Thursday, 16 Dec 2021

Written Answers Nos. 216-237

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (216)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that during the extension of DART and or other rail services throughout north County Kildare, a special effort is made to ensure that existing roads and bridges are properly realigned in order to continue to facilitate the existing and growing population and to ensure the minimum interruption of existing services in addition to the need to ensure that road or bridge realignments do not result in the creation of unused areas which might later become the focus for criminality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62747/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, 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 in the first instance, including commuter rail and the DART+ Programme which includes the extension and electrification of rail services in County Kildare.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the 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 days.

Question No. 217 answered with Question No. 212.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (218, 219, 220)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which bus services are available now or to become available in the rural hinterlands of Ardclough, Straffan and Rathcoffey, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62749/21]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which public transport can link up the various rural areas throughout north County Kildare that do not currently have access to bus or rail transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62750/21]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to a deviation from the present route of the bus services serving Johninstown and Maynooth to include Clonaugh in the same area thereby extending service to a wider community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62751/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 to 220, inclusive, together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.

The Connecting Ireland plan is a major national public transport initiative developed by the NTA with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns. It will significantly increase both the number of routes and the frequency of existing services right across the country.

The Deputy will be pleased to learn that Connecting Ireland proposes to specifically expand the public transport network in rural areas and to increase service levels. Under Connecting Ireland, the NTA is proposing an overall increase of approximately 25% in rural bus services as part of the five year Connecting Ireland plan. Hundreds of rural villages and areas will for the first time be served by a viable public transport link.

I joined the NTA to launch its Connecting Ireland consultation which ran from 02 November to 10 December 2021.

I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Question No. 219 answered with Question No. 218.

Question No. 220 answered with Question No. 218.

Question No. 221 answered with Question No. 211.

Traffic Management

Ceisteanna (222, 223)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which his Department has studied the existence of particular traffic pinch points on the M4/N4 as evidenced from regular morning traffic reports from RTÉ; the extent to which he and his Department can address such issues in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62753/21]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he and his Department have studied the increasing number of motor accidents at morning peak times on the M4/N4 north County Kildare routes; if the frequency of such incidents is as a result of a particular issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62754/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 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 operation and management 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.

Question No. 223 answered with Question No. 222.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (224)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to upgrade the rail stations throughout County Kildare in anticipation of higher volumes of through traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62755/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network including the upgrading of stations on the network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) in the first instance.

Noting IÉ's responsibility in the 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 days.

Greenways Provision

Ceisteanna (225)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

225. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a full update on the proposed greenway between Henry bridge and Ponsonby bridge on the Grand Canal; if the road on this stretch is designated as a public road; and if he is satisfied that the final detail design is fit for purpose in the context of facilitating all users, that is pedestrian, cycle and mechanical vehicle. [62767/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and in line with Section 32(2) of the Road Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, it will be vital that any proposed Greenway have the support of the relevant Local Authority as funding is only provided by TII to Local Authorities. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and 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, 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.

Dublin Bus

Ceisteanna (226)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

226. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the status of progress of the updated Dublin Bus drivers regular wages scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62785/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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. It is expected that the details of the SIs will be settled shortly and published thereafter as part of the consultation process. In this context, I would like to reassure the Deputies that my Department, in consultation with advisors in NewERA, are working on the draft SIs as expeditiously as possible.

Question No. 227 answered with Question No. 202.

Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 212.

Traffic Management

Ceisteanna (229)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which traffic movements can be improved throughout the greater Dublin area by improving the efficiency of traffic lights, with particular reference to the need for better co-ordination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62794/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Traffic management generally is a matter for the local authorities under the Roads and Road Traffic Act.

This does not fall under the remit of my department. 

Greenways Provision

Ceisteanna (230)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

230. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if the Santry river greenway project will be included in the recently announced cross-border greenway network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62866/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy is likely aware, the Programme for Government committed that approximately €360 million in cross-Government funding will be spent on walking and cycling per annum over the lifetime of the Government. This investment will help support the delivery of almost 1,000 kilometres of improved walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025 as well as additional investment in Greenways. 

I understand that the Santry River Greenway project was allocated €100k in June 2021. 

As Minister, I have responsibility for the development of policy and provision of funding in relation to Active Travel. The National Transport Authority (NTA), meanwhile, has the responsibility of allocation of funding to specific projects and oversight of their development, in cooperation with the local authorities themselves. Given their responsibility in this area, I have referred your question about the Santry Greenway to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days. 

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are developing a National Cycle Network, and this is what the Taoiseach was referring to recently. That Network will link the existing Cycle Network plans in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and Regional cities with the developing cycle networks around the country. As the Santry River Greenway is included in the GDA Cycle Network it will therefore be included in the National Cycle Network.

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (231)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

231. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the legislation to provide regulations for e-scooters to conclude in the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62868/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Road Traffic and Roads Bill introduced in the Dáil on 19 November, categorises a wide range of increasingly-used, lightweight micro-mobility vehicles, including eScooters, as powered personal transporters. Following enactment it will provide for the making of regulations governing the use and technical standards of these vehicles.

While the conclusion of the legislation is ultimately in the hands of the Oireachtas, it is a priority for the Government, and I am hopeful that the legislation can be enacted in the first half of 2022. Following enactment, the technical regulations made under this piece of legislation will be notified to the EU Commission for a period of at least three months as is required under the Single Market Transparency Directive (EU) 2015/1535. Following the successful conclusion of this mandatory notification period, the regulations governing the use of eScooters can be brought into effect.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (232)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

232. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update regarding a proposal (details supplied); if his Department is considering projects to improve access from south County Mayo into Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62871/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

In terms of improving access from south Mayo into Galway City there are two important initiatives currently underway.

Firstly, there is the National Transport Authority’s Connecting Ireland -Rural Mobility Plan which has recently concluded its public consultation phase. The draft Plan as published proposed improved bus services from both Ballina and Castlebar serving South Mayo and onward to Galway city.

Secondly there is the Strategic Rail Review which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. The Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network. That scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor which the Deputy refers to. Public consultation on the Review is currently open until 21 January 2022 and I would encourage all interested parties to participate.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (233)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

233. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport his plans for additional services on the Tralee to Killarney rail line to facilitate work commuter and cyclists looking to use the forthcoming Tralee to Fenit greenway or outdoor enthusiasts accessing Killarney National Park and persons availing of hospitality services in both towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62884/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable, by way of public services obligation (PSO) contracts with operators such as, in this case, Iarnród Éireann.

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

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (234)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

234. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position in relation to the provision of a bypass for Adare, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62886/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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 on the current status of the N21/69 Foynes to Limerick, including the Adare Bypass 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.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (235)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

235. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position in relation to the provision of a bypass for Newcastlewest, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62887/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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 necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this 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.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (236)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

236. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding the provision of a bypass for Abbeyfeale, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62888/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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 necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this 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.

Public Service Obligation

Ceisteanna (237)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

237. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is monitoring the success or otherwise of the performance of the Kerry to Dublin air route given the commitment he made in respect of the public service obligation service in the event of market failure; if he is satisfied that the current service will remain in place and is serving the equivalent needs as set out in the public service obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62889/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I would like to advise the Deputy that regional connectivity is of critical importance to this Government. Furthermore, National Policy on Aviation aims to enhance Ireland’s connectivity by ensuring safe, secure and competitive access responsive to the needs of business, tourism and consumers.

As the Deputy is aware, a Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service operated between Kerry and Dublin prior to Stobart Air’s entering into voluntary liquidation in June. At that time an airline made an offer to operate the same level of service on this route but with no subsidy from the State. In accordance with EU Regulation 1008/2008, an EU air carrier is allowed to commence scheduled air services on PSO routes provided all public service requirements are met. On foot of this, this route has operated commercially since 28 July 2021.

As a PSO is now no longer imposed on the Kerry-Dublin route, the operation of this route is a commercial matter for the airline providing the service.

In the event of any lost or failed services, whether provided by way of Public Service Obligation (PSO) or otherwise, Government must adhere to Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008, which provides for the common rules for the operation of PSO air services in the European Union.