Wednesday, 2 Mar 2022

Written Answers Nos. 46-68

Electricity Grid

Ceisteanna (46)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

46. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if qualification for the energy credit requires the possession of a meter point reference number. [11901/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The aim of the Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022 is to establish a scheme to make a once off payment, in 2022, to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices.

The scheme will be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks), and electricity suppliers and overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). This is an exceptional measure which uses the single eligibility criterion of a meter point registration number (MPRN), to ensure payments are credited to each domestic electricity account as early as possible in 2022. The payment will be applied to the domestic electricity account rather than an individual. The scheme will also include pre-pay customers. People will not need to apply for the payment. With the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, my Department is working closely with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) on a public information campaign to ensure that all tenants are aware of the scheme. Disputes relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution. The Deputy may also wish to note that regular information updates, including frequently asked questions, are being made available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/. 

Broadband Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (47)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

47. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 22 February 2022, the operators providing wireless and broadband services in the general area of an airport (details supplied). [11930/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Ossian Smyth)

I can only refer the Deputy back to the PQ reply of 22nd February, 2022. The identity of the 3 telecommunications operators connected to the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) network at Knock Airport is a commercial matter for enet who manage the MANs on behalf of the state and for the individual operators.

Environmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (48, 49)

John Lahart

Ceist:

48. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the new retrofitting grants for homeowners will become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11938/22]

John Lahart

Ceist:

49. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the first of the proposed one-stop-shops will open to advise householders in relation to retrofitting and insulation; the locations of same; the persons or bodies that will operate them; the existing locations; if premises need to be leased or purchased to facilitate these information outlets for consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11939/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.

The recently launched National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops will provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance. The Scheme offers unprecedented grant levels, increased from around 30% to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump. It is expected that the One-Stop-Shops will be distributed across Ireland, with a considerable number offering services nationwide through their network of contractors throughout the country. Other One-Stop-Shops will likely work within geographic regions. This will ensure that every home can benefit from the One-Stop-Shop service on offer.As part of the new Scheme, a new system is being established by the SEAI which will streamline and automate the grant application process.

Following Government approval, the SEAI registration portal for companies to apply to be a One-Stop-Shop is now open. A number of One-Stop-Shops have already applied and it is expected that following the necessary process the first will be registered shortly. Homeowners will then be able to make applications for upgrades under the new Scheme.

Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 48.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (50)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

50. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he plans to introduce the long overdue scheme to pay persons for the excess energy generated by solar panels fitted in their homes which is feeding into the grid; if payment will be backdated to July 2021; the rate of payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11976/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland allowing them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid at a competitive market rate.

I signed the Regulations that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive on the 15 February 2022 which give effect to the above-mentioned articles and allow for the commencement of export payments to micro- and small-scale generators by their suppliers. Following a public consultation, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG on 1 December 2021 which outlines the interim arrangements, including eligibility criteria and the remuneration methodology. The CRU has decided upon a competitive market-based approach to the setting of this tariff, as well as a number of provisions to ensure that its implementation aligns with the National Smart Metering Programme. It is envisaged that initial payments or credits from suppliers will be available after June of this year and the CRU has requested that suppliers communicate their decision on when initial CEG payments will be made to customers at the earliest opportunity. The supplier may offer back-payments in the form of a credit to an account, if this approach is considered to be the most appropriate. The CRU also expects back-payments to be communicated clearly to customers of each supplier.Furthermore, a tax disregard of €200 was introduced in Budget 2021 in respect of personal income received by households who sell residual renewable electricity, which they generate, back to the grid.

Air Quality

Ceisteanna (51)

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

51. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the proposed smoky coal ban will be in place from 1 September 2022; if so, when the regulations will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11983/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

I remain committed to introducing new regulations on the use of solid fuels for domestic heating in Ireland with effect from 1 September 2022, in accordance with the announcement I made in September 2021.

The new regulations are necessary as each year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short-term and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution. I remain committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge.

EU Regulations

Ceisteanna (52, 53)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

52. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of compliance monitoring reports undertaken by an organisation (details supplied) under SI No. 358/2020 - European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020; his views on the level of compliance under SI. No. 358/2020 based on those reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12003/22]

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

53. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the compliance monitoring reports undertaken by an organisation (details supplied) under SI No. 358/2020 - European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020; the engagements that have taken place regarding these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12004/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together. 52 and 53 together.

The purpose of SI No. 358/2020 - European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020 is to make public sector websites and mobile applications more accessible for users and in particular for users with disabilities by making them perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. It names the National Disability Authority (NDA) as the monitoring body for compliance with the regulations. It requires the NDA to publish a report on its monitoring activities every 3 years. The first of these reports was published at the beginning of the year and can be found here .

The organisation referred to in the Question is under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs and as such I have no role in the reporting of that body. I understand the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs provides funding to the organisation to support their monitoring role.

Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 52.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (54, 55, 56, 84)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

54. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide the necessary charging points required in public spaces to support persons who are purchasing electric vehicles in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11973/22]

Seán Canney

Ceist:

55. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric charging points that are now operational in public areas in each local authority area broken down by fast chargers and ordinary chargers in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11974/22]

Seán Canney

Ceist:

56. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle home chargers that have been grant aided by his Department in each year since the commencement of the scheme; the cost of the scheme on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11975/22]

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

84. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeframe for the publication of the national charging infrastructure; the details of the engagements with relevant stakeholders on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12002/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 55, 56 and 84 together.

The Deputy will be aware that Ireland has set an ambitious target of 936,000 EVs on our roads by 2030 that reflects the scale of the transformation needed to achieve its climate targets in the coming years. Under the National Development Plan €1bn has been allocated to specific carbon reduction measures, including vehicle electrification.

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 is engaging with relevant stakeholders to inform this work and it is envisaged that the strategy will be published for consultation in early 2022.

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 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.

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. The below table outlines the number of electric vehicle home chargers that have been grant aided in each year since the commencement of the scheme and the value of the same.

Year	No.	Grant aid
2018	1,034	€621,000
2019	2,548	€1,528,828
2020	3,523	€2,114,000
2021	8,379	€5,019,380
Total	15,484	€9,283,208

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 -  Seventeen high-power chargers distributed across 14 multi-vehicle hubs have been delivered as part of the programme to date.

- 52 additional fast chargers, which may replace existing standard chargers -This work is completed at 36 locations.

- 264 replacement standard chargers with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points - This work is substantially complete, 258 of the chargers have now been successfully replaced.

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.

In light of the ESB eCars responsibility in the matter of the provision of charge points, 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. 

Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 54.

Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 54.

Aviation Industry

Ceisteanna (57)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

57. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when his Department will commence work to devise a new national aviation policy. [11842/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Work on a new National Aviation Policy (NAP) is expected to resume in 2022. While the principal goals and objectives of the NAP published in 2015 remain valid,  much has changed in terms of the overall challenges for the aviation sector in Ireland with a heightened focus on environmental sustainability and of course recovery from the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The process of developing a new strategy for the sector will entail appropriate public consultation as well as close engagement with the aviation industry through the structures of the National Civil Aviation Development Forum.

Aviation Industry

Ceisteanna (58)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

58. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if Ireland will seek to reach a deal with the United States of America in order that stringent compliant catering regulations on flights to America can be eased. [11843/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

In 2018, the United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) introduced a pilot Agricultural Preclearance Test Program for compliant catering which allowed business jets fly directly from Shannon Airport to any US airport.  The local inflight caterer in Shannon had been approved by US CBP to supply catering which was in compliance with US CBP and US import requirements.  At the US arrival airport, it meant that there were no special requirements for disposal of the international food waste after the flight had been precleared in Shannon under the Agricultural Preclearance Test Program.  Four flights were successfully tested under the programme which was then suspended for a review.  From that point, the approval to recommence the program has rested with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and all the procedures have been in place for a recommencement of the program.

The Department of Transport has engaged with the Irish Agricultural Counsellor in Washington who met with representatives of the US Department of Homeland Security and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to stress the potential benefits of the compliant catering program and made efforts to advance its recommencement.

However, the USDA APHIS position is that currently, the safeguarding regulations do not allow the expansion of preclearance beyond the pilot compliant catering program that was conducted in 2018.  Implementing this program would require a regulatory change and has other impacts that would need to be considered. The regulatory change required is complex and could take a considerable amount of time to conclude (potentially up to three years and beyond).  If the regulatory change is made, it could not be made for Shannon Airport only.

The Irish side continues to work with the US side to seek to expand the number of airports in the US where business jets from Shannon can be precleared before arrival under the existing legal framework.  Recently, a further four airports have been added to the approved list where business jets that are precleared in Shannon can fly directly into. This now brings the total number of accessible airports in the U.S to 249 today

The Department of Transport will continue to engage with the US side, including at the Preclearance Consultative Group meetings, with a view to continuing to expand the number of airports in the US where business jets can fly into having been precleared in Shannon Airport.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (59)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

59. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing a monthly or annual travel pass that allows public transport users to use various modes of transport and provide for more integrated public transport in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11853/22]

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, nor decision making on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

In light of the impact of COVID on commuter travelling patterns, with a potential move away from a regular 5-day commute, the NTA is evaluating the possibility of a new flexi taxsaver commuter ticket. My Department has held discussions with the NTA and also with the Department of Finance on this issue.  The NTA is proceeding with the detailed technical work associated with the introduction of a more flexible Taxsaver product.  

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the possible introduction of a monthly or annual travel pass 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 (60)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

60. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the projected timelines for the next stage of the Ardee bypass; the targeted timelines for commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11891/22]

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 includes the N52 Ardee Bypass.

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

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (61)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

61. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Irish Rail and the NTA in respect of reopening Dunleer railway station in order to enhance public transport options in the area; if he will provide a schedule of all Irish Rail owned railway stations that are currently on main lines and branch lines by county that are not operational; and the totality of the costs associated with their maintenance and security for the past five years to date. [11932/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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 provision, operation, and maintenance of public transport. 

The issues raised by the Deputy regarding the possible reopening of railway stations and the costs associated with the maintenance and security of stations that are not operational, are matters for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to Iarnród Éireann 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 (62)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

62. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if private coach and bus operators will be included in the scheme to reduce fares by 20% on all public service obligation routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11937/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, a suite of new measures is being introduced by Government to help with this issue, including a 20% average fare reduction on PSO services until the end of 2022. These discounted fares will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use PSO public transport every day.

€54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares; this funding does not include an extension of the scheme to private coach and bus operators. As the Deputy is aware, unlike with PSO services, the National Transport Authority (NTA) do not set, monitor or regulate fares on services run by commercial operators.

Licensed bus operators are an integral part of the overall public transport system particularly in areas which are not covered by existing public service bus and rail services. In recognition of this, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Government have provided temporary financial supports for certain licensed commercial services with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. To date c.€60m has been provided to support the Commercial Bus Operators during this challenging time.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (63)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

63. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consult with the NTA in respect of initiating an additional project to be delivered in parallel with the DART+ West project that will bring passenger dart services to Kilcock town in addition to a proposed train depot in Kilcock, County Kildare. [11941/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

In consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including rail in the Greater Dublin Area, is progressing the various projects of the DART+ Programme.  These projects, of which DART+ West is one, are at different stages of planning and development.

The approval by Government last December of the DART+ Preliminary Business Case, permits not only the purchase of additional DART fleet but also for the DART+ West project to enter the statutory planning process, subject to the completion of the necessary planning and environmental documentation. 

Further extensions to DART services in the years ahead are being considered as part of the NTA’s review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area which, as the Deputy may be aware, was recently subject to public consultation. The revised draft Strategy does propose extending DART services beyond Maynooth; however, the focus is on completing the delivery of the DART+ Programme, as it must be, in order to allow for later consideration of further extensions to the Programme.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (64, 65)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

64. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in respect of introducing the new half price public transport fare for young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11953/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

65. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if the 20% reduction in public transport fares as part of measures to help with the cost of living will cover all public service obligation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11954/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.

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, nor decisions on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, a suite of new measures is being introduced by Government to help with this issue, including a 20% average fare reduction on all PSO services until the end of 2022. These discounted fares will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use PSO public transport every day. €54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares.

Also, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services. It is envisaged that the discount will initially be made available on PSO services, and then broadened to include commercial operators at a later date.  This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the inclusion of commercial bus operators in the schemes, to the NTA 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

Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 64.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (66)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

66. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the BusConnects roll-out in Dublin following the launch of two sections of the new network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11955/22]

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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects programme. 

Noting the NTA's 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Local Authorities

Ceisteanna (67, 68, 72)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

67. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the number of the 248 new posts for active travel teams in local authorities that have been filled; the number that currently remain outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11956/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

68. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the 248 new posts for active travel teams in local authorities by county, in tabular form; the number that have been filled to date; the number of vacancies at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11957/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

72. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if there are measures in place to encourage and support the expenditure of the public monies provided by his Department via the National Transport Authority for sustainable and active travel projects such as the provision of additional capacity in local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11961/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 68 and 72 together.

My Department announced funding in January 2021 for up to 248 new jobs in local authorities to expand walking and cycling facilities all over the country. This increase in resourcing reflects the €1.8bn of funding committed for walking and cycling over the planned lifetime of the Government. The additional staff will be dedicated to delivering and promoting Active Travel in Ireland and will work across design, communication, community liaison and construction oversight.

As of 1 January 2022 I can confirm that 117 additional staff have been recruited to work in Active Travel in local authorities across the country. In addition, 39 positions are currently ‘pending’, meaning interviews have either been completed or are ongoing, and the positions are expected to be filled shortly. Once these pending positions are filled, the total staff numbers will be 156. Recruitment processes are ongoing and it is expected that all the remaining positions will be filled in 2022.

It is important to note that there is strong competition for staff given the strength of the economy and the fact that COVID-19 has impacted the traditional movement of potential recruits around Europe.

Details of the current staffing levels are set out in the table below.

Local Authority	Staffing Levels 1st Jan 2021	Current Staffing Levels 1st Jan 2022	Pending Positions offered/interviews   conducted) to be recruited in 2022	Total 2022 (Current and   Pending)
Carlow County   Council	0	2	2	4
Cavan County Council	0	2	1	3
Clare County Council	0	3	2	5
Cork City Council	1	7	10	17
Cork County Council	6	11	1	12
Donegal County Council	0	3	1	4
Dublin City Council	20	22	0	22
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	2	8	2	10
Fingal County Council	0	9	0	9
Galway City Council	9	12	0	12
Galway County Council	0	0	0	0
Kerry County Council	0	3	0	3
Kildare County Council	0	7	1	8
Kilkenny County Council	0	2	1	3
Laois County Council	0	3	0	3
Leitrim County   Council	0	4	0	4
Limerick City and County   Council	4	19	2	21
Longford County Council	0	3	1	4
Louth County Council	0	2	2	4
Mayo County Council	0	1	0	1
Meath County Council	4	9	3	12
Monaghan County Council	0	3	1	4
Offaly County Council	0	4	1	5
Roscommon County Council	0	2	0	2
Sligo County Council	0	1	1	2
South Dublin County Council	4	8	0	8
Tipperary County Council	0	3	1	4
Waterford City and County   Council	3	8	4	12
Westmeath County Council	0	1	1	2
Wexford County Council	0	1	1	2
Wicklow County Council	4	11	0	11
Total	57	174	39	213

Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 67.