Written Answers Nos. 64-83
64. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the current average wait time for an NCT booking in the Dublin centres is six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46613/22]
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.
65. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a full driving licence was not issued for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46619/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll inquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority under the relevant legislation. My department does not have access to individual applications. Individuals should contact the NDLS in the first instance for queries in relation to applications.
66. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the current earliest construction start and completion dates for the N2 Clontibret-to-the-Border road scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46663/22]
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.
While it was not possible to provide funding to advance the N2 Clontibret to the Border project this year, it remains part of the NDP. The delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for next year and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available for 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.
67. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46664/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra80. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for when the strategic rail review of the Wexford to Waterford rail line will be completed and published. [46909/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 80 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, and supporting balanced regional development.
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. The provision of rail services on the Wexford to Waterford line is being considered in this context. The Review is also considering rail connectivity to our international gateways and, as part of that, the role of rail freight.
The final report is expected in Quarter 4 and it is my current intention that it will be published before the end of the year.
68. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend youth fare reductions to 17 to-18-year-olds and ensure that reductions can be availed of by those travelling with commercial operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46665/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra89. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the student Leap card is not available to third level students aged 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47076/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 89 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.
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.
69. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider creating free public transport passes for staff of special schools, only to be used when travelling with students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46703/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
I am fully committed to strengthening our public transport offerings and progressively making them accessible for all, especially for disabled people, persons with disabilities, persons with reduced mobility and older people.
However, I must emphasise to the Deputy that specialised non-public (closed) door-to-door services do not fall under my aegis. Dedicated transport services, for example to special schools, or the provision of free travel passes, fall outside of the remit of my Department and its agencies.
70. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the impact on students and workers of scheduled bus services being cancelled without notice, who then have to pay substantial amounts on taxis to get to school or work; if he will investigate the failure of a transport operator (details supplied) to provide a regular reliable service which is causing significant problems for public transport users who require a consistent, reliable service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46720/22]
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.
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 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.
71. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland is investigating a section of a road in County Cavan which has experienced a large number of accidents in recent months, some of which have been fatal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46792/22]
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.
72. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if the contract for the provision of catering services on board Iarnród Éireann intercity rail services has been put out to tender; and if so, the deadline for accepting tender offers. [46822/22]
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 raised by the Deputy regarding the tendering of contracts for the provision of catering services on board Iarnród Éireann intercity rail services is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
I also understand that many of the stations on the Intercity network have existing retail / catering facilities available for customers, and Iarnród Éireann have advised that they will work with CIÉ Property in the interim period to further enhance, where possible, station-based retail and catering options for customers while also working towards the resumption of on-board catering as soon as possible.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
73. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of full-time staff by job title working in the air accident investigation unit within his Department as of 1 January 2021 and 19 September 2022; the number of vacancies by job title currently in this unit; and when these vacancies will be filled in tabular form. [46823/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
|
PQ Ref: 46823/22 |
Total number of staff in Air Accident Investigation Unit = 12 comprising 9 Aeronautical Officers and 3 Administration Staff Total 12 |
1st January 2021, and, 19th September 2022 |
Current position |
|
|
Job Title |
Area of responsibility |
Vacancy Yes/No |
Vacancy filled or to be filled |
|
|
1 |
Chief Aeronautical Officer |
Chief Inspector of Air Accidents (CIAA) |
No |
|
|
2 |
Aeronautical Officer |
Engineering (Inspector of Air Accidents) |
No |
|
|
3 |
Aeronautical Officer |
Engineering (Inspector of Air Accidents) |
No |
|
|
4 |
Aeronautical Officer |
Engineering (Inspector of Air Accidents) |
No |
|
|
5 |
Aeronautical Officer |
Engineering (Inspector of Air Accidents) |
No |
|
|
6 |
Aeronautical Officer |
Operations (Inspector of Air Accidents) |
No |
|
|
7 |
Aeronautical Officer |
Operations (Inspector of Air Accidents) |
No |
|
|
8 |
Aeronautical Officer |
Operations (Inspector of Air Accidents) |
No |
|
|
9 |
Aeronautical Officer |
Operations (Inspector of Air Accidents) |
Yes |
Vacancy as of June 2022 |
|
10 |
Higher Executive Officer (HEO) |
Administration |
No |
|
|
11 |
Executive Office (EO) |
Administration |
No |
|
|
12 |
Clerical Officer (CO) |
Administration |
No |
74. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of fixed charge notices which have been issued by An Garda Síochána using the statutory instrument for dangerous overtaking of cyclists since the law was introduced in November 2019, in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46855/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe enforcement of dangerous overtaking legislation, as with all road traffic legislation, is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
As the enforcement statistics requested by the Deputy are recorded on the Garda PULSE system, he may wish to bring his query to An Garda Síochána directly.
75. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the total number of fixed penalty notices issued to cyclists annually since the commencement of the Road Traffic Act 2015 to date in 2022, by the alleged offences for which these were issued in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46856/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe enforcement of road traffic law, including offences specific to pedal cyclists, is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
As the enforcement statistics requested by the Deputy are recorded on the Garda PULSE system, he may wish to bring his query to An Garda Síochána directly.
76. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the implementation of the statutory instrument for dangerous overtaking of cyclists since its introduction in November 2019 (details supplied); if he will outline the training received by gardaí on the 2019 legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46857/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role as Minister for Transport is to introduce legislation that will save lives and make Irish roads safer for everyone, most especially more vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.
The day-to-day enforcement of such legislation, including the nature of the training received by enforcement agents, lies outside of the remit of my Department and is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
77. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will introduce a specific targeted scheme to encourage car rental services to switch to electric vehicles in line with Government targets for 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46859/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe transport sector accounts for approximately 20% of Ireland’s national greenhouse gas emissions, with car use responsible for over half of these emissions. In recognition of this, the Climate Action Plan contains commitments to significantly increase electrification within the national fleet, including an ambitious target of 945,000 electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. Meeting this target will be extremely challenging; however, it represents the scale of transformation needed in the transport sector if emissions are to be reduced to the extent required.
A positive policy environment has been fostered with a generous suite of financial and taxation incentives in place for those buying an EV as well as an extensive publicly accessible recharging infrastructure network. Presently, there are approximately 64,700 EVs on Irish roads; a significant step-up is required if Ireland is to achieve its Climate Action Plan EV target.
My Department established the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway Working Group to consider the optimum mix of regulatory, taxation and subsidy policies available to Government to significantly accelerate electric vehicle sales. This Group focused on mechanisms to achieve an immediate increase in EV uptake to attain over 175,000 EVs by 2025 in the line with the Climate Action Plan trajectory and, thereafter, to be well placed to reach full electrification by 2030. In its report, published last year, the Group recommended that proposals be developed to support EV sales in the commercial fleet, including but not limited to car rental/leasing companies, company vehicles and car sharing services, in order to stimulate a greater second-hand EV market.
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. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and the various incentives is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
At a policy level, ZEVI will continue to support the need to assist the transition to driving electric. I am supportive of all appropriate and proportionate supports for the EV industry providing momentum towards achieving the Government’s emission reduction commitment. I will ask ZEVI to consider the effectiveness of introducing such a scheme.
78. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the reason that taxi and hackney vehicles are subject to maximum age limit rules; if his attention has been drawn to issues impacting taxi and hackney drivers following the instatement of maximum age limit rules (details supplied); and if his Department plans to assist given that the likely outcome is for some drivers to become unemployed. [46871/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs , is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. As such, the NTA has powers to make regulations in relation to the age limits of SPSVs.
Regulations made by the NTA in 2010 first established an age limit of less than 10 years old for new standard taxis and hackneys. The ten-year rule was adopted in recognition of the need to strike a balance between achieving standards that offer the customer confidence, comfort and safety, and allowing industry members to operate successfully.
I would note that the Irish 10 year rule for standard taxis and hackneys is not particularly onerous by comparison with other jurisdictions.
Wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys are permitted to operate up to 15 years of age. No maximum permissible age is prescribed for limousines in recognition of both the vintage nature of many of these vehicles and their generally reduced mileage.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, standard age limits for taxis and hackneys were extended on several occasions, and are currently extended through to the end of 2022. This change helped ensure no operator exited the industry simply because of the need to replace a vehicle.
Within the last month a series of global circumstances has, in the NTA’s view, considerably worsened the capability of taxi and hackney licence holders to secure new vehicles, with lead times of one year not uncommon already. Therefore the NTA have recently proposed to temporarily extend the maximum permissible age for taxis and hackneys with a current final operation date in 2023 and 2024, such that no current vehicle licence holder is forced out of the industry because a replacement vehicle cannot be purchased.
The NTA have opened a public consultation on this proposal on 19 September 2022, and will run until 12 October 2022. Details and submission forms are available on the NTA website.
At the same time, there continue to be supports available to drivers who wish to change their vehicles.
These supports include:
- The eSPSV Grant Scheme to which I allocated €15m toward this year alone and which supports drivers in their transition to zero / low emission vehicles.
- The eSPSV Business Loan provided by Microfinance Ireland to support those SPSV owners accessing the eSPSV Grant Scheme but who are unable to secure finance from financial institutions.
79. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the route of the Rural Link bus managed from the Cavan/Monaghan Rural Link office to accommodate persons from the Carrigallen area in County Leitrim to travel to Cavan town, to include members of the Ukrainian community (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46902/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The 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, and the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including in Counties Cavan and Leitrim, 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 days.
81. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on extending bus services to the Upper Ballymoneen Road area of Knocknacarra in Galway; if the National Transport Authority will commit to funding a turning bay and other facilities necessary to establish the service in the area; the timescale for the provision of such a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46934/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra82. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made by the National Transport Authority in undertaking a review of the Galway bus network; the format that the review will take; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46935/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport in our cities, including bus infrastructure and services.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
83. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that funding is provided to ensure the vital rural bus service operated by a company (details supplied) in Kilkenny can resume operation; the assurances that can be given to local residents given that the service has ceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46951/22]
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 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 Kilkenny, 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.
