Written Answers Nos. 225-244
225. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on proposals to improve the frequency and capacity of Bus Éireann route 329 through Bruff, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49605/22]
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 is an operational matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
226. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a bus shelter in Bruff, County Limerick for passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49606/22]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
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.
227. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for their driving test; and if this date will stand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49627/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national driving test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and as such individual inquiries are a matter for the Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
228. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of east-bound flights on runway 10 in Dublin Airport that do not follow their designated flight-path; and the percentage of flights which deviate from their flight-path leaving Dublin Airport and fly over the zone between Ongar and Lohunda in Dublin 15. [49719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll flight paths at Dublin Airport are governed by international safety standards, and are determined by the type of aircraft, the destination of the aircraft and the runway in use at the airport. These factors can have the effect of altering a flight path on any given day.
As the majority of air traffic into and out of Dublin Airport travels across the Irish sea to the east of the airport, arriving and departing aircraft are positioned mainly on flight paths both to the North and to the South of the Airport.
However, there may be circumstances, including to maintain safety or avoid adverse weather conditions, where aircraft may sometimes deviate from these designated flight paths.
The introduction of the new runway at Dublin Airport has also necessitated the development of some new flight paths to allow take-off and landing on this runway.
229. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he has taken to date in 2022 to reinstate the direct flights from Donegal Airport to Glasgow and to also establish a direct flight from Donegal Airport to an airport in the London area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49733/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our aviation sector, which included the loss of the Loganair Glasgow service from Donegal Airport. Government provided a suite of aviation specific supports, more than €160 million, for 2021 and 2022 to facilitate recovery and enable our airports to provide route and other incentives to stimulate the recovery of air connectivity.
Funding totalling almost €1.5 million was provided to Donegal Airport during 2021, supporting vital safety and security related operations, projects that can help deliver emissions reduction and climate resilience as well as providing compensation to the airport for the damage caused by COVID-19.
Such funding has continued into 2022, with the allocation of €700,000 in capital funding in April under the Regional Airports Programme. The airport is also eligible for operational grant aid under this Programme this year, which will be allocated to eligible airports in December, from an overall budget of €22 million.
Funding of €30 million was announced for Budget 2023 for the Regional Airports Programme, to support regional airports, including Donegal Airport.
The decisions to introduce new air routes are made by airlines, in consultation with the airports and other involved agencies, based on the commercial viability of the routes in question and other operational factors. I have no role in the commercial decisions of the private companies concerned.
That said, my department, through the Regional Airports Programme, supports regional connectivity between Donegal and Dublin through a Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service. This service shows government’s commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region for the next three years. It facilitates same day return trips from Donegal to Dublin, while also providing the option for further international connectivity via Dublin Airport.
230. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49747/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national driving test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and as such individual inquiries are a matter for the Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
231. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the minimum or optimum number of mechanics who should be employed in each of the 49 NCT centres in Ireland, listed individually; the number of mechanics who are currently employed in each centre; the current average waiting times for NCT appointments in each of the centres to date in tabular and written form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49778/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and 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.
232. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will receive a driving test date in order that they can take up employment. [49802/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national driving test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and as such individual inquiries are a matter for the Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
233. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will allow registered company owners to pay commercial rates of motor tax on certain vehicles (details supplied) once they can demonstrate a genuine need within their business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49804/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraVRT policy is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
Motor tax for goods vehicles is based on both the construction and use of a vehicle. In order to be taxed as a goods vehicle, a vehicle must be constructed or adapted for use as a goods vehicle and must be used solely for the carrying of goods in the course of trade or business. It may also be used for the conveyance of employees in the course of their employment.
An application to tax a vehicle at the goods rate of motor tax must be made to a motor tax office on first taxing and it is a matter for the motor tax office to determine eligibility for the goods rate. It is open to the relevant motor tax office to seek whatever documentation it deems appropriate in support of an application for a particular rate of motor tax.
234. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49909/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national driving test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and as such individual inquiries are a matter for the Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
235. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if the suspension of an operator licence for a company (details supplied) will be delayed until February 2023 to give the owner time to fill the vacancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49932/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe entity in question is not a company, but a sole trader (Mr Eamon Fitzpatrick) trading under the registered business name “Fitzpatrick Fuels.” Mr Fitzpatrick was granted an international road haulage operator licence on 13 March 2020.
To continue to hold a road transport operator licence, an entity must comply with four key requirements as specified by Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) 1071/2009. This includes the key requirement of requisite professional competence, which is a public interest sectoral requirement in a road safety context.
The professional competence requirement is satisfied where an operator designates a natural person to act as “transport manager.” The transport manager will continuously and effectively manage the transport operations of the licence holder. To this end, the transport manager must:
- be of good repute
- hold an appropriate qualification granted by an EU/EEA Member State
- reside in the territory of the EU/EEA
- have a genuine link to the licence holder undertaking or be externally engaged on the basis of a written contract
Following Brexit, the natural person previously designated by Mr Fitzpatrick to act as transport manager no longer satisfied all of the criteria set out in the European Regulation. The Department has engaged extensively with Mr Fitzpatrick on this matter and in July 2022 proposed to suspend the operator licence for continued non-compliance with licensing requirements. Mr Fitzpatrick has made representations to the Department indicating that he misunderstood the timeline within which remedial action should be taken. In these representations, Mr Fitzpatrick requested that the Department allow him until end of November 2022 in order that he can return to compliance with licensing requirements. This request was granted by the Department. Article 13 of Regulation (EC) 1071/2009 allows for a maximum time limit of 6 months to return to compliance in respect of professional competence, as a result no further extension is possible. Where an eligible natural person is not designated transport manager by end of November 2022, the Department is required by the European Regulation to suspend the licence from 1 December 2022 until Mr Fitzpatrick again demonstrates requisite professional competence requirement. It remains open to Mr. Fitzpatrick to procure the services of an external transport manager, even on a temporary basis, in order to comply with licensing requirements.
236. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated number of additional buses that would be required if buses on each route on H-spine increased their frequency to every ten minutes.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49974/22]
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 NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to the estimated number of additional buses that would be required if buses on each route on H-spine increased their frequency to every ten minutes, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
237. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the amount of revenue generated through parking charges at Irish Rail train stations in each of the years of 2019 to 2021 and to-date in 2022, in tabular form; and the amount that was reinvested into improving Irish Rail services. [49975/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra239. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided for the re-marking of the carpark at Malahide train station; and when will this work commence. [49977/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 239 together.
As 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 operation and maintenance of public transport.
The issues raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
238. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the amount of revenue generated by Bus Éireann from the €2 processing fee for members of the public with the free travel pass to use Bus Éireann. [49976/22]
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 revenue generated by Bus Éireann from the €2 processing fee 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.
240. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the frequency of Bus Éireann route 469 frequency from once weekly to three times weekly. [49978/22]
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 NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to Bus Éireann route 469 frequency, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
241. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50009/22]
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 issue of 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.
242. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the NDLS fees and payment methods policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50037/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDriver licensing is handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation.
I understand that the NDLS ceased handling cash during Covid 19 and continued this practice under the new NDLS Front Office contract. Cash handling introduces additional complexity, including security, safe storage, transfer to banks and reconciliation, that the Road Safety Authority wished to avoid as part of the new service. Alternatives are readily available, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or Payzone vouchers. Payzone vouchers can be purchased from retailers in towns and villages nationwide (over 3,500 outlets).
The Central Bank has advised that retail transactions are governed by contract law in Ireland. In this context, where a business places no restrictions on the means of payment it is prepared to accept, it must accept legal tender when offered by a customer to settle a debt that has arisen. However, if a business specifies in advance that payment must be in a form other than cash, the customer cannot subsequently claim a legal right to pay in cash, even if that cash is legal tender. Therefore, under certain circumstances, retail businesses or service providers can refuse to accept payment in cash.
Any customer requiring personal assistance to use the NDLS service is welcome to be accompanied by a person who can make a payment on their behalf. For people aged over 70, there is no charge for a driving licence.
243. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric hybrid buses in operation on public service obligation transport routes at present; the areas that these are operational in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50076/22]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of the PSO bus fleet.
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.
244. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the estimated amount that it would cost if the home charger grant scheme for electric vehicles increased to €850 based on 2019 figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50077/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to a 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. The national car and van fleet accounts for almost 60% of all land transport emissions, and so a transition to low emissions vehicles, including EVs, is a necessary step-change to effect a substantial reduction in transport emissions.
The SEAI grant scheme aims to encourage behavioural change and support the Government’s commitment to achieving a 51% reduction in transport emissions by 2030. The grant schemes are kept under continuous review to ensure that they are as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.
2,548 home charger grants were paid out in 2019 at €600 per grant totalling €1,528,828. If the home charger grant increased to €850, based on the number of grants paid in 2019, a total of €2,165,800 would be required. However the Deputy should note that home charger grant applications have increased greatly in the last few years with 9,202 home charger grants already paid out this year to end August 2022. The cost of this to the exchequer has been just over €5.5 million. If the grants were increased to €850, the equivalent cost would have been €7.8m.
