Peter Burke
Ceist:172. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans regarding public transport in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31451/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Transport
Ceisteanna (172)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is considering the future development of the rail network in Ireland. The Review, which is ongoing and for which Arup Consultants have been appointed, is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
The Strategic Rail Review will review the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for high-/higher speed), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, rail connectivity to our international gateways and improved connectivity to the North West.
The Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines. The Sligo to Connolly route, along the Mullingar line, is being considered within this scope.
This review will provide a framework to develop an improved rail network in the years ahead and I look forward to its completion and the final report which is expected in Quarter 4 this year.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (173)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:173. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport when the pilot bus service identified in the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study Post-Consultation Report and scheduled to commence in Q1 2022 will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30618/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities and its engagement with the Office of Public Works (OPW) on this issue, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Question No. 174 answered with Question No. 170.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (175)
Niall Collins
Ceist:175. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport the current schedule being followed in respect of proposed legislation to deal with the control of scramblers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31520/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy that all required amendments to the Roads Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 have been completed, and I understand that a date for Committee Stage will shortly be announced.
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (176)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:176. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the anticipated construction timeline for the South Kerry Greenway; if there will be adequate provision of electric charging points for e-bikes and vehicles along and in close proximity to the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31532/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (177)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:177. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if Kerry County Council has to date sought any smarter travel or other funding to link nearby localities and attractions more safely to the South Kerry Greenway; if he will outline the funding opportunities under his Department’s remit to help create safer cycling infrastructure to locations in close proximity to the route such as Killorglin, Milltown, Castlemaine or Waterville; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31533/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel and Greenways. The National Transport Authority (NTA), meanwhile, has responsibility for the allocation of funding to specific active travel projects and oversight of their development, in cooperation with the relevant local authorities.
Noting their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply in relation to funding to link localities and attractions to the South Kerry Greenway.
This year has seen another increase in my Department's overall funding for cycling and walking, in line with the Government’s prioritisation of Active Travel and Greenways. As well as an increased allocation of €289 million administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA) to Active Travel, I was delighted to also announce funding of €60 million for investment in our Greenways.
The overall increase in funding across urban and rural Ireland will not only support the construction and improvement of safe and connected walking and cycling infrastructure, but also the deployment of almost 250 dedicated Active Travel staff in local authorities around the country.
In addition to the increased funding for walking and cycling infrastructure, a number of smaller-scale initiatives are being progressed by my Department to support and promote efforts to increase safe Active Travel. The Department of Transport funds the delivery of CycleRight training through Cycling Ireland, which delivers cycling training to school-children around the country and equips them with the skills to cycle safely.
In partnership with the Department of Education we also launched the Safe Routes to Schools Programme last year, which aims to accelerate the delivery of safe walking, scooting and cycling infrastructure on key access routes to schools. It has had a great response, with applications received from schools in every county in Ireland. €15m has been allocated to the 170 schools which were selected in round 1 of the programme.
The step-change in funding and the introduction of various innovative measures to encourage safe and connected Active Travel is proof of the Government's commitment to this area, and I look forward to the delivery of the numerous projects and programmes around the country, including in rural areas.
Furthermore, TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) are developing a National Cycle Network that will identify routes for development all around the country that will work with the Regional and Local Cycle Networks being developed by the NTA.
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (178)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:178. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland intends to seek a private contractor for the South Kerry Greenway construction project; if he will provide details regarding the preferred construction model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31539/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the construction contract for this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Dublin Airport Authority
Ceisteanna (179, 181)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:179. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Dublin Airport Authority has issued a club (details supplied) with a notice to vacate a facility and grounds on 30 June 2022, after 39 years; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the club funded the building of the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:181. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to secure the future of a club (details supplied); the steps that he is taking to engage with the club, the Dublin Airport Authority and Fingal County Council to ensure that the club will remain open for the future use of the airport, north side, the wider community and clubs and associations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 181 together.
The daa has statutory responsibility for the management and operation of Dublin Airport. As the issue raised is an operational matter for daa, I have 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (180)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:180. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland is progressing plans to link the walking and cycling path (details supplied); if not, if this will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31715/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. As of 20 September 2021, and in line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 179.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (182, 183)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:182. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that operate in direct contact with members of the public have policies in place for members of the public to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur on the property of his Department or each public body and agency under his remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31752/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHolly Cairns
Ceist:183. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit have policies in place for employees to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur involving other employees or members of the public or on the property of his Department or each public body and agency that operate under his remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31771/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
My Department has in place a number of safeguards for both our staff and members of the public who must attend our offices for services.
The Civil Service has a robust Dignity at Work Policy that promotes respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace and provides the framework for my Department to examine complaints of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace.
My Department also operates under Circular 19/2016 Civil Service Disciplinary Code. The purpose of this Code is to set out the arrangements for dealing with disciplinary matters in the Civil Service. It is also to ensure that all civil servants are aware that if there is a failure to adhere to the required standards of conduct, work performance and attendance, the disciplinary procedure set out in this Circular will apply. This procedure will be initiated where a concern arises about the conduct, work performance, and/or attendance of a civil servant. This procedure will provide a fair and efficient process for dealing with any such concern. This Code applies to all civil servants other than new entrants serving in a probationary capacity. The Guidelines on the Management of Probation in the Civil Service provides the mechanism to address performance issues with new entrant staff.
These central Civil Service policies are publicly available on the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform's website.
In accordance with Section 20 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, my Department has a Safety Statement which is a written action programme for safeguarding the health and safety of those at work. It details how health and safety is managed in the workplace. It is a not publicly available.
The Agencies under my remit have been requested to provide the Deputy with the requested information within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51