Thomas Gould
Ceist:82. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the status of the BusConnects plan for Cork. [29647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBus Services
Ceisteanna (82, 96)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:96. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the engagements that he has had with the National Transport Authority regarding the recent April 2022 summary report for the BusConnects in Cork city; the timeframe for the progression of the proposals in the report; the current stage of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30707/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 96 together.
I welcome the publication of the Sustainable Transport Corridors Report 2022 by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in April this year and can confirm that my officials receive frequent updates on the status of the project from the NTA.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including BusConnects Cork.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply with an update on the status of the project. 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
Air Services
Ceisteanna (83)
David Stanton
Ceist:83. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the current progress with respect to a public consultation on a draft policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems; if it is envisaged that this policy will address concerns with respect to invasions of privacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30456/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Significant progress has been made on the development of a policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
The aim of the policy framework is to set out the vision, strategy, and priorities for the development of the UAS sector in Ireland. The framework will guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector with the aim of supporting growth and innovation while managing safety, security, privacy and other aspects.
My Department has engaged extensively with primary stakeholders from relevant Government Departments and agencies to facilitate the development of a comprehensive and integrated policy. In July 2021, an Interdepartmental Steering Group was established, followed by the establishment of three working groups to focus on the key areas of compliance and enforcement, U-Space and planning, and enterprise development and networks. The three working groups reported back to the Steering Group in December 2021. A targeted stakeholder consultation was held in March 2022.
My Department is currently collating the work of the working groups and the submissions received from the targeted stakeholders into a draft policy framework document. A public consultation is anticipated in Q3 of 2022, with the aim of a finalised policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems being published by end of this year.
I am aware that privacy rights are linked to societal acceptance of the use of UAS. With this in mind, my Department ensured that the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner were appropriately represented on the working groups. My Department will continue to work closely with the Office of the Data Protection Commission as the policy framework is developed further. Data privacy considerations and the oversight and enforcement role of the Data Protection Commissioner will be integrated into the final policy framework.
Haulage Industry
Ceisteanna (84)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:84. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the measures that he is taking to support hauliers with the increasing price of fuel; if he intends to reintroduce the fuel cost subsidy or to reform the diesel rebate scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30740/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European and Global oil markets are currently volatile, due to the conflict in Ukraine exacerbating pre-existing market shortages, primarily of diesel. This has caused a spike in the price of crude and in the price of refined products on the retail market.
On 15 March 2022, Minister Ryan and I proposed to Government an emergency support measure – the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme. The Scheme provided support of €100 per week, for eight weeks, for each eligible heavy goods vehicle (HGV) authorised on the licence of a road haulage operator as of 11 March 2022.
In deciding on a targeted scheme, the Government considered that the licensed haulage sector is a specific case for several reasons, primarily that the sector is of national strategic importance as a critical enabler of a functioning supply chain, bringing essential supplies into and around the State, supporting key infrastructure and enabling the maintenance of economic and social activity. While this is true for some own account operators also, in addition fuel represents a greater overall proportion of overhead costs for licensed hauliers than would be the case for other businesses who self-provide transport as part of their wider business.
The Scheme was administered by the Department of Transport. On 19 May 2022, Minister Ryan and I announced the extension of the closing date for receipt of completed applications to close of business 6 June 2022. Over €15 million has been paid out under the Scheme to 2,923 licensed operators. Further eligible applications received will be processed over the coming days and final payments will be made shortly. I can confirm the Scheme is now closed.
In relation to the Diesel Rebate Scheme (DRS), this is a matter for my colleague Minister Donohoe. It should be noted however that support under the Scheme was increased in Budget 2020. In light of the challenges arising from Brexit uncertainty facing the industry, the marginal rate of compensation at prices over €1.43 (VAT inclusive) was doubled up to the maximum repayment rate of 7.5 cent per litre and in recognition of the vital role that the haulage sector plays in the economy, this increase in the DRS has been maintained since.
More generally, the Government has acted to offset the rising cost of fuel through a reduction in Excise on fuels - a reduction of 20 cent on petrol and 15 cent on diesel fuel. While this measure (announced in early March 2022) was originally proposed to last until 31 August 2022 the Government has extended it out to Budget Day 2022. This measure provides assistance to all citizens and businesses to help mitigate the impact of recent fuel price increases.
In general, however, it should be noted that the causes of the current fuel price pressures are not within the control of Government and are being directly influenced by external factors, including the Ukraine crisis. Unfortunately, we must accept that it will not be possible to fully insulate citizens and businesses from the impact of these fuel price increases.
Since early March with the benefit of the excise reduction, 8 weeks support under the Licensed Haulage Support Scheme and the ongoing Diesel Rebate relief, haulage businesses will have had the opportunity to revise and renegotiate contracts with their clients in order to reflect increased prices, as is an unfortunate reality in all sectors across the economy.
The Government has limited resources but through the Excise measure, as well as the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme, it has responded to help to ease the impact of these price increases.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (85)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:85. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider establishing an innovation hub for sustainable aviation in Shannon, County Clare. [25018/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Thank you Deputy. My Department has no current plans to establish an innovation hub for sustainable aviation in Shannon.
The term sustainable aviation is a broad reaching one and can refer to a range of actions by various elements within the aviation industry, such as improved aircraft technology, more efficient air traffic management, the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and the overall greening of our airports.
As a ‘technology taker’ Ireland does not currently have an indigenous aircraft or engine manufacturing industry and is unlikely to play a significant role in the development of new aircraft technology. However, there are a number of considerations relevant to the possibility of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) innovation in the Shannon region, namely its geographic location, close to a potential resource of offshore wind energy, and the existing infrastructure at Shannon Foynes Port.
In terms of policy, the question of SAF development is a very current one. Recently at the European Transport Council a General Approach was agreed among Member States, with support from Ireland, on how to proceed on the ReFuelEU Aviation proposal. This will mandate the use of increasing levels of blended SAF between 2025 and 2050, including the introduction of a synthetic aviation fuel sub-mandate in 2030. A clear signal is being sent to industry that the market will be there when they begin to produce these fuels.
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications will be preparing a national Hydrogen Strategy this year, which should help inform developments in this area. Harnessing wind energy to generate hydrogen by electrolyser technology could potentially provide feedstock for a range of sustainable fuel uses including aviation.
Government has recently established the Shannon Estuary Economic Task Force, under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). The Taskforce will consider the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Shannon Estuary in the areas of transport and logistics, manufacturing, tourism, and renewable energy. Members of the Task Force include, amongst others, Shannon Group, ESB Generation and Trading, and Shannon Foynes Port. I understand that Wind, Hydro and Solar energy are some of the areas set to be examined, with the group aiming to produce an initial report by November of this year which I look forward to reviewing.
Question No. 86 answered orally.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (87)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:87. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the improvements that have been made to the frequency of rail services on non-radial routes out of Dublin in the two years since he took up office as Minister of Transport; the destinations that are served by these lines; the frequency of service on each of the lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30328/22]
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 period concerned in the Deputy's question coincides with a period of substantial reduction in passenger volumes as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic. While during this period there has been no service enhancement on railway lines, pre-Covid-19 service levels been retained on all routes despite a substantial reduction in passenger volumes
The details of the destinations that are served on non-radial routes out of Dublin and the frequency of service on each of these lines are in the first instance 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
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (88, 115)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:88. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended as part of the strategic rail review to carry out an examination of the relationship between frequency of service and passenger numbers on regional rail services internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30329/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:115. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the strategic rail review for the north west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30747/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 115 together.
The Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. This will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years providing a framework to develop an improved rail network for our future.
The Review will consider all issues in relation to inter-urban and inter-regional rail connectivity, including the potential for high-/higher speed(s) and improved connectivity to the North West.
It will also consider the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network, and that scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines.
As per the Terms of Reference, the Review will provide a broad and comprehensive strategy for passenger operations, considering issues such as multimodality, fare structures, payment systems, passenger information, multi-modal interchange, and potential business opportunities.
It will also focus in on a small number of agreed case studies to elaborate the main findings in more detail, explaining where successful systems have been delivered or where solutions have struggled to deliver the intended benefits, describing the underlying context in those locations and indicating lessons for future system planning.
The Review is ongoing, and I expect to receive a final report later this year.
Question No. 89 answered orally.
Taxi Licences
Ceisteanna (90, 107)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:90. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he will grant a further extension to the vehicle registration licence time limit for the replacement of taxi vehicles given the lack of availability of electric vehicles currently and the substantial loss of earnings for taxi drivers over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30731/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Duncan Smith
Ceist:107. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is considering easing the restrictions on the age of vehicle requirement for taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30654/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 107 together.
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 extended vehicle age limits several times during 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 extensions of vehicle age limits were taken as emergency measures in recognition of the challenges occasioned by COVID-19, including the necessary health-related restrictions imposed on the economy and society in general, and the resultant collapse in demand for SPSV services during the height of the pandemic. This situation is now very much changed and there has been a resurgence in demand for these services with increased levels of social activity and a reactivation of the night-time economy.
As the deputy will be aware, 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, cognisant of the fact that the replacement of a vehicle is a SPSV operator's single largest cost.
Taking account of all these factors, there is no consideration being given to amending these age-related rules now, or again in the future.
At the same time, there continue to be supports available to drivers who wish to change their vehicles.
As part of my commitment to supporting the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles and the ‘greening ‘ of the SPSV sector, I put in place the electric small public service vehicle (eSPSV) grant scheme. The Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the NTA. The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use, and €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. When these grant offers are drawn down, there will be a clearer picture of the funding available for the second half of the year. At this stage, I anticipate that the Scheme will re-open for applications during the summer, allowing SPSV operators to once again apply for the supports on offer.
At the same time, Microfinance Ireland is still providing the so-called eSPSV Business Loan, which is available to support SPSV owners that are unable to secure finance from banks and asset finance providers and are availing of the eSPSV Grant Scheme to replace their vehicle with a more sustainable model (electric/hybrid). These loans range from €5,000 to €25,000, with a fixed interest rate of 4.5% if submitted through a Local Enterprise Office, and with no additional fees or charges.
The availability of electric vehicles is unpredictable because of the ongoing difficulties with global vehicle production. The reasons for the vehicle supply shortages are varied, but it is largely centred on the effects of the pandemic. All vehicle production was shut down in the early stages of the pandemic, and an ongoing worldwide microprocessor shortage in the automotive sector is contributing to further delays in restoring vehicle production back to pre-pandemic levels. It has been reported that the shortage of microprocessors is unlikely to end soon, and automotive industry leaders have advised the issue will continue through 2022 and possibly even 2023. Since microprocessors are required for all vehicle production, so the shortage will equally affect the supply of petrol/diesel powered vehicles, and electric vehicles.
Finally, the deputy will be aware of the NTA’s recent proposal to introduce an average increase of 12% on taxi fares from 31st August 2022 as a result of the National Maximum Fares Review, which closed for public consultation on May 27th last. This would be the first increase on such fares since 2017.
The approach taken by the NTA has been to weight the proposed increase in favour of the periods in which the premium hour rate may be charged by drivers, i.e. between 8pm and 8am or on Sundays / public holidays. As already mentioned, there has been a large upswing in demand for taxi services, particularly for servicing the night-time economy and, while drivers are obviously free to choose their own hours of operation, the proposal to increase taxi fares, with a weighting towards the premium rate periods, is designed to encourage more taxi drivers to operate during those times, thus increasing their income, as well as the availability of taxis to passengers nationally.
Question No. 91 answered orally.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (92)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:92. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; when he expects the consultation analysis process to be finalised and a report issued; if he will provide an overview on the intended roll-out of improved services on a phased basis up to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30614/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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/.
Currently, routes identified through the Connecting Ireland consultation process are being prioritised to provide emergency public transport services to those Ukrainian refugees housed in rural or isolated locations to ensure better access to our local communities. This will be achieved through an acceleration of network improvements, including additional stops, route modifications, and more services with the aim to increase connectivity. 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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (93)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:93. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 27 April 2022, if he will provide an update on the reopening of Cavan bus station; if negotiations with the pre-existing station service providers have been successfully concluded; if an opening date will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30721/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to inform the Deputy that the update regarding the reopening of Cavan Bus Station remains as outlined in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 27 April 2022.
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 issues raised by the Deputy in relation to Cavan Bus Station are operational matters 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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (94)
Martin Browne
Ceist:94. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need to increase the allocation for public service obligation in the National Transport Authority’s 2023 budget for additional rail services on the Limerick to Ballybrophy line and the Waterford to Limerick line; his views on a report by a company (details supplied) that if speeds were increased on the Waterford to Limerick train service, there would only be a 0.3% increase in passenger numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30732/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.
The report referred to by the Deputy in his question is part of the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction project. Arup are in the process of finalising the Route Options Selection Report which will be published in September. This will be available on the project website, and in addition to information on the Preferred Transport Solution for the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction project, it will contain the full details regarding the impact on rail usage and the supporting details behind the analysis that has taken place. It would be inappropriate to comment further on the matter before the publication of the report.
Since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the transport operators for the provision of public transport services are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers. The funding allocation for PSO public transport services for 2023 will be subject to the annual Budgetary process and therefore the allocations for 2023 are yet to be determined in the context of future Estimates processes.
In light of the Authority’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the allocation of PSO funding for 2023 for the introduction of additional rail services on the Limerick to Ballybrophy line and the Waterford to Limerick line to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (95, 323)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:95. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of meetings that he has had with the MetroLink team; if he will report of the progress of the MetroLink project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:323. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the status of the MetroLink preliminary business case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30642/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 323 together.
MetroLink is expected to be the largest ever public investment project in the history of the State and faces two important milestones in the coming months, which will determine the progress of the project in the coming years.
Firstly, there is Government’s approval of the Preliminary Business Case, which represents Decision Gate 1 under the Public Spending Code, and I hope to bring the business case to my colleagues in Cabinet by July.
The second impending milestone is the submission of a Railway Order or planning permission application for MetroLink. Work is ongoing on the extensive set of documentation which is required for a project of this scale and, subject to the Government decision mentioned above, the project will be ready to seek planning permission in the Autumn.
My officials receive frequent updates on the status of the project and meet with the National Transport Authority regularly to discuss its progress.
Question No. 96 answered with Question No. 82.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (97)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the urgent expansion of public transport in Galway in view of the recent Environmental Protection Authority report (details supplied) which highlighted that the current rate of implementation of emissions reduction measures will not achieve the change necessary to meet Ireland’s climate action targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30705/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I welcome the publication of the latest EPA inventories. These are a clear indication that we need to double down on implementation of climate action measures and that the transport sector is important to our decarbonisation efforts. Improving sustainable transport infrastructure and services in all our cities, including Galway, is fundamental to reducing reliance on private car journeys and meeting our challenging climate targets.
I think it important to recognise that progress is being made with a number of significant projects currently being advanced in Galway to reduce car dependency and increase the numbers walking, cycling, and using public transport. These projects are enabled by funding under the National Development Plan and guided by the Galway Transport Strategy.
BusConnects Galway comprises a major enhancement to the bus system in the city. The largest part of the programme is the development of bus priority measures inclusive of bus lanes throughout the city. Non-statutory public consultation processes were held in 2020 for two of the five proposed routes – the Dublin Road Scheme and the Cross City Link project. Work has continued on finalising the two schemes and planning permission for the Cross City Link is expected to be sought this year. It is expected that construction will also begin on the Salmon Weir pedestrian and cycling bridge this year. The Dublin Road Scheme will enter the planning process next year.
Over the last year, the entirety of the Galway city bus fleet has been replaced with 40 new hybrid double-deck buses that operate in zero tailpipe emission mode when feasible. As well as significantly reducing emissions, these buses have also increased the available capacity on Galway city bus services.
On rail, planning and design is continuing in relation to the proposed redevelopment of Ceannt Station and the improvements planned for Oranmore Station and track infrastructure. This project will address short-term capacity constraints and enable rail frequency improvements in the region.
One of my key priorities for public transport is the rollout of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan to benefit people living outside our cities and towns. Starting this year, new and improved services will be rolled out on a phased basis across the country, including county Galway.
Progress is also being made on improving active travel infrastructure in Galway. A comprehensive cycle network is planned for the city as part of the Galway Transport Strategy. Key elements of that network are being delivered through the BusConnects programme with a number of other links of the overall network under development. Galway will also benefit from funding under the Safe Routes to School programme, with 11 schools across the city and county receiving funding in round one and additional schools set to enter the programme over the next few years.
I look forward to continuing to work with the Deputy on improving sustainable mobility options in Galway in the coming years, to help meet our climate targets and provide for better local communities.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (98)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:98. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he has had any contact or discussion with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the signing of a S.I. to give effect to changes in the regular wages scheme of CIÉ workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30739/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the Regular Wage Scheme (RWS). These changes have been agreed by the trustees of the Scheme, the employees and the CIÉ Group following extensive and prolonged engagement between all parties.There are a number of steps before an SI can be made. In accordance with the provisions of Section 44(3) of the Transport Act 1950, I directed CIÉ to publish a statutory notice of the draft SIs in Iris Oifigiúil, which was advertised on the 14th of January 2022. 45 days were given to allow any person to make objections and representations in relation to the Scheme to me. The consultation period ended on the 28 February 2022 and my Department examined the submissions received.
As required under the Transport Act, consultation with the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the SIs has also taken place. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform recently gave his approval for my confirmation of the SIs. As such, officials in my Department are currently preparing the SIs for my signature which I expect will be completed shortly.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (99)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:99. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the actions that he has taken to remove the need for 24-hour notice to be given by a wheelchair user in advance of travelling on Bus Éireann or Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30722/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The day-to-day operations of public transport operators would be a matter for Bus Éireann or Irish rail in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (100)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:100. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of upgrades on the Cork Commuter Rail network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29349/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Government approved the inclusion of Phase 1 of the Cork Commuter Rail Programme in Ireland's National Recovery & Resilience Plan. Inclusion in the Plan means the project, which includes a new through platform at Kent station, resignalling of lines and double tracking between Glounthane and Midleton, will be largely funded through the EU's Recovery & Resilience Facility and also means that all works should be complete by 2026.
Funding for the projects will be administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and in view of NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact 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