Written Answers Nos. 202-221
202. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when the proposed new NCT centre for Shannon, County Clare, will be operational; if he will provide details of its location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4114/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra220. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of new and planned NCT centres that an organisation (details supplied) has and-or will deliver; and if he will provide a schedule of NCT centres that will be refurnished in 2023, 2024 and 2025. [4293/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra221. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of NCT tests an organisation (details supplied) provided without charging for in each of the years 2015 to 2022, and to date in 2023. [4294/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 202, 220 and 221 together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have therefore referred the Deputy's query 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.
203. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the names of any advisers who have taken up employment in his Department since the Government rotation in December 2022; the annual salary they are being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4134/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe appointment of Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister, subject to the terms set out in the revised Guidelines for the 2nd phase of the 33rd Dáil. The appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. At this stage, no Special Advisers have been formally appointed to my Department by the Government since the rotation in December 2022. However, the Deputy may wish to note that Minister of State Jack Chambers has assigned Shane Smyth to work with him as Special Adviser.
This appointment is in the process of being formalised. In line with the revised Instructions to HR Managers on Ministerial Appointments for the 2nd phase of the 33rd Dáil, published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), the Contract of Employment will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. I understand this process will be completed in the coming weeks.
204. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the repair works at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4155/23]
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.
205. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the waiting times for D category vehicle driving tests at all driving test centres in County Kildare in tabular form. [4197/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. 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.
206. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount that Iarnród Éireann generated through sales of refurbishments sold on intercity rail trains in 2019; and the amount it cost Iarnród Éireann for same in 2019. [4198/23]
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 revenue generated from and the costs of 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
207. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers on a route (details supplied). [4225/23]
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 query raised regarding of the number of passengers on the Cork-Mallow Railway line from September 2nd, 2021, to January 24th, 2022, and the numbers from September 2nd, 2022, to January 24th, 2023, is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
208. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide data associated with his Department’s air travel and air travel associated with agencies under the aegis of his Department (details supplied) from 1 January 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4258/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Department is committed to reducing the need for unnecessary business travel and encouraging the use of more sustainable forms of transport across our operations through our Green Travel policy. Our main objective is to reduce the number of trips undertaken for business purposes while maintaining the effectiveness in delivering the Department’s business objectives.
The table below sets out the detail for my department. I will request the bodies under this Departments aegis to supply the relevant data.
|
Total Flights per year |
Aircraft Fuel Burn/journey (KG) |
Total passengers’ CO2/journey (KG) |
Payment due @ €26 per tonne |
|
2020 |
934607.8 |
18086.8 |
€470.26 |
|
2021 |
129521.1 |
3077.9 |
€80.03 |
|
2022 (Jan – April) |
1467250.5 |
10951.3 |
€284.73 |
|
Payment due @ €35.50 per tonne |
|||
|
2022 (May – Date) |
2728495.8 |
51047 |
€1,737.24 |
209. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to including proposals for the extension of the DART to Wicklow town in the current project remit for the DART+ Coastal South; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4275/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the steps involved in the approval process to extend the DART to Wicklow town; the timelines required to undertake those steps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4276/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects, which includes DART+ Coastal South.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 includes proposals to extend DART services beyond Greystones to Wicklow.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
211. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the proposed station modifications at Bray and Greystones to enhance train service capacity, as indicated in the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042; if he will provide a timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4277/23]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects, which includes DART+ Coastal South. The NTA also has responsibility for the development of the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
212. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport when a formal decision will be made on the deployment of battery-operated carriages to service Wicklow town; the infrastructural changes that would be required on the line to enable the usage of those carriages; the earliest date by which battery-operated carriages would be operational on the Wicklow town line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4278/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra222. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the use of battery-operated train carriages to improve the train service to Arklow town; the infrastructure that would need to be put in place to enable that to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4301/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 222 together.
As the deputy may be aware, the DART+ programme intends to triple the amount of electrified track in the Greater Dublin Area from 50km to 150km, resulting in a lower carbon and higher capacity system, with electrified passenger services running to Maynooth, Hazelhatch, Drogheda, and Greystones.
Last November the Government approved the purchase of 90 battery-electric carriages. I anticipate that these 90 carriages will be delivered in 2026. The precise deployment of these carriages has yet to be determined, but they will support the expansion of DART services to Drogheda to the north, Maynooth/M3 Parkway to the west and Celbridge/Hazelhatch to the south-west.
As these 90 carriages have the flexibility operate on both electrified and non-electrified track through the use of batteries, there is also potential to use them at some stage in the future between Greystones and Wicklow, subject to available funding for necessary supporting infrastructure.
The Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy envisions potential future extensions to the DART network, including to Wicklow, after the DART+ programme has been delivered. These would be standalone projects subject to future consideration.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including DART+. 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.
213. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the preparation of local transport plans for Arklow and Wicklow-Rathnew; if any other towns in Wicklow will be considered for transport plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4279/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region sets out that the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly will work with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and relevant local authorities to prepare local transport plans for selected settlements including Arklow and Wicklow-Rathnew.
The NTA, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, has developed an advice note which sets out a methodology on how to assess the opportunities and constraints for sustainable transport within an area. This Area Based Transport Assessment methodology has been designed as a key input into local transport plans.
Noting the NTA's role in this 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.
214. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport when the feasibility study on the re-opening of Avoca train station will begin and be completed; if he will provide an outline of what the study will consider; if a public consultation will form part of the study; if this study will include nearby stations such as Glenealy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4280/23]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including any feasibility study on the re-opening of Avoca train station.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
215. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the plans for the N81 road as an identified core bus corridor; if problematic congestion sections have been identified and the timeline for their remediation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4281/23]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
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.
216. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the increased investment being made on LocalLink services in Wicklow, including future plans for service extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4282/23]
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 Wicklow, 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.
217. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the provision of a summer LocalLink service from Arklow to Greystones to service the coastal route including Brittas Bay, Maghermore and Wicklow town, to meet the demands of visitors to the beaches and to assist with traffic congestion during peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4283/23]
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 Wicklow, 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.
218. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the extension of the Luas to Bray; if he will outline the enabling infrastructure required for this extension; if he will provide a timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4284/23]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including light rail projects.
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.
219. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify whether the contract to provide NCT services was put to tender in 2020, or if it was rolled over as part of continuity of services built into the original contract. [4292/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have therefore referred the Deputy's query 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.
