Written Answers Nos. 31-50
31. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport if he has outlined the opportunity that exists in relation to the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil to members of county councils and the Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46191/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), is among a number of renewable fuels used in the transport sector, but also has uses in other sectors for example home heating. In transport, HVO is a biofuel which can be blended with diesel and is produced from waste feedstocks such as used cooking oil (UCO) or tallow. It is a particularly relevant to the ongoing decarbonisation of hard to abate sectors such as road haulage.
Biofuels are a core transitional technology relied upon for the medium-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the road transport sector. In 2021, under the renewable transport fuel obligation approximately 246m litres (7.6 PJ) of liquid biofuel and 618k Nm3 (0.2 PJ) of gaseous biofuel were placed on the market; approximately 623kt of carbon savings were awarded in respect of those disposals.
The Renewable Fuel for Transport Policy Statement 2021 sets out the pathway to the achievement of Climate Action Plan targets and European obligations concerning renewable transport fuel. This is implemented through the renewable transport fuel blending obligation on fuel suppliers, as set out under Part 5A of the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007.
Among the aims of the renewable transport fuel policy is to ensure sustainability and GHG reduction criteria are met, and to incentivise advanced and development renewable fuels supply in the transport sector. In this regards, officials of my Department engage with the European Commission on an ongoing bases, including through the working group on sustainability, set up under the Renewable Energy Directive.
This year the Department undertook a stakeholder and public consultation, on the renewable transport fuel policy implementation and future direction; and will publish a summary report of this consultation shortly. The written consultation sought views concerning the incentivisation of the supply of HVO for use in the road transport sector. It is noted that there was no submission received from local authorities as part of the consultation process.
Work is also ongoing to ensure that the suite of measures set out in the renewable transport fuel policy are enabled through legislation and are implemented within the timeframes set out in the policy.
The future approach for the next iteration of the policy on renewable transport fuel will be the focus of a consultation in early 2023. The report of the study commissioned by the Department concerning the sustainability and availability of biofuels including HVO, which is at an advanced stage, will further inform the future Policy.
32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce a scrappage scheme for the oldest and most polluting lorries to help hauliers transition to more environmentally friendly engines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46318/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently several Government supports in place to help decarbonise the heavy-duty sector and to assist in the reduction of carbon emissions. My Department launched the Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme in March 2021, which partly funds the purchase of new alternatively fuelled large vans, trucks, buses and coaches. Funding of €3m was allocated to the Scheme this year and it is expected that the scheme will once again be funded in 2023. Ireland also has the Low Emission Vehicle Toll Incentive which offers toll discounts for alternatively-fuelled vehicles.
With regard to a scrappage scheme for the older vehicles the European Green Deal includes a specific commitment for the removal of subsidies for fossil fuels at the national level. Financial support for the uptake of EURO VI and EURO VII diesel trucks is not consistent with that commitment and it is not likely to be possible to progress such a Scheme in line with EU State Aid rules.
However, the Government is committed to increasing the use of biofuels as a means to support emissions reductions for diesel vehicles. Under the Biofuels Obligation Scheme a percentage of the motor fuel in Ireland is obligated to be produced from renewable sources. On 21 January 2022, this percentage was increased from 12.359% to 14.942% by volume. It is intended to raise this percentage to 20% biodiesel by 2030, a move which will help to significantly reduce emissions from the haulage sector.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish a ten-year strategy for the haulage sector. This strategy will focus on generating efficiencies, improving standards, and helping the sector move to a low-carbon future and will be published before the end of the year.
33. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on connecting rural Ireland; if the roll-out of new routes is on target; and if any modifications could be made to accelerate the roll-out. [46000/22]
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 rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland 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.
34. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport when he expects legislative measures to be introduced to facilitate the deployment of red-light cameras. [46324/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation required is in place. Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 provides for the use of camera apparatus to capture 'the constituent of an offence' in the case of a number of offences under the Road Traffic Acts.
Failure to obey a red light is a contravention of Article 30 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997). These regulations are made under section 35 of the 1994 Act, and, in accordance with section 35(5) of that Act, contravention of regulations made under section 35 is an offence. The offence of not obeying a red light is therefore an offence under section 35 of the 1994 Act, and therefore covered by the provisions of section 81 of the 2010 Act.
As a consequence, the law is already clear in providing for the use of cameras to provide evidence of violation of red light rules.
35. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has undertaken any work to address the current lack of bus drivers; if consideration is been given to temporarily increase the maximum age limit for school bus drivers to alleviate the pressure on bus companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46335/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra42. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport his views on the feasibility of extending the age limit for school transport drivers to 72 years of age to allow older drivers who are in possession of a full public service vehicle licence, a full driving licence and who are certified as medically fit to drive, and to assist with the current shortage of school transport drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46186/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 42 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, the day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport are the responsibility of the individual operators - in this case, Bus Éireann.
Accordingly, I have 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.
36. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport to report on the delivery of service by a company (details supplied) including cancellations of buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45994/22]
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 delivery of service by Go-Ahead Ireland including cancellations of buses, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
37. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will retain the reduced public transport fares to help with the cost of living in 2023; if his Department has considered reducing the public transport fares even further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46200/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra61. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if the public transport fares reduction will be extended beyond 31 December 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46183/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to extend all public transport fare reductions to private bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend the 20% fare reduction for public transport to commercial bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46317/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra83. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the measures being considered by his Department to further cut the cost of public transport in Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46254/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if the public transport fare reduction will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46212/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 61, 65, 66, 83 and 85 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
As the Deputy is aware the Young Adult Card (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 modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.
Further, earlier this year additional funding was secured for the introduction of an 20% average fare reduction on Public Service Obligation (PSO) transport services until the end of 2022.
I do believe that public transport fare initiatives have a role to play in combatting the rising cost of transport and in encouraging modal shift. As such, I would like to see the discount fare schemes continue into 2023; however, I am acutely aware of the competing pressures across the system and the finite Exchequer resources.
The funding allocation for PSO public transport services for 2023, including the fare initiatives are subject to the annual Budgetary process and therefore the allocations for 2023 are yet to be determined.
38. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on stakeholder engagement on the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; if he will outline the implementation of the plan going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46182/22]
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 rollout of services and stakeholder engagement under Connecting Ireland, 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.
39. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which passenger capacity is being or can be improved on the north Kildare commuter lines such as Naas-Sallins, Hazelhatch, Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey; if park-and-ride facilities are likely to be provided or extended on these very busy routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46363/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy nay be aware, the DART+ Programme is a cornerstone programme of projects for the development of rail in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The programme will extend and enhance the current DART system and services west to Maynooth and Celbridge/Hazelhatch, south to Greystones and north to Drogheda. Once complete, the programme will deliver a doubling of existing DART capacity.
The Government decision on DART+ from December 2021 included specific approvals to purchase additional DART fleet for the DART+ West project to enter the statutory planning process. In respect of new DART+ fleet, a down payment was made for 95 new electric and battery-electric units at the end last year, with these units expected to enter service in 2025. In respect of DART+ West, a Railway Order application was submitted to An Bord Pleanála by Iarnród Éireann on 29 July and the consultation period is now open.
Further extensions to DART services in the years ahead are being considered as part of the NTA’s review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The revised draft Strategy includes proposals to extend DART services beyond Maynooth and Celbridge/Hazelhatch. However, any such extensions are separate projects to DART+ West and DART+ South West and would require their own approvals.
The Deputy may recall, in addition to the DART+ Fleet project, the Government has previously approved the purchase of 41 additional intercity railcars. These additional carriages, the first of which arrived in Ireland in recent weeks, will allow for enhanced services in the GDA upon entry into service in 2023.
In relation to park and ride facilities, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including park and ride facilities through the Park and Ride Development Office. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
40. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the progress that is being made in addressing shortages of HGV drivers; his plans to extend driving licence recognition to additional non-EU countries; and the timeframe for the recognition of Ukrainian licences. [46001/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2019, the Department of Transport helped to establish the Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group (LSCSG) to support the promotion of careers, skills development and sustainable employment in the logistics and supply chain sectors in Ireland.
The LSCSG includes haulage and logistics sector industry representatives, education and training providers and all relevant Government Departments and Agencies.
In recent months, the Group has published its recommendations to help alleviate the current HGV driver shortage, as well as a dynamic “Overview of Existing Education and Training Provision in Logistics and Supply Chain” and a Logistics and Supply Chain Careers Brochure for 2nd level Career Guidance Counsellors and students. These materials can be found on the LSCSG webpage at www.gov.ie.
Collaboration among members of the LSCSG has led to new educational opportunities – for example the recently launched Transport Operations and Commercial Driver Apprenticeship at ATU Sligo, which allows students to earn as they learn, gaining a higher education qualification as well as their professional driving qualification.
The LSCSG recently attended the World Skills Ireland 2022 event in the RDS and I had the pleasure to visit the Group’s stand at World Skills, seeing first-hand the great work they are doing to promote the sector.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish a 10-year strategy for the haulage sector. This Strategy will, among other things, build on and continue the work of the LSCSG in tackling the driver shortage and addressing the skills gap.
Regarding the recognition of Ukrainian licences, EU Regulation 2022/1280 allows Ukrainians residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive to drive here on their current national driving licences, for the period of temporary protection. All categories held on a Ukrainian driving licence are recognised.
To drive a truck or bus professionally in Ireland, a person must have a driver certificate of professional competence (CPC). The EU Regulation allows for recognition of Ukrainian CPCs, subject to the holder undergoing additional compulsory training. The RSA is developing an additional compulsory training programme.
Regarding licence exchange agreements with other non-EU countries, Ireland is engaging with North Macedonia and Argentina with a view to such agreements. Currently, clarification is being sought from the Argentinian authorities on a number of issues. The most recent response from North Macedonia is under review.
41. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend the short-hop zone to more train stations to help reduce the cost of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46320/22]
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 provision of public transport services nationally and for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the possible extension of the short-hop zone to more train stations, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
44. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the improvements planned for Carlow town bus links; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45997/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for 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 management of Connecting Ireland and new town services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, including new services in Carlow town, I have referred your question to the NTA for a direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
45. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the rollout of Connecting Ireland for the persons of Cork North West; the timelines for the new bus routes; extended bus routes to be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46252/22]
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 rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland, including in North West Cork, 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.
46. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has had meetings with Transport for Ireland with regard to expanding the TFI 90-minute €2 fare to include more towns in Dublin such as Skerries and Balbriggan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46107/22]
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, this includes the administration and boundary criteria for the 90-minute fares scheme.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the possible expansion of the TFI 90-minute €2 fare to include more towns in Dublin such as Skerries and Balbriggan, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
47. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with public transport service providers (details supplied) with regards to public safety and security on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46104/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff is of utmost importance, arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on public transport, are matters which first and foremost must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is also engaged with public transport operators regarding the issue of anti-social behaviour.
The Department has also been engaging regularly with the NTA, the three CIÉ companies and Luas, on the issue of anti-social behaviour and a significant number of actions have been taken. These include;
- On the 29th of July, Iarnród Éireann, Transdev & An Garda Síochána carried out a joint awareness day (operation twintrack) to prevent anti-social behaviour on our services and to raise awareness of staying safe on public transport.
- Joint Garda & Iarnród Éireann high visibility public safety operations took place across the network over the Easter period with a number of fines issued. Reportable ASB incidents on Irish Rail have reduced from 654 in 2020 to 549 in 2021.
- IÉ Security Centre at Howth Junction - Iarnród Éireann have appointed a supervisory team who coordinates the security response in the Greater Dublin Area. Additionally, there is the deployment of public facing Security Teams in identified Anti-social behaviour hot spots across the DART and Rail Network.
- There are nine Rapid Response Hubs in operation across the IÉ Intercity Network with the latest, Mullingar, having come into operation on 9th May 2022 (The 9 locations: Mallow, Limerick Junction, Thurles, Portlaoise, Athlone, Kildare, Longford, Castlerea and Mullingar). These hubs are now fully operational with all onboard staff having dedicated phone numbers for each of the hub locations in the event they require assistance. These hubs provide reassurance for both staff and customers. The Kilkenny hub is also due to come into operation today, which will complete the first phase of this initiative, bringing the total number of Rapid Response Hubs in operation to ten. This means should on-board staff request assistance by calling ahead to the next Garda Rapid Response Hub, they will receive priority service to deal with any issue. Since coming into operation, this level of response from An Garda Síochána has had a very positive impact in reducing the potential for such passenger issues escalating.
- Iarnród Éireann have recruited a Security Enforcement & Compliance Manager and a Crime Prevention & Antisocial Behaviour Officer to design out crime.
- CCTV is available on most trains and has successfully been used on numerous occasions in securing prosecutions. They are also in place in stations.
- A DART text alert line has been established for discrete reporting of Anti-Social incidents.
- In respect of Dublin Services, Public Transport Hubs have been established for Heuston Plaza and Connolly Plaza. A third one at Broombridge, Cabra, will come into operation shortly. This is a Joint initiative between public transport providers Iarnród Éireann/Transdev (LUAS)/Dublin Bus/Bus Éireann and An Garda Síochána Community Engagement Units at Kevin Street, Store Street and Cabra.
- Transdev/ LUAS employ 50 security staff. These staff are involved in maintaining safety and security on the Luas, along with enforcing the Luas bye-laws. They liaise with An Garda Síochána regularly as part of their work.
- In relation to security on our public bus services, the entire Dublin Bus fleet is fully fitted with CCTV cameras, with up to 11 internal cameras and three external cameras fitted on the more modern vehicles in the fleet. Each vehicle is equipped with a radio, which facilitates immediate contact to the Central Control Centre.
- Dublin Bus has also re-introduced their Schools Education Programme (previously suspended due to Covid-19) which involves educating young people about the importance of the bus in their lives and in their local community. The work of their School and Community Co-ordinators has also proven highly successful in encouraging young people to respect their bus and has assisted greatly in the reduction of incidents of anti-social behaviour.
- Beyond this Dublin Bus has a strong and close working relationship with An Garda Síochána and have set up a number of community forums in different areas across the city. These forums are made up of Dublin Bus representatives, the Gardaí, local area representatives, community groups and Trade Union Representatives.
- Bus Éireann has similarly also invested in extensive CCTV coverage throughout its fleet for the protection of passengers and staff. Emergency support for drivers is provided through 24-hour control centres and any incidents of anti-social behaviour are fully investigated and followed up with An Garda Síochána as required.
- All Bus Éireann city and town buses are fitted with driver security screens. Security personnel are employed in our larger bus stations and extensive CCTV is also in operation throughout all stations to ensure the security of our staff, customers and property. Furthermore, customer research shows that 93% of Bus Éireann customers feel safe and secure during their journeys.
Further, the Third National Strategy for Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence references the implementation of specific Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence actions in the annual public transport passenger safety and personal security report (action 1.6.3 in the Implementation Plan). The NTA have advised that they are in the process of designing the report contents, with the detailed work due to be undertaken next year, which will supplement the Authority’s annual customer survey on satisfaction with their personal safety on board public transport as well as at the stop/station. The first Annual public transport passenger safety and personal security report will be delivered next year.
The combined interventions implemented to date across our public transport services have substantially helped to tackle anti-social behaviour; however, this is an issue which will require on-going monitoring. As such, I am committed to continuing to work collectively with all stakeholders to ensure the safest possible travel environment for members of the public, and the safest possible working environment for the employees providing our valuable public transport services.
49. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport his concerns that the working conditions and pay of drivers in Bus Éireann may be affecting the staffing levels needed at the company; if he will meet with the National Transport Authority to examine whether their contracting and tendering model is fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45985/22]
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 matter raised in relation to the staffing levels within Bus Éireann is an operational matter for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
50. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if BusConnects in Cork will be a cashless system. [46245/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe BusConnects programme is comprised of a number of elements, one of which is the Next Generation Ticketing project. The Next Generation Ticketing project seeks to incorporate the latest developments in account-based ticketing technology and allow customers to pay in a number of convenient ways, including through the use of debit/credit cards, mobile phones and wearable technology. While these alternative payment options will be facilitated and can help to speed up journey times, the removal of cash payments on buses does not form part of the project.
