Written Answers Nos. 325-345
325. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his Department's plans to introduce grants for taxi drivers for the purchase of electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30656/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme is in place to support the greening of the SPSV, or 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 SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport 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 available nationwide to persons applying for new SPSV licenses and existing SPSV license holders who wish to upgrade their current vehicle with a replacement EV. As per the terms and conditions of the scheme, it is important that an EV is not purchased prior to acceptance of a Grant Offer Letter by the Approved Applicant. Approved applicants in receipt of a Grant Offer Letter have an initial three months to draw down their grant. It is possible to apply for a further three month provisional grant offer extension if applicants have a letter from their dealer stating that the vehicle will be delivered within this timeframe.
The scheme is kept under continuous review and is currently paused to allow for the drawdown and payment of provisional grant offers which usually have a time limit of three months. I anticipate the scheme will reopen for applications in the second half of the year.
326. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a scheme similar to that being rolled out by the German Government which is providing a monthly pass for public transport for €9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30657/22]
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 the possible provision of a monthly pass for public transport for €9, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
327. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to address the issue of those who are excluded from the new public transport fare reductions for under 24s given that a service (details supplied) and Bus Éireann Expressway are not covered by the reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30658/22]
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
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.
The time lag is due to the fact that it is technically more challenging to roll-out fare initiatives, such as the YAC, on the commercial bus network than it is on the LEAP enabled PSO network. An array of various ticketing equipment is in use on fleet used by the commercial operators and needs to be catered for. To expedite the process, the NTA has established a joint working group with commercial bus operators to consider options and develop a plan to implement the Young Adult Card in as timely a manner as possible.
Licensed bus and coach operators are an integral part of the overall public transport system, particularly in areas around the country which are not covered by existing public service bus and rail services. In recognition of the important role these operators play, the Government has continued to provide temporary financial supports throughout the Covid-19 pandemic for certain licensed commercial services, with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. In acknowledgment of the continuing difficulties facing this sector, these supports for the commercial sector were recently extended up to the 30th of June 2022. To date over €60m has been provided to support the Commercial Bus Operators during this challenging time.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the inclusion of commercial bus operators in the YAC scheme, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
328. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if the docking of Russian registered ships in Irish ports will be tightened further or prohibited entirely in view of the fact that the existing levels of sanctions have not achieved an end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. [30680/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently supported the widest possible sanctions since the start of the Ukrainian crisis. The fifth package of EU sanctions, adopted on 8 April, included particular prohibitions on transport. Since 16 April, it has been prohibited to provide access to EU ports, including Irish ports, to Russian-flagged vessels. The prohibition also applies to vessels reflagged from the Russian flag after 24 February 2022. My department communicated this prohibition in Marine Notice 19 of 2022 which was communicated to all ports and maritime stakeholders. On 3 June the EU adopted a further sixth package of sanctions which Ireland also fully supported.
Almost all EU sanctions regimes provide for situations where, for various reasons, the sanctions do not apply. These may take the form of exemptions, which apply automatically, or derogations, for which an authorisation issued by a Competent Authority is required. Sanctions targeting Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine are no different. They contain numerous exceptions to ensure that sanctions are effective, implementable, and impact Russia more than they impact the EU. Exemptions and derogations are included for very good reasons, including to ensure security of supply of food and other essential products on the European market.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), through its Trade Licensing and Control Unit, is responsible for the implementation of trade sanctions in accordance with Ireland's international commitments and obligations as a member of the EU. DETE is also a Competent Authority in Ireland for the purposes of Council Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine, as amended by Council Regulation (EU) 2022 /576. This Regulation makes provision for a national Competent Authority (DETE) to authorise a derogation from the prohibition of Russian Vessels entering Irish Ports on limited and very specific grounds. The EU sanction prohibiting Russian-flagged vessels accessing EU ports has an explicit derogation to allow for the import of agricultural and food products.
In this role, since April 16th , DETE has informed the Department of Transport that following recommendations received from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, it had authorised derogations for four Russian flagged vessels to enter Irish ports. The Department of Transport subsequently informed the relevant ports of this authorisation.
Discussions are ongoing at EU level, in which Ireland participates, on possible further measures to be implemented and it is important that Ireland continues to move in step our EU partners in relation to sanctions imposed.
329. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if international legal action will be taken by the State in respect of the unlawful seizure or unlawful re-registration of Irish registered aircraft in Russia. [30681/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2022, my department wrote to the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to express Ireland's concern about the actions taken by the Russian Federation in respect of Irish registered aircraft as the deputy has outlined in his question. The Irish Aviation Authority has justifiably revoked the Certificates of Airworthiness (CofA) of those aircraft on the Irish register and in our communication to ICAO we highlighted the serious aviation safety concerns presented by the continued operation of these aircraft without valid CofAs.
While there are currently no plans for the State to take international legal action, my department continues to engage with ICAO, the leasing industry, and the European Commission on this issue.
330. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the engagements that he has had with the National Transport Authority on accelerating improvements on transport networks under the Connecting Ireland initiative; if the NTA identified the routes that will be accelerated; the time frame for the roll-out of the proposed improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30709/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand, and the implementation of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
The Deputy will be pleased to learn that the Connecting Ireland consultation process wrapped up in December 2021, and the consultation report was published on the 3rd of May 2022. It is now available online on the NTA's website - www.nationaltransport.ie/connecting-ireland-rural-mobility-plan-public-consultation-report/.
Regarding the timeline, currently, delivery and improvement of routes identified through the Connecting Ireland consultation process are being prioritised to areas where the local population has increased due to an influx of Ukrainian individuals. Additional public transport services are being made available through an acceleration of network improvements, which include the provision of additional stops, route modifications, and delivering more services with the aim of increasing connectivity. These services will ensure better access for all those housed in our rural communities.
Areas such as the Ring of Kerry will avail of such improvements, in practice catering for both existing demands as well as responding to the increased pressures on services where the local population has grown in response to the humanitarian crisis.
For further details on the rollout of the Connecting Ireland plan, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
331. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the total percentage of pass rates for driving tests; the number of road fatalities for each year since 2008, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30710/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service and the compiling of road traffic collision statistics is the 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.
332. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 26 April 2022, the status of the site option analyses and feasibility studies ongoing for the zones identified along corridors in the east and north east of Galway city; his plans to develop park and ride in areas in the west of Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including Park & Ride.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
333. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made to date with respect to road upgrade projects (details supplied) in east Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the 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 on the N25 projects to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Regarding the R624 road to Great Island and Cobh, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils’ own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.
All capital projects must be appraised for compliance with the Public Spending Code. An important change to the Public Spending Code, as revised in December 2019, is the introduction of a requirement for a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for all projects with an estimated cost of €10 million or more. The SAR is now a key deliverable at the first decision stage in the project appraisal process. In this context, Cork County Council has appointed consultants to carry out a Great Island Connectivity Scheme SAR to evaluate the range of potential options for addressing connectivity in the area.
334. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport his views regarding the lack of any catering services on intercity trains; if he will consider a contingency plan to provide some services until full services can be resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30754/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue of catering services on intercity trains 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.
335. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the breakdown of the cross-Government spend on active travel in 2020 and 2021 and the budget allocations for 2022; if the spend in each year has met the programme for Government commitment of €360 million per annum on active travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30759/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total expenditure by my Department on the delivery of Active Travel projects in 2020 was €108m, with €8.3m also spent on Greenways. In 2021 there was a significant increase in expenditure on Active Travel infrastructure, with a spend of approx. €185m. This is in addition to circa €27m spent on Greenways in 2021.
This represents a significant step-up in expenditure and reflects our ambition to progressively reach the overall target expenditure of €360m as set out in the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is the main agency spearheading delivery of cycling and walking infrastructure, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Factors such as the impact of COVID restrictions on construction, planning issues and staffing constraints in local authorities have impacted the delivery of active travel infrastructure over 2020 and 2021. However, the larger budgets and projects are now bedding-in, new staff are being recruited by the local authorities specifically for active travel, and the situation is improving. We expect a much higher draw-down on available funds this year and increased delivery.
This year I have made €289m available to local authorities through the NTA to progress the delivery of approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects throughout the country. This will contribute to the development of almost 1,000km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure across Ireland by 2025.
The Deputy should also be aware that local authorities can also access funding sources through other Departments to support walking and cycling infrastructure development. The two most significant are the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which falls under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The latter Department also supports leisure orientated walking and cycling through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
336. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the consideration that has been given to provide funding for tourism industries or local tourism attraction points to install charging points for electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22163/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 including from the tourism sector.
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. As set out in the draft Strategy, my Department is developing new grant schemes which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations including hotels, car parks and visitor and tourist attractions, both State-owned and commercial sites. This new initiative will be open for applications from both the public and private sector and help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
337. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the engagements he has had with local authorities on providing charging points for electric cars in local authority housing estates and apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22166/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
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.
My Department maintains regular contact with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) and County and City Management Association (CCMA) in relation to delivery of EV charging infrastructure. It should be noted a report was published by the CCMA on the provision of guidance to local authorities on the provision of charging infrastructure. The document is available for viewing online at www.lgma.ie/en/publications/general-publications/local-authority-electrification-of-fleet-and-ev-charging-guidance.pdf.
In the development of the draft Strategy, my Department has consulted with 6 Local Authorities who have already established EV infrastructure planning and strategies to ensure that the planned supports under the EV charging infrastructure strategy are fit for purpose and to promote alignment with the strategy itself.
My Department held a stakeholder workshop on the draft Strategy in May which was attended by local authorities. My Department has also received a written submission on the draft Strategy from the Climate Action Regional Offices and County and City Management Association (CCMA). Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication.
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 authorities, to ensure electric vehicle charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand. 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 the draft Strategy sets out a number of additional actions to support delivery by local authorities, such as funding capital costs for civil and electrics works, as well as charge point installation, through a new Residential Charging Scheme.
Question No. 338 answered with Question No. 126.
339. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to ensure that all apartment and homeowners can install electric vehicle charging points in their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27631/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle 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.
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. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
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.
340. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin Airport has significantly increased the prices of their car park offerings for the summer period; his views that this is suitable given the lack of parking options at the airport; if he has engaged with Dublin Airport on this; the steps he will take to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30776/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware daa has the statutory responsibility to operate and manage Dublin Airport.
The issue raised is an operational matter and I have therefore forwarded your question to the company for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
341. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to increase the frequency of buses on the 26 Dublin Bus service through Chapelizod during peak hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30821/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, he is not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to possible plans to increase the frequency of buses on the 26 Dublin Bus service through Chapelizod during peak hours, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
342. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing issues with the real-time communications for Dublin Bus; if his Department will be taking steps to provide bus passengers with accurate timings of buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30822/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised in relation to real-time passenger information is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin Bus. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
343. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on reopening the train station at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30906/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network including the former station referred to, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Noting the NTA's draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, which is the draft statutory transport plan for the Greater Dublin Area, including County Wicklow, I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
344. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider waiving or reducing the fee applied to applicants over 70 years of age who must renew their driver licence every three years, in view of the rising cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30908/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no application fee for a driving licence for people 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.
345. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the current position in regard to the originally proposed Naas outer and inner ring roads in respect of which the locally elected councillors indicated their preference; if the required finance will be made available to carry out the preferred options of the locally-elected councillors; if urgent action can be taken to ensure the project is pursued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30919/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra349. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which ongoing traffic management proposals in respect of the various towns in County Kildare are advanced with due regard for the existing population who may be discommoded by some of the proposals; if these matters will be fully considered with a view to amicable solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30959/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra351. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he remains assured of smooth flowing traffic patterns throughout County Kildare and in all cities, towns and villages throughout the country in the aftermath of the lockdown and conscious of the need to restore the economy to its full potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30961/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra353. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made to date in the adoption of traffic management plans for Celbridge which will cater for the needs of the indigenous population of the town as well as deflecting through traffic and ensuring that both objectives continue to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30963/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra354. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which any realignment of roads and or bridges throughout north Kildare takes full cognisance of the need to ensure that any improvements take account of the need to ensure that existing local residents are not discommoded to accommodate new proposals but that both sectors are equally considered in the context of changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30964/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra359. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which a more sophisticated road traffic management system might be required in the aftermath of Covid-19 lockdowns having particular regard to the increased number of accidents arising from driver impatience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30969/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 345, 349, 351, 353, 354 and 359 together.
Each local authority is the statutory road authority for its functional area and this includes responsibility for traffic management.
Kildare forms part of the statutorily defined Greater Dublin Area in the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and its transport needs are therefore considered as part of the National Transport Authority’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.
Under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) programme, my Department provides funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for the implementation of sustainable transport projects, including traffic management projects in the Greater Dublin Area.
Having regard to the NTA's responsibility, 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.
