Wednesday, 2 Mar 2022

Written Answers Nos. 69-88

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (69, 70, 71)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

69. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the €240 million funding for 468 sustainable travel projects in a funding programme directed at the four Dublin councils, the three other counties in the greater Dublin area, that is, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow and the local authorities covering the regional cities, that is, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Limerick City and County Council, Galway City Council and Waterford City and County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11958/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

70. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the €72.8 million funding for 340 sustainable transport projects in 19 local authority areas allocated in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11959/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

71. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if the funding not yet disbursed under the two significant allocations for sustainable travel projects in 2021, €240 million and €72.8 million respectively has been carried over into 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11960/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 to 71, inclusive, together.

The Programme for Government committed that €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.

In 2021 my Department allocated €240 million to support the addition of 233 new walking and cycling projects in the Greater Dublin Area and Regional Cities. Last year I was also delighted to announce an allocation of €72.8m for 340 sustainable transport projects in 19 local authorities for the first ever Active Travel investment programme for rural local authorities.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and Active Travel infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. The NTA work with the local authorities to determine the projects and precise funding allocations for the current year. The full list of allocations is then published on the NTA's website. In 2021 unspent capital funding was carried into 2022 as approved by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 69.

Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 69.

Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 67.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (73)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

73. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric hybrid buses in operation on public service obligation transport routes at present; the areas that these are operational in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11962/22]

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, including procurement of the PSO bus fleet. 

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

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (74, 75)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

74. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in the development and expansion of railway services essential for the transition to low or zero-carbon transport options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11963/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

75. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in the enhancing of rail services in regional cities, including commuter services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11964/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 75 together.

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 of the development, expansion, and enhancement of railway services is a matter first and foremost for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. 

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 74.

Road Safety

Ceisteanna (76, 77)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

76. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools that have benefited from the safe routes to schools programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11965/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

77. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand the safe routes to schools programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11966/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.

In March 2021, I was delighted to launch the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme which will support Active Travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country. The Programme aims to support walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools and to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities. This will help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing the necessary infrastructure.

All schools were eligible to apply to the Programme and information was circulated from the Departments of Education and Transport to schools nationwide. By the deadline of 16th April 2021, 931 applications had been received from schools in every county in Ireland. 170 schools were notified on 21st June that they have been selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme

€15m has been allocated for projects at the 170 schools included in Round One.  The subsequent schools will be engaged with on a rolling basis in each local authority area. This funding is being provided from the €1.8 billion funding earmarked in the Programme for Government to support sustainable transport.

It is important to note that all Active Travel funding looks to improve links to schools where possible, not only the Safe Routes to School Programme. The required investment at each school will be dependent on the changes required in each particular case.  As most interventions at/near applicable schools will take time to implement, particularly if they require planning permission,  the €15m budget will extend beyond 2022. The budget for cycle parking element of SRTS in 2022 will be €3m.

The schools selected were assessed against a range of criteria including school type, location and the school’s commitment to sustainable travel.

Schools that have applied this year which have not been included in the first round of funding will not be required to reapply as they will come into the Programme on a rolling basis.  

Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 76.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (78)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

78. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the number of recipients of the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant scheme since the year of its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11967/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant scheme, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

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

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (79)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

79. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the support from his Department to help make all public transport services accessible, in particular public transport outside the capital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11968/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport,

The National Transport Authority (NTA)  has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an accessible, integrated and accessible public transport network. In addition, the NTA has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. It is the public transport operators, for example Bus Éireann, that have responsibility for delivering and operating public transport services, in conjunction with the NTA.

Furthermore, the NTA has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.  

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport services, in both urban and rural areas, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a direct reply to you. 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

Aviation Industry

Ceisteanna (80)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

80. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport when transatlantic flights will resume from Shannon Airport; the supports which have been provided to the Shannon Group to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11969/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Shannon Airport is forecasting close to one million passengers in 2022 with 3 airlines and 25 routes expected for Summer 2022, compared to 6 airlines and 30 routes pre-COVID-19. Aer Lingus transatlantic services to Boston are expected to return on 10 March and New York on 11 March 2022. The United Airlines daily Newark seasonal service will recommence on 27 March.

During the COVID-19 crisis Shannon Group benefited from a suite of measures to support businesses across the economy, including but not limited to, the wage subsidy scheme, grants, a commercial rates waiver, deferred tax liabilities and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme.  These supports to Shannon Group totalled almost €17 million in 2020 and 2021.  In an effort to protect jobs in the Mid-West, emergency operational funding of €105,000 was also provided to Shannon Group by my Department in 2020 to ensure two Castles, Bunratty and King John’s, operated by Shannon Heritage could remain open at that time.  

In addition to these supports, over €22.7 million in aviation sector-specific supports have been allocated to Shannon Airport in 2020 and 2021.  Over €6 million of this funding was in the form of capital grants under the Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme in 2021.  Funding under this Programme targeted safety & security related operations as well as projects which focused on reducing emissions and building climate resilience at airports. Over €5.5 million in operational support was also provided under this Programme in 2021, funding 100% of eligible operational costs at Shannon Airport last year.  

Additional emergency capital funding of €5.65m has also been provided to Shannon Airport in 2020 and 2021 for a Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) project and an Embankments project.  A further €5.5m was provided to Shannon Airport under the Department's Covid Supplementary Support Scheme to Irish airports. This funding has provided Shannon Airport with flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity.

A summary of funding provided to Shannon Group over 2020 and 2021 is outlined as follows:

Shannon Group		2020		2021	TOTAL
	Current €m	Capital €m	Current €m	Capital €m	€m
Horizontal Supports (approx.)	€8.40		€8.24		€16.64
Covid Support to Shannon Heritage	€0.11				€0.11
Emergency Capital Support		€0.30		€5.35	€5.65
Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021			€5.53	€6.07	€11.60
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme			€5.49		€5.49
TOTAL	€8.51	€0.30	€19.26	€11.42	€39.49

This year, funding of €36 million will be provided under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, supporting regional airports of Shannon, Cork, Ireland West, Donegal and Kerry.  This budget allocation represents a significant increase in funding available under the Programme in 2022, which takes account of the broadening of the Programme to include both Cork and Shannon Airports.  In addition to this, funding of €1.1m will be provided to Shannon Airport in 2022 for the completion of the airports HBS and Embankments projects.

The National Aviation Policy recognises the important role of Shannon Airport in the economic and social fabric of Mid-West Region. Funding of almost €40 million provided to Shannon Group since 2020 is a clear indication of the importance Government attaches to Shannon Group being well positioned for recovery and growth into the future.  

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (81)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

81. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in respect of the development of drone policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11970/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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

A steering group to oversee the work was established in July 2021, shortly followed by the establishment of three working groups. Membership of the steering group and working groups is drawn from primary stakeholders from relevant Government Departments and agencies to facilitate the development of a comprehensive and integrated policy. A targeted stakeholder consultation is currently underway, with a wider public consultation on a draft policy framework planned for Q2 2022 with the aim of publishing the finalised policy framework later in 2022.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (82)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

82. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the number of heavy goods vehicle driving tests provided; the pass rate from 1 September 2021 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11971/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Road Safety Authority is responsible for the operation of the driving test service and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

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

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (83)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

83. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a proposal by a group (details supplied) in the context of his evaluation of a draft strategy for the MetroLink project. [11984/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

MetroLink is likely the largest ever public investment project in the history of the State and has been subject to extensive non-statutory public consultation since 2018. The strategic rationale for a metro corridor from north to south Dublin has been well established in numerous strategic transport frameworks, including most recently the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.

The Preferred Route for the MetroLink project is that as consulted upon in 2019 and extends from North Dublin to Charlemont as available to view on the project’s dedicated website www.metrolink.ie. The Preliminary Business Case for the project, as well as the environmental impact assessment reports and other associated planning documentation, is prepared on the basis of that Preferred Route.

Subject to Government approval in the coming months, the project will proceed to the statutory planning process with submission of a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála and will then be subject to further public consultation as part of that process.

It is my strong belief that we urgently need to see progress on delivery of major public transport infrastructure projects, including MetroLink. It is my view that this focus on delivery is one shared by both citizens and political representatives and, while I recognise there will always be different perspectives on the details of major projects such as MetroLink, my aim is to see this project move into construction. In that regard I think it important to note that substantial changes to the planning and design of the project as evolved since 2018 through extensive public consultation will add significant delay to the delivery of the project

Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 54.

Land Issues

Ceisteanna (85)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

85. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if NAMA could make part or all of the land it owns or controls at a site (details supplied) available for public use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11912/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

As the Deputy may be aware, NAMA does not typically own or control properties; rather NAMA owns loans for which the properties act as security. The properties securing NAMA’s loans are owned and controlled by their registered owners, or appointed receivers in the case of enforcement.

The Deputy will appreciate that, under Sections 99 and 202 the NAMA Act and in line with normal banking confidentiality, NAMA is legally precluded from disclosing information relating to debtors or their properties. However, I am advised that NAMA’s involvement with the referenced property ended in 2018 when the property was sold by its owner and NAMA released its charge accordingly.

Land Issues

Ceisteanna (86)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

86. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if land (details supplied) can be made available for public use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11913/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I wish to inform the Deputy that the management of State Property is a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW). The OPW are under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). As such, I suggest that queries on the use and management of any such land be directed to that Department who are better placed to respond regarding such queries.  

In the interest of providing assistance to the Deputy with his query, my Department consulted with DPER and the OPW on this matter. Following consultation, the OPW advised that they can find no record of the mentioned property on their records or under the records of the State Property Registry for the Department of Finance.

Land Issues

Ceisteanna (87)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

87. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if land (details supplied) can be made available for public use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11914/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I wish to inform the Deputy that the management of State Property is a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW). The OPW are under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). As such, I suggest that queries on the use and management of any such land be directed to that Department who are better placed to respond regarding such queries.  

In the interest of providing assistance to the Deputy with his query, my Department consulted with DPER and the OPW on this matter. Following consultation, the OPW advised that they can find no record of the mentioned property on their records or under the records of the State Property Registry for the Department of Finance.

Credit Unions

Ceisteanna (88, 89)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

88. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance when he will be making the regulatory changes to enable credit unions to significantly increase their footprint in the mortgage market and honour the commitment in the Programme for Government for credit unions to become a key provider of community banking further to an article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12030/22]

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

89. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to make the necessary regulatory changes to enable credit unions to significantly increase their footprint in the mortgage market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12156/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.

This Government recognises the importance of credit unions.

The Programme for Government contains commitments to;

- Review the policy framework within which Credit Unions operate.

- Enable and support the Credit Union movement to grow.

- Support Credit Unions in the expansion of services, to encourage community development.

Credit unions can and do provide mortgages, with over half the sector engaging in mortgage lending at some level.  As at December 2021 credit unions had a mortgage book of approximately €280 million, which had grown 23% year-on-year.

The level of mortgage lending undertaken by individual credit unions varies. 20 credit unions account for approximately 76 per cent of all new house loans in the sector with 50 credit unions accounting for 98 per cent of the sector total.

Since 1 January 2020, credit unions now have a combined capacity to provide up to €1.1 billion in additional SME and mortgage loans, with further capacity of up to 15% available to credit unions on approval by the Central Bank.

4 credit unions are currently approved for the 15% combined lending limit with 1 additional application to the Central Bank currently in progress. Up to 66 credit unions could apply for this 15% limit and it is the Government’s hope that more will continue to do so.

In regard to fulfilling the commitments in the Programme for Government for credit unions, the Review of Policy Framework is in its final stages with a summary list of proposals having recently been shared with all the credit union representative bodies. A final stakeholder engagement session has been scheduled for early March. Legislative proposals arising will go to Cabinet shortly thereafter. The proposals being considered should assist credit unions to invest in collaborative ventures, which could also be used to expand their mortgage offering.