Written Answers Nos. 198-217
198. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will issue a clear statement of Government support for licensed hauliers upgrading their fleets to green trucks for example Euro VI and Euro VII standards via the European Investment Bank like the scheme offered to the shipping sector to help improve fuel efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42646/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will amend the scrappage incentive scheme to remove non-green HGV vehicles to run over a period of five years targeting the removal of older engines off our roads and including (details supplied) upon which the cost of a revised scrappage scheme can be calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
There are currently several Government supports in place to help decarbonise the heavy-duty sector and to assist road transport companies in reducing their carbon emissions. For example, my Department launched the Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme in March 2021, which partly funds the purchase of new large vans, trucks, buses and coaches. The fuel types eligible for this Grant Scheme are: compressed natural gas (CNG), liquified natural gas (LNG), hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Grant levels under the Scheme are calculated as a percentage of the difference in price between a conventionally-fuelled diesel HDV and its alternatively-fuelled equivalent. Maximum grant levels for eligible vehicles depend on the size of the company or enterprise applying for the grant, and on the fuel-type of the vehicle that the applicant wishes to buy.
Funding of €2m was allocated to this scheme in 2021 and given the excellent response to the initiative, the Department of Transport allocated an additional €1m in funds to assist the heavy-duty vehicle sector in its transition to zero-mobility. A further €3m was allocated to the Scheme this year to help encourage the uptake of more environmentally friendly heavy-duty vehicles and it is intended that the scheme will once again be available in 2023.
Ireland also has the Low Emission Vehicle Toll Incentive or ‘LEVTI’ Scheme, which offers toll discounts for alternatively-fuelled vehicles. The scheme, which was introduced in July 2018, is expected to run until December 31st 2022 or up until a maximum of 50,000 Low Emission Vehicles have been supported. Under the LEVTI Scheme, alternatively-fuelled HGVs, which includes FCEVs, BEVs and those powered by CNG and LNG. These vehicles can qualify for a 50% discount on tolls, up to an annual cap of €1,000.
With regard to supports for EURO V and EURO IV diesel vehicles, the European Green Deal includes a specific commitment for the removal of subsidies for fossil fuels at the national level. Financial support for the uptake of EURO VI and EURO VII diesel trucks is not consistent with that commitment and it is not likely to be possible to progress such a Scheme in line with EU State Aid rules as a result.
However, the Government is committed to increasing the use of biofuels as a means to support emissions reductions for diesel vehicles which will remain a large majority in the national fleet until alternatively fuelled trucks are more widely available and become cost competitive with diesel engines. Under the Biofuels Obligation Scheme, which is administered by the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA), there is an obligation on suppliers of mineral oil to ensure that a percentage of the motor fuel they place on the market in Ireland is produced from renewable sources. On 21 January 2022, this percentage was increased from 12.359% to 14.942% by volume. For diesel vehicles, the current fuel blend available at garage forecourts is approximately 7% biodiesel. It is my intention to raise this percentage to 20% biodiesel by 2030, a move which will help to significantly reduce emissions from the haulage sector.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish a ten-year strategy for the haulage sector. This strategy will focus on generating efficiencies, improving standards, and helping the sector move to a low-carbon future. In July, I published a summary document detailing the key insights that were gained from the public consultation on the strategy that was held in 2021, along with copies of the 43 submissions received during the consultation period.
All submitted proposals are currently being analysed by my department, and work is underway on a draft text of the Road Haulage Strategy. This draft text will be made available to stakeholders for further consultation in autumn of this year. Following the consultation period, the strategy itself will be finalised and published before the end of the year, with implementation to begin immediately thereafter.
200. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will support the abolition of toll charges for green vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42649/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department.
The Low Emission Vehicle Toll Incentive (LEVTI) Scheme which offers toll discounts for alternatively fuelled vehicles was introduced in July 2018 and is expected to run until December 31st, 2022 subject to the scheme's terms and conditions. BEV and PHEVs qualify for 50% and 25% toll reductions respectively up to a maximum €500 annual threshold for private vehicles and a maximum annual threshold of €1,000 for commercial vehicles (greater off-peak rates also apply to the M50 toll). The Scheme was expanded in 2020 to include toll reductions for electric motorbikes, hydrogen fuelled passenger cars and SPSVs, and heavy duty vehicles (trucks, buses and coaches) fuelled by compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen or electricity.
While there are no plans to increase the existing levels of support, the continuation of the toll scheme will form part of this Department's budgetary deliberations with the Department of Finance for 2023.
201. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline in announcing the successful applicants under the Shared Island destination charging grant for sports clubs; the total number of applications received by county; the total funding expected to be provided through the Shared Island Initiative under the scheme and any other relevant details in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42674/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Shared Island funded scheme to provide EV charging at sports clubs is currently under development by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), in partnership with Pobal and with assistance from Sports Ireland. The funding is available from 2023 and I expect that funding will start to be drawn down early next year. Further details will be available in due course.
As this scheme is not yet operational, no applications have been received to date.
202. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if Leap cards will be introduced for commuters across the complete Irish Rail network; his views on whether such an introduction would be an incentive for persons to use public transport in order to ease traffic congestion in cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42684/22]
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, including the roll out of Leap Cards.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the introduction of LEAP cards across the complete Irish Rail network to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
203. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the number of reported assaults on Dublin Bus services for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42692/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the number of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour on Dublin Bus services for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42693/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra205. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the number of reported incidents of drug use on Dublin Bus services for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42694/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 203, 204 and 205 together.
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 issue raised by the Deputy regarding the number of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour, assaults, and drug use on Dublin Bus services is an operational matter for Dublin Bus 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.
206. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be released for a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42695/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirement for a new vehicle store at Iveragh/ Waterville Coast Guard Station has been clearly identified by the Irish Coast Guard. The Office of Public Works has been instructed to design and contruct this vehicle store under the IRCG Property Maintenance Programme.
Initial work on the feasibility and concept design of the new vehicle store has been completed. Funding for this project has been approved by IRCG and will be provided to OPW when demand for payment is made. OPW are currently negotiating terms relating to use of the site with Eir as this site is shared. The project will progress further on finalisation of these negotiations.
207. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to the Exchequer of extending the young adult Transport for Ireland Leap card to all persons under 26 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to the Exchequer of extending the 50% fare reduction for students and young adults aged 19 to 23 years to all inter-city services in tabular form; the estimated cost to the Exchequer of extending the 50% fare reduction for students and young adults to include those under 26 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42720/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to the Exchequer of waiving fare revenue, i.e. cash, Leap card revenue and prepaid ticket sales including Taxsaver tickets, on all public service obligation services for a three-month period between 1 October 2022 and 31 December 2022, and a six-month period between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42723/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to the Exchequer of subsidising the waiving of all fares on commercial bus services for a three-month period between 1 October and 31 December 2022, and a six-month period between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023, in tabular form with reference to pre-Covid 19 baseline figures, i.e. 2019 and Q1 of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42724/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 208, 210 and 211 together.
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 relation to the commerical bus operators, it should be noted that these operators are responsible for setting their own fares and therefore it would not be within the remit of the NTA to estimate the cost to the Exchequer of subsidising the waiving of all fares on these services. However, as the Deputy might be aware, it is envisaged that the YAC will be broadened to include commercial operators. 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 is taking 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 NTA hope to have commencement ahead of the return of 3rd level colleges.
Therefore, in view of the above I have forwarded the Deputy’s questions in relation to PSO fares, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
209. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the estimated total passenger revenue per month received across all modes and each individual mode of transport, i.e. bus, rail and light rail services, for the periods 1 October 2018 to 31 March 2019 and 1 October 2019 to 31 March 2020, in tabular form (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42722/22]
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 addition, the NTA also has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the estimated total passenger revenue per month received across all modes and each individual mode of transport, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
212. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the works to install a roundabout at the junction of the N72 and R579 at Ballymaquirke, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42779/22]
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.
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.
213. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to address the recent violent attacks including those occurring on public transport on members of the LGBTQ+ community; the steps that are being taken to challenge the anti-gay and trans rhetoric evident in the national media recently; the ways in which he is working with the community to identify new and effective strategies to address issues of homophobia and transphobia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42781/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that, first and foremost, must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is also engaged with public transport operators regarding the issue of anti-social behaviour.
The Department has also been engaging regularly with the NTA and the three CIÉ companies, on the issue of anti-social behaviour and a significant number of actions have been taken. These include;
- On the 29th of July, Iarnród Éireann, Transdev & An Garda Síochána carried out a joint awareness day (operation twintrack) to prevent anti-social behaviour on our services and to raise awareness of staying safe on public transport.
- Joint Garda & Iarnród Éireann high visibility public safety operations took place across the network over the Easter period with a number of fines issued. Reportable ASB incidents on Irish Rail have reduced from 654 in 2020 to 549 in 2021.
- IÉ Security Centre at Howth Junction - Iarnród Éireann have appointed a supervisory team who coordinates the security response in the Greater Dublin Area. Additionally, there is the deployment of public facing Security Teams in identified Anti-social behaviour hot spots across the DART and Rail Network.
- There are now nine Rapid Response Hubs in operation across the IÉ Intercity Network with the latest, Mullingar, having come into operation from 9th May 2022 (The 9 locations: Mallow, Limerick Junction, Thurles, Portlaoise, Athlone, Kildare, Longford, Castlerea and Mullingar). These hubs are now fully operational with all onboard staff have dedicated phone numbers for each of the hub locations in the event they require assistance. These hubs provide reassurance for both staff and customers. The Kilkenny hub is due to come into operation in mid July 2022, which will complete the first phase of this initiative. This means should on-board staff request assistance by calling ahead to the next Garda Rapid Response Hub, they will receive priority service to deal with any issue. Since coming into operation, this level of response from An Garda Síochána has had a very positive impact in reducing the potential for such passenger issues escalating.
- Iarnród Éireann have recruited a Security Enforcement & Compliance Manager and a Crime Prevention & Antisocial Behaviour Officer to design out crime.
- CCTV is available on most trains and has successfully been used on numerous occasions in securing prosecutions. They are also in place in stations.
- A DART text alert line has been established for discrete reporting of Anti-Social incidents.
- In respect of Dublin Services, Public Transport Hubs have been established for Heuston Plaza and Connolly Plaza. A third one at Broombridge, Cabra, will come into operation shortly. This is a Joint initiative between public transport providers Iarnród Éireann/Transdev (LUAS)/Dublin Bus/Bus Éireann and An Garda Síochána Community Engagement Units at Kevin Street, Store Street and Cabra.
- Transdev/ LUAS employ 50 security staff. These staff are involved in maintaining safety and security on the Luas, along with enforcing the Luas bye-laws. They liaise with An Garda Síochána regularly as part of their work.
- In relation to security on our public bus services, the entire Dublin Bus fleet is fully fitted with CCTV cameras, with up to 11 internal cameras and three external cameras fitted on the more modern vehicles in the fleet. Each vehicle is equipped with a radio, which facilitates immediate contact to the Central Control Centre.
- Dublin Bus has also re-introduced their Schools Education Programme (previously suspended due to Covid-19) which involves educating young people about the importance of the bus in their lives and in their local community. The work of their School and Community Co-ordinators has also proven highly successful in encouraging young people to respect their bus and has assisted greatly in the reduction of incidents of anti-social behaviour.
- Beyond this Dublin Bus has a strong and close working relationship with An Garda Síochána and have set up a number of community forums in different areas across the city. These forums are made up of Dublin Bus representatives, the Gardaí, local area representatives, community groups and Trade Union Representatives.
- Bus Éireann has similarly also invested in extensive CCTV coverage throughout its fleet for the protection of passengers and staff. Emergency support for drivers is provided through 24-hour control centres and any incidents of anti-social behaviour are fully investigated and followed up with An Garda Síochána as required.
- All Bus Éireann city and town buses are fitted with driver security screens. Security personnel are employed in our larger bus stations and extensive CCTV is also in operation throughout all stations to ensure the security of our staff, customers and property. Furthermore, customer research shows that 93% of Bus Éireann customers feel safe and secure during their journeys.
Further, the Third National Strategy for Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence references the implementation of specific Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence actions in the annual public transport passenger safety and personal security report (action 1.6.3 in the Implementation Plan). The NTA have advised that they are in the process of designing the report contents, with the detailed work due to be undertaken next year, which will supplement the Authority’s annual customer survey on satisfaction with their personal safety on board public transport as well as at the stop/station. The first Annual public transport passenger safety and personal security report will be delivered next year.
The combined interventions implemented to date across our public transport services have substantially helped to tackle anti-social behaviour; however, this is an issue which will require on-going monitoring. As such, I am committed to continuing to work collectively with all stakeholders to ensure the safest possible travel environment for members of the public, and the safest possible working environment for the employees providing our valuable public transport services.
214. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the total number of troops that passed through Shannon Airport on military contracted planes in each of the years from 1998 to 2021 and date in 2022, in tabular form. [42788/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra216. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the total number of United States military contract landings at Shannon Airport in each of the years from 1998 to 2021 and date in 2022, in tabular form. [42790/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 216 together.
As stated previously, my department has no statutory function with regard to the transit of foreign military personnel through Irish sovereign territory or Irish airports. In my response to Question No. 71 from the Deputy on 30th June 2021, I indicated that I would ask Shannon Group to provide the Deputy with the information sought regarding the number of US military personnel who passed through Shannon Airport in each of the years over the 20 year period from 2001 to 2021. Those details were provided to the Deputy in a letter dated 7th July 2021 from Shannon Group. I will request Shannon Group to provide the information for the additional periods now sought by the Deputy.
Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended, civil aircraft are prohibited from carrying munitions of war in Ireland's sovereign airspace or into Irish airports unless they receive an exemption from the Minister for Transport.
In relation to the Deputy’s question regarding the number of landings at Shannon Airport by aircraft contracted by the US military, my Department only has data on the exemptions issued under the 1973 Order; it does not have data on the total number of flights under US military contract that land at Shannon. I will ask Shannon Group to provide the data requested to the Deputy. If the Deputy does not receive a reply from Shannon Group within ten working days, please contact my private office.
My Department holds data on exemptions issued under the 1973 Order to civil aircraft carrying munitions of war in Ireland’s sovereign airspace or into Irish airports. The data held by my department on exemptions issued prior to 2020 was not collated in a format which would enable my officials to provide the numbers of exemptions issued specifically in respect of flights under US military contract which landed at Shannon (the data held for years prior to 2020 includes exemptions issued to all civil operators and does not identify specifically those contracted by the US military).
The table below details the number of exemptions granted under the 1973 Order to civil air operators carrying munitions of war on behalf of the United States military, which featured a landing at Shannon Airport, for the years 2020 to June 2022.
|
2020 |
389 |
|
2021 |
259 |
|
2022 (to June) |
224 |
215. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the total number of permits issued for the carriage of munitions of war through Ireland or Irish airspace in each of the years from 1998 to 2021 and date in 2022, in tabular form. [42789/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra217. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the total number of overflights granted over Irish sovereign territory in each of the years from 1998 to 2021 and date in 2022, in tabular form. [42791/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 217 together.
Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended, civil aircraft are prohibited from carrying munitions of war over Ireland's sovereign airspace or into Irish airports unless they receive an exemption from the Minister for Transport.
My officials are currently reviewing available records in the context of the Deputy's question. Once the figures have been determined the information will be forwarded, in tabular format, detailing the number of exemptions granted permitting the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft in Irish sovereign airspace and the number of those which were overflights. Owing to the passage of time and the manner in which records were maintained during the earlier part of the period covered by the Deputy's question, my officials have indicated that it may not be possible to provide the information in full.
In more recent years, my department has made this information available online. Statistics with regard to the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft from 2016 onward is available on gov.ie, at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/15da60-the-carriage-of-munitions-of-war-on-civil-aircraft/#statistics
