Thomas Gould
Ceist:126. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if the Northern Ring Road in Cork will be included in the new phase of the national development plan. [47512/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNational Development Plan
Ceisteanna (126)
Freagraí scríofa
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 revised National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this proposed project.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (127)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:127. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting time to exchange a foreign driving licence issued by a recognised state for an Irish driving licence; if his attention has been drawn to the significant delays in this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47598/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Traffic Management
Ceisteanna (128)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:128. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to introduce a congestion charge for cars in Dublin city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47611/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department commissioned the Five Cities Demand Management Study in late 2019, pursuant to Action 81 of the Climate Action Plan 2019. The purpose of the Study is to identify transport demand drivers in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway, and to assess the impact and suitability of an array of different demand management measures for each city. The Study focuses on addressing four main challenges facing our cities: decarbonisation, air quality, congestion, and, ban environment. The Study is evidence-based using insight from an extensive international best practice review, national and local stakeholder engagement and supported by detailed qualitative (Phase 1) and quantitative (Phase 2) appraisal.
The Phase 1 Report was published in April 2021 (available from:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/63517-publication-of-five-cities-demand-management-study-phase-1-report-and-toolkits/
The Phase 2 Report is anticipated in late 2021.
In recognition of the new Climate Act, which legislates for carbon neutrality by 2050 and 51% emissions reduction by 2030, my Department has engaged in analysis in recent months to reach our 2030 emission reduction target, which will be outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2021, which the Government will publish shortly. Alongside a reduction in overall travel demand and a shift to sustainable mobility, a general reduction in conventional, fossil-fuelled kilometres will be required to reduce emissions in line with this target. The Five Cities Demand Management Study will set out a range of measures that can be used to achieve this goal. While this will require a fundamental change in our approach to travel and transport, it is vital to ensure a sustainable, emission-free transport system for the future.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (129, 130, 131)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:129. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the detail of the waiting lists and waiting times at each of the driver test centres; the steps he is taking to address the exceptionally long waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47636/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
James Lawless
Ceist:130. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the efforts that are being made to combat the long driving test waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47653/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce waiting times to sit a driving test given that some persons are waiting at least six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47656/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 to 131, inclusive, together.
Details on waiting lists at each test centre are an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Due to the suspension of driver testing services in the initial pandemic response, along with the health protocols required since the resumption of services, services are operating well below normal capacity and a significant backlog has developed.
In line with the gradual reopening of services this Summer, driving tests for all those who are eligible to take the test and have been waiting longest have now recommenced. Critical frontline workers continue to be the priority for the driver testing service.
My Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to meet the growing demand for tests. An additional 40 temporary driver testers have been authorised along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. These testers have been recruited and trained and commenced testing in July.
In addition, sanction was granted at the end of June to add a further 40 testers to the cohort.
As of the 27th of September, the RSA has increased the number of tests from 6 to 7 per tester per day. Extended operating hours and expanded facilities at existing centres or new centres where appropriate include other measures being taken.
The number of tests scheduled is increasing on a gradual basis. However, it should be noted that approximately 5% of all tests scheduled are not conducted or are abandoned on the day for a number of reasons (e.g. no NCT, insurance not valid etc). In addition, it is very disappointing to note that a number of people do not turn up on the day for their scheduled test. The RSA has been working hard to reduce this “no show” rate, which was 10% and the volume of “no shows” has now dropped to an average of 2.18%.
The health of both the public and the testers themselves must take priority, and as a result it is important to recognise that it will take time to get driver testing waiting times back to normal pre-Covid levels.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 130 answered with Question No. 129.
Question No. 131 answered with Question No. 129.
Air Services
Ceisteanna (132)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:132. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the legislation currently in place that enables airlines to regard wheelchairs as luggage and which therefore limits compensation for loss or damage of a wheelchair (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47736/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air are protected by Regulation (EC) 1107/2006. Article 12 of this regulation requires that where mobility equipment or assistive devices are lost or damaged whilst being handled at the airport or transported on board aircraft, the passenger to whom the equipment belongs shall be compensated, in accordance with the rules of international, EU and national law. The rules that apply in that case are those of the Montreal Convention, which calculates compensation for damaged equipment by weight rather than value.
The final report of the Steer consultation, commissioned by the European Commission and published in 2020, recognised that this is a significant issue for disability rights, as compensation for damaged equipment may be limited to around €1,400, when the price of some mobility equipment may be much higher. I believe that a number of airlines have waived the compensation limit in the case of loss or damage to mobility equipment.
Any proposals regarding changes to the classification of mobility equipment during air travel is best considered in an EU-wide context. Regulation 1107/2006 is under review at EU level along with Regulation 261/2004 on air passenger rights. The progress this review has, however, been impacted by the international travel crisis precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (133)
Michael Creed
Ceist:133. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the details of the supports available from his Department over the past 18 months for taxi drivers that were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular with regard to pandemic unemployment payments and taxi licensing costs and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47769/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While the SPSV industry has been badly affected by COVID-19 and passenger demand for services dropped, with the result that many SPSV operators simply could not work during the pandemic, I am pleased to advise that, based on recent figures from the National Transport Authority (NTA), passenger demand for SPSV services is now rising as we progress through the next and final phase of the Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic: COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting. NTA figures also show a steady increase in the proportion of taxi drivers working over the last few months: from 36% of all drivers working in January 2021 to 62% working in June 2021. I expect these trends to continue as restrictions are lifted in line with public health advice.
I understand that at the height of the pandemic as many as 70% of SPSV drivers availed of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) which, as the Deputy will be aware, has been extended to February 2022. Self-employed SPSV operators in receipt of the PUP can continue to claim it and earn up to €960 in a given 8-week period, net of expenses. As society continues to reopen and passenger demand for taxis increases, this will become an increasingly important support for drivers as they return to work. Drivers coming off the PUP can avail of the COVID-19 Enterprise Support Grant, worth up to €1,000 to meet the costs associated with returning to work, and which will remain in place for the rest of the year for self-employed people who close their PUP claim.
In relation to standard licence renewal fees for SPSV, these were waived in 2021 and I can confirm that they will be waived again in 2022 at an estimated cost of €3 million.
Many of the major costs associated with operating a taxi, such as insurance and dispatch operator fees, can be deferred or cancelled during a period of inactivity. My Department has funded additional measures targeted at the statutory costs faced by SPSV operators which cannot be deferred. I have allocated €3.5 million towards the refund of NCT test fees and Motor Tax for SPSV operators for a 12-month period. The schemes are administered by the NTA and commenced on 1 September 2021, running until 30 August 2022.
The replacement of a vehicle is the single largest cost faced by any SPSV operator. The NTA extended age limits several times since the start of the pandemic, with standard age limits for taxis and hackneys now waived through to the end of 2022, thereby ensuring no operator exits the industry simply because of the need to replace a vehicle.
I nevertheless remain committed to supporting the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles. That is why I increased the funding available to the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) grant scheme for 2021 to €15 million, up from €1 million the previous year. I also doubled the amount payable under the scheme to €20,000 for operators who scrap older vehicles and make the switch to full electric models. The take up rate for this scheme has been exceptionally high and the scheme recently closed to new applications following the exhaustion of this year's allocation for the scheme. I expect to announce a further eSPSV scheme for 2022 as part of the forthcoming budget.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (134)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:134. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the number of and reasons for short notice cancellations of bus route 30x30 Donegal to Dublin and Dublin to Donegal to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47784/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 query raised relates to Bus Éireann's commercial service, Expressway, and I have therefore 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.
Public Sector Pensions
Ceisteanna (135)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:135. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which a CIÉ pension scheme (details supplied) will commence; and if he has engaged with the company in respect of this arrangement. [47785/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. In relation to the RWS, CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme. These changes involve significant amendments to the Scheme which are necessary in order to address the Minimum Funding Standard requirements under the Pensions Act. These changes have been agreed by the trustees of the schemes, the employees and the CIÉ Group following extensive and prolonged engagement between all parties.
There are a number of steps involved before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process. In this context, I would like to reassure the Deputy that my Department, in consultation with advisors in NewERA, are working on the draft SIs as expeditiously as possible.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (136)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:136. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that when transferring a British driving licence to an Irish version many drivers are losing access to some of their categories such as A 125cc, C1E, D1E, D1 given they have code 101 and when these drivers return to the UK even for a short trip they no longer have access to these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47800/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has a driving licence exchange agreement in place with the UK. Under that agreement, a UK driving licence holder may exchange their licence for an Irish licence with equivalent categories, subject to some exceptions.
Some UK licence categories only apply in the UK and are not exchangeable where there is no equivalent category in Ireland. Accordingly, the holders of licences with such categories are not entitled to obtain those categories on exchange of a UK licence for an Irish licence.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (137)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:137. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the status of programme for Government commitments (details supplied); if they have been completed; if not, the timeline on their progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48000/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The facilitation of the use of sustainable transport modes, including walking and cycling, by students travelling to and from school continues to be a key priority of the Government. My Department, in cooperation with the National Transport Authority (NTA), An Taisce and Cycling Ireland, has carried out significant work in this space this year, and will continue to do so into 2022.
I was delighted to launch the Safe Routes to School Programme earlier this year. This Programme aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing new or improved walking and cycling facilities. The Programme is funded directly to local authorities as part of the Department of Transport’s 2021 allocation to the NTA and is supported by the Department of Education and coordinated by An Taisce’s Green Schools team.
By the deadline of 16th April 2021, 932 applications had been received from schools in every county in Ireland. 170 schools have been included in the first round of the Programme. The schools selected were assessed against a range of criteria including school type, location and the school’s commitment to sustainable travel. The remaining schools that applied this year will not be required to reapply as they will come into the Programme on a rolling basis.
The Safe Routes to School Programme has eight stages, from Stage 1: Dissemination of Information to Stage 8: Delivery. The six-person Infrastructure Officer team in An Taisce Green Schools has already completed Stages 1 to 3 (Dissemination, Expression of Interest and Selection of Schools) and have engaged with all Local Authorities as part of Stage 4, Communication and Liaison. Stage 4 and 5 (Production of outline delivery plans ) will continue during 2021.
Stage 8 (Delivery ) is dependent on the types of interventions proposed and exact timelines are not yet available. Some simple individual projects, for example pedestrian crossings, may be completed by year end. Bigger interventions such as footpaths or cycle tracks or those that may require planning permission will take longer to deliver.
Separately, cycle parking is already actively being delivered as part of the STRS Programme. 251 schools will receive cycle parking in 2021 and approximately 380+ schools will receive cycle parking in 2022.
Additionally, Cycle Right cycle training continues to be carried out by Cycling Ireland in primary schools across the country, funded by my Department. The number of students who received training in 2021 was lower than other years due to school closures as a result of COVID-19 restrictions; however as we emerge from these restrictions Cycling Ireland aims to build on pre-COVID figures by approximately 5,000 students per annum from 2022 onwards.
In terms of Green Schools Travel, administered by An Taisce, the Department continues to fund this programme through the NTA. Noting the NTA’s role in the oversight of the Green Schools Travel programme, I have referred this PQ to the NTA for direct reply in relation to its 2021 achievements and targets for 2022 and beyond. If the Deputy does not receive a response within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Revenue Commissioners
Ceisteanna (138)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:138. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a settlement between a State agency (details supplied) and the Revenue Commissioners; if there are any agencies under his Department’s remit that have had a similar issue or have made a settlement with the Revenue Commissioners in relation to any issue in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48034/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My attention has not been drawn to a settlement between the State agency referenced (which is not under the aegis of my Department) and the Revenue Commissioners.
I have referred your question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (139)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:139. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of public order incidents recorded on the Luas in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48045/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 operation of public transport services.
The issue raised is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the Luas operator Transdev and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to TII 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
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (140)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:140. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of public order incidents recorded on Dublin Bus in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48046/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 operation of public transport services.
The issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus 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
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (141)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:141. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of public order incidents recorded on the DART in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48047/21]
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 operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann 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
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (142)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:142. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of public order incidents recorded on Bus Éireann in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48048/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 operation of public transport services.
The issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann 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.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (143, 144, 145, 146)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:143. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 23 September 2021, the 22 stations that will have their lifts upgraded by the end of 2021; the start and end dates of these works in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48162/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCian O'Callaghan
Ceist:144. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 23 September 2021, the 52 stations that are set for major investment up to 2024; the form this investment will take in each instance; the start and end dates of these works in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48163/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCian O'Callaghan
Ceist:145. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 23 September 2021, the full list of DART and commuter stations currently using the lift call system in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48164/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCian O'Callaghan
Ceist:146. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 23 September 2021, the 15 DART and commuter stations that will introduce the lift call system in 2021; when the system will be introduced in each station in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48165/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 to 146, inclusive, together.
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. Irish Rail has developed a 5-year programme, involving upgrades, renewals and improved maintenance strategies for its lifts and escalators which will provide direct benefits to customers through improved reliability and availability of lifts and escalator assets. Subject to funding, lifts in 52 stations across the rail network are earmarked for investment up to 2024. The intent of this programme is to renew and replace life-expired lifts and lifts in poor condition, to ensure the reliability and availability of lift access.
In 2020 the National Transport Authority (NTA) established a rail lift refurbishment/replacement programme, under the Capital Programme, with a €3.3m ring fenced allocation. A major part of the programme in 2020 was the upgrading of lifts at 12 stations in the Dublin Suburban area. For 2021, €3.84m was originally ring-fenced by the NTA from the Capital Programme to the Lift and Escalator Renewal Programme. An additional €2m was allocated to the Programme in November 2020, as part of Budget 2021, bringing the total allocated to the Lifts and Escalator Renewal Programme to €5.84m this year. The additional allocation will enable the acceleration of the delivery of the 5-year programme.
I have also referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct reply in relation to the specific stations mentioned. 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
Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 143.
Question No. 145 answered with Question No. 143.
Question No. 146 answered with Question No. 143.