Thursday, 9 Sep 2021

Written Answers Nos. 122-141

Aviation Industry

Ceisteanna (122)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

122. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to review and publish an updated national aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42186/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The National Aviation Policy (NAP) was published in August 2015. It was followed by two progress reports published in 2016 and 2019. The principal goals of the policy are to enhance Ireland's connectivity, to foster the growth of aviation enterprise and to maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development.

These objectives remain valid but clearly much has changed since 2015 in terms of the overall challenges for the aviation sector in Ireland with a renewed focus on environmental performance and of course the Covid-19 pandemic.

Before the Covid-19 crisis, officials at the Department of Transport had commenced scoping work on a revised version of the full National Aviation Policy. This work was paused during 2020 to focus on the resilience of the aviation sector to survive the crisis. Work on a full National Aviation Policy will begin again towards the end of the year. A key part of the policy development will be a comprehensive public consultation process as well as close engagement with the aviation industry through the structures of the National Civil Aviation Development Forum.

Legislative Programme

Ceisteanna (123)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

123. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to publish a drone policy for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42187/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

My Department is in the process of developing an overarching national policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The aim of the policy framework is to set out the vision, strategy, and priorities for the development of the UAS sector in Ireland. The framework will guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector over the short to medium term with the aim of supporting growth and innovation in the UAS sector while managing safety, security, environmental and other aspects. This will set out a roadmap for future activity, in response to the EU regulatory requirements and to the rapidly growing drone market, dealing with aviation aspects and broader whole-of-government aspects.

A steering group to oversee the work was established in July. Membership of the steering group is drawn from primary stakeholders from relevant Government Departments and agencies to facilitate the development of a comprehensive and integrated policy. Public consultation on a draft policy framework is planned for Spring of 2022, with the aim of publishing the finalised policy framework later in 2022.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (124)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

124. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if options are available in order to maintain the height of a tunnel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42193/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As 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 upgrading and improvovement of individual national roads and bridges 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.   In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on this scheme.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (125)

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

125. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding persons seeking to apply for a learner permit and in relation to driver licences; the timeline with which the backlog can be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42196/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

All 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.

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.

Vehicle Registration Tax

Ceisteanna (126)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

126. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will address queries by a person (details supplied) in relation to their car tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42230/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

Refunds of motor tax may be made in certain limited circumstances.   However, in order to obtain a refund, there must be at least three months remaining on a motor tax disc at the time of surrender of a disc to a licensing authority (motor tax office).  There is no provision for the making of a refund in respect of a period of motor taxation that has already expired.

There is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road where it is not going to be in use in a public place.  This is underpinned by the provisions of the Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013.  The primary purpose of the Act is to replace the system whereby a vehicle was declared off the road retrospectively with a system under which the vehicle must be declared off the road in advance.

The current procedures, only allowing for a future declaration of non-use, have been fully in force since 1st October 2013.  Under the revised procedures, an owner can indicate that a vehicle is going to be off the road by making a declaration of non-use at any time in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months.  However, if a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle, either online or through a motor tax office.

Where a declaration is not made in advance, motor tax must be paid for a minimum of 3 months, along with any arrears of motor tax, where applicable.

Motor tax legislation does not provide for exemptions in individual cases. You will appreciate the difficulties in providing for exemptions in particular cases, given that other people have had to pay arrears in motor tax where the Declaration of Non-Use of a Motor Vehicle was not made on time, and the necessity generally of maintaining a consistent approach in the application of the legislation.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (127)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

127. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of a test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42265/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

This is a 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.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (128)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

128. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the terms of reference of the Strategic Rail Review which is being commissioned in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland; the estimated timeframe for the completion of the review; the projects that will continue to be developed while this review is ongoing; the basis on which these were selected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42269/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy has stated my Department, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland, has commissioned an all-island Strategic Rail Review. I can inform the Deputy that the procurement process has been completed and Arup consultants will undertake the Review on my Department’s behalf. Preliminary work has recently commenced and the Review is scheduled to be completed within 12 months. The terms of reference were published on the Official Journal of the European Union as part of the procurement competition and I will separately supply the Deputy with those terms of reference as requested.

As the Deputy is aware, a revised National Development Plan is currently being finalised and that revised Plan will establish the funding parameters for investment for the coming decade and the outcomes for the rail network we will seek to achieve with that funding.

Obviously there are a range of projects already underway which will continue over the next 12 months such as –

- National Train Control Centre : construction will continue on the new National Train Control Centre

- Track relaying / ballast cleaning / signalling improvements etc.: work will continue across the network on these important aspects of protection and renewal as part of the Exchequer’s €1billion commitment to the protection and renewal programme which cumulatively increases service reliability and punctuality, improves journey times and ensures continued safety of the network; and

- New InterCity Railcars (ICRs): these 41 carriages are under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2022

Separately to the above, in each of the five metropolitan areas work will continue over the next 12 months in relation to progressing plans for their metropolitan area rail networks and / or rail termini. This work includes –

- Cork: work will commence on the EU funded programme to improve rail infrastructure in the Cork metropolitan area;

- DART+: it is expected that, subject to Government approval, a railway order will be lodged in relation to DART+ West and a contract concluded in relation to new fleet;

- Galway: planning and design is continuing in relation to the proposed redevelopment of Ceannt Station and Oranmore station, while next will see a review of the current Galway Transport Strategy;

- Limerick: plans for the development of the metropolitan area rail network are being considered as part of the metropolitan area transport strategy which will be finalised in the coming months; and

- Waterford: planning and design continues in relation to the previously announced relocation of Plunkett Station, while a metropolitan area transport strategy is under development.

Airport Policy

Ceisteanna (129, 141)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

129. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he has had engagements or plans to engage with organisations (details supplied) in relation to the proposals for work practice changes namely the new ways of working proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42277/21]

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

141. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that maintenance in Dublin Airport is to be outsourced to third-party contractors; if he will ensure that further privatisation of services such as cleaning and security does not occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42602/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 141 together.

In the first instance, the matters being referred to by the Deputy are industrial relations matters and therefore, a matter for the Company, the employees and the trade unions concerned.   

In response to the severe impacts of COVID-19 on the daa, in 2020 the Company embarked on a restructuring of the business and the introduction of new work practices.   

It has reached agreements on new ways of working with some 93% of staff (c. 2,100 employees).  Where daa has not reached agreement with unions and staff in relation to the introduction of these new work practices, the Company has engaged with the industrial relations institutions of the State, including the Labour Court.  

In this regard, I have been informed that following engagement with the Labour Court, some Unions and staff have not accepted the Labour Court recommendation regarding daa’s introduction of new work practices, and as a result, the Company advised staff in these areas that it was commencing engagement in relation to the provision of front-line maintenance services by a third-party provider.  

I have been informed that this may result in the transfer of staff and their activities to a third party, however, no final decision had been made in this regard.  I am also advised that daa continues to seek engagement with the trade unions in relation to this matter.

 

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (130, 175)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

130. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if he will advise on a matter raised in correspondence in relation to the Barrow railway bridge and the strategic rail review (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42294/21]

Mary Butler

Ceist:

175. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43193/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 175 together.

As the Deputies are aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The maintenance of the rail network, including 'closed' lines such as the Wexford to Waterford line, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

As is well-known there have been no scheduled passenger services on the Wexford to Waterford line in almost 11 years at this stage. Services ceased in accordance with the applicable legislative framework and subject to an agreement between Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority.

With regard to the Barrow Bridge, I am informed that Iarnód Éireann will ensure the continued functionality of the bridge through scheduled movements which will allay potential concerns that may exist as regards the permanency of the changed position. These movements will be scheduled on a quarterly basis and will be formally programmed into the Iarnród Éireann asset management computerised system. The asset management system is evidence based and allows the company demonstrate compliance with the process for audit purposes.  Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that these arrangements will ensure the continued functionality of the bridge and its associated mechanisms.  

The Deputies may also wish to be aware that a Strategic Rail Review has recently commenced which will examine all aspects of the inter-urban and inter-regional rail network. The Review will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the strategic potential of currently disused lines such as the Wexford to Waterford line. Uniquely this Review is being conducted on an all-island basis in full co-operation with the Northern Ireland Executive’s Department for Infrastructure with a final report due in 2022.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (131)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

131. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allocate staff to Ennis bus station given the very high number of staycations around the county and the lack of services available to them at Ennis bus station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42295/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As 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 operations of public transport.

I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (132)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

132. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if an electric car charging point will be installed at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42314/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A national charging infrastucture strategy is being developed which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030. My Department has begun an engagement with relevant stakeholders to inform this work and it is envisaged that the strategy will be published later this year.

€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund (CAF) to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022. This intervention alone will result in:

- 90 additional high power chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles

- 52 additional fast chargers, which may replace existing standard chargers

- 264 replacement standard chargers with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points

Further details on the progression of this project can be found at https://esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.

In light of the ESB eCars responsibility in the matter of the installation of charge points per county, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the ESB for direct response.  Please contact my Office if no reply is received within 10 working days. 

In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme continues to be available during 2021 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs. My Department has committed to reviewing the Scheme in early Autumn to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.

Thirteen local authorities have been in touch with SEAI in relation to the scheme which includes Kerry County Council.  However as of yet, Kerry County Council has not made an official application for funding under this scheme.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (133)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

133. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to implement a jury recommendation arising from a case (details supplied); and the date on which his Department last reviewed the criteria in the medical supervision of mentally ill patients in the context of driving vehicles and-or the application and or granting of a licence to drive a vehicle on a public road. [42379/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I have not had sight of any recommendation from the Coroner's Court on this matter. As the newspaper report supplied by the Deputy does not indicate that the jury made a specific recommendation in relation to driver licensing, the Deputy may wish to forward the text of the recommendation to me and I will consider any issues raised in relation to driving licences.

To drive a vehicle, a driver must meet strict medical standards. Driver fitness standards are developed on foot of EU law and international best practice. This includes any serious mental health conditions that might impair their ability to drive a vehicle safely (Annex 3 of EU Directive 2006/126/EU defines minimum standards of mental and physical fitness for driving).

On application for or renewal of a learner permit or driving licence, an applicant is asked a range of questions about medical conditions or disabilities that may affect their ability to drive. The response to those questions will dictate whether there is a need for medical certification by a GP to grant, refuse or impose restrictions on a licence or permit.

The Irish guidelines, Sláinte agus Tiomáint – Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines, are reviewed and updated annually, most recently in April 2021. The information in these Guidelines is intended to assist doctors and other healthcare professionals in advising their patients on fitness to drive, requirements for reporting to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) and guidance on review of stability, progression or improvement in these conditions. Chapter 2 of the Guidelines specifically details the roles and responsibilities of drivers, health professionals and the NDLS.

Road Traffic Accidents

Ceisteanna (134)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

134. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide information on road traffic collisions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42423/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I am forwarding this query to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply.  If the Deputy has not received a response within 10 working days he should contact my office directly.

Road Traffic Accidents

Ceisteanna (135)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

135. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide information on road traffic collisions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42424/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I am forwarding this query to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply.  If the Deputy has not received a response within 10 working days he should contact my office directly

Road Safety Authority

Ceisteanna (136)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

136. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the State about funding provided to the RSA on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42426/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The RSA has been self-financing since 2014. The RSA normally receives no Exchequer funding, other than the €139,000 provided for pension purposes. Upon inception, the RSA inherited six pensioners that transferred to the RSA on the dissolution of the National Safety Council.   

In 2021, in line with its EU obligations, Ireland is in the process of establishing an Automotive Market Surveillance Authority (AMSA). This function is being conferred on the RSA and €200,000 has been allocated in Exchequer funding for this purpose.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (137)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

137. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the engagement between his Department and the National Transport Authority with regard to the provision of replacement Bus Éireann route 20 services for passengers using free travel passes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42495/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters.  The Free Travel Scheme is a non-statutory scheme administered by the Department of Social Protection. 

While 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 basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country.  Bus Éireann operates a substantial PSO business under contract with the NTA, providing subvented bus services outside Dublin, and in regional and rural locations throughout the country. Bus Éireann also has a separate, commercially-run business, "Expressway", which operates a number of inter-regional bus routes in competition with other, private, commercial operators in the licenced bus market.  

The Covid-19 health emergency has had a profound impact on the public transport sector due to the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenues.  In this regard, the Government agreed substantial increases to the PSO budget to ensure the continuation of PSO services throughout 2020 and 2021.  In addition, the Government has recognised the impact of the pandemic on 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, in June 2020 the Government decided to introduce new, temporary financial supports for certain licensed services provided by commercial bus operators to ensure the continued operation of these essential services.  Among the commercially-operated routes that have qualified for support under the temporary scheme are most, but not all, of Bus Éireann's "Expressway" services.   Notwithstanding these supports, though, the Covid situation has still had a profound impact on the company's financial situation, that the Board of the company is obliged to address. 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. The decision impacts four routes - the X1 Dublin/Belfast service (which ceased operations in November 2020), the X12 Dublin/Limerick service (which ceased operations on 30/01/2021), the 20/X20 Dublin/Galway service (which ceased operations on the 28/07/2021) and the X8 Dublin/Cork service which is also due to cease operating.  

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 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 reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services. In light of the decision by Bus Éireann to cease operating the X20 route, the NTA completed a detailed assessment of the X20 corridor and have determined that despite Expressway’s withdrawal, sufficient connectivity is provided by the remaining operators and the public service obligation is adequately met by other rail and bus services, thereby negating the need for any further intervention on the route.

Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (138)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

138. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the RSA to retain the nursing profession as essential workers for the emergency driving test request system. [42502/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test. The scheduling of driving tests is an operational matter for the RSA, and I do not have any role in this process.

During the Covid pandemic, the driver testing service has prioritised tests for essential workers. Since May 2021, the RSA has been returning to delivering tests for all customers, while continuing to prioritise critical frontline workers who meet strict criteria for a test. This should make the overall process fairer and more transparent for all.

For this purpose, the RSA are defining a critical frontline worker as someone who works in one of the following:

- The HSE or private hospital providing health services

- the emergency services 

 They must also:

- need to drive as part of their job (this does not include commuting to and from their job).

Cycling Policy

Ceisteanna (139)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

139. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to consider making the wearing of helmets mandatory for cyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42549/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

Making the wearing of helmets compulsory for cyclists is an issue which has arisen a number of times over the years. It is a long-standing Government policy to recommend and promote the wearing of helmets. The Rules of the Road booklet encourages the use of cycle helmets and draws attention to their safety benefits, and the Road Safety Authority, the agency responsible for public education and awareness, strongly encourages their use.

However, opinion is divided internationally on whether the wearing of safety helmets is best achieved through the introduction of statutory requirements or through other strategies.  Making the wearing of helmets compulsory would raise a number of difficulties.  For example, if wearing helmets were made compulsory it would be necessary to have some kind of enforcement system with penalties, presumably fines, for cycling without a helmet.  Whilst enforcement might be possible, it could create considerable strain on Garda resources, and indeed on the courts.

International studies also show that making the wearing of helmets mandatory results in a decrease in the number of people cycling.

Cycling Policy

Ceisteanna (140)

Malcolm Noonan

Ceist:

140. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the increasingly hazardous conditions for cyclists on roads rural due to speeding from vehicles; the steps he will take to rectify the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42599/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I am acutely aware of the importance of safety for our cyclists and I am very conscious of the vulnerability of cyclists on rural roads.   This Department continues to work with and fund key stakeholders to address how road users behave on our roads in order to promote a safe and respectful approach from all users sharing the public road space.  

In particular, the Department has recently included in the Traffic Signs Manual warning signs to inform motorists of the need to keep a safe lateral distance when overtaking cyclists. It has funded a programme for the provision of such signs by road authorities. It is also working with TII to consider suitable designs for the provision of segregated cycle facilities on higher speed roads. On quieter rural roads the general approach is to promote lower speed limits along with appropriate signage including traffic calming measures where required.

Enforcement of our road traffic laws is a matter for An Garda Síochána. 

Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 129.