Niamh Smyth
Ceist:282. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to an issue in relation to fast car chargers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29528/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraElectric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (282)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the policy framework and strategy in relation to the provision of public chargepoints. My Department recently published its draft EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy, which can be viewed online.
The issue raised is an operational matter for ESB Networks, which operates the chargepoint referred to by the Deputy, and I have therefore forwarded her question to that company 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.
We have a fast charger in Cavan and are in the early stages of upgrading this charger as part of the CAF project. The new charger will double both the speed and capacity at that location and allow EVs to charge simultaneously.
We are also in commercial discussions with a third party around the provision of a HPC Tier 3 hub site in the town. We are hopeful of a positive outcome to these negotiations and will keep the Dept informed on progress in this regard.
Taxi Licences
Ceisteanna (283)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:283. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if the operation period of taxis will be extended by one year in order to facilitate taxi drivers and their families to overcome the financial setbacks caused by Covid and rising inflation and in order to enable them to have more time to invest in the purchase of electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29543/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
In this regard, the Deputy should be aware that the NTA has extended vehicle age limits several times since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with standard age limits for taxis and hackneys now waived through to the end of 2022, thereby ensuring no operator exits the industry simply because of the need to replace a vehicle.
The NTA's extension of age limits is an emergency measure, taken in recognition of the particular challenges occasioned by COVID-19. The ten-year rule was recommended by the 2011 Taxi Regulation Review and came about following a public consultation on vehicle standards for taxis, hackneys, and limousines held that year. It was adopted in recognition of the need to strike a balance between achieving standards that offer the customer confidence, comfort and safety, and allowing industry members to operate successfully, cogniscant of the fact that the replacement of a vehicle is a SPSV operator's single largest cost. There is no consideration being given to amending these age-related rules now, or at any time in the future.
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 aim of the electric small public service vehicle (eSPSV) grant scheme is to support the greening of the taxi sector. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, reducing the CO2 emissions of a sector which typically has very high mileage, and also can positively influence the uptake of zero emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles.
The Scheme is funded by my 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 re-open for applications in the summer, allowing SPSV operators to apply once again for the supports on offer.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (284)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:284. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the private companies which provided security on Irish Rail services in 2021 and to date in 2022; and the cost of each security contract and the date of the tender of the contract and the cost per-service used in tabular form. [29598/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 private security provided on Irish Rail services is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company 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
Road Network
Ceisteanna (285)
Joe McHugh
Ceist:285. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he will give clarification on the reason there has been a delay in compensation discussions which were due to take place in September 2021 between Donegal County Council, TII and homeowners on the planned TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project (details supplied) where homeowners had been previously informed they would have invitations sent to them in September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29603/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
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
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (286)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:286. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to introduce appropriate legislation to require that written-off vehicles undergo an independent technical inspection post-repair and pre re-registration in the State to ensure that the vehicle has been repaired using manufacturers recommended procedures; if he intends that the code of practice similar to that of a British organisation (details supplied) will be unilaterally implemented in the State, including the requirement for an appropriately qualified person advanced programme qualification to only allowed to inspect and categorise damaged vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29621/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 currently before the Oireachtas provides for an amendment to the Part 2 Written-off Vehicle provisions contained within the 2016 Road Traffic Act. Once the current Road Traffic and Roads Bill makes its way through the Oireachtas to enactment, Part 2 of the 2016 Act will be commenced soon thereafter.
Part 2 of the Road Traffic Act 2016 will make it mandatory for insurance companies providing insurance for Irish registered vehicles, to notify the Department within a specified timeframe, when an Irish registered vehicle is categorised as a written-off vehicle upon inspection by the insurance company.
Once enacted, when a Category A or B written-off vehicle is notified to the Department, the vehicle will have its record locked. It will then not be possible to tax such a vehicle or to complete a Change of Vehicle Ownership process. These measures are key to ensuring that unsuspecting buyers do not purchase such vehicles. Category A and B vehicles are deemed not suitable to be repaired and the vehicle cannot go back on the road (End-of-life vehicle).
Further information in relation to Written-Off Vehicles is available at: www.rsa.ie/road-safety/road-users/car-drivers/resources/written-off-vehicles.
While I understand that the UK Code of Practice for insurance companies you refer to, is a voluntary code, there are currently no proposals at present to introduce such a code in this State.
The registration of vehicles in the State and any documentation required is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (287)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:287. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons on waiting lists for driving tests in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath and nationwide to date; the length of time that they have been waiting; the stage that they are at in their application process in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29722/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have therefore referred the question to the Authority 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
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (288)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:288. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the existing costs associated with maintaining a driving licence for persons over the age of 70 years; if any consideration is being given to reducing these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29724/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is no application fee for a driving licence for persons aged 70 years or over.
In February 2022, the age requirement for drivers to provide a medical report with their licence application, confirming their fitness to drive, was increased from 70 to 75.
While I appreciate that there is a cost in obtaining a medical report, medical checks are required for road safety reasons as age-related deterioration can affect a person's ability to drive.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (289)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:289. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport when the recoupment of monies owed to Wexford County Council (details supplied) is expected to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29744/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Wexford County Council submitted a request for payment of costs in relation to the testing facility to the Department of Transport in May 2022. The Department subsequently requested additional detail from Wexford County Council, which was provided in recent days. This information is currently being reviewed by the Department and payment will be processed on completion of that review.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (290)
James Lawless
Ceist:290. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will assist in the re-establishment of a bus service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29746/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 and is responsible for the licensing of public bus passenger services under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009.Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the re-establishment of a bus service, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (291)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:291. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the requirement to actively involve disabled persons’ organisations in the public consultation on the new national electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategy (details supplied) in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; if his attention has been drawn to the survey not containing any questions on disability, accessibility or universal design; the steps that his Department will take to ensure that the voices of people with disabilities are being heard in this strategy and in the survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29755/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 194,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication.
The second fundamental principle of the draft Strategy is EV charging will work for everyone regardless of age, health, income or other needs to ensure a fair and equitable transition to large-scale EV use. To ensure access for all citizens, principles of universal access and universal design will be considered at all stages of EV infrastructure development, from planning and design stages to operation and use.
The public consultation survey was designed to be a brief survey, that would not take a significant amount of time to complete, and the purpose of which was to get a high level response on the main direction and emphasis of the infrastructure strategy. It was not designed to elicit detailed responses on specific issues, which would have been required for questions on accessibility and universal design to be productive and useful for the consultation process.
As well as the survey, detailed written submissions were invited to the consultation process, and my Department continues to engage directly with, and receive feedback from, stakeholders for consideration in the development of the final Strategy for publication.
Focussed stakeholder engagement is also planned as part of the Strategy consultation process, and my Department will engage with disabled person's organisations as part of a this stakeholder consultation for feedback on these issues to inform the final Strategy.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (292)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:292. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is in full compliance with the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/554 of 5 April 2022 on the recognition of qualifications for people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; if he will set out a list of the professional qualifications or professions recognised under the aegis of his Department; if Ukrainian qualifications are now recognised in each case; if electronic applications can be made for such recognition; the web address or email address to which such applications should be sent, or if physical application is necessary; and the exact procedures and address for such applications. [29981/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Commission published Recommendation (EU) 2022/554 in April 2022 concerning the recognition of qualifications for people fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This recommendation addresses the access of those fleeing the war to regulated professions. It provides Member States' authorities with guidance and practical advice to ensure a quick, fair and flexible recognition process. Its stated goal is to help those fleeing the war to find a path to meaningful employment, while facilitating their integration.
Ukrainian persons wishing to practice a regulated profession in Ireland must engage with the relevant Competent Authority with responsibility for that profession to seek the recognition of their qualifications.
A list of regulated professions in Ireland, their corresponding competent authority and the relevant contact information for each authority is available on the Government website at the following link: assets.gov.ie/224329/d51af586-f4dc-449f-a6a7-e4406c4dddeb.pdf.
The Department of Transport and its agencies are currently reviewing the recommendation made by the Commission with a view to supporting where possible Ukrainians seeking the recognition of their qualifications.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (293)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:293. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 176 and 178 of 12 May 2022, if he can specify the actual number of lost or missed departures from each terminal where a scheduled departure did not happen on the route concerned and not just the average of lost kilometres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30009/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 and for the scheduling and timetabling 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 specific question in relation to Go-Ahead Ireland Bus Route 120, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Cycling Policy
Ceisteanna (294)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:294. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on developing a shared bike scheme on the northside of Cork city. [30036/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure. The management of public bike schemes is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), which works closely with the relevant local authorities in this regard.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply . Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (295)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:295. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on developing a train stop at Kilbarry, Blackpool, Cork city. [30037/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Commuter Rail Programme targets a 10-minute all-day frequency on electrified rail services running from Mallow to Midleton and Cobh. Phase 1 of the Programme will be funded through the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility and is scheduled for completion by 2026. As set out for delivery in the wider programme, new stations will be provided in line with the development of adjacent areas and the wider improvements on the rail network.
Also as the Deputy may be aware, under the CMATS (Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy), the National Transport Authority (NTA) have proposed a number of new rail stations including that referred to by the Deputy.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in both CMATS and the delivery of the Cork Commuter Rail Programme (in co-operation with Iarnród Éireann), I have referred the Deputy's question to it for a more detailed 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
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (296)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:296. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update of the route selection and a commencement date for works on the Northern Distributor Road, Cork city. [30038/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Given the multi-modal nature of the project and its importance in the integrated Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has recently been designated as the Approving Authority for the Cork Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Route. The NTA has received, and is currently reviewing, the Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) provided by Cork City Council for this project. The SAR sets out the specific rationale for the project and is the first approval step in the Public Spending Code for any major transport scheme.
As the cost of this project will be over €100 million, the Public Spending Code requires that the SAR is subject to a review by Department of Public Expenditure & Reform, following completion of an initial evaluation of the document by the NTA. It will also be submitted to the Minister for Transport for approval.
The evaluation process for the SAR will take a number of months, following which a determination on the document will be issued to the City Council by the NTA.
National Car Test
Ceisteanna (297)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:297. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps that can be taken to ensure that a car can receive an NCT in advance of its current expiration (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30151/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The operation of the National Car Test Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have no role in individual cases. I have therefore referred the question and the details supplied to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
However, I am given to understand that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly by calling 01-4135992 or may avail of the waiting list function via the website www.ncts.ie.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
National Car Test
Ceisteanna (298)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:298. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps that are being taken to ensure that there are sufficient NCT appointments to cope with demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30152/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The operation of the National Car Test Service (NCTS), including demand management, is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority 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
Bus Éireann
Ceisteanna (299)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:299. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a bus station in a town is closed (details supplied); if he will contact Bus Éireann to establish when it will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30154/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to a closed bus station is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (300)
David Cullinane
Ceist:300. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if, following the reduction in fares across public service obligation public transport, there will be measures to reduce fares on privately operated services where there are no public alternatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30184/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. The Government allocated €54m in Exchequer funding to provide this measure; however, this funding does not currently include an extension of the scheme to commercial operators.
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. 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.Licensed bus and coach 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. In acknowledgement of the continuing difficulties facing the sector, these supports have been extended up to 30 June 2022 and to date, over €64 million has been provided to support the commercial bus operators through these supports alone.
It is clear that the above fare initiatives will be of great benefit to public transport users and will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with the associated benefit of transport emission savings.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (301)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:301. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if the electric vehicle taxi scheme has been temporarily paused; if so, when it will re-open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30302/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The aim of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme is to support the greening of the SPSV sector. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, reducing the CO2 emissions of a sector which typically has very high mileage, and also can positively influence the uptake of zero emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of electric 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 NTA acting as agents of the Department with delegated authority and as the licensing authority for SPSVs. €15m was allocated in 2022 to support SPSVs to switch to electric.
The scheme is kept under continuous review and is currently paused to new applicants to allow for the drawdown and payment of provisional grant offers which usually have a time limit of three months. In addition, applicants can apply for a further three month provisional grant offer extension if they have a letter from their dealer stating that the vehicle will be delivered within this timeframe. 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 I anticipate the scheme will reopen for applications in the summer.
I trust that this is of assistance.