Written Answers Nos. 130-150
130. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport his views on bus companies charging travel pass holders who do not have access to the Internet an additional fee of €3 to manually book a bus ticket; if his attention has been drawn to the practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35499/22]
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 operation of public transport services.
I understand that the Deputy's question regarding fees being charged to travel pass holders who do not have access to the internet an additional fee of €3 to manually book a bus ticket is in relation to a commercially operated bus service. As such, any queries in relation to the company's booking practices should be directed to the operator.
131. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of extending the youth travel card and associated 50% discount in public transport fares to all young persons aged 24 and 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35522/22]
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 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). The Young Adult Card was launched on PSO services on the 9th of May, with over 1000 applications received by the NTA on launch day alone. We are currently working on broadening the initiative to include commercial bus services, with the aim to have that in place before the return of third level colleges. This will mean that nationwide, those aged between 19 and 23 will be able to avail of an average 50% discount in their public transport fares.
The initiative is aimed at supporting our young people to establish strong sustainable mobility habits; setting public transport fares at appropriate levels is key to achieving this objective. I am pleased to say, since April when a further 20% reduction in PSO fares was introduced, all passengers under the age of 24 in possession of a LEAP card now travel on PSO services at significantly reduced rates. The fare reduction will be in place until the end of the year and €54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares, this is in addition to the REV22 allocations. As such, I would like to see the 20% fare reduction continue into 2023; however, I am acutely aware of the competing pressures across the system and the finite Exchequer resources. The funding implications of all measures must be considered in the round so I will work closely with Minister McGrath and other Government colleagues in the context of the 2023 Estimates process to see what we can do with regard to supporting public transport services.
In addition, as well as the TFI 90 Minute Fares scheme which means that adults now pay €2, young adults pay €1, and children pay just 65 cent to travel for up to 90 minutes on Dublin Bus, Luas and most DART, commuter rail and Go-Ahead Ireland services in Dublin. In May alone, the number of people who had a Child Leap Card, Student Leap Card, or the new Young Adult Leap Card increased by over 16,000, which is very encouraging.
While fare reductions are to be welcomed, investment in additional services is also critical. For this reason, I am committed to progressing core projects like BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and DART+ as well as improving existing services across the country.
The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. Therefore, in light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s specific question in relation to the estimated full-year cost of extending the youth travel card and associated 50% discount in public transport fares to all young persons aged 24 and 25 years, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
132. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to passengers who tested positive for Covid-19 before their flight; the position of such persons in relation to the airline refunding credit note vouchers; if the Government still has protocols in place for such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35543/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe onus is on intending passengers to check the Covid-19 entry requirements of any destination prior to embarking on a flight. Intending passengers should check the Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advice for their destination for details and follow any requirements indicated by their airline.
The circumstances where an airline must offer a passenger a refund are set out in EU Regulation 261 (2004) which sets out that a passenger is entitled to a refund in the event that an airline cancels the flight for whatever reason.
The two main Irish airlines continue to offer passengers flexible options in respect of amending bookings and may provide options for refunds, in instances that the flight goes ahead, depending on the fare type selected by the passenger.
133. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if he will support the provision and roll-out of e-bikes as part of the shared bike schemes in Limerick, Cork, Galway and Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35578/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of e-bikes is proving to be an increasingly popular method of travel, whether for commuting or leisure purposes, and is encouraging more people to choose to cycle. Bearing this in mind, and referencing the commitment by the Government to increase funding to active travel, I can assure the Deputy that potential incentives to encourage the purchase of bikes and e-bikes will be considered as part of the budgetary process.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure. The management of the public bike schemes is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), which works closely with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
134. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update in relation to plans to link the M4 and M3 national roads; and the schedule of the locations that are the preferred routes, as opposed to the already identified possible routes. [35591/22]
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 planning, 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 on the status of this proposed 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.
135. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of permits the Dublin Airport Authority issued to taxi personnel to pick up customers at Dublin Airport in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; the criteria that must be met prior to being issued with a taxi permit; and the amount of revenue generated from issuing these permits. [35764/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of permits the Dublin Airport Authority issued for hotel courtesy buses and other transport companies to pick up customers at Dublin Airport in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; the criteria that must be met prior to being issued with a permit; and the amount of revenue generated from issuing these permits. [35765/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.
The daa has statutory responsibility to operate and manage Dublin Airport. As this is an operational matter for the daa, I have forwarded your questions to the company for direct reply. Please advise my Private Office if a reply within ten working days is not received from the daa.
137. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of commuters that have used Dublin Bus route 16 in both directions in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [35766/22]
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 operation of public transport services. The query raised regarding the number of commuters that used route 16 in both directions in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. Accordingly, I have 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.
138. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Bus Éireann users in County Monaghan have no alternative to booking bus tickets online; his plans to provide for alternative bus ticket booking arrangements such as over the phone for those who may be unable to use IT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35844/22]
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 operation of public transport services.
The query raised regarding bus ticket booking is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. Accordingly, I have 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.
139. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to increase the amount of income disregarded in respect of the farm assist scheme to 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70%, respectively; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35862/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra140. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the bodies under his aegis in which persons will receive a pay rise from 1 July 2022; the role of each, where appropriate, or the anonymised salaries bands otherwise, the current remuneration and the proposed increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35862/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Transport has one staff member whose pay has not yet been restored and was due to be restored on 1 July 2022. This staff member is serving at the Secretary General grade and is on the Secretary General Level II payscale. The details of the FEMPI July restoration have thus far not been released by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). Therefore, I am unable to confirm the amount to be restored, until such a time as the details are released by DPER.
I have asked the Agencies under my aegis to provide the information directly to the Deputy. If you do not hear back from the Agencies within 10 working days please contact my office.
141. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority considers cycling lanes a form of transport; and if he will ensure connectivity in awarding funding. [35948/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. The National Transport Authority (NTA), meanwhile, has responsibility for the allocation of funding to specific projects and oversight of their development, in cooperation with the relevant local authorities.
Investing in sustainable mobility, which includes walking and cycling infrastructure is a big factor in the future sustainable development of the country as it offers alternative modes of transport and is key to reducing dependence on the private car and helping to meet our climate targets.
The Deputy will be interested to know that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) recently launched plans for an ambitious National Cycle Network (NCN), a planned core cycle network of 3,500km that will criss-cross the country, connecting more than 200 villages, towns and cities. The network will include cycling links to transport hubs, education centres, employment centres, leisure and tourist destinations, and support “last mile” bicycle deliveries.
The public consultation on the new NCN closed on Tuesday 7 June 2022. The NCN map, and background information, can be found at: ncn.consultation.ai. Following an analysis of public feedback, a report will be completed in August 2022 on the proposed NCN incorporating the feedback received. Detailed plans for the roll out of the NCN over the coming years will then be developed.
142. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether cycling infrastructure in Cork city is on a par with that in other local authority areas. [35949/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. The National Transport Authority (NTA), meanwhile, has responsibility for the allocation of funding to specific projects and oversight of their development, in cooperation with the relevant local authorities.
The Programme for Government committed to an investment of €360 million per annum in walking and cycling over the lifetime of the Government. The years 2021 and 2022 have seen a significant increase in my department's funding for cycling and walking, in line with the Government’s prioritisation of Active Travel and Greenways. Earlier this year I announced funding totalling €289m through the National Transport Authority (NTA) for 1,200 Active Travel projects. This funding included an allocation of €46.29m to Cork City Council and an allocation of €20.46m to Cork County Council. In addition funding of circa €60 million has been allocated to around 40 Greenway projects across the country in 2022, with over €5m of that funding allocated to projects in Cork.
This funding will support the development of key Active Travel and Greenways projects such as McCurtain Street Public Transport Improvement Scheme, Grange Road Transport Corridor, Passage to City Centre Greenway, Dunkettle to Carrigtwohill cycleway and the Midleton to Youghal Greenway.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the safety of all road users, particularly those who are most vulnerable such as cyclists and pedestrians, is at the top of my priority list as Minister for Transport.
I would point out that any new cycling infrastructure funded by my Department must be designed in compliance with the guidance and standards set out in the NTA's National Cycle Manual (NCM) which is currently being revised and updated. I expect the revised version of the NCM to be published by Q3 2022.
In tandem, my Department officials have convened a Standards Working Group which is examining the various guidance and standards documents which should be taken into account by local authorities when constructing new walking and cycling infrastructure. These include the NCM, as well as the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland's (TII's) standards. The Working Group will seek to identify any gaps or contradictions between these various guidance documents to ensure that new walking and cycling infrastructure is designed safely and efficiently in order to encourage more people to use Active Travel transport modes over the private car.
143. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Local Link bus out of Dingle, County Kerry, route 277 to Ventry, County Kerry, is still not travelling further to serve a location (details supplied) in which there are three businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35973/22]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for TFI Local Link services, including route 277 in County Kerry, 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.
144. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport the bus stations that are to be upgraded with regard to disability access; the projected timeline to completion of such works in each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36001/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport the status of National Transport Authority considerations in relation to the incorporation of wheelchair accessibility conditions on commercial licensed services, specifically the regular category of licensed services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36002/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra146. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to ensure the percentage of rail services that are wheelchair accessible which require persons to provide notice in order that such accessibility be availed of; the number of new carriages purchased or which have come into service since March 2020; the number of those that have retractable ramps; if there are any Government targets; his proposals to ensure full accessibility for persons with disabilities on the rail network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36003/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 to 146, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an accessible, integrated and sustainable public transport network. In addition, the NTA has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport services, in both urban and rural areas, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
147. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport to address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36029/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSmall public service vehicles (SPSVs) are regulated in Ireland by the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
However, I can inform the Deputy that Uber has been licensed by the NTA as a dispatch operator and has been operating as such in Ireland since 2014. Since Uber is considered a transport service which offers the carriage of passengers for reward, it is subject to the same regulations as other SPSV operators. Dispatch operators are required to only provide bookings to SPSV licensed drivers using SPSV licensed vehicles.
A fundamental tenet of Ireland’s SPSV regulatory regime is that only SPSV licensed drivers and vehicles are used for the carriage of passengers for reward, to protect the consumer and help ensure public safety. The approach taken in Ireland in this area has been since adopted in other jurisdictions. While there is a common misconception that the old-style Uber “random standard driving licence holder” still operates in the UK and throughout Europe, the Deputy should be aware that, after experiences of ride-hailing as recently described in the media, regulations have been changed in the UK to only permit police vetted and licensed drivers to operate – even for “rideshare” - in London.
Finally, I can confirm that I met with Uber representatives on 10th June last. Uber is satisfied with the regulatory structure of the SPSV industry in Ireland, as it’s clear to the company how it can legally operate here.
148. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Carlow town bus service; and when the project will be delivered. [36059/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) 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 Connecting Ireland and new town services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, including in relation to the introduction of new services in Carlow town, I have referred your question to the NTA for a direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
149. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the young adult Leap card in cases in which a qualifying applicant does not hold a passport, driving licence or national identity card, as required when submitting an application; if other forms of identification are acceptable; and if provisions are in place to allow for exceptions in these circumstances. [36063/22]
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 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 application criteria for young adult LEAP cards to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
150. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to ensure a more fair treatment of customers of commercial bus companies, particularly in rural communities, to ensure all persons, regardless of where they live, can avail of the fair reduction scheme on all bus transport services. [36075/22]
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.
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, earlier this year, these supports for the commercial sector were further extended up to the 30th of June 2022. To date over €65m has been provided to support the Commercial Bus Operators during this challenging time.
As the Deputy will be aware a 20% average reduction is being introduced on PSO services as part of a suite of Government measures to help combat the rising cost of living. This fare reduction was applied to all services outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) from the 11th of April and nationwide from the 9th of May. The fare reduction will be in place until the end of the year and €54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares, this is in addition to the REV22 allocations. The Government decision did not include broadening this initiative to include commercial bus operators.
I would like to see the 20% fare reduction continue into 2023; however, I am acutely aware of the competing pressures across the system and the finite Exchequer resources. The funding implications of all measures must be considered in the round so I will work closely with Minister McGrath and other Government colleagues in the context of the 2023 Estimates process to see what we can do with regard to supporting public transport services.
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). The Young Adult Card was launched on PSO services on the 9th of May. It is envisaged that the YAC will be broadened to include commercial operators at a later date. However, it is important to note that it is technically more challenging to roll-out fare initiatives such as the Young Adult Card on the commercial bus network than it is on the LEAP enabled PSO network. As such, it will take longer to make this fare discount available to Commercial Bus Operators. The NTA is in detailed discussions with transport operators and the Department of Transport regarding the range of issues that need to be addressed. To assist with this 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 on Commercial Bus Operators in as timely a manner as possible, taking account of current ticketing capabilities to ensure a viable scheme is implemented.
The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. Therefore, in light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the fair reduction scheme and commercial bus companies, particularly in rural communities to, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
