Written Answers Nos. 84-103
84. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the issues in relation to the 175-bus route; if he will change to a provider that is capable to deliver the service given that the company (details supplied) cannot perform its duties which should be contractually agreed. [46956/22]
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.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
It is the case that operators in the public transport sector are experiencing difficulties with staffing both as a result of COVID-19 related absences and also difficulties in recruiting new drivers; however, it is also the case that Go-Ahead Ireland is experiencing higher than normal levels of Covid-related staff absences at present resulting in a knock-on effect on service delivery with some services not operating as scheduled. In addition, last week the company notified the NTA of a cyber-security alert which resulted in major difficulties in communicating rosters to drivers across the Go-Ahead group internationally, including Ireland, causing a number of additional service cancellations across the Go-Ahead Ireland network, over and above those associated with general driver shortages.
As part of the NTA’s performance monitoring system poor reliability and punctuality performance does result in financial penalties. I am informed that these matters will be discussed between the NTA and Go-Ahead Ireland at their forthcoming quarterly review meeting.
The NTA formally meets Go-Ahead Ireland on a weekly basis to review performance, associated customer feedback and driver recovery plans and will continue to monitor and engage closely with the operator in an effort to improve the situation.
Operators are forecasting significant improvements in reliability in the coming months, dependent on successful recruitment and retention of critical staff, in particular drivers, and it is hoped that this will help to resolve to current reliability issues being experienced.
85. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the steps that his Department is taking to reduce the NCT waiting lists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46957/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
This is a serious matter and I am very aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. My department has supported any appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance in improving matters that have been received to date. I recently met with the Authority to emphasise the importance of reducing the current test backlog as soon as possible and it has committed to provide me with weekly updates on the NCTS. Further, my officials are meeting weekly with the Authority's senior management to monitor their progress in reducing test delays, in addition to normal corporate governance processes.
I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992, or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie. I understand that, in the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
86. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of the costs for all live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by him; and the details of the person or body that is conducting each study, review and research project in tabular form. [47054/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below:
|
All live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by the Minister for Transport |
Schedule of costs |
Details of the person or body that is conducting each study, review and research project |
|
Review of the Transport Management Certificate of Professional Competence Programme |
€97,500.00 |
Grant Thornton Consulting Ltd |
|
Study to devise pathway to deliver an additional 0.9 Mt CO2 reduction in the transport sector by 2030 (CAP 2021 Action 301) |
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been agreed between the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to the ongoing provision of planning, analysis and modelling to support policy development to reduce transport emissions, and this research & modelling is supported via the overall funding envelope allocated to the NTA. |
NTA |
|
Review of the safety regulatory and infrastructural frameworks for the use of hydrogen as a transport fuel in Ireland and in Northern Ireland (Co-funded with Shared Island Fund) |
€ 59,142 (50% Co-fund) |
Det Norske Veritas (DNV) |
|
A Review of Requirements and Constraints on Biofuels in Ireland Arising from RED II and National Targets |
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) had been agreed between the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority (NTA) in regards initial stages of the study and additional requirements were fulfilled by National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) via the overall funding envelope allocated to NORA. |
MAREI (UCC) Byrne O'Cleirigh |
|
Report on the impacts of a biofuel tax policy in Ireland |
Not yet finalised |
Not yet finalised |
|
Health and Safety Assessment of the Wreck ‘MV Alta’ |
€30,000 |
ABL London Ltd |
|
All Island Strategic Rail Review |
2021: €265,471 2022 to date: €989,371 |
Arup & Partners Ireland Ltd |
|
Spending Review Paper on Protection and Renewal of the Regional and Local Road Network |
Nil |
Department of Transport Strategic Research and Analysis Division |
|
The Quality Assurance Process 2019 |
Nil |
Department of Transport Strategic Research and Analysis Division |
|
Update of the Common Appraisal Framework |
Nil |
Department of Transport Strategic Research and Analysis Division |
|
Irish Ports Capacity Study |
Department Costs €94,000 |
Study commissioned by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO). Partially funded by the department. ARUP carrying out the study. |
|
National Cycle Network Plan |
€350,000 |
AECOM/Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) |
|
The Quality Assurance Process 2020 |
Nil |
Department of Transport Strategic Research and Analysis Division |
|
Just resilience and adaptation in Ireland: sectors and regions (Co-funded with the EPA) |
€25,000 (25% co-fund) |
Niall Farrell, ESRI |
|
Transboundary Climate Risks for Island of Ireland (TCRII) (Co-funded with the EPA) |
€25,000 (25% co-fund) |
Dr. Conor Murphy, Maynooth University |
|
Study examining the feasibility of developing logistics hubs near urban centres to consolidate and rationalise freight transport |
Not yet finalised |
Not yet finalised |
|
Research Paper on the Economic Cost of Traffic Congestion in the Greater Dublin Area 2020-2040 |
Nil* *Note some costs for technical support will arise in the NTA |
Department of Transport Strategic Research and Analysis Division, National Transport Authority |
|
DRIFT-HDV: DecaRbonisation Irish HDV FleeT (Co-funded with the SEAI) |
€ 89,790 (50% Co-fund) |
Dr. Bidisha Ghosh, Trinity College Dublin |
|
Five Year Assessment Report (5YAR) - Writer Support Award – Volume 4 (Realising the benefits of transition and transformation) (Co-funded with the EPA) |
€135,000 |
Dr. Brian Caulfield, Trinity College Dublin |
|
An international best practice review of the localised and wider pollutant contribution of large railway hubs on air quality, in large urban centres (Co-Funded with the EPA) |
€174,469.75 (50% co-fund) |
Dr. John Gallagher, Trinity College Dublin |
|
Inclusive Sustainable Cycling (ISCycle): Inclusive E-bike Uptake and Sustainable Use (Co-funded with the SEAI) |
€321,359 (50% Co-fund) |
Dr. James Green, University of Limerick |
|
TRACT: TRAnsport Behaviour Change Trials (Co-funded with SEAI) |
€305,827 (50% Co-fund) |
Dr. Brian Caulfield, Trinity College Dublin |
87. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the protocols for emergency responses to incidents on Dublin’s beaches; if the Dublin Fire Brigade is notified of incidents; or if it is solely the Coast Guard that is informed. [47070/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Coast Guard, a division of the Department of Transport, is designated responsibility under the National Search and Rescue Plan for co-ordination of maritime search and rescue, in addition to other roles in support of the Principal Response Agencies. Delivery of such services involves regular and ongoing liaison with other emergency services including the National Ambulance service and Dublin Fire Brigade. The Irish Coast Guard receives alerts for marine emergencies via the recognised maritime distress alerting systems such as VHF radio telephony channel 16, such alerts are received or relayed to the Irish Coast Guard directly for coordination. Where alerts originate via the 112/999 call and answering service this is managed via the national Emergency Call and Answering Service (ECAS), calls are assigned to the emergency services as requested by the call. Where an emergency service on receipt of such alerts deems another emergency service is more appropriate to the required response the call can at that point be reassigned via ECAS.
88. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if a contractor has been appointed to a project (details supplied); the up-to-date position with this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47075/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Roscommon County Council issued tender documents to the three pre-qualified candidates for the Design & Build Contract on 22 July 2022. The anticipated tender return date is 22 December 2022.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply as to the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
90. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider extending eligibility for the Leap card scheme to bus operators who run cross-border services, especially those servicing third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47077/22]
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.
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 4th 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.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to extending eligibility for the Leap card scheme to bus operators who run cross-border services, especially those servicing third level institutions, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
91. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a CPC practical driving test will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47081/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The RSA should be contacted directly on this matter.
92. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently review the anomaly which will severely affect students at 18 years of age given that they are unable to access student rates on bus journeys; the work that is currently being undertaken to address this anomaly which actively discriminates against students who are 18 years of age (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47094/22]
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.
The Young Adult Card (YAC) was initially introduced on PSO services in May. Following extensive engagement between my Department, the NTA, and representatives from the commercial bus sector the initiative was broadened to include participating Commercial Bus Operators (CBOs) on the 4th of September. As a result, holders of a YAC or Student Leap Card can now avail of the 50% fare discount on both PSO and CBO services.
In relation to the Deputy's question on the eligibility requirements for the YAC, I am happy to clarify that the NTA are widening the age rules of the Scheme to allow 16, 17, and 18-year-old students in third level education to apply for the Student Leap Card so that they can also avail of the discount. This is in line with the approach that has been taken with mature students who are in full-time third level education.
I am pleased to advise that the NTA have already commenced the technical work on this matter, which is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks, at which point those third level students aged 16, 17, and 18 will be able to order a Student Leap Card and avail of the discount.
93. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for the new bridge in Ballina and Killaloe to become operational given that construction has commenced; and the projected cost. [47113/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.
As announced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the 23rd May, the Office for Government Procurement has published guidance for parties to public works contracts on establishing and using an 'Inflation/Supply Chain Delay Co-operation Framework Agreement'. This framework attempts to relieve some of the inflationary pressures on materials, energy and fuel. Clare County Council, which is the contracting authority for the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme, has advanced discussions with the contractor in relation to how the project will be progressed and construction on the scheme has now commenced. My understanding is that the project construction duration is 3 years.
Discussions between the Council and the contractor on the basis of the co-operation agreement and costs will remain ongoing while the framework is in place.
94. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when each of the public carparks within Dublin Airport was last remarked and or resurfaced; and when each of these public carparks will be next scheduled to be remarked and or resurfaced in tabular form. [47165/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, daa has the statutory responsibility to operate and manage Dublin Airport including the provision of public car parks.
The issue raised is an operational matter for daa, and therefore I have forwarded your question to the company for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
95. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers who used each Dublin Bus Nitelink bus route to date in 2022. [47166/22]
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 day-to-day operations of public transport services. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the number of passengers who used each Dublin Bus Nightlink bus route to date in 2022, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
96. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland has considered installing lighting in the underpass tunnel of the N18 dual-carriageway at Ballymorris, Cratloe, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47179/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
97. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the additional security personnel that will be provided by Iarnród Éireann at train stations, and onboard trains for the upcoming Halloween period; and the additional security that the Luas operator will provide over the same time period.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47206/22]
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 provision of additional security personnel onboard trains/trams and at stations is an operational matter for both Iarnród Éireann and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the agency with responsibility for Transdev Ireland, the operator of the LUAS. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the Iarnród Éireann and TII for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
98. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of the applications that are being considered by his Department relative to new roads infrastructure in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the stage that each application is at in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47219/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Carlow southern relief road; the status of the completion of the orbital route around Carlow town linking the ERR to the N80, R448, Éire Óg Road and into County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47220/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The major cuts to funding for regional and local roads during the post 2008 recession resulted in the build-up of a substantial backlog of works across the country. The estimated cost of the backlog is in excess of €5 billion. Because of the pressures on the regional and local road network, approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or for road realignments.
Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework.
The revised Public Spending Code requires 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 the completion of a SAR by Carlow County Council concerning options in relation to a potential Southern Relief Road, the Council was given clearance in late 2021 to proceed to prepare a Preliminary Business Case.
As regards Kilkenny, a draft SAR has recently been received from Kilkenny County Council concerning options in relation to a proposed Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension. The SAR will be reviewed for compliance under the Public Spending Code.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the National Roads Programme.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
100. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the status of road improvements approaching South East Technological University Carlow campus which will include a junction improvement with a new cycle path and footpath and traffic lights on the R448; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47221/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Carlow County Council received an allocation of €250,000 this year under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme to progress the R448 Munnelly's Junction scheme which provides for a redesign of the junction to improve vehicular control and safer access routes for vulnerable road users.
My Department understands that the Council has completed detailed design of the scheme and construction is expected to commence in November 2022.
101. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority will fund two journeys in both directions on the Cavan 929 Local Link bus services on Sundays and bank holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47236/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra102. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the details of proposals to provide bike carrying capacity on buses, especially in rural Ireland, on services such as Local Link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47237/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including the Rural Transport Programme management, which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including in County Cavan, 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.
103. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if a matter raised in correspondence by an organisation (details supplied) will be reviewed; the waiting times for NCT per county; the number of persons that are waiting at present; and the length of time that they have been waiting in tabular form. [47254/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
This is a serious matter and I am very aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. My department has supported any appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance in improving matters that have been received to date. I recently met with the Authority to emphasise the importance of reducing the current test backlog as soon as possible and it has committed to providing me with weekly updates on the NCTS. Further, my officials are meeting weekly with the Authority's senior management to monitor their progress in reducing test delays, in addition to normal corporate governance processes.
I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992, or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie. I understand that, in the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
With respect to the Deputy's question of whether the Department will review issues raised by an organisation (details provided), I can confirm that the Department has acknowledged the correspondence and will respond accordingly in due course.
