Written Answers Nos. 218-237
218. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the general timeline for issuing a SPSV driver licence once an application has been made to the carriage office by a newly passed driver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42802/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSV licensing, 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.
219. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to allowing pets onto public transport similar to rules in other European countries. [42806/22]
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 decisions in relation to those 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 need for more pet-friendly policies on public transport in Ireland to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
220. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the plans that are in place to replace E5 fuel with E10; the timescale for such a change and if arrangements have been made for classic cars who cannot use E10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42816/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of biofuels is currently one of the main pillars of land transport decarbonisation. Since 2010, increasing volumes of biofuels have been introduced to the Irish conventional fuel mix through a biofuel blending obligation on fuel suppliers. The obligation ensures that a certain percentage of the motor fuel placed on the market comes from renewable sources, for example bioethanol and biodiesel. In 2020 alone, 239 million litres of biofuels replaced about 209 million litres of fossil fuels, avoiding approximately 520 KtCO2eq. GHG emissions.
Biofuels will remain a core transitional measure for medium-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in road transport. This is particularly so for hard to abate sectors such as heavy-duty vehicles, where alternative transport energy and technology are at early and varying stages of development.
The current biofuel obligation (which will be renamed the renewable transport fuel obligation in 2023) for the 2022 obligation period is 13% by volume. As set out in Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement, the overall blending obligation will continue to be increased on a graduated basis to support the Climate Action Plan 2021 target of an approximate renewable fuel blend of E10 (i.e. 10% bioethanol in petrol) /B20 (ie 20% biodiesel in diesel) by 2030.
The switch to E10 as the standard grade for petrol is one of a number of policy actions set out in the Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement that will help reduce the overall amount of fossil fuel that is used to power road transport in Ireland to support a 50% reduction in transport emissions by 2030. Legislation is currently being developed to mandate E10 as the standard grade of petrol in Ireland. My Department is engaging with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications on this legislation.
Limitations in the storage and distribution systems for petrol in Ireland may mean there is reduced availability of E5. Technical considerations for the implementation of E10 form part of my Department's ongoing engagement with fuel suppliers and stakeholders. Consumers are at the forefront of my mind and, as such, the public information campaign around the transition to E10 endeavours to ensure that they are engaged with in a positive and proactive manner given the importance the roll out has for them as part of the ongoing decarbonisation of transport.
221. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the totality of grant-aid and or subsidy provided to each local authority in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 (details supplied). [42838/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy,
Please find the breakdown of grant-aid and or subsidies provided to each local authority, plus the grant headings for 2019, 2020, 2020 and to date in 2022 in the table below. Please note the additional information from Regional and Local Roads. The main grant headings are Greenways, EV Charging Infrastructure and Roads Protection and Renewal.
Greenways and EV Charging Infrastructure
Roads Protection and Renewal
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 Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
For the funding provided to each local authority in 2019, 2020 and 2021, details of the regional and local road grant payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road payments booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library. For regional and local road grant payments in 2022, the table below sets out the grants paid to each local authority to date.
|
Payments to Date 2022 |
|
|
Local Authority |
€ |
|
Carlow County Council |
1,651,178 |
|
Cavan County Council |
3,243,141 |
|
Clare County Council |
8,499,250 |
|
Cork County Council |
27,124,741 |
|
Cork City Council |
3,962,250 |
|
Donegal County Council |
65,000 |
|
Galway County Council |
10,666,736 |
|
Galway City Council |
1,203,697 |
|
Kerry County Council |
8,307,421 |
|
Kildare County Council |
5,685,894 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
8,661,744 |
|
Laois County Council |
3,620,246 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
6,027,308 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
12,163,268 |
|
Longford County Council |
3,451,313 |
|
Louth County Council |
1,107,872 |
|
Mayo County Council |
16,823,072 |
|
Meath County Council |
3,730,451 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
5,341,304 |
|
Offaly County Council |
4,429,085 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
5,959,340 |
|
Sligo County Council |
6,359,782 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
19,966,274 |
|
Waterford County Council |
6,481,121 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
7,086,306 |
|
Wexford County Council |
3,114,814 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
4,889,721 |
|
Total |
€189,622,329 |
222. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has consulted with the Minister for Justice and or Garda management in respect of the establishment of an exclusive Garda section to police the public transport network and public transport options. [42866/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 operation of public transport.
While the safety and security of public transport passengers and staff are of utmost importance, they are matters first and foremost for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. Decisions regarding the establishment of a transport police unit and the allocation of Garda resources are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
Previously, my predecessor wrote to the then Minister for Justice to seek their views on how the issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport system could be best addressed. In their response, the Department of Justice advised that the views of An Garda Síochána are that effective local community policing can meet the policing needs of the public transport network and that the Garda authorities do not propose to establish a specialist or dedicated transport policing unit at this time.
223. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the issues with the reliability and frequency of bus routes travelling towards UCD in Dublin south-west; if the complaints that have been received will be taken into account, to ensure that a company (details supplied) is not awarded further public contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42871/22]
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. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to procure public transport services by means of Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to performance of the PSO contract for Go-Ahead Ireland, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
224. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the plans that are in place to address the issue of persons living in terraced housing without front gardens not being able to switch to electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42893/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March.
The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication later this year.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home. I am deeply cognisant of the need to facilitate residents without a driveway to charge their EV at a reasonable cost within their neighbourhood.
On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. A suite of new of grants and initiatives have been announced including the development of a new residential charging grant which will focus on providing neighbourhood and residential charging solutions, particularly in areas where off-street charging is either limited or not possible.
Officials from my Department are liaising closely with the Local Government Management Agency on plans to deliver charging solutions to these types of neighbourhoods. In fact, I was delighted to attend the launch of one such pilot program in the Finglas area earlier this week that was funded by my Department.
225. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the roll-out of public electric vehicle charging points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42894/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. As you are aware, a draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication later this year.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.
€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022.
In terms of progress ESB eCars have:
- One hub of 4 High-Powered Chargers with 8 charging bays constructed, with 2 in progress. There is an overall target of 6 sites
- One hub consisting of 2 High-Powered Chargers with 4 charging bays completed with a further 10 currently in design/construction.
- 16 hubs of 1 High-Powered Charger and 1 Fast Charger with 3 charging bays completed with a further 9 currently in design/construction.
- Completed the upgrade of 40 Standard 22kW chargers to DC Fast 50kW chargers
- Completed the replacement of 250 Standard 22kW AC chargers.
Further details on the progression of this project can be found at esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.
On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. A suite of new grants and initiatives have been launched including the Apartment Charging Grant. This grant is for dwellings which do not have access to a driveway such as apartments, duplexes and mixed developments. Management companies can now apply for up to 80% funding for infrastructure costs when installing an EV charging system in multi unit residences.
It has also been announced that a new residential charging grant is in development which will focus on providing neighbourhood and residential charging solutions, particularly in areas where off-street charging is either limited or not possible. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
226. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which she will amend the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 in order to legislate for the use and categorisation of e-bikes and e-scooters in this jurisdiction. [42899/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic and Roads Bill completed third stage in Dáil Éireann on 22 June. The progress of the Bill is subject to the discretion of the Oireachtas. However, I understand that a date for report stage is provisionally expected in September, with a view to enactment before end 2022, following its passage through the Seanad.
It is not anticipated that further amendments will be made to provisions in the Bill for e-bikes or powered personal transporters. It is important to note that the Bill does not legislate for the use of e-scooters, but rather allows for regulations to be made to permit the use of specific transporters, such as e-scooters, on public roads. The regulations will set out appropriate technical and safety standards and rules for the use of e-scooters and compliant e-scooters will become legal on their introduction.
227. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to ensure a frequent bus service on the Galway to Clifden route from very early morning to late at night to service the rapidly growing population along the route, increasing travel costs by car, congestion in Galway, also taking into account the large number of Ukrainian Refugees living in Connemara at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42921/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question regarding the provision of a frequent bus service on the Galway to Clifden route, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
228. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport his views on allowing dogs on board all rail services once all necessary safety considerations are adhered to; if the current rules only permitting dogs on a limited number of rail services is under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42950/22]
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 decisions in relation to those 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 need for more pet-friendly policies on rail transport in Ireland to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
229. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the policy decisions that he is taking with respect to the tourism sector in relation to regional connectivity by ensuring that incentives for sustainable aviation fuel will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42954/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe link that the Deputy appears to be making between incentives for sustainable aviation fuel and regional connectivity is unclear. Therefore my response focuses on what we are doing to promote regional air connectivity and also the various strands of work that we are pursuing and contributing to in relation to the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The Programme for Government acknowledges the value of aviation in supporting economic development, international connectivity and tourism via all our airports. My Department’s Regional Airports Programme 2021–2025, supports Ireland’s smaller airports i.e., those that provide connectivity and handle fewer than 1 million passengers annually. In addition to targeting funding at safety and security projects and activities, the scope of the new programme has been expanded to encourage airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience. This programme, with a budget of over €44 million in 2022, takes account of existing policy objectives to help mitigate the impacts of aviation on the environment and to help facilitate the sustainable growth of the sector.
In relation to SAF, it is widely acknowledged that the deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is key to decarbonising the aviation sector. The use of SAF is currently at very low levels but there are a number of different strands of work both at national and EU level that are being pursued to improve this position. The proposed EU Regulation commonly referred to as ReFuelEU Aviation is currently being considered by the Council and the Parliament. When adopted the Regulation is expected to impose obligations on fuel suppliers, airlines, and airports in relation to the distribution, use and accessibility of SAF. This will be an important step in sending a signal to the market to stimulate demand. The proposal includes a mandated percentage of SAF to be uplifted, with increasing levels over the period from 2025 to 2050. Smaller airports, below a set passenger and cargo freight threshold, are currently exempt under the proposal but Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports are expected to fall within the scope of the Regulation.
A study is being finalised by my department in relation to the availability and sustainability of renewable transport fuels supply in Ireland, such as biofuels and advanced biofuels, with regard to the ambitious targets for increasing biofuel blending in transport fuel as set out in the Climate Action Plan. This important piece of work, along with development of a Green Hydrogen Strategy, led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, will further inform how Ireland positions itself in relation to SAF.
Under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Government has established the Shannon Estuary Economic Task Force. This group will assess the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Shannon Estuary area from an enterprise development and investment perspective, alongside scoping potential opportunities in the region. The Task Force includes a Transport and Logistics sub-group which will explore opportunities for the production and supply of sustainable transport fuels among other matters.
Any questions in relation to tourism policy should be directed to the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
230. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the possibilities of restoring a service (details supplied) to Dublin Airport from Templeogue and Rathfarnham in south west Dublin in the near future. [42962/22]
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 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 question to the NTA for direct reply; however, it should be noted that AirCoach is a private operator and therefore responsible for the scheduling and timetabling of their own transport services.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
231. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will list the retailers in County Cork that facilitate Leap card top-ups in tabular form. [42972/22]
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 light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the provision of a list of the retailers in County Cork that facilitate Leap card top-ups in tabular form, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
232. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport if his Department intends to commission a feasibility study regarding a Metro South West line via Rathfarnham to Tallaght following the Metro to Knocklyon feasibility study of 2021. [42986/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no current plans to commission a feasibility study for a metro from Dublin city to/from Tallaght. However, a portion of the proposed route examined in the NTA's Metro-to-Knocklyon feasibility study is along the Rathfarnham to Tallaght corridor. The NTA's draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2022-2042 concludes that this corridor is best served by 'bus rapid transport' such as BusConnects. This conclusion is reinforced in the NTA's Dublin South West Transport Study. The NTA's draft GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042 does put forth a proposal for a City Centre to Knocklyon Luas with a further spur to Tallaght, but notes that this would not be expected to be delivered until after 2042. While a metro to the South West of Dublin is not proposed in the current GDA Transport Strategy, the NTA reviews these plans on a rolling basis every 6 years and a proposal could be reconsidered in the future.
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area which includes, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, light rail. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed direct reply to the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
233. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Road Safety Authority has not published any data on road traffic collisions since 2016; if his Department has a role in requesting that such information is published; and, if so, when up-to-date data will be made available. [42987/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that in light of GDPR requirements, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is currently reviewing their road traffic collision (RTC) data sharing policies and procedures.
As a result, individual record-level data cannot be shared until this review is concluded over the coming months, following which the RSA expect to implement revised policies and procedures to permit GDPR compliant access to relevant RTC data.
In the meantime, for information I understand that the RSA has published provisional aggregated data (for the years 2017-2019), and reports (up to 2021) on their website. These can be accessed using the links below:
2017: www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/road-safety/r2---statistics/road-collision-annual-reports/road-casualties-and-collisions-in-ireland-2017.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=bebadb99_5
2018: www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/road-safety/r2---statistics/road-collision-annual-reports/road-casualties-and-collisions-in-ireland-2018-.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=dfe61f42_3
2019: www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/road-safety/r2---statistics/road-collision-annual-reports/road-casualties-and-collisions-in-ireland-2019.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=a6dcadd8_3
Five-year trend analysis of fatalities and serious injuries, 2017-2021: www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/road-safety/r2---statistics/road-collision-annual-reports/five-year-trend-analysis-of-fatalities-and-serious-injuries-2017-2021.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=64d849b9_3
Provisional fatality statistics 2021: www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/road-safety/r2---statistics/provisional-reviews/provisional-fatality-statistics-2021794af424f47649b3a43080655849f0a0.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=b7cc7581_5
Motorcyclist spotlight report: fatalities and serious injuries, 2016-2021: www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/road-safety/r2---statistics/motorcyclist-spotlight-report-fatalities-and-serious-injuries-2016-2021.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=a2e93cbc_3
234. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding lorry driving tests. [43004/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to remember that driver licensing law exists to ensure that people licensed to drive on our roads meet the high standards of safety set out at EU level for passing a driving test. The processes involved in obtaining a qualification to drive trucks (category C) or buses (category D) are in the interests of public safety and provide assurance that drivers have reached these recognised standards.
The following costs are involved in obtaining a truck (category C) or bus (category D) driving licence and a certificate of professional competency (CPC) to drive professionally:
|
1. |
Theory test for category C or D |
€72 |
|
2. |
Learner permit |
€35 |
|
3. |
Case study test |
€72 |
|
4. |
Driving lessons |
€80 average per hour |
|
5. |
Driving test |
€120 |
|
6. |
Walkaround test |
€32 |
|
7. |
Add category to driving licence |
€35 |
Periodic training is required to keep a person's CPC qualification valid. There are five modules to be completed within a five year cycle, with one module per year required at an average cost of €55 per module.
Driving lessons and CPC periodic training services are provided by private companies and individuals and these costs are not determined by my Department.
I do not intend to offer an assistance package. However, with HGV and bus driver shortages, there are opportunities for the industry to sponsor applicants in gaining a qualification. Through the Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group, my Department works with industry and other stakeholders to support the promotion of careers, skills development and sustainable employment in the logistics and supply chain sectors in Ireland. The Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group was set up following recommendations made by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs.
235. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of bike and e-bike storage bays on Dublin Bus and Irish Rail fleet; and if he will provide an update on the integration of bike and e-bike storage on public transport. [43009/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 Deputy's question regarding the number of bike and e-bike storage bays on the Dublin Bus and Irish Rail fleet is an operational matter for Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann respectively and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the companies for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
236. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has provided any funding in 2021 and to date in 2022 to Irish Rail for use on the installation of bike and e-bike storage at train stations; and the number of bike parking bays nationally on the Irish Rail network. [43010/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and active travel infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
237. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of the following measures to improve Irish Rail services; increasing the frequency of current DART services by 10% and 20% respectively; increasing the frequency of current commuter services by 10% and 20% respectively; increasing the frequency of current Intercity services by 10% and 20% respectively; and the expected cost of completing the Western Rail Corridor. [43035/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In relation to the cost of the potential re-opening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor a financial and economic appraisal, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann and conducted by EY economic consultants, was published early last year and is available to view at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/1174d-review-of-western-rail-corridor-phases-2-and-3-athenry-to-claremorris/
This report was subject to a short independent review commissioned by my Department and conducted by JASPERS, an agency of the EU/EIB, and that review is also available to view through the above link.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the scheduling of public transport services, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question regarding the estimated costs of increasing the frequency of Rail Services by 10% and 20% to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
