Written Answers Nos. 238-257
238. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the details of his Department’s spend under the active travel scheme since 2020; the projects that were funded in counties Cavan and Monaghan in tabular form; the amount that each county received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43068/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total expenditure by my Department on the delivery of Active Travel projects in 2020 was €108m, with €8.3m also spent on Greenways. In 2021 there was a significant increase in expenditure on Active Travel infrastructure, with a spend of approx. €185m. This is in addition to circa €27m spent on Greenways in 2021.
This year I have made €289m available to local authorities through the NTA to progress the delivery of approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects throughout the country. This will contribute to the development of almost 1,000km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure across Ireland by 2025.
The Deputy should also be aware that local authorities can also access funding sources through other Departments to support walking and cycling infrastructure development. The two most significant are the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which falls under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The latter Department also supports leisure orientated walking and cycling through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
Finally, in relation to the active travel projects that have been funded between 2020 and 2022 I have set out the details of the funding to counties Cavan and Monaghan in the table below. 2021 saw the introduction of the first ever Active Travel Investment Programme for rural Ireland and prior to this Active Travel funding was confined to the Greater Dublin Area and Regional Cities and therefore there was no funding allocated to Cavan and Monaghan in 2020.
|
Cavan County Council
Project Name |
2021 Allocation |
|
River Blackwater Footbridge |
€80,000 |
|
R198 Arvagh Pedestrian Crossing |
€35,000 |
|
Footpath Package A – Ballyconnell, Butlersbridge, Cavan Town, Ballinagh, Kilnaleck |
€405,000 |
|
Cavan Town Urban Greenway Phase 2 |
€100,000 |
|
Cycle Schemes – Cavan Town |
€130,000 |
|
Footpath Package B – Cavan Town |
€250,000 |
|
Footpath Package C – Bailieborough, Kingscourt, Cootehill |
€360,000 |
|
Cootehill Walking and Cycling Strategy |
€100,000 |
|
Cavan Town Land Use and Transportation Study |
€100,000 |
|
Urban Mobility Plans / Network Plans |
€100,000 |
|
Safe to Schools Programme – Support Infrastructure |
€100,000 |
|
Low-Cost Junction Tightening/Pedestrian Crossing Scheme |
€200,000 |
|
Light Segregation Cycle Schemes |
€250,000 |
|
Low Cost Permeability Measures |
€100,000 |
|
Total |
€2,310,000 |
|
Monaghan County Council
Project Name |
2021 Allocation |
|
Upgrade of Monaghan Town Greenway |
€250,000 |
|
Monaghan Town Greenway along N2 |
€250,000 |
|
Smithboro |
€480,000 |
|
Footpath Package B- Castleblaney, Carrickmacross |
€235,000 |
|
Footpath Package C – Castleblaney, Carrickmacross |
€344,000 |
|
Footpath Package D – Monaghan Town |
€270,000 |
|
Footpath Package E – Tullyhirm Lane, Coolshannagh, Scotstown Village |
€245,000 |
|
Streetlighting – Ballybay, Clones, Smithboro |
€165,000 |
|
Cycle Lane – 98 Avenue, Clones |
€151,620 |
|
Cycle Lane – Ross Road, Carrickmacross |
€75,000 |
|
Scotshouse Village Pedestrian/ Cycle Bridge Options |
€60,000 |
|
Iniskeen Village Pedestrian / Cycle Bridge Options |
€35,000 |
|
Monaghan Town Horseshoe Bridge Pedestrian / Cycle Bridge Options |
€150,000 |
|
Monaghan Town Ballyalbany Bridge Pedestrian / Cycle Bridge Options |
€100,000 |
|
Pedestrian Crossings – Clones, Iniskeen, Annayalla |
€75,000 |
|
Dublin Street Regeneration Project Monaghan Town |
€50,000 |
|
Monaghan County Urban Mobility Plan |
€150,000 |
|
Castleblayney & Carrickmacross: W/C Strategies & Plans Review |
€150,000 |
|
Safe to Schools Programme – Support Infrastructure |
€100,000 |
|
Low Cost Junction Tightening/Pedestrian Crossing Schemes |
€200,000 |
|
Light Segregation Cycle Schemes |
€250,000 |
|
Urban Mobility Plans / Active Travel Network Plans |
€100,000 |
|
Low Cost Permeability Measures |
€100,000 |
|
Total |
€3,985,620 |
|
Cavan County Council
Project Name |
2022 Allocation |
|
River Blackwater footbridge |
€80,000 |
|
Footpath Package A – Ballyconnell, Butlersbridge, Cavan Town, Ballinagh, Kilnaleck |
€150,000 |
|
Cavan Town Urban Greenway Phase 2 |
€100,000 |
|
Cycle Schemes – Cavan Town |
€70,000 |
|
Footpath Package C – Bailieborough, Kingscourt, Cootehill |
€180,000 |
|
Safe to School Programme – Support Infrastructure |
€100,000 |
|
Low Cost Junction Tightening/Pedestrian Crossing Schemes |
€63,000 |
|
Light Segregation Cycle Schemes |
€150,000 |
|
Low Cost Permeability Measures |
€100,000 |
|
R154/R198 Crossdoney Village |
€190,000 |
|
R190/R191 Station Road, Cootehill – Design and Pavement Enabling Works |
€200,000 |
|
Light Segregation Cycle Scheme A – Cavan Town |
€150,000 |
|
Light Segregation Cycle Scheme B – Cavan Town |
€150,000 |
|
R198 Drumelis Footpath |
€30,000 |
|
L1512 Drumelis Footpath to Farnham N.S |
€100,000 |
|
Loreto Road – Drumlark to Drumgola Woods |
€100,000 |
|
Ballyhaise Village Phase 1 |
€200,000 |
|
Ballyhaise Village Phase 2 |
€100,000 |
|
Footpath Package A – Cavan, Ballyconnell, Belturbet, Killeshandra |
€287,500 |
|
Footpath Package B – Ballyjamesduff, Virginia, Mullagh, Mountnugent, Ballyjamesduff, Ballinagh |
€200,000 |
|
Footpath Package C – Redhills, Cootehill, Shercock, Kingscourt, Bailieborough |
€200,000 |
|
Pedestrian Crossing Package A |
€30,000 |
|
Footpath Crossing Package B – Virginia, Kilcogy, Mullagh |
€100,000 |
|
Junction Tightening – Pedestrian Crossing Package C – New Road, Bailieborough |
€70,000 |
|
Cavan County Council Active Travel Office – Staff Costs |
€270,945 |
|
Total |
€3,371,445 |
|
Monaghan County Council
Project Name |
2022 Allocation |
|
Upgrade of Monaghan Town Greenway |
€200,000 |
|
Monaghan Town Greenway along N2 |
€100,000 |
|
Footpath Package A – Ballybay, Rockcorry, Clones, Smithboro |
€100,000 |
|
Footpath Package B – Castleblayney, Carrickmacross |
€100,000 |
|
Footpath Package C- Castleblayney, Carrickmacross |
€100,000 |
|
Footpath Package D – Monaghan Town |
€100,000 |
|
Footpath Package E – Tullyhirm Lane, Coolshannagh, Scotstown Village |
€100,000 |
|
Streetlighting – Ballybay, Clones, Smithboro |
€120,000 |
|
Cycle Lane – 98 Avenue, Clones |
€100,000 |
|
Cycle Lane Ross Road, Carrickmacross |
€50,000 |
|
Scotshouse Village Pedestrian / Cycle Bridge Options |
€54,500 |
|
Iniskeen Village Pedestrian / Cycle Bridge Options |
€37,625 |
|
Monaghan Town Horseshoe Bridge Pedestrian / Cycle Bridge Options |
€37,000 |
|
Monaghan Town Ballyalbany Bridge Pedestrian / Cycle Bridge Options |
€50,000 |
|
Pedestrian Crossings – Clones, Iniskeen, Annayalla |
€95,750 |
|
Dublin Street Regeneration Project Monaghan Town |
€56,000 |
|
Safe to Schools Programme – Support Infrastructure |
€100,000 |
|
Low Cost Junction Tightening/Pedestrian Crossing Schemes |
€253,000 |
|
Light Segregation Cycle Schemes |
€50,000 |
|
Low Cost Permeability Measures |
€15,000 |
|
Additional Outdoor Infrastructure |
€109,200 |
|
St Tiarnach Plaza |
€75,000 |
|
Lough Egish Village |
€100,000 |
|
Monaghan Town Local Transport Plan |
€150,000 |
|
Monaghan County Council Active Travel Office – Staff Costs |
€247,530 |
|
Total |
€2,500,605 |
239. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will publish the results of a recent feasibility study which was carried out at Ballyandreen, Ballycotton, County Cork at the site of a vessel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43069/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has recently commissioned a health and safety assessment of the wreck referred to by the Deputy and work on this assessment has been ongoing over the past number of months. The assessment is due to be received by my Department shortly.
As the Deputy may be aware, the relevant legislation in cases such as the matter referred to by the Deputy is the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993 which sets out the roles and responsibilities of a number of bodies.
Section 51 places the initial responsibility for removing a wreck on the owner of the vessel. However, if the appropriate authority, in this case Cork County Council, considers the wreck is or is likely to become an obstruction or danger to navigation or a threat of harm to the marine environment, or to related interests, which includes the health of the public, it shall proceed to raise and remove the wreck or otherwise render it harmless.
Section 40 of the Act provides that the Minister for Transport has the “general superintendence” of matters relating to wrecked or stranded vessels. Further provisions outline the responsibilities from an operational perspective for other bodies, while Section 56 of the Act provides for an offence for a person to board or attempt to board any wrecked or stranded vessel without permission and also provides for an offence if a person interferes with a wreck in any way.
Once the health and safety assessment is received, the findings will be considered by my Department and the report will be shared with the relevant appropriate authorities as outlined in the legislation in order to consider any appropriate actions.
240. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the number of low-floor wheelchair accessible single decker and double decker buses that were sent for auction or were otherwise disposed of by Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus or the National Transport Authority from 2011 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43107/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the number of low-floor wheelchair accessible single decker and double decker buses that were transferred from Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus or the National Transport Authority to the School Transport Fleet from 2011 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43108/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the number of low-floor wheelchair accessible single decker and double decker buses owned by either Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus or the National Transport Authority that are currently in storage; if said fleet will be made available to the school transport fleet; if he will liaise with the Minister for Education on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43109/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 240, 241 and 242 together.
As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding concerning public transport. School transport, however, is funded by and falls under the remit of the Department of Education.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
The day-to-day operations of public transport operators, including fleet management, would be a matter for Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus in conjunction with the NTA.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
243. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the knowledge that he had, if any, of the disposal of fleet by Bus Éireann in the 2011 to 2021 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43118/22]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the procurement of the PSO bus fleet.
The issue raised is an operational matter for the NTA in conjunction with Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority and to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
244. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the expenses paid to Ministerial advisers in his Department in each of the years 2020 and 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43161/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy,
Please see table below which outlines the expenses paid to Ministerial advisers in this Department in each of the years 2020 and 2021 and to date in 2022.
|
Year |
Total Expenses Paid |
|
2020 |
€1,924.78 |
|
2021 |
€3,265.20 |
|
2022 |
€4,514.06 |
Expense claims are subject to approval for duties undertaken beyond standard working hours. Approval of expenses is assigned to designated staff members in each Division and proof of the expense cost is required where applicable.
The criteria for Domestic and Foreign Subsistence Allowances are outlined in Circular 17/2022 and 7/2017 respectively.
245. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the dangers that cyclists face on roads in Ireland; the steps that his Department will take to secure cyclists safety (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43166/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that any new active travel infrastructure funded by my department must be designed in compliance with the guidance and standards set out in the National Transport Authority's National Cycle Manual which is currently being revised and updated. I expect the revised version of the National Cycle Manual to be published before the end of the year.
In tandem, earlier this year my department officials convened a Standards Working Group to examine 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 National Cycle Manual, as well as the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland's (TII's) standards. The Working Group are seeking 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 and more people to use Active Travel transport modes over the private car.
Finally I would urge your constituent to provide details of the specific location of the collision to An Garda Síochána and South Dublin County Council and the National Transport Authority to ascertain what, if any, interventions are required to address the issues raised.
246. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which the replacement of the plastic roof shelter platform 1 at Malahide train station will be complete. [43185/22]
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 issue of the completion of the replacement of the plastic roof shelter at Malahide train station is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann 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.
247. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount of revenue generated through advertisement on the Dublin Bus fleet in each of the years 2020 and 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and the way in which the revenue collected was spent in each of the years in question. [43186/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters.
The issue raised is a 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.
248. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he is in receipt of any correspondence regarding the upgrade of the Cobh-Fota Road from the local authority. [43275/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the Council.
All capital projects must be appraised for compliance with the Public Spending Code taking into account available funding. An important change to the Public Spending Code, as revised in December 2019, is the introduction of a requirement for a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for all projects with an estimated expenditure of €10 million or more. The SAR is now a key deliverable at the first decision stage in the project appraisal process.
Following receipt of a submission from Cork County Council in 2019 regarding an upgrade of the R624, the Department engaged with the Council in relation to the Public Spending Code project appraisal requirements and the need for the preparation of a SAR to evaluate the range of potential options for addressing connectivity in the Great Island area.
Cork County Council appointed consultants earlier this year to carry out the SAR for a Great Island Connectivity Scheme. The Department has not received a draft of the SAR to date.
249. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter regarding marine long service (details supplied). [43304/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard Long Service Medal (LSM) is awarded to volunteers and full-time staff of the Irish Coast Guard for 10 years valued service within the organisation. Further medals for additional 10 years service are also awarded with some volunteers having been awarded in the past for 50 years service. This medal is specifically for the Irish Coast Guard however other emergency services award similar type medals for long service.
250. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that he has had with the Minister for Education on the matter of school transport since June 2022; and if he will publish any correspondence shared with the Minister for Education on same. [43365/22]
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 management and operational aspects of public transport. The School Transport Scheme is a matter for the Minister for Education.
The School Transport Scheme (STS) is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education, and I am advised that in the region of 5,800 vehicles are operated by private contractors under contract to Bus Éireann for the provision of school transport scheme services.
My officials have regular engagement with their counterparts in the Department of Education in relation to the STS. Indeed, officials in my Department sit on the STS Review Steering Group, which is led by officials in the Department of Education. My Department is also responsible for corporate governance oversight of Bus Éireann and so would be aware of its role in administering the STS on behalf of the Department of Education.
I am given to understand that Bus Éireann is working hard to issue passes to all eligible school children who had applied for the free school transport scheme, and to issue refunds to those who had paid for tickets prior to the announcement of the fees waiver. It is envisaged that there will continue to be on-going engagement between the two Departments in relation to the STS.
251. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount that his Department has spent on advertising on social media in 2021 and to date in 2022; the amount spent per platform; and the campaigns per platform in tabular form. [43384/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has engaged social media advertising for one campaign to date in 2022, the public consultation on the draft EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy. No social media advertising was undertaken in 2021.
|
Year |
Division |
Campaign |
Platform |
Amount |
|
2021 |
n/a |
|
|
n/a |
|
2022 |
ZEVI (Climate Delivery) |
Public Consultation on EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy |
|
€12,709 |
|
2022 |
ZEVI (Climate Delivery) |
Public Consultation on EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy |
|
€6990 |
|
2022 |
ZEVI (Climate Delivery) |
Public Consultation on EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy |
|
€6984 |
|
2022 |
ZEVI (Climate Delivery) |
Public Consultation on EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy |
PHD Ireland Social Media Fees |
€2460 |
|
2022 |
ZEVI (Climate Delivery) |
Public Consultation on EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy |
Total |
€29,143 |
252. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the emergency steps that he will take to ensure there are bus and or train services on all arterial routes leading to towns and cities with third level institutions in them (details supplied) in view of the accommodation crisis for third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43411/22]
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 specific question in relation to public transport services to facilitate students attending third level institutions, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
253. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to ensure that new and existing services under Connecting Ireland in rural areas connect to key commuter services on the arterial routes to towns and cities with third level Institutions in them to enable students from rural areas to commute to these colleges from as many locations as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43412/22]
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. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, 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.
254. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the number and the times of scheduled bus and train morning services from locations (details supplied) arriving in Galway between 8.30 am and 9.00 am in the morning and leaving Galway at 6.00 pm or later in the evening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43413/22]
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 specific question in relation to the number and the times of scheduled bus and train morning services from various locations arriving in Galway between 8.30 am and 9.00 am in the morning and leaving Galway at 6.00 pm or later in the evening, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
255. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he will take emergency action and if necessary, seek emergency powers to rapidly expand the range of public transport services throughout rural Ireland in view of the crisis of accommodation in cities, the lack of public transport in rural Ireland and the increasing cost of fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43414/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I am very conscious of the need to connect our people and places across Ireland, especially in rural areas, with accessible, integrated, and sustainable public transport. It is important to provide access opportunities for all citizens to employment, education, healthcare or retail. My Department and the NTA are supporting this by providing increased funding (c. €29m in 2022) for enhancing TFI Local Link services, for both regular "timetabled" services, and "door-to-door" demand responsive services as well. Additionally, we are looking to explore alternative options to boost coverage by non-conventional options such as DRT, Community Cars, and Local Area Hackneys.
Importantly, the ethos of “community-led transport” will also be maintained. We are currently looking to expand the highly successful Community Transport Scheme. And we have also committed to reviewing the extensive learnings coming out of our pilot study in Co. Leitrim which positively integrated non-emergency health transport with public transport offerings.
One of the key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland falls under my Department and the NTA's Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility plan. The overarching aim of Connecting Ireland is to develop an integrated, accessible, and sustainable network of public transport offerings across Ireland. Under the Connecting Ireland plans, Ireland will see:
- an overall increase of approximately 25% in rural bus services
- 70% of people in rural Ireland will have access to public transport service that provides at least three return trips daily to the nearby town, compared to the current figure of 53%.
Currently, routes identified through the Connecting Ireland consultation process are being prioritised to provide emergency public transport services to areas where the population and transport demand has increased due to the requirement to house Ukrainian refugees in rural locations. This will be achieved by accelerating network improvements, including additional stops, route modifications, and more services to increase connectivity.
Additionally, 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. I also secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC), which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old to avail of entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services. The YAC was introduced on PSO services on the 9th of May and then extended to participating commercial bus operators on the 5th of September. This will not only promote a modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards reduced reliance on private transport with the associated benefit of transport emission savings.
I am hopeful that investing in these services and the fare initiatives will help serve those living in rural areas, and provide for a much more efficient framework for the provision of rural transport.
256. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when new rolling stock will be put into service by Iarnród Éireann; if it is intended to use this extra fleet to improve the rails services on lowly serviced rails lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43415/22]
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 the development and delivery of certain public transport infrastructure including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the purchase of rolling stock. The subsequent deployment of new carriages will be a matter in the first instance for Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the NTA.
The Deputy may be aware of the purchase of 41 intercity railcars (ICRs), delivery of which is to be in batches. I am pleased to say that Iarnród Éireann will take delivery of the first of these new rail carriages this month and they should start to enter into service early next year following commissioning. Across 2023, these new carriages will create additional capacity on the national rail network.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's role in the deployment of its fleet, I have referred the Deputy's question to it for a more detailed response on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
257. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he intends increasing the frequency on the Galway to Limerick rail line from four services each way a day to a minimum of ten services a day in view of the increased patronage on the line despite the very poor service offered in terms of speed and frequency, thus attracting even more customers to this climate friendly method of transport and ensuring the maximum return on the capital investment in the line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43416/22]
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 specific question in relation to increasing the frequency of services on the Galway to Limerick rail line, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
