Written Answers Nos. 171-193
171. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be given to the local authority in County Kerry for the installation of more electric car charging stations in Killarney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58256/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra175. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport his role in the roll-out of electric vehicle charging points; the action his Department plans to take to ensure that those who intend to purchase an electric vehicle will be facilitated to charge their vehicles with accessible charging points; and if he will mandate the ESB to provide public charge points on residential roads where there are no driveways. [58313/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 175 together.
The Deputies 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 infrastructure strategy is due for publication early next year which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030.
I am also aware that a report was published by the CCMA on the provision of guidance to local authorities on the provision of charging infrastructure. The document is available for viewing online at www.lgma.ie/en/publications/general-publications/local-authority-electrification-of-fleet-and-ev-charging-guidance.pdf
Preparations are underway to establish an Office of Low Emission Vehicles. This Office will play an important role in our transition to zero emission vehicles. It will co-ordinate measures to support the uptake of EVs and the rollout of charge point infrastructure.
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 is reviewing the Scheme at present to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort. I would be very happy to consider any applications from Kerry County Council under this scheme.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Charging at home is the most convenient and cheapest way to recharge. Targeting the installation of smart home chargers is a priority as we look to moving towards more energy efficient and sustainable ways to charge. A grant is available from the SEAI for those individuals seeking to install a home charger. Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for apartments to open in the near future.
There is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging, and workplace charging.
€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund 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 esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.
My Department is also developing a new scheme which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as hotels, visitor centres and parks. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
172. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if social care workers are classified as critical frontline workers for driving tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58264/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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)
Individuals would be considered a critical frontline worker if they need to drive as part of their job. Commuting to a place of work does not meet the criteria unless for example that place of work is in the community etc. or if the letter from their employer states that they need to drive as part of their duties.
173. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of critical frontline worker categories recognised for driving tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58265/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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)
An individual would be considered a critical frontline worker if they need to drive as part of their job. Commuting to a place of work does not meet the criteria unless for example that place of work is in the community etc. or if the letter from their employer states that they need to drive as part of their duties.
174. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine a road tax difficulty (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58288/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMotor tax is based on both the construction and use of a vehicle. To be taxed as a goods vehicle, a vehicle must be constructed or adapted as a goods vehicle and must be used solely for the carrying of goods in the course of trade or business.
Under Article 3 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 385 of 1992), a licensing authority must be satisfied that the licence (motor tax disc) being applied for is the appropriate licence for the vehicle concerned. It is open to the relevant motor tax office to seek whatever documentation it deems appropriate in support of an application for a particular rate of motor tax.
In the case of an application for the goods rate of motor tax, such documentation may include a certificate of commercial insurance, a Tax Clearance Certificate, evidence of registration for tax or registration for VAT (if turnover for VAT exceeds the relevant thresholds set down by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners) or, at the discretion of the licensing authority, any other appropriate documentation that would indicate that the applicant is in trade or business.
It is up to the individual concerned to provide whatever evidence is required by the licensing authority in order for it to be satisfied that the applicant is entitled to claim what is in effect a concessionary rate of tax.
176. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) can avail of an emergency driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58340/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority cannot facilitate requests for earlier driving test appointments for individuals, under any circumstances.
The RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process, and it is only fair that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest would be offered a test first.
If an applicant is employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services and needs to drive as part of their job (not commuting to and from the job), then the RSA may prioritise the application.
177. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport the nature of the European Commission's letter of formal notice of 24 January 2020 concerning European Union Council Directive 2017/159 (details supplied); the current status of this infringement procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58358/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined to the Deputy in response to question number 57487/21 of 23 November 2021, the Department of Transport received a letter from the EU Commission, 24 January 2020, in relation to the late transposition of Directive 2017/159 regarding the social partners agreement on the Work in Fishing Directive.
The Commission requested that we, Ireland, ensure transposition as soon as possible in order to avoid further infringement proceedings. The Department completed this work over the following months and, in September of last year, informed the Commission that Directive 2017/159 had been transposed in full. A response from the EU Commission is awaited.
To note, in recent days, a separate Directive, 2019/1834, amending Directive 92/29/EC with regard to safety and health requirements for improved medical treatment on board vessels has been transposed. In transposing that amending Directive, my Department produced a consolidated statutory instrument to transpose Directive 92/29/EC as amended and revoked the original transposing statutory instrument. As part of that consolidation, my Department also took the opportunity to include provisions from the Work in Fishing Directive (2017/159) related to medical care on board vessels, which had already been transposed by way of SI 258/2020 and SI 259/2020 and to revoke those two original transposing statutory instruments.
The reasoning behind this approach was to produce a consolidated text detailing the legal requirements for the provision of medical supplies and equipment on board vessels making it easier for industry to identify and meet their legal obligations. Now all of the requirements are set out in a single text rather than four separate Statutory Instruments. The EU Commission has been notified of the updated national execution measures for both Directive 92/29/EC as amended and Directive 2017/159.
My Department continues to put in place the necessary measures to improve the transposition, implementation and enforcement of transport law in Ireland. As previously mentioned, a dedicated EU Coordination Unit within my Department is responsible for engaging with the EU Commission on these issues and works closely with responsible Officials in the Department of Transport, and other Departments as required, in response to each case.
178. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if the public service obligation financial supports for private bus operators on public service obligation routes can be extended beyond the end of December 2021 considering the financial pressures being placed on these operators as a result of reduced numbers of persons travelling due to heightened Covid-19 case numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58371/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators throughout the Covid-19 Emergency. The public transport system in Ireland has played an essential service role over the course of the pandemic, especially in carrying essential workers and others making necessary journeys.
As you are aware, 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, with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. The NTA on behalf of my Department, entered into contracts with the licensed bus sector to provide funding for routes where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention.
Owing to the continued fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue as a result of Covid-19, on 26 January 2021, Government decided to extend the temporary funding supports for the licensed bus sector for a further period of 3 months, with an option to extend contracts on a monthly basis thereafter.
The NTA are currently carrying out a review of the supports to the licensed bus sector which I expect to receive shortly. No decision has been taken in relation to a potential continuation of these supports.
179. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to take steps to facilitate the carriage of bicycles on commuter train services at peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58476/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport and associated infrastructure. This includes the procurement of the PSO bus fleet and, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the procurement and requirements of additional rail fleet.As such, noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the specific issue raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
180. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport his plans to fund secure and covered bicycle parking at rail stations and major bus stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58480/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including cycling infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
181. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if legal action is being pursued against his Department by the European Commission following failure to comply with reporting or other obligations under a European Union directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58505/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 26 November 2021 the Department of Transport has four active infringement cases.
The first case relates to the Operation of the Irish Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) in the implementation of Directive 2009/18/EC on the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector. The European Court of Justice made a judgment in this case on 9 July 2020. The Department has since acted upon the decision of the Court and communicated completion of these actions to the European Commission on 23 October 2020. The Department of Transport is awaiting the views of the European Commission.
The next two cases relate to Letters of Formal Notice issued in relation to delays in transposition of Council Directive (EU) 2017/159 of 19 December 2016 implementing the Agreement concerning the implementation of the Work in Fishing Convention and Directive (EU) 2018/645 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers. On 7 September 2020, my Department communicated to the European Commission that Directive 2017/159 had been transposed in full. On 23 July 2021, my Department communicated to the European Commission that Directive 2018/645 had been transposed in full. The Department of Transport is awaiting the views of the Commission in these cases.
The final case relates to a recently issued Letter of Formal Notice regarding Directive (EU) 2019/520 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 on the interoperability of electronic road toll systems and facilitating cross-border exchange of information on the failure to pay road fees in the Union. On 26 November 2021, my Department received a Letter of Formal Notice regarding late transposition of this Directive. The Department is working on the competition of this transposition and will respond to the Commission on its progress within the two month response deadline window.
The Department of Transport continues to put in place the necessary measures to improve the transposition, implementation and enforcement of transport law in Ireland. A dedicated EU Coordination Unit within my Department is responsible for engaging with the European Commission on these issues and works closely with responsible Officials in the Department of Transport, and other Departments as required, in response to each case.
182. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the amount that will be invested in the public service obligation bus fleet by route in 2022. [58523/21]
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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including the procurement of the national bus fleet.
Noting their responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
183. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if public bike schemes outside of Dublin will be fitted with electric options. [58529/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra184. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if the public bike scheme in Cork will be expanded to areas (detailed supplied) in conjunction with BusConnects. [58530/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure. The management of the public bike schemes is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), which works closely with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply . Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
185. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will request from Transport Infrastructure Ireland the legal services supplier employed to act as the enforcement service provider for the M50 barrier-free tolling system; the fees paid to same for each year from 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58602/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations of national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
186. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the funding committed to Donegal County Council; the projected timeline involved to complete the R263 Fintra Bridge and road realignment project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58685/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Grant funding of €300,000 has been allocated to the R263 Fintra Bridge and Road Re-alignment Project in 2021. Allocations for 2022 will be notified to local authorities early next year.
The Part VIII planning process for the scheme was approved by Donegal County Council in July 2020, and the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the scheme was recently submitted to An Bord Pleanála for approval. Implementation of the scheme is the responsibility of Donegal County Council and progress is dependent on approval of the CPO.
187. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport when the pension increase agreed with CIÉ workers in July 2021 will be signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58790/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 again reassure the Deputy that my Department, in consultation with advisors in NewERA, are working on the draft SIs as expeditiously as possible.
Concerning the 1951 scheme, members of the scheme were balloted regarding the Labour Court Recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020, with a majority voting to accept the proposals. CIÉ has prepared and submitted a consolidated draft Statutory Instrument to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme which is being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA.
I further wish to advise that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. As such, being sub-judice, it is not appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.
188. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish the technical arbitration report in relation to the N21 Newcastle West road scheme as to the reason option F was chosen as the preferred route corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58904/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and 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 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 and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the N21 Newcastle West road 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.
189. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish any of the reviews and reports that were conducted on the impact the preferred route chosen as part of the N21 Newcastle West road scheme could have on the existing Limerick Greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58905/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra190. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for conducting an environmental impact assessment in relation to the N21 Newcastle West road scheme; when it will be published; if it will include an assessment of the effects on the existing Limerick Greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58906/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and 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 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 and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the N21 Newcastle West road 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.
191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if a renewed driver's licence will issue to a person (details supplied) who requires a driver's licence in date for a business venture; if same can issue as quickly as possible as the request is time sensitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58914/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder EU Regulation 2021/267, an extension was granted to the validity of driving licences with expiry dates up to 31 October 2021.
When the extension was applied, the expiry date on the driver file for each person affected was updated to the new expiry date. Driving licences that were extended are still valid and a new licence will not be issued with the extended expiry date.
By law, a driving licence cannot be renewed more than 3 months before the expiry of the licence.
A letter of entitlement (driver statement), which is a copy of a person's driver record and which shows the extended date of expiry of the licence, can be requested from the Road Safety Authority if a person is planning to travel abroad. Further information can be found on the National Driver Licence Service website here www.ndls.ie/about/order-my-driver-statement.html.
All EU member states will recognise an extension granted by the EU. The UK authorities have indicated they will also recognise extended licences.
192. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed re-alignment of the N52 Kilbeggan-Tullamore route; the way the submission process is progressing; if there is a preferred route option; and the level of engagement which will be undertaken with local residents once preferred route options have been identified. [59038/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and 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 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 and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
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.
193. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if businesses that have paid dance licences will be reimbursed in view of uncertainty and cancellations between now and Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58600/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI expect the Deputy is referring to Public Dancing Licences which, under Section 2 of the Public Dance Halls Act 1935, are required to be held by premises where dancing is open to the public and in which persons present are entitled to participate actively. A Public Dancing Licence is separate to a liquor licence. A Public Dancing Licence fee includes court fees of €335 and excise duties of €155 bringing the total amount to €490. These licences are administered by the Courts Service which collects the relevant excise duties and remits them to Revenue.
As part of the range of measures introduced last year to support businesses impacted by the Covid-19 situation, the Government decided to waive the Public Dancing Licence fee for 2020 and, earlier this year, decided to extend that waiver for 2021. The support package also included a waiver of the fees chargeable on the renewal of certain liquor licences in the 2020 licensing period which has also since been extended in respect of renewals during 2021.
The excise component of the Public Dancing Licence waiver was brought into law through Section 31 of the Finance Act 2020 and will be extended to 2021 through this year’s Finance Bill, which is currently before the House.
The court fees component of the Public Dancing Licence waiver was brought into law through the District Court (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 439 of 2020), and extended to 2021 through the District Court (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2021 (S.I. No. 444 of 2021), which were both signed by the Ministers for Justice and Equality and for Public Expenditure and Reform. I understand that the Courts Service put in place arrangements to provide refunds for relevant Public Dancing Licence fees (comprising excise duties and court fees) paid prior to the coming into operation of the initial Order.
Therefore, no fees are payable in respect of applications for Public Dancing Licences in 2020 or 2021. This measure, coupled with the extension of the waiver for renewal of liquor licences, is an important support for the hospitality sector impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
