets out the roles and responsibilities of a number of bodies.
Section 51 places the initial responsibility for removing a wreck on the owner of the vessel. However, if the appropriate authority, in this case Cork County Council, considers the wreck is or is likely to become an obstruction or danger to navigation or a threat of harm to the marine environment, or to related interests, which includes the health of the public, it shall proceed to raise and remove the wreck or otherwise render it harmless.
Section 40 of the Act provides that the Minister for Transport has the “general superintendence” of matters relating to wrecked or stranded vessels. However, further provisions outline the responsibilities from an operational perspective for other bodies.
Separate provisions apply regarding ownership, sale and proceeds for wrecks and a Receiver of Wrecks appointed under the Act deals with these matters.
As the appropriate authority under the Act, Cork County Council has taken the lead in dealing with the case in question and has taken a number of steps to date in their duties under the Act.
While the Act does allow for the removal of a wreck, it does not contain provisions in relation to the costs associated with the removal of a wreck where the sale of that wreck is not possible, and the owners of the vessel cannot be located. It is understood that no evidence of ownership or insurance has come to light yet in the case referred to by the Deputy.
Section 56 of the Act provides for an offence for a person to board or attempt to board any wrecked or stranded vessel without permission and also provides for an offence if a person interferes with a wreck in any way.
My Department has been represented by the Coast Guard at a number of inter-agency meetings on the matter. Furthermore, on foot of a recommendation in a report published by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) on the grounding of the wreck concerned, my Department has established a working group to explore the risks and potential costs to the State presented by derelict ships entering Irish territorial waters and coming ashore in Ireland and make proposals for means to identify, monitor, track and interdict derelict ships before they endanger other ships and seafarers in the vicinity.
My Department is available to attend operational inter-agency meetings on this issue. Furthermore, in light of the recent fire at the site of the wreck concerned, I have asked my officials to engage directly with Cork County Council as the appropriate authority, with a view to assessing appropriate next steps.
