Written Answers Nos. 1-30
7. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will conduct a feasibility study to investigate the reopening of the Navan to Kingscourt rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45990/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority's draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area is recommending the development of a rail link to Navan by 2042. Consideration is not currently being given in the draft Strategy to extending such a rail link beyond Navan to Kingscourt.
The Strategy is subject to a formal statutory approval process and a final version is expected to be submitted for my approval from the NTA in the near future. The draft review is recommending the development of a rail link to Navan and I understand that this rail link will utilise the old Kingscourt Line over a short distance to connect the proposed Navan Central station and a proposed Navan North station.
Separately, the Deputy may be aware of the Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. This Review will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Review is considering the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network, and that scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Kingscourt line referred to by the Deputy.
I expect to receive the final report from the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the coming months and it is my intention to publish it before the end of the year.
8. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of traffic calming measures in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46255/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.
A priority in the NDP, in line with the Department’s typical investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing national road network. The NDP foresees an exchequer allocation of circa €2.9 billion for the Protection and Renewal of existing national roads over the 10-year period to 2030 (excluding Public Private Partnerships), allocated fairly evenly across the decade.
I understand from TII that they are aware that Cork County Council intends to submit a Feasibility and Options report seeking funding for proposed safety improvements on the N71 at Leap National School.
TII understands that the requested funding will be sought to carry out improvements at the existing zebra crossing at the church car park and playground rather than specific traffic calming measures through the 50 kilometre per hour speed limit area. Cork County Council also have the power to request a change to the speed limit which TII would then consider. A review of speed limits in County Cork is currently underway and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
It should be noted that TII provide funding via the road safety improvement programme subject to the local authority fully costing their proposals and evaluating the safety benefit. This is carried out in accordance with TII’s Road Safety Improvement Schemes Approval Procedure, for which proposals are submitted to TII in the form of a Feasibility and Options Report.
TII awaits submission of the Feasibility and Options Report from Cork County Council before any further steps can be taken.
With regard to safety on roads outside schools more generally, the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched by my Department in March 2021 and we provide funding to An Taisce Green Schools through the National Transport Authority (NTA) to administer this programme. SRTS aims to support walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. Such measures should alleviate congestion at school gates and see an increase in the number of students who walk or cycle to school.
931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 170 schools were selected for inclusion in the first round. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Round 1 will be selected for forthcoming rounds. €15 million has been allocated for projects in Round 1. To date, 16 schools have had front-of-school works completed under SRTS and 3 more are in construction. All other Round 1 schools are at varying points of planning, consultation or design. The selection process for Round 2 schools will take place in the coming months.
14. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plan for fare reductions on public transport in Budget 2023; if he has met with public transport service operators with regard to fare reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46105/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the National Transport Authority has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of public transport fares.
Equally the Deputy will be aware of the significant fare initiatives that have recently been introduced by the NTA, supported by funding made available by this Government.
In 2022 Government supported the introduction of a 20% average fare reduction across all PSO services which was introduced earlier this year. This has been a great help to people across the country in terms of making public transport more affordable, particularly in the context of the cost-of-living issues we all now face.
Separately, Government has also funded the introduction by the NTA of the Young Adult Card to allow 19-23 year olds avail of a further 50% discount on all PSO services across bus and rail which was initially rolled out on all PSO services in May, and which has now been extended to cover participating commercial bus services since earlier this month.
These initiatives build on changes already introduced such as the TFI90 fare in Dublin and the extension of the Leap Card in Cork and overall are helping to make public transport a more attractive and affordable choice for people across the country.
These fare initiatives complement the increases in public transport services Government is supporting through the roll out this year of BusConnects Dublin, improved rural transport services through Connecting Ireland, expanded rail services which are currently the subject of consultation and continued planning and development of service improvements generally. In addition significant amounts of capital expenditure are being allocated to improve public transport infrastructure also.
Government has supported significant fare initiatives across the system and I am keen to ensure these initiatives continue into 2023. Ultimately all of these issues will form part of the ongoing of the ongoing Budget 2023 discussions.
16. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the date on which the North County Dublin Irish Rail services will receive new carriages for train services in the Greater Dublin Area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46103/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra18. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if new and extra train carriages will be provided for the Dublin to Waterford line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45996/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 18 together.
As the Deputies may be aware, there are two major relevant rail capacity enhancement projects under way.
Firstly, last December the Government issued approval in principle for the DART+ Programme. The DART+ Programme will double the rail capacity in the Greater Dublin Area and will be the cornerstone of rail investment in the Area for the coming years.
Government approval last December permitted Iarnród Éireann to enter into a ten-year procurement framework for new DART fleet and immediately purchase 95 new units. DART+ Fleet is of particular importance to upgrading the northern line from Connolly Station as it will enable improved services beyond Malahide, through north county Dublin and as far as Drogheda, in advance of any potential later electrification. This will be achieved through the use of battery-electric units on the northern line, delivering improved frequencies, better journey times and expanded services for passengers. This new DART fleet should enter service in 2025.
Secondly, there is the purchase of 41 additional intercity railcars, delivery of which has recently commenced. These new railcars will allow for enhanced services across the rail network when introduced into service in 2023.
I have been advised by the National Transport Authority that it is working with Iarnród Éireann to review where best to deploy the 41 new passenger railcars, which will increase capacity in many areas across the network. These new carriages give us the flexibility to respond to changing passenger demand following the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of this ongoing work by the NTA and Iarnród Éireann on a network-wide basis, in respect of the Dublin to Waterford line, consideration will be given providing new and additional carriages where demand, available carriages and suitable infrastructure support such provision.
Deputies may also be interested in the draft Iarnród Éireann train timetable recently published for public consultation. This includes a range of proposed rail service improvements to apply from this December. This includes a proposed new morning return train service, Monday to Friday, on the Waterford line, operating between Carlow and Dublin.
17. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to new BusConnects routes and scheduled implementation of same in Dublin given the difficulties in recruiting and retaining drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45703/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Bus Network Redesign is an important element of the overall BusConnects programme, which will ultimately transform bus services and infrastructure in Dublin. Implementation of the Network Redesign is designed to roll out over the course of 11 phases over the coming years and that roll out has already commenced.
The first phase - the H-Spine - launched in June 2021 and serves Howth and Malahide. Initial reactions have been positive with good bus passenger numbers, even with COVID restrictions in place at the time of launch. The second phase - the C-Spine - launched in November 2021. This serves the west of Dublin and east Kildare, including Lucan, Leixlip and Maynooth. It also introduced a much-improved network of local services, and some 24-hour bus services. The 90-minute fare was launched to coincide with Phase 2 on 28th November 2021.
The third phase was rolled out in May this year and introduced two new Northern Orbital routes, the N4 connecting Blanchardstown to Point Village, and N6 connecting Finglas with Howth Junction.
With new bus services being introduced as part of BusConnects, there are varying impacts on staffing requirements. Both Dublin Bus and Go Ahead Ireland are running extensive driver recruitment campaigns. Recent discussions have indicated confidence in their ability to deliver phase 4, of BusConnects, the G-Spine from Spenser Dock to Ballyfermot, in mid-October. This phase has been given the formal approval to proceed.
The launch of Phase 5, the Southside Orbitals, is currently planned for early December. The launch date will, however, continue to be monitored to ensure driver availability and a formal decision on when to introduce the new services will be made in late October. A similar approach will be adopted for phases scheduled to be introduced in 2023.
Assuming the 2023 rollout of the Network Redesign proceeds on schedule, the F-Spine from Finglas to Kimmage and the E-Spine from Ballymun to Bray will be introduced in the first half of next year. The D-Spine, from Clongriffin to Crumlin is then expected to launch in the second half of 2023.
19. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in order to progress the delivery of improved rail infrastructure and services to help achieve connectivity for the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46271/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra79. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if the Strategic Rail Review is still anticipated to be completed in Q4 2022; if he will commit to publishing the report as soon as it is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46276/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 79 together.
As the Deputies may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Strategic Rail Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight.
The Review is also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines.
Following a competitive tendering process, Arup was appointed to undertake the Review, which commenced last September. A public consultation process ran from 26th November 2021 to 21st January 2022. Submissions made as part of that public consultation have been considered in detail and form a key input into the work of the Review.
The Government has previously stated our belief in the potential of rail. It is vital that we address constraints in the rail sector and achieve a strategy which allows rail to fulfil its potential as a sustainable mode of transport in pursuit of decarbonisation priorities and rural connectivity objectives and as a generator of prosperity for people across Ireland.
The Strategic Rail Review will assist in, and inform, that and I look forward to its completion later this year and the final report which is expected in Quarter 4. It is my intention that it will be published before the end of the year.
20. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of towns with a population of over 1,000 persons that do not have a daily commuting bus service. [46286/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services nationally by way of public transport services contracts, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.
Public Service Obligation (PSO) services are socially necessary but financially unviable services which are subsidised by the taxpayer and the PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money.
In 2022, I secured €538m to support PSO services, including €205m to address COVID expenses, and a further €14.246m to support Local Link regular service provision in rural Ireland.
It is well-recognised that good public transport is a key enabler of both social inclusion and economic progress and the Government is committed to improving our public transport system and services. In that regard the NTA has conducted extensive analysis of the transport needs of towns, villages and rural areas as part of the Connecting Ireland programme.
With regard to the Deputy's specific question regarding the number of towns with a population of over 1,000 persons that do not have a daily commuting bus service, the NTA have advised that using the latest available Census data from 2016, 269 towns and settlements were identified as having a population of over 1,000 people, this excludes the 5 Cities and their metropolitan areas, and of these 269 settlements, approximately 74 do not currently have a direct daily commuter service.
For the purpose of their analysis, the NTA defined a commuter service as a PSO or Commercially operated fixed route, limited stop or express service connecting a settlement with its closest city or regional centre, providing a two-way service to meet the traditional working / college hours of 9am to 5pm.
I am advised that of the settlements identified as having no commuter service, the majority had a population of under 2,000 in 2016. It should also be noted that in a number of cases whilst direct commuter services may not exist, many of these towns have alternative options available. For example, whilst no direct commuter service exists between Abbeyleix and Dublin, it is possible to take the 828 local link service from Abbeyleix to Portlaoise to connect with rail services to Dublin, allowing for arrival in Dublin just before 9am.
This Government is firmly committed to enhancing and expanding our public transport services provision across the country and the funding for Public Service Obligation services has increased in recent years to cater for network enhancements and growing capacity.
One of the key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland falls under the previously discussed Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility plan, which aims to develop an integrated, accessible, and sustainable network of public transport offerings across Ireland.
21. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the date on which he will commence work on a new national aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously outlined, work on reviewing our national aviation policy has not progressed to the extent I would have wished as the focus in my Department over the last couple of years was necessarily diverted to dealing with the unprecedented impact that the COVID pandemic has had on the aviation sector worldwide and aiding the recovery of the sector in Ireland.
It is intended to recommence this work before the end of the year. Recognising the interests expressed by various parties who would like to see a revised policy delivered quickly, I have asked my officials to present me with possible options on how the work on the revision of the policy could be brought forward in the near term.
In exploring such options due consideration will be given to the existing National Aviation Policy, in particular in areas where it is evident the policy continues to deliver its objectives. The National Aviation Policy published in 2015, as medium to long-term policy, was designed to create an environment that would encourage the industry to increase connectivity to and from Ireland for the benefit of the travelling public, Irish tourism and business. It is clear that this has been realised and as such the principal goals of the policy remain valid.
Additionally, options considered will need to have due regard to the changed environment the industry finds itself in, not least of all the sustainability and decarbonisation challenges that lies ahead.
As previously committed, we recognise that no process would be complete or robust without stakeholder consultation which provides invaluable input and experience for consideration.
In parallel with this, work in my department will also include a mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2022. While my Department is currently focused on assessing applications for the disbursement of €22m in operational grant aid under the Regional Airports Programme to eligible airports (Shannon, Cork, Knock, Kerry and Donegal) before the end of this year, I have asked my officials to commence the mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme once this funding has been disbursed.
22. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need for later train services from Dublin to the regional cities and major towns on train lines in order to accommodate diverse working schedules and to improve the connectivity to the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46272/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment have recognised the importance of expanding affordable public transport options in all locations across the country and enhancing regional connectivity. The National Development Plan provides €35 billion for transport over the next decade, the largest investment in transport in the history of the state. This provides the necessary support to translate our ambitions for public transport into reality.
Rail service planning carried out by the National Transport Authority (NTA) working with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) is fully aligned with service planning policy as set out in NTA’s Connecting Ireland programme. The NTA has engaged with Iarnród Éireann to develop a programme of service improvements that are intended to recognise recent significant and likely permanent changes in the pattern of rail travel brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. A suite of service improvements has been developed to make the most of this opportunity to diversify and develop new markets for rail travel.
The proposed revisions recognise the needs of different rail markets. For example, the NTA has proposed improvements on suburban rail corridors reflecting service planning policy to provide a coherent level of service addressing all needs across the entire week in order to reduce car dependence in these urban markets, instead of focusing mostly on the journey to work and to education. The intercity market has different characteristics. Intercity service planning policy intends to offer a better spread of arrivals into regional cities and large towns. All changes will need to be agreed with Irish Rail and where necessary funding approval will be required.
Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the NTA are planning to implement timetable alterations from the 11th of December 2022, subject to the availability of funding. Public consultation has commenced and can be accessed here: www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/news/Proposed-timetable-changes-from-11th-December-2022
This process commences with the publication of a Draft Timetable on Irish Rail’s website and requests customers or potential customers to comment on the proposal while also requesting comments in general or on service alterations or additions which they would like to see implemented. This process provides customers with direct input into the planning and design of the rail timetable while also providing an accurate assessment of potential demand for services and associated alterations. This process has seen numerous service alterations to initial draft timetables and this feedback is directly reviewed by Iarnród Éireann Management and the NTA.
Unfortunately a limiting factor at present is the availability of train drivers. Irish Rail are planning to increase the number of driver school classes it can run in order to have drivers available to operate any new services proposed.
The NTA is currently working with Iarnród Eireann to review where best to deploy 41 new passenger railcars which have started to arrive and will continue to arrive throughout 2023 which will increase capacity in many areas. Passenger demand has changed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic across the whole rail network. Consideration will be given to amending train lengths where capacity, demand, available railcars and suitable infrastructure are appropriate, and also subject to availability of the necessary funding.
24. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the amount allocated by his Department for the development of the rail line from Limerick to Foynes; when it is expected this expenditure will be incurred; if it is intended to complete the connection of Foynes to freight centres along the west coast such as Ballina and Westport by re-opening the rail line from Athenry to Claremorris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46273/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and disused lines on the network, including the redevelopment of a proposed rail link from Foynes Port to Limerick, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
25. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the status of the East West Link; the engagements made by his Department on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45989/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraProposals to deliver an upgraded East-West route linking Dundalk to Sligo, taking in Cavan, involve linking elements of the national road network and regional roads along as direct a route as possible. Essentially the route runs on regional routes from Dundalk to Cavan and on national routes from Cavan to Sligo.
As regards the regional road aspect of the proposal, the 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 the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Going back some time there was a proposal for a substantial upgrade of the regional road part of the route. The Department provided funding to Cavan County Council (acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils) of over €2 million in the period 2007-2014 to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design.
More recent appraisal work undertaken on the scheme pointed to a very substantial cost if the full scheme were to be implemented.
In light of that, the Department engaged with Cavan County Council in relation to carrying out a risk-based analysis for the east-west route between Dundalk and Cavan which involved exploring the possibility of a series of interventions which could be implemented over a period of time and which could improve the safety of the route, improve journey times and bring consistency to the travel speed along the route.
On foot of this risk analysis it is envisaged that individual local authorities will now examine, taking into account each Council's overall priorities and available resources, how projects identified in the risk analysis could be brought forward.
The Department has allocated some grant funding this year to Cavan County Council and Louth County Council for the initial assessment of two possible schemes subject to the receipt of the required project appraisal documentation from the relevant local authorities.
As regards the national road element of an east-west link, I have referred the question to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
26. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reform the EV grant scheme to target grant support as persons that need it most; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46319/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra48. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the grants that have been put in place to support the transition to electric vehicles. [46128/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra91. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently seek a review of supports which are currently in place to support the overall Government strategy to transition to electric vehicles in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45757/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 48 and 91 together.
The Government's grant scheme for electric vehicles aims to encourage behavioural change and support the Government’s commitment to achieving a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030.
A wide range of supports are provided to incentivise the purchase of EVs which include:
- A grant of up to €5000 for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
- Home Charger grant scheme - up to €600;
- VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
- Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
- eSPSV grant scheme
- AFHDV grant scheme
- Low rate of annual motor tax; and
- Tolling reductions of 50% for battery electric vehicles and 25% for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
The grant schemes are kept under continuous review to ensure that they are as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.
This Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. That group comprised senior officials and considered regulatory, financial, and taxation policies to help drive a significant ramp-up in passenger EVs and electric van sales. The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government and the full report is now available online.
In order to support the transition to EVs, the Group recommended that the generous suite of EV supports already in place in Ireland should be retained until at least end-2022. Additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentive fossil-fuelled vehicles will also be necessary. A cross departmental committee has been established to implement the recommendations and is due to report on progress in Q4 this year.
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 launched with further information available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
At a policy level, ZEVI will continue to support the need to assist the transition to driving electric. The means to incentivise EV purchases are forming part of the Budget 2023 deliberations between this Department and the Minister for Finance.
27. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Royal Canal Greenway between Leixlip and Clonsilla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45998/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I have responsibility for the policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the allocation of funding to specific projects and oversight of their development, in cooperation with relevant local authorities. The NTA is also responsible for the development of urban Greenways, including the sections of the Royal Canal Greenway within the Greater Dublin Area, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Noting their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
28. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps his is taking to provide public transport options for people with disabilities living in rural areas. [46043/22]
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 day-to-day operations and promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network, in both urban and rural areas.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities, including the provision of accessible public transport services for people with disabilities in rural areas, 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.
29. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with an industry (details supplied) in advance of Budget 2023; if additional supports will be offered in view of the significant pressures on the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46201/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ukraine crisis continues to affect oil markets, causing a sustained increase in the price of crude and in the price of diesel.
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics I have regular engagements with the haulage sector. I most recently met with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) on 20 September to discuss its views ahead of Budget 2023. I also attended and spoke at the IRHA Annual Conference earlier this month.
I will not pre-empt the Budget, however the Government is fully aware of the increased costs that the haulage sector, like many others, has been facing over recent months.
The Government has already taken a number of steps to support the sector.
In March, the Government approved specific financial support for the sector via the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme. The Scheme provided a temporary financial support of €100 per week, for eight weeks, for each eligible heavy goods vehicle authorised on the licence of a road haulage operator as of 11 March 2022. It was administered by the Department of Transport, and it is now closed. There was good uptake of the Scheme, with over €15.6 million paid out to c.3,100 operators.
In addition, the Diesel Rebate Scheme remains available to licensed haulage operators in respect of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. At diesel prices over €1.43 (including VAT), the maximum rebate of 7.5 cent per litre is provided. It has always been the case that some operators that are eligible for the DRS do not take it up. The Department strongly encourages all such operators to make the most of the supports that are available.
Furthermore, tax debt “warehoused” during the COVID crisis remains at an interest rate of 0% for the remainder of this year.
More generally, the Government also acted to offset the rising cost of fuel through a reduction in Excise on fuels - a reduction of 20 cent on petrol and 15 cent on diesel fuel. While this measure was originally proposed to last until 31 August 2022 the Government has extended it out to Budget Day 2022. This measure provides assistance to all citizens and businesses to help mitigate the impact of recent fuel price increases.
Since early March with the benefit of the excise reduction, support under the Licensed Haulage Support Scheme and the ongoing Diesel Rebate relief, haulage businesses will have had the opportunity to revise and renegotiate contracts with their clients in order to reflect increased prices, as is an unfortunate reality in all sectors across the economy.
The Government has limited resources but through the Excise measure, as well as the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme, it has responded to help to ease the impact of these price increases.
30. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport whether the difficulty by bus companies in recruiting and retaining staff will delay or hinder plans to improve public transport and to reach climate targets; if his Department plans to deal with staffing levels specifically on public service obligation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45984/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra43. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will detail the shortfall in bus driver numbers in all public service obligation service providers including Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Go Ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45694/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra89. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the current difficulties in Bus Éireann in relation to the retention of drivers and its impact on services across Ireland; if he has any plans to raise these shortages with the National Transport Authority or company management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45696/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 43 and 89 together.
As with many industries, bus operators are experiencing significant challenges in recruiting qualified staff following the return to economic activity in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The public transport industry has been particularly hard-hit with many operators experiencing difficulties in recruiting drivers as they attempt to return to pre-pandemic levels of activity, as well as deliver intended service improvements such as the BusConnects Network Redesign in Dublin.
The National Transport Authority is in regular contact with bus operators, who are making every attempt to recruit more drivers so that all services can run as scheduled. Several operators have undertaken extensive driver recruitment campaigns in recent months with staff levels beginning to improve gradually, and significant numbers of additional drivers expected to become available once their required training and tests are complete and licences are issued by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The National Transport Authority has engaged with the RSA to expedite the testing and licence issue process for new bus drivers. In addition the Authority has undertaken a national advertising campaign to attract bus drivers to the industry.
The impact of shortfalls in driver numbers is felt the most when low-frequency services are cancelled. The Authority and operators have been working to ensure that such cancellations are minimised, that – where possible – consecutive low frequency services are not withdrawn, and that first and last daily services on a route operate.
The NTA is aware of the major inconvenience that the current poor service performance is causing for passengers. However, operators are forecasting significant improvements in reliability in the coming months, dependent on successful recruitment and retention of critical staff, in particular drivers. I will continue to engage with the NTA to ensure that all operators in the bus market provide a satisfactory level of service to meet the demands of customers in line with their contracts.
