Written Answers Nos. 86-105
86. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Oxford Economics Review of Future Capacity Needs at Ireland's State Airports (details supplied); and his views on whether the forecast figures are fair to regional tourism. [47831/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Aviation Policy 2015 identified as one of the actions, the need for the Department to commission a high-level, strategic capacity review of our State airports. This Review was undertaken to assess the long-term capacity needs at our State Airports to 2050, given the dependence of our national economy on Ireland’s airports, particularly Dublin. The Review of Future Capacity Needs at Ireland’s State Airports was undertaken by consultants Oxford Economics and Cambridge Economic Policy Associates (CEPA)) and published in 2018.
The Review looks at existing/planned airport capacity and identifies priorities and recommends timeframes for new or adjusted infrastructure development to pre-empt any capacity constraints at the airports in Cork and Shannon as well as Dublin.
In line with the terms of reference for the review, it took into account the policy objectives of supporting the roles of Cork and Shannon Airports as key tourism and business gateways for their regions, along with the development of Dublin as a secondary hub. The review also took into account wider government objectives and policies for enterprise, tourism and balanced regional development in Ireland and developments in the global aviation market. This is in line with the National Aviation Policy which recognises the roles that both Cork and Shannon play in the regions.
The report, which was published prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, looked at three scenarios for passenger growth at the three State Airports out to 2050. The base forecast for future passenger growth to 2050 anticipates average annual growth of passengers at Dublin Airport of 2% per annum with slightly lower rates of 1.9% and 1.8% at Shannon and Cork respectively. In a baseline scenario, passenger demand at Dublin is forecast to reach 54 million passengers by 2050. Passenger numbers at Cork are forecast to reach 4.1 million in 2050, while at Shannon they reach 3.3 million.
A downside scenario foresees Dublin’s passenger numbers reaching 49 million by 2050. The corresponding forecast for Cork is 3.7 million, while at Shannon it is 3.0 million. Under an upside scenario Dublin reaches 61 million passengers by 2050 (about double the existing level), while Cork reaches 4.6 million and Shannon 3.8 million.
The report then identified the main capacity constraints for each airport, and the years when such constraints were likely to take effect.
In recognition of the importance of our regional airports to supporting connectivity to the regions and enhancing balanced regional development, Government has sustained the substantial high level supports to regional airports since the onset of COVID-19 and throughout the recovery of the aviation sector experienced this year. This week, I was delighted to announce that a total package of €36m in funding for our regional airports, including for Shannon and Cork will be provided in 2023.
The Public Service Obligation air services between Donegal and Dublin will also continue to be funded. Following an extensive procurement process a new PSO air services contract came into effect this year, marking Government’s commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region for the next 3 years.
87. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47657/22]
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.
88. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the substantial delays when booking NCT tests through the national car testing service (details supplied); if any measures are being taken to alleviate the pressure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47683/22]
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.
89. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the substantial delays when booking in-person appointments to renew a driving licence (details supplied); the steps he is taking to ensure the full resumption of walk-in appointments for renewing driving licences; the measures, if any, being taken to alleviate the pressure on the renewal of driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47685/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll enquires 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.
I understand there are no substantial delays in booking appointments to attend in person at NDLS front offices around the country. Of the 78,000 available appointment slots over the next six weeks, just over 17% (approximately 13,400) have been booked, leaving 83% (nearly 64,000) available. There is availability in all centres over the next three weeks, with most centres offering an appointment in seven to eleven days.
It is no longer an option to attend at an office without a prior appointment. Having an appointment gives certainty to customers and prevents overcrowding, queueing and long waits. In fact, the previous non-appointment service generated complaints from the public because of waiting times and delays. Appointments can be booked by telephone on 0818 919 090, as well as online at ndls.ie. A public services card (PSC) is not required to book an in-person appointment.
A PSC is only required when applying for or renewing a learner permit or driving licence online. The PSC is used to confirm a person’s identity and image in place of a face-to-face verification. My department has no oversight over the allocation of PSCs. This is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.
90. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if assistance will be provided in relation to an issue (details supplied) regarding public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47688/22]
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 independent Transport Regulator, 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 those services.
However, it should be noted that all commercial transport operators are responsible for managing their own services. In addition, if a commercial operator decides to withdraw their services, the NTA will assess if there is loss of connectivity and will consider whether there is a need to provide additional public service obligation services in the affected areas.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
91. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the problems being experienced by persons using the number 17 bus route; if he will request the company (details supplied) to provide two additional number 17 buses during the morning and evening rush hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47694/22]
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 independent Transport Regulator, 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 those services.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s specific question, in relation to the Go-Ahead Ireland No 17 bus route, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
92. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding funding for local authorities to provide for noise mitigation measures related to national roads; the discussions, if any, that have taken place with Wicklow County Council on its noise action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47697/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing 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, the planning, design and construction, including noise mitigation measures, for individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise was transposed into Irish law by the Environmental Noise Regulations, 2006. This legislation requires TII and local authorities to undertake strategic noise mapping every five years for all major roads carrying in excess of 8,250 annual average daily traffic (AADT). Noise maps identify and prioritise cluster areas which will require further assessment and may require mitigation measures to be put in place. Once strategic noise maps have been produced, the results are used for each local authority to develop Noise Action Plans as required by the Environmental Noise Regulations.
I have referred your question to TII for a more detailed and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
93. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the introduction of contactless card payment on electric vehicle chargers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47699/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. As you are aware, a draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication later this year.
Principle 5 of the draft strategy emphasizes the need for interoperability across the charging network. It also states that EV charging should be as simple as possible, with a principle of access to as wide a range of people as possible with, at a minimum, solutions like contactless tap and go payments including membership options available for consumers. The responses from the public consultation also confirm that this should be a key part of public charging infrastructure in the future.
The final EV infrastructure strategy will be published later this year.
94. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools in Cork that submitted applications for the safe-routes-to-school scheme; the number of these schools that were successful with their applications; the names of the schools that were awarded funding; when applications will open for the next tranche of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47702/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2021, I launched the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme which will support Active Travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country. The programme aims to support walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools and to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities. This will help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing the necessary infrastructure.
931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme. The Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and is supported by the Department of Education. An Taisce’s Green-Schools is coordinating the programme, while funding will be made available to local authorities which will play a key part in delivering the infrastructure along access routes and at the school gate.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter I have referred your specific question relating to applications from schools in Cork to them for answer. If you do not received a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.
95. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the actions the Marine Survey Office has taken with regard to the recent listing of the Hebble Sand dredging vessel on the River Boyne in Drogheda; the way the office proposes to work with the vessel owner and the Drogheda Port Company to make the vessel safe and-or have it removed from Drogheda Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47705/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe vessel in question is located within the functional area of Drogheda Port and matters in relation to the operation of the port fall for the consideration of the Harbour Authority. It is understood that the vessel is afloat and alongside. The registered owner of the vessel is responsible for its safe management and operation including environmental protection.
The Marine Survey Office is in contact with the Harbour Authorities but has no role in regard to requiring the removal of the vessel from port. However it is ready to assist the port or the registered owner should they wish to move the vessel from the port.
96. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the impact NCT delays are having on the industry; the way he will address the lack of NCT tests available for cars registered in the first and second halves of 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47741/22]
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.
97. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to fast-tracking driving test applications for students in order to assist them in the accommodation challenge arising from the current shortage of accommodation for students attending third level colleges. [47759/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the Authority, and one in which I have no role.
I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
98. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport if bus transport from Charleville in County Cork to Limerick and Cork cities can be improved upon, given the existing services are both too infrequent and insufficiently early to deal with commuter and student travel to these locations; if public transport commuting from Charleville will be included in the Leap card programme; if other operators are entitled to operate on the route in the event the service cannot be improved by existing service providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47760/22]
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 NTA also has responsibility 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 NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
99. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if he will change the rule that when a taxi-car or people-carrier has more than one owner, it cannot be used as a taxi beyond ten years. [47794/22]
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.
100. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department intends taking to deal with the backlog of NCT appointments currently being experienced in the Midwest; and if motorists will be covered, given they have to wait many months for their appointments, despite booking well in advance. [47796/22]
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.
I understand that the RSA has made An Garda Síochána aware that some vehicle owners have had issues securing an appointment. Vehicle owners should carry proof that they are waiting for an NCT in their vehicle with them. However, vehicle owners and drivers are reminded that they are legally required to ensure their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition at all times. It remains an offence under Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 to drive a vehicle in a public place without having a valid certificate of roadworthiness and, as with all road traffic legislation, enforcement of this requirement continues to be a matter for An Garda Síochána.
Insurance Ireland has also indicated that its members will adopt a pragmatic approach, where cover will continue to be provided if vehicle owners provide evidence that they have attempted to secure a test appointment before the expiry of their roadworthiness certificate but have been unable to as a result of the backlog.
101. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will give serious consideration to the addition of an NCT centre in west County Clare. [47797/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. 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.
102. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide assistance on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47805/22]
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.
103. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the Road Safety Authority engaged and-or consulted with advanced driver instructors in the context of the latest essential driver training review; the full costs associated with the review; the consultancy that conducted the latest review; the costs and the name of the consultant that produced the 2009 report; and if the RSA will clarify whether a tender process was utilised to engage a consultant. [47815/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information being sought is held by the Road Safety Authority. I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply.
If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
104. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General has full confidence in all financial transactions involved in healthcare received via the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive and the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme; if the office conducts or plans to conduct an audit of the schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47716/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraExpenditure on the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive and the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme is accounted for in the financial statements of the HSE which are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
The Comptroller and Auditor General is independent of Government.
The Deputy may wish to raise the matters directly with the Comptroller and Auditor General.
105. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a 0% VAT rate for a lime product (details supplied), given it is environmentally friendly and will encourage more farmers to use it and reduce their carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47649/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the EU VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate, unless they fall within categories of goods and services specified in Annex III of the VAT Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply a lower rate of VAT. Within its rates structure, the EU VAT Directive also allows for historic VAT treatment to be maintained under certain conditions on certain goods and services not provided for in Annex III. Currently, Ireland has a standard VAT rate of 23%, and two reduced rates of 13.5% and 9%. Ireland is also permitted to retain some historic VAT arrangements, under strict conditions.
While it is not immediately clear from the information provided, Revenue understands that the lime product referred to by the Deputy is a fertiliser within the meaning of the Fertilisers, Feeding Stuffs and Mineral Mixtures Act 1955. If this is the case, then – as part of the historic VAT arrangements that Ireland is permitted to retain – a zero rate of VAT applies to the product, provided such fertiliser is supplied in units of not less than 10 kilos; otherwise, the standard rate of VAT applies.
