Réada Cronin
Ceist:158. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce a ban on the sale of SUVs in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41964/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTransport Policy
Ceisteanna (158)
Freagraí scríofa
There are various measures in the Climate Action Plan 2021 and the National Sustainable Mobility Policy which, inter alia, seek to reduce car dependency and improve emissions performance of vehicles. As part of the EU's Fit for 55 legislative package, legislation is currently being advanced through co-decision process which will seek to reduce CO2 emissions from cars and vans to zero by 2035.
Our existing approach to the taxation of motor vehicles through vehicle registration tax (VRT) is already designed to encourage a shift to improved emissions performance. Budget 2021 introduced a revised charging structure for VRT bands based on the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) emissions test to better reflect real-driving data, and follows the introduction of a NOx surcharge in Budget 2020. My Department continues to engage with the Department of Finance on further measures in this regard.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (159)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:159. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider offering a subsidy towards an e-bike for those who trade in their car in favour of the bike as has been introduced in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43226/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is always examining options that will encourage the take up of cycling as part of the Budgetary process.
We are particularly interested in supporting greater numbers of cargo bikes and e-cargo bikes as well as e-bikes. Cargo bikes provide a real opportunity for people to stop using their cars, they are used for shopping and for bringing children to school and in congested areas can often be quicker than using the car.
E-bikes can help extend the range of journeys that people are prepared to take when cycling, cycling 10-15km on an e-bike requires a similar effort to cycling 5km on a regular bike. They can also assist where people don't have changing or shower facilities in their workplace as the effort involved is so much less.
We have previously supported greater take-up of e-bikes by providing a higher limit for e-bikes than for regular bikes in the Bike to Work scheme. We are also supporting workplaces to be as accommodating to staff cycling as possible through our Smarter Travel Workplaces programme.
We have noted the French scheme and other schemes around Europe that provide examples of the type of support we are looking to progress and I expect to be in a position to announce some similar initiatives as part of the Budget announcements.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (160, 162, 163, 164, 165, 192)
Niall Collins
Ceist:160. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a request by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44012/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:162. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the transfer of Shannon Heritage Sites to Clare County Council; the status of the specific request for €15 million in State funding to ensure the continued operation of these sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44348/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:163. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that he has had with a group (details supplied) with regard to the specific request for €15 million in State funding to ensure the continued operation of Shannon Heritage Sites following the transfer of the sites to Clare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44349/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:164. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the transfer of Shannon Heritage Sites to Clare County Council; the status of the specific request for €15 million in State funding to ensure the continued operation of these sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44353/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:165. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with a group (details supplied) with regard to the specific request for €15 million in State funding to ensure the continued operation of Shannon Heritage Sites following the transfer of the sites to Clare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44354/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Joe Carey
Ceist:192. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the transfer of sites from an organisation (details supplied) to Clare County Council; when this transfer will be finalised; if the financial resources requested by Clare County Council will be made available to facilitate this transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42601/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 160, 162, 163, 164, 165 and 192 together.
Shannon Group informed the Department in Summer 2020 that it was necessary to consider a comprehensive and radical adjustment to its structure to secure the long-term future of the Shannon Heritage business and its employees. Government noted, inter alia, the intention of the Group to explore the potential to transfer the business of key heritage sites, where appropriate, to the relevant local authority, which was considered the most achievable option to secure the future of the heritage assets and employees.
Shannon Group has had extensive engagement with the relevant local authorities since early last year. Shannon Heritage ended their management contracts with An Post and Fingal County Council for sites in Dublin on 31 December 2021 and the transfer of the business and employees took place without issue. King John’s Castle was successfully transferred to Limerick City and County Council on 4 April. I would like to acknowledge the extensive preparation and cooperation between Shannon Group and Fingal County Council, Limerick County Council and An Post for the smooth transfer of these sites.
I can advise Deputies that Shannon Airport Group continues to engage with Clare County Council in relation to the proposed transfer of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle, and Cliffs of Moher Retail Outlet.
The Department is engaging regularly with both parties with a view to progressing the transfer preparations. As part of its engagement with Shannon Airport Group, Clare County Council identified a funding gap for which it sought government assistance to enable it to take over the sites. In response to this, in May of this year, my Department established an inter-departmental working group to consider the funding options. The group included the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the OPW, and the Department of Tourism Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.
To date, the working group has met three times, and identified a number of ways to support a transfer. My Department has also met with Clare County Council and Shannon Airport Group and has asked both to continue their engagement and consider the package of measures identified by the inter-departmental working group, with a view to reaching agreement on a transfer.
Once the remaining issues around the transfer are resolved, Shannon Airport Group will be in a position to seek the formal consent of the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to execute the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and the relevant heritage sites and this will be done with the agreement of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
I would like to assure Deputies that Government recognises the importance of these heritage sites to the mid-west region, and that this Government will continue to support Shannon Airport Group to ensure that the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and heritage sites will proceed as planned with a view to ensuring the long-term viability and success of the business.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (161)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:161. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made with the Climate Action Plan 2021 aim to have 845,000 electric passenger cars on the road by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44331/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the National Development Plan €1bn has been allocated to specific carbon reduction measures, including vehicle electrification. Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department.
The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. The national car and van fleet accounts for almost 60% of all land transport emissions, and so a transition to low emissions vehicles, including EVs, is a necessary step-change to effect a substantial reduction in transport emissions.
The Government has already committed significant funding to support low emitting vehicles through the National Development Plan, which currently includes an allocation of almost €500 million for the period 2021-2025 and additional support from the Climate Action Fund. This funding includes both capital grants to support the purchase of EVs and capital funding for the delivery of EV charging infrastructure.
€100m has been allocated in 2022 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles. This is an almost doubling of the provision made available in 2021 and underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all. This funding will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand. Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), has been established to coordinate this work.
This includes:
- A purchase grant scheme for fully electric passenger cars and vans, and the refocusing of exchequer funding on zero tailpipe emission vehicles.
- Continuation and expansion of the home charging infrastructure scheme to include multi-unit dwellings.
- Continuation of a grant scheme for taxi and hackney drivers.
- Continuation of an alternatively fuelled heavy goods vehicles purchase grant scheme.
- Continuation of the Low Emission Vehicle Toll Incentive Scheme.
- Introduction of a revised scheme for public point charging.
- Introduction of a new scheme for electric vans.
- Introduction of a new scheme for destination charging.
The uptake of EVs in Ireland has been steadily increasing and has risen from circa 26,000 at the end of 2020, to over 47,000 at the end of 2021 and increasing to over 64,700 to the end of July 2022. The CAP 21 EV trajectory indicates that there should be 64,110 EVs on the road by the end of 2022 in order to reach our 2030 targets. This figure was surpassed by the end of July with EV sales continuing to increase despite overall car registrations being down on the same period last year. EVs now represent over 20%of the market share.
At a policy level, the Department of Transport continues to support the need to assist the transition to driving electric. The means to incentivise EV purchases are forming part of the Budget 2023 deliberations between this Department and the Minister for Finance.
Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 160.
Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 160.
Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 160.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 160.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (166)
Réada Cronin
Ceist:166. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if he will be introducing a rail-ticket price initiative for customers similar to that offered in Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41965/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to the possible introduction of a rail-ticket price initiative for customers similar to that offered in Germany, to the NTA 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
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (167)
James Lawless
Ceist:167. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine an issue in relation to a bus service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42063/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these 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 the investigation of issues arising with Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland bus services, to the NTA 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
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (168, 169)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:168. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the Dublin Airport Authority and the National Transport Authority in respect of reforming the current permit system that permits taxis to pick up customers at Dublin Airport; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many taxis that do not have permits can drop-off customers but must exit the Dublin Airport Authority campus empty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42066/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:169. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if further consideration is being given to increasing the total number of permits issued to taxi drivers for Dublin Airport given the chaos that has taken place over recent months; if there is a total number of permissible permits allowable at any given time for the airport zone; if so, the number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42077/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
The daa has the statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 168.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (170)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:170. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be provided with a date for their driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42085/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have therefore referred this 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (171)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:171. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to the National Driver Licence Service cancellation policy for driving tests (details supplied); if this policy will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42091/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. As the cancellation policy is an operational matter for the RSA, I have therefore referred this 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Ports Policy
Ceisteanna (172)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:172. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when it is intended to publish an updated ports' policy taking into account the importance attached to port development to facilitate the development of offshore and onshore renewable energy projects; if it is intended to provide State funding towards the rapid developments of ports to ensure that lack of port infrastructure does not hinder the development of large-scale renewable energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42109/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A port capacity study is currently underway and is due for completion shortly. Upon its finalisation a full review of National Ports Policy will commence later this year which will look at the overall ports policy framework.
As I informed the Deputy on the 2nd of June 2022, given Ireland’s increased ambition in the area of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) and pending a review of overall National Ports Policy later this year, the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), conducted an assessment of the options for Irish State ports to facilitate the sector and assist in Ireland achieving its emission reduction targets. Following the assessment, last December I announced an ORE Ports Policy Statement setting out the strategy for a multi-port approach to the provision of port facilities.
A number of ports will be required to provide facilities for the different activities at several locations around the country and at different times for the various phases of the fixed and floating ORE developments. This will maximise the economic benefits at both regional and national level in terms of job creation and new SME enterprises in areas such as engineering, fabrication, transport and logistics, and other technologies.
A multiport approach will ultimately allow investments that are commercially viable in the long-term progress without undermining the ability of any port to meet its primary obligations in relation to the facilitation of international trade.
All Ports in Ireland operate on a commercial basis with all investments funded from port revenues, European grant funding, borrowings or sale of assets. As part of endeavours to maximise EU funding, the Department engaged extensively with other Member States and the Commission advocating for inclusion of funding for ORE required port infrastructure under the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and successfully obtained changes to the CEF criteria to allow EU funding of port infrastructure for ORE for TEN-T ports in the 2021-2023 funding stream.
This is a competitive process and a number of Irish ports or terminal operators in Irish Ports who are progressing projects have indicated their intention to apply for CEF funding when the next call opens in September. The Department will assist, as appropriate, eligible applicants with the application process.
For the Deputy's information, a copy of the Policy Statement on the facilitation of Offshore Renewable Energy by Commercial Ports in Ireland can be accessed at the link below.
www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/8f40e-policy-statement-on-the-facilitation-of-offshore-renewable-energy-by-commercial-ports-in-ireland/
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (173)
Seán Canney
Ceist:173. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will provide supports to persons who wish to establish a hackney service in rural areas in which there is no taxi service available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42121/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including the issuance of Local Area Hackney licences and the operation of the subsidised Local Area Hackney pilot scheme, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Traffic Offences
Ceisteanna (174)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:174. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the penalties that are in place for motorists who park illegally in taxi ranks; if additional measures or an awareness campaign on this issue is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42166/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Regulation 36(2)(e) of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (SI 182 of 1997), prohibits a vehicle from parking in an appointed taxi stand. Motorists who park illegally in an appointed taxi stand may incur a fixed charge notice of €40, rising to €60 if not paid within 28 days.
My department keeps these charges under constant review and may intervene to impose an increase where it is deemed appropriate.
As with all parking offences, enforcement is a matter for An Garda Síochána and traffic wardens.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (175)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:175. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to examine a section of road (details supplied) in the interest of safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42208/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Applications for funding under my Department’s Safety Improvement Scheme are invited on an annual basis for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. This Scheme covers projects costing up to €200,000. Councils are made aware of this and are asked to submit applications in order of priority. Larger safety projects are considered on a case by case basis under the Specific or Strategic Grant categories.
As Kerry County Council is responsible for maintaining and improving its regional and local roads, it is the Council's responsibility to determine its priorities and work programme while taking account of the funding provided from grant allocations and from the Council's own resources. My Department has not received an application for funding for the R555 Duagh to Listowel Road from Kerry County Council.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (176)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:176. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to issues with the 15B Dublin Bus route (details supplied); if he will request Dublin Bus to investigate the issues with this route and improve the service being offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42255/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 query raised in relation to the 15B Dublin Bus route is a matter for the company. Therefore, I have referred this question to Dublin Bus for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Aviation Industry
Ceisteanna (177)
Joe Carey
Ceist:177. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on a review of national aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42289/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As previously outlined, officials in my department had started scoping work on a new National Aviation Policy (NAP) prior to the pandemic. Focus within the department was necessarily diverted to deal with the challenges arising from the pandemic, supporting recovery in the sector and, more recently, issues arising from the terrible situation in Ukraine and the resultant restrictive measures that have been adopted in respect of the Russian Federation.
My Department hopes to resume this scoping work before the end of 2022. In the meantime, the current National Aviation Policy which was published in 2015, continues to guide decision making. The principal goals of the policy are to enhance Ireland's connectivity, to foster the growth of aviation enterprise and to maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development.
It is recognised that much has changed since 2015 in respect of the overall challenges for the aviation sector in Ireland. The scoping work on the development of a successor to the NAP will take into account the changed environment and challenges including meeting climate targets, supporting continued recovery in the sector and facilitating enhanced connectivity.