Written Answers Nos. 156-173
157. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the findings of the review into the north-south interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41137/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe North-South interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the all-island single electricity market and increasing security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will also help Ireland to move towards our 70% renewable electricity target by 2030. A resilient and well-connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland's economic well-being and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers. The option of undergrounding the North-South interconnector has been comprehensively assessed on several occasions. Most recently, the key finding from the international expert commission's report of October 2018 was that an overhead line remains the most appropriate option for this critical electricity infrastructure.
Notwithstanding this, I decided to commission a further short review to assess if the overall finding from the 2018 report remains valid. Terms of reference for this study were published on my Department's website on 21 April. On 7 May, my Department initiated a procurement process to appoint an independent expert to undertake the review. I expect that international grid experts will be appointed shortly and that the review will commence with a view to completion as soon as possible.
The project has been approved by the planning authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland although the planning consent in Northern Ireland is the subject of judicial review proceedings which are not yet concluded.
158. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost of bringing waste collection services back into public ownership. [41191/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are responsible for municipal waste collection within their functional areas. The obligations on local authorities in relation to collecting household waste are set out in section 33 of the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended. In summary, it provides that each local authority shall collect, or arrange for the collection of, household waste within its functional area. The obligation to collect or arrange for the collection of household waste shall not apply if: - an adequate waste collection service is available in the local authority's functional area,
- the estimated costs of the collection of the waste would, in the opinion of the local authority, be unreasonably high, or
- the local authority is satisfied that adequate arrangements for the disposal of the waste concerned can reasonably be made by the holder of the waste.
It is open to any local authority to re-enter the waste collection market as direct service providers if they so choose, either alongside existing permitted service providers or subject to making arrangements to replace those providers.
Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996 I am, as Minister, precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
159. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost in 2022 of subsidies for fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41192/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost in 2022 of subsidies for peat production. [41193/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together. The projections sought by the Deputy, for the estimated cost in 2022 of subsidies for fossil fuels and peat production, are not compiled by my Department.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has compiled and published a historical statistical series outlining direct (Exchequer and non-Exchequer) and indirect (tax expenditures) subsidies for fossil fuel generation and production for the years 2000 – 2019, which can be found on the website of the CSO: www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/ffes/fossilfuelsubsidies2019/.
161. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the role or responsibility of the National Cyber Security Centre in the context of national defence and security. [41409/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has a broad remit across the cyber security of Government ICT and critical national infrastructure. The Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) is the key cyber security response entity within the NCSC. The CSIRT acts as a central contact point in the event of a government or nation-wide cyber security incident affecting the State, including the provision of advisory notices to its core group of government departments, state agencies, and organisations responsible for critical national infrastructure. The role and functions of the CSIRT are set out in the European Union (Measures for a High Common Level of Security of Network and Information Systems) Regulations 2018, S.I. No. 360 of 2018.
The NCSC works collaboratively with the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and the National Security Analysis Centre (NSAC) in the Department of the Taoiseach and there are long standing arrangements for staff secondments from the Defence Forces and Gardaí into the NCSC. The NCSC also works closely with the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) in the Department of Defence and leads with respect to a Threat Sharing Group comprising senior private sector cyber security specialists, critical infrastructure operators, the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána.
162. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the N81 Tallaght to Hollywood crossroad improvement scheme; his plans to progress the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40288/21]
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 improvement and upgrading 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 proposed N81 Tallaght to Hollywood Cross road improvement scheme is not included amongst those projects which have been identified for development during the period of the current NDP 2018-2027 and the advancement of the proposed scheme cannot, therefore, be accommodated in the national roads programme at present. However, TII is working with South Dublin County Council and Wicklow County Council to improve sections of the route under the Pavement Schemes programme. Please note that the NDP is currently under review, including for the period out to 2030.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
163. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed extension of the Luas line to Bray, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40289/21]
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 light rail.
The issue of a Luas extension to Bray was considered as part of the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, published in 2016, with some funding toward appraisal, planning and design referenced in the National Development Plan. The issue will be reconsidered as part of the ongoing review of the Transport Strategy which is underway and on which I understand there will be a further public consultation later in the year.
Given their responsibility in relation to this matter, I have forwarded your query to the NTA for a direct reply. Please notify my office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.
164. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the capacity and frequency of the Dublin to Rosslare rail service route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40291/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to increase the number of DARTs servicing Greystones per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40292/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra167. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to introduce a DART feeder shuttle service from Arklow, Wicklow and Greystones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40294/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 164, 165 and 167 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding relating to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport.
The issues raised are a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
166. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to carry out a feasibility study of the south eastern railway line in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40293/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if a feasibility study has been carried out on the use of battery powered trains on the Greystones south eastern line; if so, the stage plans are at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40295/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 168 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of 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 any feasibility studies conducted.
The Deputy may be aware that the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, including Wicklow is currently under review. The output of this review will provide for a revised twenty year framework for transport infrastructure and services across the region, including Wicklow.
In relation to the potential use of battery trains on the line south of Greystones, the DART+ programme extends as far as Greystones; however, I understand the optimal operational usage of fleet including battery electric fleet across the Greater Dublin Area network is being considered by the NTA and Iarnród Éireann.
Finally I would also note that there are plans to develop, and later implement, a programme of works on the rail line in Wicklow to address issues caused by coastal erosion.
In view of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
169. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be made available to Cork County Council to progress the proposed northern relief road in Bantry, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40752/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), which is currently under review, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this proposed project, pending also the Government's proposed review of the NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
170. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the length of time the process for the International Shipping and Port Facility Security certification for a harbour takes from submission of application to approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40889/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) is a part of the International Maritime Organisation's SOLAS Convention and is implemented by means of EU Regulation 725/2004 on Enhancing Ship and Port Facility Security. The main objective of the Regulation and the ISPS Code is to introduce measures aimed at enhancing the security of ships used in international trade and domestic shipping and associated port facilities in the face of threats of intentional unlawful acts.
The process of seeking approval is a matter for the port facility operator to manage and the length of time to process an application varies depending on many matters including the complexity of the facility and any iterations and commenting process involved. As part of the process a port facility security assessment must be carried out, reviewed and approved in accordance with the provisions of ISPS Code and EU Regulation. A port facility security plan must also be developed, reviewed, approved and implemented in accordance with the provisions of the ISPS Code and Regulation. No time period is set out for these processes, and it is not possible to give a particular time frame.
However, officials from the Marine Survey Office of my Department work closely with applicants to ensure that the process is managed in an efficient and effective manner and they have ongoing engagement throughout the process with the applicant and also after approval to ensure effective implementation and to address any required modifications to the assessment and plan.
171. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with business representative groups in relation to the additional problems and increased costs arising from lack of air freight and shipping capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41329/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the subsequent mass grounding of passenger aircraft fleets, there has been a decrease in air cargo capacity and an increase in air cargo costs. Throughout the Pandemic, contact has neem maintained with business representative organisations regarding such capacity and cost. A substantial share of air cargo was previously transported in the belly hold of passenger aircraft, and the loss of that capacity means that there has been an upward pressure on air cargo rates. The resumption of non-essential international travel, from 19 July, should bring back some cargo capacity on scheduled passenger air services.
In terms of shipping capacity for freight, the maritime supply chain has adjusted rapidly to the challenges presented by both the COVID-19 Pandemic and the end of the Brexit transition. Shipping operators have demonstrated their agility in responding quickly to move capacity to where it has been required to serve business needs. In early 2020, there were 26 weekly RoRo freight sailings to continental Europe. There are now over 60 RoRo freight sailings to continental Europe in a typical week (this includes both accompanied and unaccompanied freight). The increase in choice and frequency in the RoRo freight market has had a very significant impact on freight capacity to continental EU ports. Weekly RoRo freight capacity to continental EU ports has doubled in the past 12 months. There is now capacity for approximately 5,000 additional HGV’s and unaccompanied trailers on continental RoRo services per week since the start of 2021.
While the shipping sector has demonstrated its resilience and robustness over the last 18 months I am keenly aware of the growing cost of cargo shipping to Ireland. The recent rise in shipping costs is a global issue. In the first half of 2021, the volume of goods traded globally has increased significantly. Surging demand coupled with moderate supply growth is the cause of the current upward pressure on shipping charter rates. The surging demand is evident on all major containership routes. Disruption to supply lines during initial waves of the pandemic has meant that capacity in the containership industry has not kept pace with demand, driving shipping charter rates upward.
The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) monitors maritime traffic, trade and the global shipping market data and publishes the Irish Maritime Transport Economist (IMTE) each year. I am informed by the IMDO that since the start of the summer the surge in global goods trade has continued, which has led to continued upward pressure on freight rates. The IMTE notes that the market is expected to return to more ‘normal’ levels as demand for services increases as more economies fully reopen.
I can assure the Deputy that over the course of the last 16 months my officials and I have met, and worked to resolve issues where possible, with stakeholders from the shipping, aviation, haulage and exporter associations in relation to the range of issues they are experiencing due to COVID-19 and Brexit. We continue to monitor these evolving matters.
172. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the progress of accessibility refurbishment of Carlow railway station; when the new wheelchair accessible lift will be open for public use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39067/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
As the issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance, I have forwarded the your Question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
173. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the financial assistance grants that are available to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39080/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial and competitive basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country.
Both the NTA and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators throughout the crisis to help inform policy decisions in relation to the public transport sector as we continue to deal with the impact of Covid-19.
Public transport is a key facilitator of interaction in the economy and society. It is an efficient and sustainable way of getting people to work, education, shopping and other social engagements. The essential nature of these services has been acknowledged a number of times by the Government in recent months, most notably in the decision to provide additional funding for public service obligation (PSO) services and the introduction of temporary funding measures for the licensed bus sector.
In June 2020 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 temporary support was initially introduced for a period of 6-months. However, 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.
In relation to coach tourism - a fund of €10m was made available under the 2020 July Stimulus package to assist the Coach Tourism sector. The Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme is administered by Fáilte Ireland and is under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin.
Furthermore, the Government's Economic Recovery Plan has extended the period during which a range of horizontal and business supports will be available to enterprises and workers in all sectors of the economy. Such as, extending the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme to 31 December 2021, extending the Pandemic Unemployment Payment beyond 30 June 2021 and extending the Commercial Rates Waiver to end-September 2021.
Business owners may also wish to contact their Local Enterprise Office who can advise of supports that may be available for their business.
