Written Answers Nos. 72-91
72. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing scheduling issues with the 102 bus from Malahide to Sutton; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5551/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra73. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of 102 bus services that did not arrive as scheduled for the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5552/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 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 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 Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific questions in relation to Go-Ahead Ireland Bus Route 102, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
74. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of social media videos posted on his Department's social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under the remit of his Department, that included closed captioning or subtitling and Irish sign language translations between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022, inclusive. [5580/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Transport operates four social media accounts across two platforms, Twitter and LinkedIn. The social media accounts of agencies under the remit of the Department are managed by the agencies themselves.
The social media accounts operated by the Department of Transport are:
- Department of Transport (Twitter, LinkedIn)
- Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (Twitter, LinkedIn)
The following table outlines content that included closed captioning/subtitling and Irish sign language translations between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022, inclusive.
|
Platform |
Videos with Closed Captioning |
Percentage of videos with captioning |
Videos with Irish Sign Language Translation |
Percentage of videos with Irish Sign Language Translation |
|
Twitter (Department of Transport) |
20 (of 67) |
30% |
0 (of 67) |
0% |
|
LinkedIn (Department of Transport) |
14 (of 62) |
30% |
0 (of 62) |
0% |
|
Twitter (Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland) |
2 (of 2) |
100% |
0 (of 2) |
0% |
|
LinkedIn (Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland) |
2 (of 2) |
100% |
0 (of 2) |
0% |
75. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to reduce wait times for NCT appointments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5597/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. 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.
However, I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet high demand for tests and the delays which vehicle owners are encountering. My officials are continuing weekly meetings with the Authority to monitor ongoing progress in reducing test delays and to ensure all possible actions are being taken to bring the waitlist to an acceptable level in 2023, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.
Strong progress is being made in addressing the long-term staffing issues behind this backlog. Over 60 inspectors were recruited locally in 2022 and a further 50 vehicle inspectors started the last week of 2022, bringing the total number of vehicle inspectors to 595 at the end of 2022. Further recruitment is ongoing in 2023 and 15 new personnel commenced training on 23 January, bringing the total number of testers to 610 at end-January.
A number of other measures to provide additional capacity at test centres are also in place, including increased staff overtime and the temporary transfer of 20 testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation for a period of 3 months (8 of whom are continuing for a further period to end-March). Testers are being assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.
In the interim, 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.
76. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the N2 Kilmoon Cross to Rath roundabout project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5598/23]
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 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.
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.
77. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify whether the NCT operator has a sanctioned derogation in respect of the qualifications that testing staff must have in order to test vehicles in the European Union. [5599/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe minimum competence and training requirements for roadworthiness vehicle inspectors are set down in European law by means of Annex IV of Directive 2014/45/EU. The Directive establishes that the competent authorities of a Member State must ensure that vehicle inspectors have certified knowledge and meet certain documented experience and training criteria. No national derogation in respect of the required qualifications for vehicle inspectors is in place.
These requirements apply to the specific role of vehicle inspector and qualifications at any specific level on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) are not specified. This is a national competence.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. The required qualification for personnel is an operational matter and accordingly I have 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.
78. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an update from a company (details supplied) as to whether it will be providing the 50% reduction to students in the Louth and Meath area on their route to Maynooth University, which, to date, has seen no reduction in price since the Government’s announcement last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5601/23]
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.
Unlike with PSO services, the NTA do not set, monitor or regulate fares on services run by commercial operators, which are set by the individual operators.
However, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budgets 2022 and 2023, funding was provided for the young adult card (YAC) on both PSO and commercial services. This exciting initiative entitles anyone between the ages of 19 and 23, mature students and those aged 16-18 in third level education, to discounted travel costs of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services.
The YAC initiative is an opt-in Scheme, meaning that while the discount is available on all PSO services, it is only available on those commercial bus operators that have decided to participate in the Scheme. Therefore, the issue raised is an operational matter for the company concerned.
79. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered allowing NCT certificates to last two years from the delayed date on which they were tested, since the delay was in no respect caused by the motorist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5632/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers, Ireland, like all other EU Member States, is obliged to adhere to the minimum specified intervals for carrying out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles. This is given effect in Irish law by means of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), as amended.
Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations provides that the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined using the date of registration of that vehicle and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of that date. Accordingly, all test due dates are predetermined based on the date of registration of a vehicle and any certificate issued for that vehicle will be valid only to the test due date which falls after the certificate is issued. Award of a certificate does not legally entitle the vehicle owner to the subsequent 12 months, or 24 months as relevant, from the date of testing.
EU Member States cannot unilaterally postpone the date that a test is due to match the date of testing and so extend the validity of certificates without a derogation from the EU Commission. The only occasion where such a derogation has been granted to EU States was under Regulation (EU) 2020/698 in direct response to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, when test centres were closed to combat the spread of the virus. A permanent change to the date of testing was applied to certain vehicles in 2020 as a result of the suspension of testing under the Road Traffic (National Car Test) (Amendment) Regulations 2020. Certificates for vehicles which have had the extension applied are also valid only to the next test due date.
Permitting the validity of NCT Certs to be extended without inspection would place the State in breach of our obligations under EU law and may negatively impact road safety should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive.
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, vehicle owners on the priority waiting list are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
80. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 279 of 18 January 2023, if he will clarify the total commitment to the project to upgrade the A5 road; if the commitment is worth €75 million or if there is a higher number or percentage that has been committed to when statutory approval is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5704/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs stated in answer to Parliamentary Question No. 279 of 18 January 2023, the funding arrangements in relation to the A5 have been governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start, and under this Agreement the Government is committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded.
The Government is committed to deliver on its funding commitment to the A5 project, which is also included in the "New Decade, New Approach" document of 2020 and most recently, in our revised National Development Plan.
Allowing for the time required for the conclusion of a public inquiry process and for all new decisions to be implemented, together with the possibility of a further legal challenge, the timeframe for delivery of the A5 project is uncertain. However, provision of £25 million sterling is being made by my Department in 2023 for funding the scheme, should this be required.
81. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update, as of January 2023, on the Dart+ North project and its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5713/23]
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 DART+ Programme and its constituent projects, which includes DART+ Coastal North.
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.
82. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the total amount of active travel funding awarded to Galway City Council to date; the amount of funding that has been drawn down by Galway City Council; if he will provide a breakdown of each project and the associated funding, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5764/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra83. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the number of new posts for active travel teams in Galway City Council and Galway County Council that have been filled; the number that currently remain outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5765/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Galway City Council currently have a compliment of 11 staff working on active travel projects. It is my understanding that they are recruiting an additional 6 staff at the moment and are hopeful that these positions will be filled in Q1, 2023. Once these positions have been filled, Galway City Council feel that they will have the necessary resources to manage the Active Travel programme in the current year, but as projects develop, particularly as they go to construction, they will recruit additional resources as required.
Galway County Council currently have 3 staff working full time on Active Travel Projects. However, the Council are about to appoint an additional staff member to the Active Travel team which will bring them up to the full complement approved.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter of the administration of funding to Local Authorities, I have referred your question on the awarding and draw down of funding to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
84. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test can be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal for employment purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5821/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
I believe the RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process, such that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first.
I am told that urgent tests are only available to applicants who are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services where the candidate would need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work).
Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs
85. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport if Iarnród Éireann plans to introduce new rapid security hubs throughout 2023; if so, the locations of these new hubs; and when these new hubs will come into operation.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5857/23]
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 operation of public transport. The query raised regarding plans to introduce new rapid security hubs is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
86. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the various classifications of county roads in each county; the standard existing speed limit on all these roads outside of urban areas at present; if he intends on introducing lower standard speed limits on local roads of various classifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5871/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Action 6 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy a review is underway to examine and review the framework for setting of speed limits including rural speed limits and the introduction of a 30km/h default speed limit in urban areas. This review is nearing completion and as part of its work a detailed assessment is being carried out on the existing framework of speed limits including for local roads in rural areas.
In Ireland roads are classified as National, Regional and Local roads in accordance with Section 10 of the Roads Act, 1993. In turn the Road Traffic Act, 2004 sets out default speed limits for the road network as being 120km/h for Motorways, 100km/h for National roads, 80km/h for Regional roads and 80km/h for Local roads.
For public roads in each county, Section 10 of the Roads Act 1993 sets out that a local authority shall maintain and make available for public inspection a schedule and a map of public roads in their administrative area. Local authorities are responsible for classifying and scheduling Local roads with the Minister of Transport being responsible for classifying and scheduling National and Regional Roads.
Special Speed Limits are speed limits that are specified in bye-laws adopted by the vote of the Elected Members of Local Authorities. Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, as amended, sets out the range of Special Speed Limits that may be applied through bye-laws. The current special speed limits are 120km/h, 100km/h, 80 km/h, 60km/h, 50km/h, 40km/h, 30km/h and 20km/h. Local authorities have the discretion to decide on varying these limits through Special Speed Limit bye-laws for roads within their administrative area. The making of such bye-laws is a reserved function of the elected members of the council.
87. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport when he expects a scheme (details supplied) to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála for approval. [5902/23]
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 BusConnects Dublin.
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.
88. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of flights that have deviated from their flight paths early coming across Dublin 15 community including the Ongar LEA, the Blanchardstown LEA and the Castleknock LEA during October, November and December 2022, in tabular form. [5914/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra89. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport to provide the maps of the flights that have deviated from their flight paths coming across the Dublin 15 community including the Ongar LEA, the Blanchardstown LEA and the Castleknock LEA early during, October, November and December 2022. [5915/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport, including noise monitoring.
Accordingly, I have forwarded your request to daa for a direct response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.
90. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to bring the decades-long delay regarding the N80 Mountmellick relief road to a final resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5920/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra91. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland has indicated to his Department any intention to prevent the development of the N80 Mountmellick relief road project because it does not align with the Government’s climate action ambition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5921/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.
As 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.
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.
