Written Answers Nos. 144-163
144. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on the signing of the statutory instrument to give effect to changes in the CIE regular wages pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28045/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the Regular Wage Scheme (RWS). These changes have been agreed by the trustees of the Scheme, the employees and the CIÉ Group following extensive and prolonged engagement between all parties.
There are a number of steps before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process. In accordance with the provisions of Section 44(3) of the Transport Act 1950, I directed CIÉ to publish a statutory notice of the draft SIs in Iris Oifigiúil, which was advertised on the 14th of January 2022. Within 45 days from the publication of this notice, any person may make objections and representations in relation to the Scheme to me. I must consider any objections or representations which have been made during this period, prior to confirming a Scheme or any amendments to such Scheme.
The consultation period ended on the 28 February 2022. My Department has examined the submissions received and I am now consulting with the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the SIs as required under Section 44(4) of the Transport Act 1950. Once approval of the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform has been obtained, signature of the SIs will be progressed.
145. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify a series of matters (details supplied) in relation to the BusConnects scheme and the recent issuing of notices to householders in an area regarding the compulsory purchase order process. [28046/22]
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 BusConnects Dublin.
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.
146. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to expand the capacity of the Luas green line given the number of housing developments along the route which will significantly add to the line’s use and capacity in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28053/22]
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 development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including light rail.
The NTA published its draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 in November 2021. The draft Strategy has considered a range of options for light rail projects and, with regard to the Luas Green Line, has determined that the capacity and frequency on the current Green Line from Sandyford northwards to the city centre will be incrementally increased through the provision of additional tram fleet and services and associated turnback arrangements to meet forecast passenger demand.
It is also important to note that the recently completed Green Line Capacity Enhancement project has increased both the length of trams on the Green Line and the size of the overall tram fleet. All the existing trams on the Green Line have been extended to 55 metres, and the overall tram fleet has grown from 67 trams in 2016 to 81 trams today.
The draft Transport Strategy is available to view at www.nationaltransport.ie/gda/draft-transport-strategy-for-the-greater-dublin-area-2022-2042/.
147. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to expand the regularity and capacity of bus routes in the Dublin 18 area given the number of housing developments along the route which will significantly add to the service’s use and capacity in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28054/22]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to bus routes in Dublin 18 to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
148. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the refurbishment and or maintenance works that Iarnród Éireann carried out at locations (details supplied) since January 2021; the further works that Iarnród Éireann has planned for this station over the next 12 months. [28076/22]
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 Deputy's query in relation to refurbishment and maintenance works carried out at Howth Junction/Donaghmede Dart Station is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
149. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to increase route RR14 on the local link bus service frequency from once weekly to twice weekly. [28077/22]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including the Rural Transport Programme management, which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the Local Link route from Roosky to Carrick-on-Shannon, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
150. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the full year cost of purchasing 75 extra hybrid and ten hydrogen buses for the Bus Éireann fleet. [28078/22]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including PSO fleet procurement.
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.
151. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the details of the population areas in County Kerry currently without a Bus Éireann service. [28079/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Bus Éireann.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question regarding details of the population areas in County Kerry currently without a Bus Éireann service, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
152. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport when construction of the Shannon crossing at Ballina, Killaloe will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28102/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs announced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the 23rd May, the Office for Government Procurement has published guidance for parties to public works contracts on establishing and using an 'Inflation/Supply Chain Delay Co-operation Framework Agreement'. Clare County Council, which is the contracting authority for the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme, will now need to engage with the contractor on the basis of the guidance material and consideration of a co-operation agreement.
153. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle fast charging points there are in County Tipperary; and the location of each. [28103/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy 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 was published for consultation at the end of this March which sets out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2025.
Preparations are also underway to establish Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland. 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.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home. This means that the majority of EV users will never need to access the public network except for longer journeys.
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 shortly.
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 non-residential neighbourhood charging, destination charging, and motorway charging.
There are 25 public charging points on the ESB eCars network in Co. Tipperary presently, not including private home charging points or chargers managed by other network providers. 5 of the eCars charge points are of the fast charger type.
A significant increase in funding for public charging points will be rolled out in the latter half of this year.
The Public Charge Point Scheme continues to be available during 2022 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. My Department has reviewed the Scheme and has announced through the draft Infrastructure Strategy a number of additional actions to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the de-carbonisation effort.
My Department is also developing a new scheme which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as visitor centres and parks. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
154. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the regulations to legalise the use of e-scooters and e-bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28120/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is intended, as soon as possible and in accordance with the Programme for Government, to provide a clear legal framework for the use of e-scooters on public roads. Provision has been made for powered personal transporters (PPTs), which will include e-scooters, in the Road Traffic and Roads Bill, which has completed second stage in the Dail and is due to go to committee stage shortly.
The Bill will allow the Minister for Transport to make the use of e-scooters legal on public roads by regulation, following the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas. E-scooters will only become legal to use on Irish roads when regulations for their use and technical specifications have been signed.
The Programme for Government is also committed to legislating for e-bikes. While e-bikes are already provided for in the Road Traffic Acts, the Road Traffic and Roads Bill will clarify the legal definitions for high-powered and low-powered e-bikes. In line with European legislation, high-powered e-bikes will be considered to be light moped (L-category) vehicles and will require registration, tax and insurance. Users will require an L-category driver’s licence and the rules of the road for mopeds and motorbikes will apply. Low-powered pedal-assist e-bikes, capable of speeds up to 25 km/h, will continue to be treated in the same way as pedal bicycles and the rules of the road for bicycles will apply accordingly.
155. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will prioritise the N71 Newmills to Owenahincha realignment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28121/22]
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 management and upgrading 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.
156. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if he has provided funding to the National Transport Authority to cover the cost of enabling commercial bus operators to participate in the young adult card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28124/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) on both PSO and commercial services. This exciting initiative entitles anyone between the ages of 19 and 23 to discounted travel costs and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount level to an average of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services.
The discount has initially been made available on all subsidised PSO bus, rail and Luas services. It will then be broadened to include commercial operators as soon as practical. Intensive work is underway with representatives from the commercial bus sector, the NTA and the Department to devise a mechanism to implement and expedite the deployment of the Young Adult Card in the commercial bus sector.
157. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that a bus stop is put in place in Ballinhassig, County Cork. [28156/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the reinstatement of the east-bound bus stop on North Street, Skibbereen, County Cork. [28157/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, for decisions in relation to the routes of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions in relation to the possible introduction of a bus stop in Ballinhassig, and the possible reinstatement of the east bound bus stop on North Street, Skibbereen, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
159. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of fixed charge notices which have been issued using the statutory instrument for dangerous overtaking of cyclists since the law was introduced in November 2019, by year and to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28178/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the total number of fixed penalty notices issued to cyclists by year and to date since the commencement of the Road Traffic Act 2015, tabulated by the alleged offences for which these were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28180/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.
While my Department is responsible for the drafting of road traffic legislation, it has no role in enforcement or in the recording of enforcement statistics. As my Department does not hold the information sought by the Deputy, I would suggest that he bring his request to the direct attention of An Garda Síochána.
161. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the status of the exploration of the potential of an online portal for road users to upload footage of road traffic offences as published in the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 on 14 December 2021 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28185/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an Action under the Road Safety Strategy for which An Garda Síochána is the lead organisation. I understand that it ties into wider issues relating to evidence submitted to the Gardaí by the public. While I am aware that the Gardaí are working on this, as it is connected to wider Garda issues this is a matter coming within the remit of the Garda Commissioner.
162. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue yield from an increase in the zoned land tax from three percent to seven percent in a full year. [27983/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe residential zoned land tax (RZLT) is designed to prompt residential development by owners of land that is zoned for residential or mixed use purposes and that is serviced, and the primary objective of a RZLT is to increase the supply of housing rather than to raise revenue.
The rate of residential zoned land tax is set at three percent on its commencement in 2024. I have chosen this rate as I believe great care needs to be taken to get the balance right between it achieving its essential purpose of encouraging the release of land for housebuilding purposes, but at the same time not being too penal, so that it runs the risk of being challenged in the courts.
In relation to the Deputy's question regarding the estimated revenue yield from an increase in the residential zoned land tax from three percent to seven percent in a full year, at this time it is not possible to estimate a projected yield increase as the mapping process by Local Authorities has not yet concluded .
In November this year the Local Authorities will publish the first draft of the zoned land maps, which will identify residential zoned land within scope of the tax. Following the publishing of the draft maps, there will be an appeals process whereby a person who believes their land does not justify inclusion within the tax can appeal to their Local Authority and An Bord Pleanála on the matter.
In December 2023 the Local Authorities will publish the final version of the residential zoned land maps. When the zoned land mapping process is concluded and the final maps are published, I will be in a better position to estimate the projected yield from land falling within the scope of the tax.
163. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance if he has examined reducing or abolishing VAT on bicycles, e-bikes and cargo bikes; the estimated cost of abolishing VAT on bicycles, e-bikes and cargo bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27252/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if he will reduce VAT on bicycles to 0% as was permitted by the European Union in December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27362/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 168 together.
I am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate, currently 23% in Ireland, unless they fall within categories of goods and services specified in the Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply a lower rate or exempt from VAT. Bicycles, e-bikes and cargo bikes have not previously been included in the categories of goods and services on which the EU Directive allows a lower rate of VAT or an exemption to be applied, and so they have been liable to VAT at the standard rate.
Following a new agreement on VAT rates coming into force in April, officials in my Department are currently reviewing the options now available to Ireland in setting VAT rates. This will include consideration of the new options available to Member States as a result of the recently updated EU VAT rules when setting VAT rates as well as the new limitations introduced on how reduced rates may be applied. It should be noted that the amended VAT rules will not permit a zero rate of VAT to be applied to the sale of bicylces.
Decisions about tax changes are generally taken in the context of the Budget and, as part of our normal annual Budget preparations. In this context, various options for tax policy changes will be considered by the Tax Strategy Group prior to Budget 2023.
Traders are not required to separately identify the VAT yield generated from the sale or supply of specific products or services in their periodic VAT returns. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is not available from Revenue records directly.
However, using third-party information sources, Revenue estimates that the annual VAT yield from the supply of bicycles (of all forms) is in the region of €14m, based on 2022 VAT base. This suggests that, if there were no behavioural change by consumers, the Exchequer cost of a reduction in VAT on bicycles from 23% to 13.5% could be in the region of €6m annually.
