Matt Carthy
Ceist:61. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the measures he will put in place to address the backlog in driver theory tests. [32043/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDriver Test
Ceisteanna (61)
Freagraí scríofa
In line with the further easing of restrictions, the gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres commenced on the 8th of June. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) will reopen its network of test centres and will be permitted to conduct 25,000 driver theory tests per month.
Prior to COVID-19, the RSA provided 15,000 tests per month. In light of the significant backlog of customers, the RSA will gradually increase capacity in its test centres to 25,000 tests a month.
The test centres have extensive COVID-19 measures in place to protect both customers and staff and to ensure the safe delivery of the service. It is hoped that capacity will gradually increase to 50,000 tests per month over time, if public health guidance permits.
The RSA has been working to deliver an online theory test service, with a pilot online test already underway for trucks and buses. This pilot service has now been extended to include a limited number of car and motorbike tests.
The new offering will see 4,000 online theory tests available for all categories of vehicles per month. From mid-June, the RSA plans to increase this by a further 6,000. Tests are available on a first-come-first-served basis with the new online service becoming more widely available later in the year.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 23.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (63)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:63. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if there is a timeline in place for when work will begin on the Cork commuter rail corridor following the recent announcement of funding of €185 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31857/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) sets out an ambitious programme of proposed investment in the Cork rail network which will greatly benefit the city region and facilitate compact growth in the coming years. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is working with Iarnród Éireann to develop an implementation plan to deliver the CMATS' proposals and - together with the forthcoming revision of the National Development Plan - this will be central to the way in which the public transport development envisaged by CMATS will be brought into effect over the coming years.
Furthermore, my Department is currently engaging with colleagues across Government in relation to the preparation of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The transport component of the NRRP comprises an investment in Cork's rail network to support the longer-term objective to provide electrified rail services in the Cork metropolitan area, as set out in the CMATS. This is the largest single project proposed for inclusion in the NRRP and consists of the following works:
- Construction of a new ‘through’ platform within Kent Station to create a suburban rail network between Mallow, Midleton and Cobh;
- Re-signalling of the suburban rail network (62km of track); and
- Double-tracking of current single track between Glounthaune and Midleton (approximately 6 - 8km).
In line with the requirements set by the European Union for inclusion within recovery and resilience plans all works should be completed by end 2026, while it is expected that the works at Kent Station should be completed by end 2024.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 13.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (65, 199)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:65. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the increase in freight services between counties Mayo and Waterford further demonstrates the need for the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32445/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Alan Dillon
Ceist:199. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the status of the progress of the Strategic Rail Review and work to support the expansion of railway investment including commuter services in urban areas and also regional services such as the Western Rail Corridor. [32453/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 199 together.
I very much welcome the increase in freight services referred to by the Deputy and note this new service from the West to the Port of Waterford utilizes the existing rail network from the West without the need for any additional rail infrastructure.
I do believe that rail can play a greater role in freight generally in Ireland and that role needs to be explored fully. That is why the Strategic Rail Review, which will commence very shortly, will consider the potential for rail freight on the island of Ireland.
The Strategic Rail Review will examine how to improve sustainable connectivity between the major cities, enhance regional accessibility, support balanced regional development and improve rail connectivity to our international gateways, with the latter considering the role of rail freight. The Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines.
My Department launched the procurement process in April and the tender process is underway. Once completed, I expect work on the Review itself to commence shortly thereafter. While the ultimate duration of the Review will be determined by the work programmes submitted by tenderers it is a requirement of the published request for tender that the work take no longer than 12 months.
The Review will not be considering urban commuter rail as that consideration takes place within each of the five cities’ metropolitan area transport strategies; however, obviously the Review will consider the interactions between any improved inter-urban rail service and the urban commuter rail services. There are a number of improvements planned or underway in relation to urban commuter rail, such as –
- Dublin: the DART+ programme will be brought later this year to Government for its approval under the Public Spending Code’s Decision Gate 1, which will allow the first element of the programme enter the statutory planning process;
- Greater Dublin Area: 41 additional rail carriages for the wider Greater Dublin Area commuter rail fleet are under construction with delivery scheduled for next year;
- Cork: a €185million investment in Cork’s commuter rail network has been included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan as submitted to the European Commission. Inclusion in the Plan commits toward all works being completed by late 2026;
- Galway: funding has been announced for redevelopment of Ceannt Station and track and station improvements at Oranmore and both projects are scheduled to be completed by 2024;
- Limerick: works are planned to upgrade Colbert Station, while the city’s rail network is under review as part of the development of the metropolitan area transport strategy; and
- Waterford : funding has been announced to support the move of Plunkett Station to a new location on the North Quays.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (66)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:66. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure the safety of passengers on the DART. [32247/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport. The safety and security of passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are matters first and foremost for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána.
The query raised in relation to the safety of passengers on the DART is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Aviation Industry
Ceisteanna (67)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:67. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding and his views on the job losses and reduced wages affecting workers in the aviation sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31505/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish aviation sector is critical to Ireland’s economic development, as it is a key enabler of international trade and business, including foreign direct investment and tourism. For this reason, our aviation policy places a priority on international connectivity. The sector is experiencing the most challenging crisis in its history, with many analysts predicting that it will take several years for it to return to 2019 levels of activity.
All service providers in the sector, apart from those substantially or exclusively dedicated to air cargo, have had no option but to radically address their cost base and seek to safeguard liquidity. Alongside rationalisation measures, the major service providers are shoring up their finances through increased borrowings or raising new capital.
Several public health measures have been introduced in relation to international travel, which have developed and evolved as the pandemic has progressed, with the objective of both limiting the spread of COVID-19 and limiting the presence of its variants of concern in Ireland.
The main requirement of all aviation stakeholders has been clarity from Government on a plan to permit the resumption of non-essential international air travel, and the Government outlined such a plan on 28 May, which is scheduled to begin on 19 July. This plan brings together the EU Digital COVID Certificates, pre-departure PCR testing, mandatory quarantine, and our public health measures so that international travel can operate safely. An “emergency brake” mechanism will also allow us to respond to the potential emergence of variants of concern.
While it may take some time for our aviation sector to regain the strong economic position it had at the start of the pandemic, Government has committed to ensuring that there will be no “cliff-edge” to the COVID-19 related business supports that are currently available. On 1 June, Government launched its Economic Recovery Plan 2021 with the goal of achieving rapid job creation and economic growth after the pandemic. This plan sets out new measures for businesses and affected sectors as the economy reopens, and details for existing emergency pandemic financial supports including the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), giving certainty to employers, workers, and for those who need it most. Importantly, this plan also recognised that additional support may be required for the recovery of the aviation sector.
With our vaccination programme progressing, a plan for the resumption of non-essential international travel ready and significant levels of business supports available, aviation is now positioned to begin to recover.
Action Plan for Rural Development
Ceisteanna (68)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:68. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the proposals his Department is working on in conjunction with the NTA on the Action Plan for Rural Development to work with rural communities to assess and implement improvements to existing rural transport routes and develop new rural transport routes as necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32433/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, there is a need for a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and the Programme for Government, 'Our Shared Future', commits to making public transport and active travel better and more accessible, including in rural areas..
In addition, "Our Rural Future - Rural Development Policy 2021-2025", the successor to the Action Plan for Rural Development, was officially launched on 29 March 2021. It contains a number of commitments to improve rural public transport services and pilot new transport initiatives for people of all ages and abilities living in rural areas.
The Deputy will probably be aware that my Department has already been undertaking a review of sustainable mobility policy, which incorporates a review of public transport in rural areas. In this context the Department held a public consultation process between November 2019 and February 2020, and included a stakeholder event in the course of that consultation. Over 250 submissions were received as part of this public consultation process and I published a report of the public consultation.
I intend to develop a new policy framework for the next 10 years that can provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme. The new policy statement will be informed by the review of the previous policy framework (known as Smarter Travel), submissions received during my Department's consultation process and the views and recommendations of other relevant stakeholders. It will provide a platform to advance the ambitions of the Programme for Government in the area of sustainable mobility.
Our committments in both the Programme for Government and "Our Rural Future" in relation to public transport in rural areas will be progressed in the context of that new policy statement. Among the measures we will prioritise is a Sustainable Rural Mobility Plan to ensure settlements over a certain size can connect to the national public transport system, expanding the Local Link rural transport service and prioritising public transport projects that enhance regional and rural connectivity.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has responsibility for local and rural transport, including the management of Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which operates under the Local Link brand.
The NTA has undertaken a nationwide study to inform its approach to rolling out improved public transport across the country (excluding the GDA, Regional Cities and Large Towns) by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking them with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.
Arising from this study, I am advised that the NTA has now completed the first phase of consultation on its proposals, titled 'Connecting Ireland', with all Local Authorities and is now engaging with Regional Authorities and other key stakeholders. This will be followed by a wider public consultation in Q3 2021 prior to finalisation of the proposals by the NTA and submission to my Department.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (69)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:69. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if rapid antigen testing will be put in place in order to accommodate the opening of international travel over the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31856/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Our public health authorities are responsible for determining the most appropriate testing regimes for COVID-19 in Ireland, and Government is guided by their recommendations. The Government has decided that for testing for inbound international travel to Ireland a Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is currently the only test that is accepted.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (70)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:70. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to disparities in sustainable transport access in Cork city. [32436/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can assure the Deputy that I am fully aware of the need to improve sustainable mobility services and infrastructure in the Cork metropolitan area.
As he is likely aware, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), which was published last year, sets out an ambitious programme of proposed investment in sustainable mobility for the city in the coming years. The Strategy adopts the multi-modal approach to transport planning that has proven successful in many city regions internationally; it provides the necessary evidence-based, and plan-led framework that can guide investment in Cork over the short, medium and longer term. This type of approach is exactly the type of long-term planning needed to ensure effective transport access.
The CMATS has a number of significant public transport proposals across bus, commuter rail and light rail together with the proposed transformation of active travel infrastructure in the city region. I am glad to say there are a number of important steps already in progress in this regard.
The Deputy will be aware that the CMATS involves the delivery of a BusConnects Cork programme of improved bus and active travel infrastructure and a redesigned network of bus services.
Complementing this investment, it is also proposed to develop a light rail service running on an east to west corridor across the city and, in advance of its introduction, BusConnects Cork will deliver a high-capacity, high-frequency bus corridor along the route.
Route options analysis has started on both the BusConnects infrastructure project and the light rail proposal, while work has also started on the BusConnects network redesign.
The Deputy may also be aware that a €185 million investment in Cork’s commuter rail network project was recently announced as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The transport component of the NRRP comprises an investment in Cork's rail network to support the longer-term objective to provide electrified rail services in the Cork metropolitan area, as set out in the CMATS. This is the largest single project proposed for inclusion in the NRRP and consists of the following works:
- Construction of a new ‘through’ platform within Kent Station to create a suburban rail network between Mallow, Midleton and Cobh;
- Re-signalling of the suburban rail network (62km of track); and
- Double-tracking of current single track between Glounthaune and Midleton (approximately 6 - 8km).
In line with the requirements set by the European Union for inclusion within recovery and resilience plans all works should be completed by end 2026, while it is expected that the works at Kent Station should be completed by end 2024.
I hope the Deputy can see that we are progressing with implementation of the CMATS and expanding sustainable mobility options in Cork city.
Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 5.
Aviation Industry
Ceisteanna (72)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:72. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding and status of the chairperson of the Shannon Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32427/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to advise the Deputy that the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is carrying out a selection process for the position of Chairperson of the Board of Shannon Group. I understand that PAS will forward a shortlist of suitable candidates to me for consideration next month.
I am conscious that this is an important and challenging time for Shannon Group and I intend to appoint a new Chairperson to this key position as soon as possible thereafter.
Aviation Industry
Ceisteanna (73)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:73. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when a new chairperson to the board of the Shannon Group will be appointed. [32119/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to advise the Deputy that the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is carrying out a selection process for the position of Chairperson of the Board of Shannon Group. I understand that PAS will forward a shortlist of suitable candidates to me for consideration next month. I will make the appointment as soon as possible therafter.
Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 52.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (75)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:75. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to proposed changes to routes operating out of Clontarf garage as part of the proposed BusConnects plans and that the proposed rostered and schedules connected with this first phase of BusConnects represents a severe diminution of drivers existing rosters and schedules; if it is not the intention of Government or the NTA to use the BusConnects plans to introduce changes to drivers' existing rights or conditions without prior agreement; if he has or plans to meet with workers’ representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32211/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects.
With regard to the Deputy's question in relation to the impact of the proposed first phase of BusConnects on drivers existing rights and conditions, I wish to advise the Deputy that the terms and conditions of employees are a matter for the relevant companies (in this case Dublin Bus) and do not fall within my remit as Minister for Transport. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (76, 81)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:76. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the status of the implementation of the EU Covid Digital Certificate in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31925/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:81. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the preparations his Department has taken to date regarding the EU digital Covid certificate; the expected timeframe for introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32425/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 81 together.
Government has been clear in expressing its support for the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) proposal and welcomes the agreement reached between the Council and European Parliament which will enable roll-out of the system and allow DCCs to begin to be issued to EU citizens in the coming weeks. I can advise the Deputy that the Department of Health in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach are continuing the work to ensure Ireland is in a position to comply with the EUDCC as required.
From 19 July, subject to the prevailing public health situation, Ireland will implement new arrangements for travel to ireland based on the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC). A DCC will show if a passenger is vaccinated against COVID-19; has recovered from COVID-19; or has a negative test result.
Passengers arriving into Ireland from an EU/EEA Member State with a DCC will not have to undergo quarantine. However, passengers with a DCC based on a non-PCR test (for example, an antigen test), or those arriving without a DCC, will require proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Children aged between 7 and 18 who have not been vaccinated must also have a negative RT-PCR test.
A passenger who has been in a non-EU/EEA country in the 14 days prior to arrival into Ireland will be subject to the rules applying to travel from that country which, in some cases, may require quarantine at a designated hotel.
All passengers will be advised to observe public health restrictions and to present for post-arrival testing if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.
It is important to note that the EU DCC is not a travel document. The possession of an EU DCC will not be a precondition to travel. Individual Member States will determine how the DCC will be used as part of national public health measures.
Furthermore, from 19 July, Ireland will also broadly align itself to the EU approach to non-essential travel into the EU from third countries (outside EU/EEA).
To protect its citizens against the importation of variants, an ‘emergency brake’ mechanism will be coordinated at EU level to react swiftly to the emergence of a variant of concern or variant of interest.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (77)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:77. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made with the R312 from Castlebar to Bellacorick; the status of the new bridge on the R312 as it passes Glenisland; if additional funding will be committed to projects on the R312 to improve road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31758/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' 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.
Mayo County Council received an allocation of €850,000 this year under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme to progress the road re-alignment and bridge replacement scheme at Glenisland on the R312. My Department understands that construction of the scheme is well advanced. To date in 2021, Mayo Council has drawndown €358,313 for this project.
As regards further projects on the R312, any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific/Strategic Grant Programmes 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 road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
My Department has not received any further applications from Mayo County Council for additional specific improvements works on the R312.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (78)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:78. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has held with public transport operators to discuss measures to curb antisocial behaviour on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32460/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport.
The safety and security of passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are matters first and foremost for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has also engaged with public transport operators regarding the issue of anti-social behaviour.
I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA, Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which has contracted Transdev to operate the Luas, for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Taxi Licences
Ceisteanna (79)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:79. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider implementing a moratorium on the issuing of new taxi licences for 2022 recognising the need for existing taxi drivers to resume full-time work after the pandemic. [32438/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is widespread awareness of the acute difficulties facing the taxi industry today. Since the pandemic started the number of licenced vehicles has declined and very few people are choosing to enter the industry. In view of that reality I don’t see how a moratorium would deliver any real benefit to anyone.
The Government has not exercised quantitative controls on taxi licences for nearly two decades. The consequences of such quantitative controls in the past were that passengers routinely endured lengthy queues for taxis at ranks. Dublin in particular suffered from a chronic undersupply of taxis. A moratorium on the issuance of licences would not serve the interests of those who use taxis and I do not support it. There are no plans to reintroduce such controls.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (80)
Mick Barry
Ceist:80. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport his engagements with trade unions, employees and the management of CIÉ in relation to the underfunding in the company’s pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32417/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
The CIÉ Group has two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”) and issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees. Officials from my Department have regular engagement with CIÉ on matters relating to the corporate governance of the Group, including matters relating to the pension schemes.
In relation to the RWS, CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme, and these drafts are now being considered by my Department.
Concerning the 1951 pension scheme, members of the scheme were recently balloted regarding the Labour Court Recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020, with a majority of the members voting to accept the proposals. CIÉ have recently written to me advising that they intend to begin the process of amending the Statutory Instruments to implement the Labour Court Recommendation. I understand that CIÉ has also advised the Pensions Authority and the ‘1951’ Pension Scheme Trustees and Committee of this development.