Written Answers Nos. 302-324
302. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and or the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland provides grant-aid for the purchase of new hydrotreated vegetable oil powered vehicles. [30322/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither my Department nor the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland provide a grant-aid for the purchase of new hydrotreated vegetable oil powered vehicles. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, or HVO, is a form of renewable diesel that can be used as a replacement fuel for fossil diesel. It is a drop-in fuel and, unlike conventional biodiesel, it can be blended at higher rates and is not limited to a 7% blend.
The biofuel obligation has been in place since 2010 and, since that time, increasing volumes of biofuels have been introduced to Ireland’s transport fuel supply through a biofuel blending obligation on fuel suppliers. The obligation ensures that a certain percentage (currently 13% by volume) of the motor fuel placed on the market comes from renewable sources, for example bioethanol and biodiesel. In 2020 alone, 239 million litres of biofuels replaced about 209 million litres of fossil fuels, avoiding approximately 520 KtCO2eq. GHG emissions.
Biofuels will remain a core transitional measure for medium-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in road transport. This is particularly so for hard to abate sectors such as heavy-duty vehicles, where alternative transport energy and technology are at early and varying stages of development. However, concerns exist regarding the source, production, traceability and sustainability of the feedstocks for biofuels. My Department is currently carrying out a study on the sustainability and availability of bio- and renewable fuels supply and demand in transport. This study will help to inform the development of the Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy over the coming years, with due regard to the ambitious domestic targets for renewable fuels in the Climate Action Plan and proposed future European obligations for renewable fuels.
I published the Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement in November 2021. The Statement sets out a roadmap for the supply and use of renewable energy in transport to address Ireland’s national commitments under the Climate Action Plan 2021 and European obligations under the Renewable Energy Directive. It supports the actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transport and increase the share of renewable fuels in the national Climate Action Plan 2021 and our international obligations, including the EU Renewable Energy Directive. The Policy proposes measures to achieve higher rates of biofuel blending in transport fuel supply annually to achieve the Climate Action Plan target of 10% bioethanol in petrol and 20% biodiesel in diesel by 2030.
In addition, the Renewable Fuel for Transport Policy aims to will further incentivise the supply of advanced renewable fuels such as biomethane and green hydrogen, and it reiterates the commitment to the highest standards of sustainability of biofuel supply from source. It is Government and EU policy to support the deployment of alternative fuels. This is reflected in the introduction of the Alternatively Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle grant in March 2021, the Budget 2022 announcement of the expansion of the Accelerated Capital Allowance scheme for natural gas propelled vehicles and related equipment to include hydrogen vehicles and equipment, the roll-out of the CNG fuelling network and the provision of policy advice for projects looking at the development of green hydrogen projects.
In this context, the Alternatively Fuels Heavy-Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant scheme supports the purchase of new large vans, trucks, buses and coaches. The Scheme, which is administered by TII, is intended to help bridge some of the difference in purchase price between conventional heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) and those powered by alternatively-fuelled power-trains that offer environmental benefits over standard diesel vehicle technologies, and that would not otherwise have been bought.
To accord with EU State Aid rules, grant levels under the Scheme are calculated as a percentage of the difference in price between a conventionally-fuelled diesel HDV and its alternatively-fuelled equivalent. Maximum grant levels for eligible vehicles depend on the size of the company or enterprise applying for the grant, and on the fuel-type of the vehicle that the applicant wishes to buy.
€3m was allocated to this scheme in 2021 and given the excellent response to the initiative, a further €3m was allocated this year.
303. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he and or the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland will provide a schedule of the registrations of new electric vehicles purchased in Ireland by vehicle type in 2021 and to date in 2022; and the totality of grant aid provided for the purchase of these vehicles. [30323/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraElectric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the 2021 Climate Action Plan and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 945,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years.
As the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive suite of measures is available to EV drivers, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable motor and BIK tax rates, as well as a comprehensive charging network. These measures have collectively contributed to increased take up of EVs in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a low base, to over 58,000 at the end of April.
In addition, the Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. In particular, the group examined the optimum mix of regulatory, taxation and subsidy policies. The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government and the full report is available online.
In line with the Group’s recommendations to support the transition to EVs:
- The generous suite of EV supports already in place in Ireland has been retained until at least end-2022. Work is ongoing to identify additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentivise fossil-fuelled vehicles. Overall, cost-effective, targeted policy supports will continue to be developed and strengthened over the coming years
- Work is under way to establish Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), as a matter of priority, to co-ordinate the implementation of existing and future EV measures and infrastructure.
A cross-departmental Implementation Committee has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the EVPP report and is due to report on its progress to Government in Q4 of this year.
Overall, the Department is acutely aware that the cost of electric vehicles remains an issue for many consumers. To this end, electric vehicle policy is kept under continuous review in an effort to make low-emission vehicles affordable.
The draft Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy, which was published for public consultation at the end of March, concurrently sets out a pathway for the provision of charging infrastructure to stay ahead of demand for EVs as we move towards our 2030 targets.
The information requested by the Deputy, and which has been provided to the Department of Transport by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Central Statistics Office, is in the following tables:
Vehicles registered for the first time in Ireland by fuel type
|
- |
2021 |
2022 to the end of May |
|
BEV |
9,508 |
8,069 |
|
PHEV |
7,890 |
4,754 |
|
Total EVs |
17,398 |
12,823 |
EV grants paid in 2021
Number
|
- |
BEV |
BEV |
PHEV |
PHEV |
TOTAL |
TOTAL |
|
Number |
Grant (€) |
Grant (€) |
Number |
Grant (€) |
||
|
Commercial |
205 |
776,600 |
6 |
22,800 |
211 |
799,400 |
|
Demo |
998 |
3,770,000 |
1,183 |
4,373,600 |
2,181 |
8,143,600 |
|
Private |
5,355 |
26,705,800 |
5,668 |
27,464,500 |
11,023 |
54,170,300 |
|
6,558 |
31,252,400 |
6,857 |
31,860,900 |
13,415 |
63,113,300 |
EV grants paid in 2022 to the end of May
|
- |
BEV |
BEV |
PHEV |
PHEV |
TOTAL |
TOTAL |
|
Number |
Grant (€) |
Number |
Grant (€) |
Number |
Grant (€) |
|
|
Commercial |
74 |
280,400 |
0 |
22,800 |
74 |
280,400 |
|
Demo |
326 |
1,232,400 |
68 |
250,100 |
394 |
1,482,500 |
|
Private |
4,781 |
23,858,000 |
178 |
718,000 |
4,959 |
24,576,000 |
|
5,181 |
25,370,800 |
246 |
968,100 |
5,427 |
26,338,900 |
304. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if any funding has been provided under the National Development Plan to progress the design and planning stages of the Navan rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30339/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the issue of a rail connection to Navan is being re-examined as part of the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The Strategy is a multi-modal, twenty year transport strategy for the region and one that must be reflected in relevant land-use strategies across the GDA.
A Navan rail link was included in the draft GDA Transport Strategy as one of the proposed projects to be delivered by 2042. The Strategy is subject to a formal statutory approval process and a final version will ultimately be submitted for my approval in the coming months.
If included in the final Strategy, this project will require significant planning and design before construction can commence. As it stands, the draft Strategy proposes delivery of the Navan rail line in the latter half of the Strategy period. The current National Development Plan provides capital funding to approved projects up to and including 2030.
305. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the National Transport Authority did not revert to this Deputy in relation to the reply to a Parliamentary Question (details supplied) which his Department referred on to the Authority; the action that he intends to take to ensure that the organisation issues a reply to same; the number of questions that were referred for detailed reply by his Department to the organisation since the beginning of 2022; the number of these that were replied to within ten days; if he will take action to reduce the waste of time and money for Deputies, his Department and the National Transport Authority when these replies are not received within the ten days mentioned in his reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30357/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn respect of Parliamentary Questions that have been referred to agencies under my Department's remit, and where Deputies have informed my private office that they have not received a direct reply within the specified 10 working day period, my private office follows up with the agency concerned.
In this case, I note that my private office did not receive a notification of this nature from the Deputy, but has since followed up with the NTA to request a reply be issued promptly
306. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the age for a person to receive a taxi licence (details supplied) is high compared to other professions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30363/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt appears from the question that the Deputy is referring to a licence for an individual person to drive a small public service vehicle (an SPSV). Under section 6 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, such licences are issued and renewed by An Garda Síochána, which comes within the area of responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Ms. Helen McEntee.
307. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting list for driving tests in each centre across Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30431/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. 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.
308. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting list for the driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30432/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving theory test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. 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.
309. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting list for motorbike practical tests in each centre across Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30433/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the motorbike practical test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. 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.
310. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to reduce the waiting list for driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30434/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to Covid 19 and resulting lockdowns, driver testing services were suspended or curtailed for periods throughout 2020 and 2021. This resulted in significant backlogs developing.
When restrictions permitted, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and their contractors worked hard to deliver these services safely, and to reduce the backlogs and restore waiting times to pre-pandemic levels.
To meet the demand for tests, approval has been given to significantly increase the capacity of the service through the recruitment and extension of a number of existing driver tester contracts. This, and the introduction of a new booking system for tests, have had a noticeable impact on reducing Covid waiting list backlogs.
Pre-pandemic the target for average wait time for a driving test was ten weeks, although on the immediate eve of the pandemic, the actual waiting time was around six and a half weeks. This increased to 25 weeks during the pandemic. With the improving public health situation, the national average waiting time is once again six weeks.
The RSA continues to focus on the small number of centres with longer than average waiting times to provide extra capacity and reduce waiting times further.
311. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to reduce the waiting list for driver theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30435/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to Covid 19 and resulting lockdowns, theory testing services were suspended or curtailed for periods throughout 2020 and 2021. This resulted in significant backlogs developing.
When restrictions permitted, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and its contractors worked hard to deliver these services safely, and to reduce the backlogs and restore waiting times to pre-pandemic levels.
A "super capacity" initiative was introduced which significantly increased capacity. The number of tests provided increased from an average pre Covid 19 level of 15,000 up to 50,000 appointments per month. This was introduced in July 2021 for a three-month period to tackle the backlog that had built up.
I understand that waiting times for Driver Theory Tests are now back to normal service levels.
312. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to reduce the waiting list for motorbike practical tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30436/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the operation of motorcycle tests.
Due to Covid 19 and resulting lockdowns, testing services were suspended or curtailed for periods throughout 2020 and 2021. This resulted in significant backlogs developing.
When restrictions permitted, the RSA and their contractors worked hard to deliver these services safely, and to reduce the backlogs and restore waiting times to pre-pandemic levels.
To meet the demand for tests, approval has been given to significantly increase the capacity of the service through the recruitment and extension of a number of existing driver tester contracts. This, and the introduction of a new booking system for tests, have had a noticeable impact on reducing Covid waiting list backlogs.
Question No. 313 answered with Question No. 125.
314. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle grants provided for vehicles in 2021 in price ranges, €0 to €20,000, €20,000 to €30,000, €30,000 to €40,000, €40,000 to €50,000, €50,000 to €60,000 and over €60,000, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30469/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraElectric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the 2021 Climate Action Plan and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 945,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years.
As the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive suite of measures is available to EV drivers, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable motor and BIK tax rates, as well as a comprehensive charging network. These measures have collectively contributed to increased take up of EVs in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a low base, to over 58,000 at the end of April.
In addition, the Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. In particular, the group examined the optimum mix of regulatory, taxation and subsidy policies. The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government and the full report is available online.
In line with the Group’s recommendations to support the transition to EVs:
- The generous suite of EV supports already in place in Ireland has been retained until at least end-2022. Work is ongoing to identify additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentivise fossil-fuelled vehicles. Overall, cost-effective, targeted policy supports will continue to be developed and strengthened over the coming years
- Work is under way to establish Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), as a matter of priority, to co-ordinate the implementation of existing and future EV measures and infrastructure.
A cross-departmental Implementation Committee has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the EVPP report and is due to report on its progress to Government in Q4 of this year.
Overall, the Department is acutely aware that the cost of electric vehicles remains an issue for many consumers. To this end, electric vehicle policy is kept under continuous review in an effort to make low-emission vehicles affordable.
The Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy, which was published at the end of March, concurrently sets out a pathway for the provision of charging infrastructure to stay ahead of demand for EVs as we move towards our 2030 targets.
The table below details the price entered by the vehicle dealership when submitting the grant application to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
No electric vehicles are available for a price of less than €20,000.
A price cap was introduced on July 1, 2021, so vehicles priced at over €60,000 are no longer supported.
|
Price |
Number of grants paid in 2021 |
Total grant value (€) |
|
20,001-30,000 |
53 |
220,600 |
|
30,001-40,000 |
3,201 |
14,890,700 |
|
40,001-50,000 |
4,769 |
22,512,200 |
|
50,001-60,000 |
2,596 |
12,192,700 |
|
Over 60,000 |
2,795 |
13,450,600 |
315. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the customers of a bank (details supplied) who are experiencing problems paying motor tax online; the steps that are being taken to rectify the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30481/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile it is difficult to ascertain the specific issue that is being referred to here without more details; it is likely that is refers to new requirements that are now being imposed on cardholders when processing transactions online. The EU Payments Services Directive 2 (PSD2) require Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) to be used for all electronic transactions. The Directive requires all online service providers to capture additional transaction information pertaining to the cardholder and to send this to the cardholder’s bank. The cardholder’s banks use this data to verify the cardholder, with the intention of making the transaction process as seamless as possible, and remove or reduce any extra layer of friction at the payment stage. The aim of the Directive is to reduce online fraud and increase cardholder confidence in using online services.
My Departments Online motor tax service, at www.motortax.ie, is fully compliant with the Directive's requirements. All necessary technical changes have been made to the website to facilitate the requirements, and my officials worked directly with the banking institutions, including the Bank referred to by the Deputy, to ensure any initial teething troubles were addressed.
It is important to note however the requirement ensures that electronic payments are performed with multi-factor authentication to increase the security of electronic payments. Such multi-factor authentication can require a cardholder having to download their bank’s app on their mobile phone or tablet; or amend settings on the device to enable notifications to be received. This may require the cardholder having to engage directly with their bank to address any issues they may have in this regard. My officials also provide assistance for such issues.
316. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport his views on the extraordinary difference in train prices for a standard fare from Drogheda to Dublin Connolly station (details supplied) which commenced on 7 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30500/22]
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to train prices for a standard fare from Drogheda to Dublin Connolly station, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
317. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans for the return airport bus service from Maynooth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30502/22]
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 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 return airport bus service from Maynooth, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
318. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting time to book a vehicle for a NCT inspection. [30507/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Test Service (NCTS) 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.
319. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the delays to get a NCT booking given that currently there are no available dates until November 2022 with the NCT centre on Fonthill Road, Clondalkin. [30508/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the operation of the NCT. My department is aware of the challenges facing the National Car Testing Service and the Road Safety Authority as they work to manage the current high demand for test appointments.
In relation to test availability at the test centre referred to in the Deputy’s question, I have 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.
320. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if there is a back log to get a NCT booking; if drivers will receive penalties if they are unable to get an available date before their NCT expires. [30509/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Test Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question regarding test appointments 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 priority waiting list function via the NCT website www.ncts.ie.
In respect of the Deputy's question regarding penalties, I would advise the Deputy that it remains an offence under section 18(2) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 for any person to drive a vehicle on public roads and in public places without a valid certificate of roadworthiness. The owner of the vehicle may be subject to penalty points, fines or summary conviction accordingly. Enforcement of road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochana.
321. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to provide support to private bus operators that have fixed price contracts with public bodies due to the rise in the cost of fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30604/22]
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 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 regarding plans to provide support to private bus operators who have fixed price contracts with public bodies due to the rise in the cost of fuel, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
324. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the actions that his Department is taking to combat the significant delays in NCT centres throughout the summer and autumn of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Test Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). 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.
I am very aware of the serious challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the frustrating delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year.
I would like to assure the Deputy that this is a serious matter. I and my department will continue to monitor the RSA's progress to reduce test delays closely as part of ongoing corporate governance processes.
