Written Answers Nos. 181-200
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which focus is being made to meet climate action requirements with particular reference to meeting carbon emission targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28760/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which Ireland is progressing towards meeting emission targets; if sufficient progress can be recorded at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28761/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
The climate ambition in the Programme for Government has been placed on a statutory footing through the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. The Act commits Ireland to achieve a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels.The significantly strengthened legally binding framework under the Act, with clear targets and commitments set in law, will help ensure that Ireland achieves its climate goals and obligations.As part of this strengthened framework, the Government published the Climate Action Plan 2021 last November. Climate Action Plan 2021 identifies the measures, actions and policies required to to achieve our emissions reductions targets, while also setting out indicative ranges of emissions reductions across each sector of the economy. The Government also published an accompanying Annex of Actions to support the delivery of Climate Action Plan 2021. The Annex sets out the detailed actions and measures, with timelines included, that are required to drive delivery and ensure our emissions reduce. Furthermore, the Annex identifies the key Departments, state bodies and other key stakeholders that will oversee and implement these actions.The Climate Action Plan will be updated annually with the measures and actions refined and amended to account for progress made in the area of climate action. Future iterations of the Climate Action Plans will also reflect the recently approved carbon budgets, which provide a framework to ensure progress is made in reaching our 2030 and 2050 targets.
185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the full extent of carbon and other emissions that occur on an annual basis in this jurisdiction; the total requirement of non-arable, wetlands or forestry available to counter this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28762/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which carbon sinks are available in this country with a view to combatting emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28763/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
The latest national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as reported publicly by the EPA for 2020 are 64.64 Mt CO2-eq of which the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector contributed net GHG emissions of 6.93 Mt CO2-eq. To meet our climate objective to reduce GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, we must reduce GHG emissions across all sectors while enhancing our management of the LULUCF sector to optimise options for carbon sequestration. The LULUCF sector consists of the following categories: forest land, cropland, grassland, wetlands, settlements, other land and harvested wood products. It is currently the only sector which has the potential to sequester CO2. In 2015, the EU LULUCF sector reported a net carbon sink of about 309 Mt CO2-eq. This was dominated by CO2 sequestered by existing and new forests. In contrast, Ireland is currently a net emitter of greenhouse gasses (GHG) from the LULUCF sector. This is largely due to the GHG emissions from grasslands and wetlands, resulting from drainage of organic soils, being greater than the sink from forest land and harvested wood products. All our LULUCF categories have the potential to be managed as net sinks for GHG. The Climate Action Plan 2021 set out a range of LULUCF policies and measures which will establish a pathway for this sector to become a sustainable net sink in the long-term, supporting our transition to a carbon neutral economy and society no later than 2050. Actions to reduce Ireland’s net LULUCF emissions include:
- Increasing our annual afforestation rates and promoting forest management initiatives to increase carbon sinks and stores. - Reducing management intensity (water table management) of grasslands on drained organic soils.- Improving the management grasslands on mineral soils for carbon sequestration.- Increasing the inclusion of cover crops in tillage and increasing the incorporation of straw to at least 10% of the tillage (cereal) area.- Rehabilitating 65,000 hectares of peatlands across numerous landowners and projects.
187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he continues to make contact with the Minister for Agriculture with a view to ensuring the adequate measures are taken to reduce carbon emissions without reducing the agri-food production sector which could lead to a national food shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28764/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ensure that measures to address carbon emissions do not damage the productive agricultural and manufacturing sectors here; if best practice in other jurisdictions to meet such requirements will be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28765/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.
As Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications I continue to work closely with all Ministers to deliver policies to achieve our emissions targets. Furthermore, my Department is working across all of Government, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on the need to address our carbon emissions. My Department consults with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on a number of policy matters, including for strategic policies such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan, and Food Vision 2030.
Presently my Department, is working across Government on sectoral emissions ceilings as required by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. This shall set the emission limits for all sectors of our economy over the next two Carbon Budget periods.
Climate Action Plan 2021 sets out an ambitious emissions reduction range for the agriculture sector of between 22% and 30% by 2030, compared with a 2018 baseline. The achievement of this target will require significant innovation and effort, representing a transformative change for our agri-food industries. I am confident that the sector will fully exploit the opportunities of the transition without compromising on sustainable food production.
To address emissions in manufacturing my Department is engaging with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the sectoral emissions ceiling for industry which includes the agri-food sector. Together we are reviewing the measures agreed in the Climate Action Plan 2021 to ensure that they can deliver the emissions reductions required. To meet requirements such as technical feasibility and cost effectiveness and their wider economic impact.
189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he expects to be in a position to protect the consumer from rising energy prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28766/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland and Europe is high international gas prices where we are a price taker. Gas prices are now unprecedently high, which feeds directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas. Government is acutely aware of the impacts these rising prices will have on consumers, in particular the most vulnerable. Following the Budget 2022 package which introduced a number of supports for households, the Government announced in February a €505 million suite of measures to mitigate the cost of living increases including a credit payment to all households of €176.22 excluding VAT and an additional Fuel Allowance lump sum of €125.In April, the Government also published the National Energy Security Framework which details consumer supports and protections that are already in place and that are being enhanced including: - a further €100 Fuel Allowance lump sum payment
- a new targeted €20 million scheme for the installation of Photo Voltaic (PV) panels for households that have a high reliance on electricity for medical reasons
- a reduction in VAT from 13.5% to 9% on gas and electricity bills from the start of May until the end of October.As part of its statutory role, Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the independent regulator has consumer protection functions and monitors energy retail markets to ensure that competition continues to develop and for the benefit of the consumer. Response 6 of the Framework charges the CRU with implementing a package of measures to enhance protections for financially vulnerable customers and customers in debt by quarter 3 - ahead of the next heating season. As also set out in the Framework, work is ongoing to consider additional measures to help consumers meet the cost of energy taking into account available resources.
190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which wind, wave or solar energy are being developed to meet Ireland’s climate change targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28767/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) annual Energy in Ireland report sets out the final annual figures of total electricity generated and the percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources in Ireland. The latest edition of the report is available here: www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-statistics/key-publications/energy-in-ireland/.
Provisional estimates by EirGrid for 2021 indicate that approximately 35% electricity generated was from renewable sources. The majority of renewable electricity was generated from wind, which provided approximately 31% of total electricity generated.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the major Government policies to help deliver on the ambition in the Climate Action Plan 2021 of up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030. The first projects from RESS 1 started commercial operation by the end of 2021, with Irelands first large solar farm achieving commercial operation in April 2022. I recently announced the provisional results of the second RESS auction (RESS 2) which is expected to deliver an increase of nearly 20% in Ireland’s renewable energy generation.
Design of the RESS 3 onshore auction is also currently under development and my Department is also finalising the terms and conditions on the first of three planned auctions this decade for the offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS). A roadmap of future auctions which sets out the indicative timelines and volumes for onshore and offshore auctions over the coming decade was published in December 2021.
Work is also underway to develop a pathway for offshore development post-2030 and a revised Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP II) is currently in progress. This will identify the most suitable areas for the sustainable development of fixed and floating wind, wave, and tidal technologies in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), while also considering other maritime activities and marine biodiversity.
Through the measures set out in the National Energy Security Framework and the Climate Action Plan 2021, my Department is working across Government to rapidly boost the supply of renewable energy generation to reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels and delivering on our climate targets.
191. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made to date in the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in County Cavan; the progress that is expected in improving access to broadband in this area in 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28773/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra192. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made to date in the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in County Monaghan; the progress that is expected in improving access to broadband in this area in 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28774/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in almost 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by NBI that as of 20 May 2022, over 327,600 premises have now been surveyed and over 175,300 premises are under construction or complete across 26 counties, demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. I am further advised that almost 67,700 premises are now available to order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 23 counties, with over 56,600 premises passed across 22 counties and available for immediate connection.
NBI has advised that there are over 3,600 premises passed and available for connection in County Cavan and almost 4,400 premises passed in County Monaghan. Further details are available on specific areas within Cavan and Monaghan through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence.
NBI has made recent improvements to its website to enhance the provision of information to Oireachtas members. NBI has now completed a suite of changes, creating a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas in all 26 counties, including the status of the Deployment Areas located in Cavan and Monaghan. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: www.nbi.ie. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 20 May 2022, 584 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Cavan, 12 BCP sites have been installed to date, with 15 sites installed in County Monaghan. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/broadband-connection-points/.
In County Cavan, some 13 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access, with 11 now installed in County Monaghan. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
My Department has worked with NBI to agree an Updated Interim Remedial Plan (UIRP) which recalibrated the targets for 2022 to take account of the knock on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and other delays to the programme. The revised target is 102,000 premises passed by the end of January 2023 (cumulative). It remains the ambition of the Government to roll out the National Broadband Plan State led intervention as quickly as possible in all areas, including Cavan and Monaghan, and to achieve this NBI will continue its focus on addressing the delays which have arisen and ensuring that the build programme gets back on track and is building momentum month on month.
193. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has had any recent communication with the Communications Regulator or the telecommunications companies in relation to poor mobile telephone service in some parts of the country; the measures that will be introduced to improve services in areas in which they are inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28775/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s national digital strategy contains goals for the digital transformation of our economy and society which align closely with that of the European Union’s Digital Decade. Specifically, the targets for digital connectivity include that all Irish households and business will be covered by a Gigabit network by 2028 and all populated areas covered by 5G by 2030.
The roll-out of infrastructure for mobile telecommunications services in Ireland is primarily a matter for private mobile network operators, operating on a commercial basis with mobile coverage obligations set out in licences granted by the independent regulator, ComReg who advise that the current minimum coverage obligations in those licences are being considerably exceeded by all operators.
ComReg is planning another Multi-band Spectrum Award to assign rights of use in four spectrum bands which will enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data. To assist consumers to choose the network provider that best meets their needs, ComReg has developed a national outdoor coverage map. This map which is available on the ComReg website provides consumers with very clear information on where operators have good 2G, 3G and 4G coverage. The Department liaises regularly with both ComReg and operators to ensure progress in the provision of mobile coverage across the country.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Community and Rural Development continues to tackle issues impeding the rollout of mobile and fixed connectivity including how best outdoor mobile phone coverage can be further improved and ensuring the efficient use of infrastructure and assets to support the rollout of telecoms networks into the future.
194. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the number of marine recreational very-high frequency radio licences, call signs and maritime mobile service identity numbers that are currently outstanding; when these are expected to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 210 VHF radio licences and 60 call signs and maritime mobile service identity numbers (MMSI) in-hand for all vessel types including recreational craft. The Mercantile Marine Office are processing these applications and expects a processing time of four weeks per application.
195. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport the plans that he is putting in place to ensure that the necessary public European Union charging infrastructure is put in place to deal with the increase in demand as more electric cars are purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28724/22]
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 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.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Charging at home is the most convenient and cheapest way to recharge. Targeting the installation of smart home chargers is a priority as we look to moving towards more energy efficient and sustainable ways to charge. A grant is available from the SEAI for those individuals seeking to install a home charger. Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for apartments to open 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 neighbourhood or residential charging, destination charging, and motorway charging.
The Department is working closely with a number of key stakeholders, including Local Government, to ensure electric vehicle charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand.
€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.
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. 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 has reviewed the Scheme and has announced through the draft EV Charging 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.
While the public consultation regarding the charging infrastructure strategy is ongoing, my Department continues to engage directly with stakeholders to ensure that a sufficient number of chargers, as well as a sufficient spread of charger types, will be in place to meet demand as we move towards our 2030 target of circa 1 million EVs on the road.
All of the above actions will help us move towards not only our national targets, but towards alignment with our international targets and obligations for decarbonisation such as those set out by the European Union.
196. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of offices operated by his Department that are in high-risk areas for radon; the number that have been tested for radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28584/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are two offices operated by my Department that are located in high risk areas for radon.
My Department carried out radon testing of all offices in 2007 and no remediation was required.
197. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out costings on the provision of free transport for all school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28589/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.
The provision of public transport services is heavily dependent on passenger fare revenue as it normally contributes about 65% of the operational cost. The remaining 35% of cost is covered by the PSO grant and the Department of Social Protection grant under the free travel scheme.
Prior to COVID-19, €287 million of Exchequer funding was provided for PSO services in Budget 2020; however, since 2020, additional funding has been required to continue to address the significant COVID impacts on public transport provision.
In 2022, I secured €538m to support PSO services including over €200m to address COVID expenses (i.e. loss of fare revenue, cleaning costs). Up to €12m will be provided as ongoing support for the licensed bus sector; while, over €15m has also been allocated to support Local Link regular service provision in rural Ireland.
In view 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.
The YAC was launched on PSO services on the 9th of May, with over 1000 applications received by the NTA on launch day alone. The initiative will be broadened to include commercial operators later this year, with the aim to have it in place before the recommencement of third level colleges. 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 addition, as the Deputy will be aware a 20% average reduction is being introduced on PSO services as part of a suite of Government measures to help combat the rising cost of living. This fare reduction was applied to all services outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) from the 11th of April and nationwide from the 9th of May. The fare reduction will be in place until the end of the year and €54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares, this is in addition to the REV22 allocations.
The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to costings on the provision of free transport for all school children, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
198. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he has informed himself or conducted any research in relation to the number of the road fatalities out of the total number and percentage of fatalities that involve motorcycles in each of the past five years including to date 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28622/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for compiling road traffic collision statistics and for conducting research into this and other road safety related matters. I have therefore referred this question 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.
199. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the incentives that he is considering to increase the amount of taxis in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28662/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
The Government and the NTA have recently taken a number of steps to support taxi drivers who are already in the industry.
The draft Maximum Fares Order 2022, which was open for public consultation until May 27th, includes a proposed average increase in taxi fares of 12.5%. By facilitating this increase in maximum fares, the NTA is addressing the pressures that the taxi industry clearly faces, particularly the rising cost of fuel. This is designed in such a way as to provide a larger increase for premium hours (20.00 to 08.00, Sundays and Bank Holidays) and shorter journeys. This is the period, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, when there are the most complaints about the unavailability of taxis. It is hoped that increasing taxi fares, particularly the premium fare, will encourage more taxi drivers to operate during that time, as well as making the sector more attractive to new entrants, thus increasing availability to passengers nationally.
The 2022 driver survey, undertaken by the NTA, shows that 93% of drivers are now working but only 29% currently work this period. 30% of drivers (up from 17% in 2019) reported that they would consider working these hours if fares were to increase for this “night work”. In recognition of this, the proposed fare has been weighted in favour of the Premium Rate period. The increase in cents/euro for each taxi user per journey is not substantial; however, the cumulative impact of the increase is significant for drivers and it is hoped that this will encourage more taxi drivers to operate during these periods and also encourage drivers to reactivate their licences.
My Department and the NTA introduced a number of supports during the Covid-19 pandemic to reduce the costs for licenced SPSVs to continue in the industry during this very difficult period. These included an increase in the maximum vehicle age, and licence fees at no cost. The NTA also introduced a regulatory measure to allow licence holders to be inactive for 24 months (previously 12 months) to allow them to remain attached to the industry with no associated costs during this very uncertain period. It is hoped that a significant proportion of these licences will return now that demand for services is increasing.
The SPSV Motor Tax Refund Scheme was introduced as an additional financial support to assist the SPSV industry in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. and I provided €2m in funding for this Scheme. The Scheme commenced on 1 September 2021 following NTA’s extensive efforts to put in place the necessary process to ensure SPSV licence holders could receive a reimbursement of €95 for their SPSV Motor Tax. The Scheme will end on 31 August 2022.
The NTA also introduced the NCT Initial Test Fee Waiver Scheme for the SPSV sector on September 1st 2021, with funding of €1.5m from my Department. As a result, SPSVs presenting for the NCT received, and continue to receive, this test for free. This Scheme also ends on 31 August 2022.
My Department has made available funding to the NTA to provide grants for the provision and conversion of vehicles to being wheelchair accessible which is a requirement for new entrants to the SPSV industry. The uptake of the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) grant scheme has been strong, with 3,341 grants allocated for the purchase of a WAT between 2014 and 2021, with associated funding of over €3 million given over that period.
I remain committed to supporting the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles. The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by the Department and administered by the NTA. €15m was allocated in 2022 to support the industry to switch to electric. The Scheme is kept under continuous review and is currently paused to allow for the drawdown and payment of provisional grant offers. Once these grant offers have been drawn down, there will be a clearer picture of the funding available for the second half of the year and, at this stage, I anticipate the scheme will reopen for applications in the summer, allowing SPSV operators to again apply for the supports on offer.
200. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 20 of 25 May 2022, the date that was provided to his Department by Kerry County Council confirming that works were completed in respect of this project; if his Department will provide all documentation relating to the drawdown of funding for this project including any progress reports that may have been received from Kerry County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28664/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs indicated previously, it is the responsibility of the relevant local authority to implement grant aided schemes on the basis approved and in accordance with the terms of the Memorandum on Grants for Regional and Local Roads. The Department’s Regional and Local Road Engineering Inspectorate visit each local authority approximately twice each year to visually inspect funded projects. As also indicated, due to the high number of projects carried out each year in all grant categories, this is a spot check prioritising the larger projects and a representative sample of the smaller projects and specific highlighted projects.
In the case of projects under the Safety Improvement Programme, the basis for the drawdown of grants is the claims submitted to the Department via TII’s Payment Reporting System. In this context local authorities are required to submit extracts from their Financial Management System (FMS) as support for claims and the information supplied by Kerry County Council in this instance is summarised in the table below.
Given the scale of the projects generally funded under the Safety Improvement Programme and the number of projects involved across all local authorities, local authorities are not required to submit progress reports. Local authorities are required to submit annual returns indicating the status of funded projects. The Boolteens scheme was reported as complete in Kerry County Council’s return relating to 2021.
|
Figures as provided to the Deputy by Kerry County Council |
2020 Extract from Kerry FMS Summary for claim |
2021 Extract from Kerry FMS Summary for claim |
|||
|
Element |
Cost |
2020 |
Inclusive of |
2021 |
Inclusive of |
|
Labour Costs |
€28,832 |
€0.00 |
N/A |
€28,832.37 |
Wages, ER-PRSI, Overtime & Allowed Overhead |
|
Minor Contracts |
€12,448 |
€10,541.89 |
Road Markings |
€1,905.99 |
Engineering, Minor Contacts 13.5% & Minor Contacts E1 |
|
Plant & Machinery |
€9,415 |
€0.00 |
N/A |
€9,415.01 |
Diesel, Mini Digger, Roller, Trucks, Low Loader, Tractor, Pick Up Truck, Traffic Lights, Tractor & Dump Trailer, Skip Hire, Health & Safety Wear & Small Hand Tools |
|
Materials |
€46,136 |
€27,040.96 |
10mm DBM, Ready Mix Concrete & Cl 804 |
€19,095.13 |
Tape, Timber,10mm DBM Patching, 600mm OG Pipe, Nuts & Bolts, Road Signs |
|
Advertising |
€420 |
€419.73 |
Advertising |
€0.00 |
N/A |
|
Total |
€97,251 |
€38,002.58 |
€59,248.50 |
||
