Thursday, 24 Nov 2022

Written Answers Nos. 156-164

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (156)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

156. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter relating to a driving licence for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58496/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). My Department does not have access to individual applications. Individuals should contact the NDLS for queries about applications.

An applicant for a driving licence born in a county in Northern Ireland (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Derry or Tyrone) can have their place of birth recorded as Ireland, UK, or Northern Ireland, according to their preference.

If the applicant has applied online using their Public Services Card (PSC) and MyGOVID details, which provides the identity and access management of the person making the application, the place of birth on the licence will be as in the PSC details. These details cannot be amended by the NDLS. Applicants must contact the Department of Social Protection to have this amended, if they wish, before they submit their application to the NDLS.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (157)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

157. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will receive their provisional driving licence, given that it is over ten weeks since they applied for this licence after passing their theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58500/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to individual applications. The RSA can be contacted on 096 25000.

National Car Test

Ceisteanna (158, 160)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

158. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if he will put protections in place for motorists who have had to book an NCT test past their expiry date, taking into consideration the backlog for appointments, particularly with regard to the requirements concerning motor insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58503/22]

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

160. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport the protections that are being put in place for motorists who have had to book an NCT test past their expiry date, taking into consideration the backlog for appointments; if his attention has been drawn to reports that this has implications for motor insurance policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58505/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 160 together.

The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply.

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. I have met with the RSA to convey the seriousness of this matter and my officials are meeting weekly with the RSA to monitor progress in reducing test delays, as well as supporting any appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.

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. In the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.

I understand that Insurance Ireland has confirmed that its members will be pragmatic and understanding in their approach to the current delays and cover will continue to be provided where customers, through no fault of their own, are unable to obtain their NCT due to backlogs at test centres. Under the current circumstances, provided motorists make every effort to book appointments in the normal way, insurance companies will recognise that the current issue is not the fault of the customer.

National Car Test

Ceisteanna (159)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

159. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the rationale behind the decision to reduce qualifying criteria from QQI6 to QQI5 for NCT testers; when this decision was made; if a risk or quality impact assessment was conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58504/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Statutory responsibility for roadworthiness testing in the State rests with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (SI 477/2006). As Minister, I do not have a role in the administration of the testing regime or in the appointment of personnel as part of that process.

I can confirm that my Department was apprised of this proposal by the RSA, in the course of our ongoing corporate governance role with the Authority and has received assurances that the change in practice will not compromise the integrity of the testing process. I am given to understand that the appointment of personnel with alternative qualifications (such as QQI Level 5) is common in other jurisdictions, including Spain and the United Kingdom. I would also highlight that this level of qualification was the appropriate minimum requirement for vehicle inspectors in the State until 2020.

My Department will continue to closely monitor the impact on the testing regime and to the sector overall as the contractor's resourcing model is implemented in the coming months, with a view to ensuring that the quality and integrity of testing is maintained. However, as the administration of these arrangements is a matter for the Authority, it is not appropriate for my Department to comment.

Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 158.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (161)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

161. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated with a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58523/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the driving test. This includes all driving test applications and scheduling matters. I have no power to intervene in individual cases. I have referred this question to the Authority for direct reply.

I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Tolls

Ceisteanna (162)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

162. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the date on which the contract with a company (details supplied) that operates the toll on the M1 at Julianstown, County Meath and the toll at the Donore exit at Drogheda will end; if his Department plans to end tolling at both locations on the conclusion of the contract and on transfer to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58559/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (163, 165)

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

163. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline any plans to provide grant aid to hauliers seeking to convert their fleet to low emission vehicles, including gas, electric, hydrogen and hydrotreated vegetable oil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58563/22]

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

165. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the grants that are available for a bus operator to purchase a 100% electric, 70-seater bus; if grants are available for bus operators to install electric charging points; if grants are available for bus operators to operate 100% electric busses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58629/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 165 together.

Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of the Irish Government. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. Decarbonisation of heavy-duty vehicles will be key to achieving this objective in the transport sector.

To promote the decarbonisation of the heavy-duty sector, my department launched the Alternatively Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme in March 2021.The Scheme, which is administered by TII, is intended to help bridge some of the difference in purchase price between conventional heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) and those powered by alternatively fuelled powertrains. To accord with EU State Aid rules, grant levels under the Scheme are calculated as a percentage of the difference in price between a conventionally fuelled diesel HDV and its alternatively fuelled equivalent. Maximum grant levels for eligible vehicles depend on the size of the enterprise applying for the grant.

€3m was allocated to this scheme in 2022 and given the excellent response to the initiative, the scheme will continue in 2023 to assist the heavy-duty vehicle sector in its transition to zero-mobility. Details on how to apply are available on the TII website.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A national charging infrastructure strategy is close to final publication which sets out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2025.

Specifically, the Strategy will consider the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) which proposes that Member States expand public recharging capacity in line with zero-emission car sales as well as installing dedicated light and heavy-duty vehicle recharging points at regular intervals (every 60kms) on major highways (TEN-T core and comprehensive network) from 2025 onwards.

AFIR will ensure the rapid and coherent development of an interoperable, wide-spread network of greener refuelling and recharging infrastructure network across the EU. The Government recognises that the provision of sufficient and suitable charging and alternative fuelling facilities is a key enabler of the transition to zero- and low-emission vehicles.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (164)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

164. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule by local authority, heading and amount of the funding and grants returned and or unspent in part or in full to his Department in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022. [58594/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

Deputy 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 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.

In relation to the regional and local road grant funding allocated to each local authority in each of the years 2019 to 2022, details of the regional and local road grant allocations to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.

The funding drawn down by local authorities in each of the years 2019 to 2021, is recorded in the regional and local road payments booklets which are also available in the Oireachtas Library.

The table below sets out the grants paid to each local authority to date, for 2022.

Year	Local Authority	Heading	Amount of funding paid to each local authority
To date 2022	Carlow County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€5,681,222
To date 2022	Cavan County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€13,556,160
To date 2022	Clare County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€19,597,739
To date 2022	Cork County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€45,272,961
To date 2022	Cork City Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€7,983,302
To date 2022	Donegal County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€27,268,949
To date 2022	Galway County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€29,506,159
To date 2022	Galway City Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€2,550,830
To date 2022	Kerry County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€21,276,897
To date 2022	Kildare County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€26,173,619
To date 2022	Kilkenny County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€14,351,847
To date 2022	Laois County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€9,845,627
To date 2022	Leitrim County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€10,483,283
To date 2022	Limerick City & County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€19,709,787
To date 2022	Longford County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€6,706,190
To date 2022	Louth County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€5,068,549
To date 2022	Mayo County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€29,740,131
To date 2022	Meath County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€18,827,615
To date 2022	Monaghan County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€12,194,472
To date 2022	Offaly County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€10,004,931
To date 2022	Roscommon County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€14,236,041
To date 2022	Sligo County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€10,594,510
To date 2022	Tipperary County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€28,350,196
To date 2022	Waterford County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€14,031,359
To date 2022	Westmeath County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€9,045,193
To date 2022	Wexford County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€20,674,806
To date 2022	Wicklow County Council	Regional and Local Roads Division	€8,261,920