Written Answers Nos. 143-160
143. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he intends on issuing an instruction to the CIÉ group and Iarnród Éireann to preserve the railway alignment from Collooney to Athenry for use as a railway line, and that no sale or lease is to take place along the alignment that would impede this development, particularly in view of the impending publication of the strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6642/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight.
The Review is also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor.
It would be premature to commit to preserving the railway alignment or the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor before the Review is finalised.
The Review is at an advanced stage. Publication of the final report will follow after it has been considered and approved at Ministerial level on both sides of the border.
144. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has given consideration to the range of consequences experienced by customers of the National Car Testing service who cannot obtain a test in a timely manner, including the impact on car insurance; if his Department has engaged with other Departments in relation to the consequences; and the action planned by his Department to ensure the very significant backlog at the NCT service is cleared as soon as possible. [6656/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 in the last week of 2022, bringing the total number of vehicle inspectors to 595 at the end of 2022. 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.
Insurance Ireland has stated that its members will be pragmatic and understanding in their approach to the current delays at the NCT. Cover will continue to be provided where customers, through no fault of their own, are unable to obtain an NCT appointment 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. Motorists should keep evidence of their appointment booking.
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.
145. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an update from TII and ensure the expeditious processing of its investigation into issues raised in relation to Barronstown Cross, Laffan, County Tipperary, following liaison with Tipperary County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6657/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra146. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the efforts that will be made to improve safety at Barronstown Cross, County Tipperary for all road users, given the serious road safety concerns raised by locals for many years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6658/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 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 management and operation 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.
147. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will increase the frequency at peak times on the route 220 MTU to Cork city (details supplied). [6712/23]
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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling 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 question in relation to increasing the frequency at peak times on the route 220 MTU to Cork city, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
148. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will increase the frequency at peak times on the route 245 Clonmel to Cork city, given the present schedule leaves workers and college students, especially those in the Watergrasshill area, waiting for up to two hours due to lack of capacity. [6774/23]
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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling 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 question in relation to increasing the frequency at peak times on the route 245 Clonmel to Cork City, to the NTA for direct reply. 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.
149. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport if he has had any contact with an organisation (details supplied) regarding the possibility of the closure of its Rosslare-to-Pembroke route; the details of such contact and matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6805/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to note that Irish Ferries is a private commercial company. The Deputy will understand that decisions by ferry operators – including Irish Ferries – in relation to their provision, alteration or suspension of services are operational and commercial decisions for these companies, subject to any appropriate regulatory frameworks. I understand that there has been no announcement by Irish Ferries that the service between Rosslare and Pembroke is being discontinued and I can confirm for the Deputy that I have not had contact with Irish Ferries on this matter.
My Department, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), continually monitors Ireland’s international maritime connectivity and has on-going engagement with port and shipping stakeholders regarding a wide range of maritime transport related issues.
150. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the tonnage of salt available for use on the regional and local roads network; the total amount used over this winter to date; the total amount available and used in the years 2017 to date; if he will provide any associated funding provided to local authorities in this regard, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6832/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide funding to local authorities to ensure that the roads leading to all schools are gritted during adverse weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6833/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has been tasked with managing the central purchase of salt stocks for national, regional and local roads. The upfront cost related to the purchase and stocking of salt for national roads is funded from TII’s grant allocation while the cost for regional and local roads is funded from the Department’s Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme budget. In the case of regional and local roads, a charge for salt used over the previous winter by individual local authorities is deducted from Councils’ Discretionary Grant in the following year.
While it is open to local authorities to purchase salt independently for regional and local roads, most local authorities draw on the central facility.
TII looks after the management of the central salt stocks for national, regional and local roads with the Department approving salt purchases for regional and local roads. The amount of salt used each year varies depending on the weather and each winter season assessments have to be made in relation to the amount and timing of salt purchases, taking into account usage, stock balances and storage capacity. In this context TII monitors stock drawdowns closely with a view to ensuring that sufficient stocks are in place to meet demand from local authorities.
As regards the gritting of regional and local roads leading to schools, it is a matter for each Council to determine its winter road treatment programme including the prioritisation of routes for salting/gritting. The amount of salt used depends, therefore, on decisions made by local authorities and usage for each winter season from 2017/2018 is outlined in the table below together with usage to date this season.
|
Cumulative Salt Used by Local Authorities each Winter Season |
Regional & Local Road Salt (Tonnes) |
|
October 2022 - so far this season 13/2/23 |
68,124.94 |
|
2021-2022 |
52,286.00 |
|
2020-2021 |
89,566.00 |
|
2019-2020 |
66,192.00 |
|
2018-2019 |
39,448.00 |
|
2017-2018 |
107,847.00 |
With regards the gritting of national roads in the vicinity of schools, 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 operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
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.
152. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if he is considering reviewing the issue of access to hackney licences in urban areas outside of the current pilot programme relating to rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6837/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the Local Area Hackney Scheme, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Accordingly, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
153. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of cars clamped at each Irish Rail station for the years 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2023; the amount collected by such clamping; the purposes for which the money collected is used; and the number of appeals, successful and unsuccessful, in each station, in tabular form. [6842/23]
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 of the clamping of cars at Irish Rail Stations and revenue generated from such 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.
154. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 247 of 28 September 2021, if Ministerial approval has been given to the project to proceed to a business case. [6879/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn its role as Approving Authority under the Public Spending Code, the National Transport Authority (NTA) submitted the Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for Cork Light Rail to the Department of Transport in June 2021. After detailed review and consideration by the Department, the SAR was determined to not meet a number of requirements as set out in the Code and was returned to the NTA for revision in January 2022.
The Department of Transport is currently awaiting submission of a revised SAR for the project.
The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in Cork and, noting its role, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
155. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the Navan rail line project will now proceed to design and appraisal given its inclusion as a medium-term project in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042; if he will provide an update and indicative timeline for each of the phases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6908/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra156. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the Navan rail line will not proceed to construction in advance of 2031 due to funding constraints in the national development plan to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6909/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding was made available in the national development plan prior to 2030 to provide for the construction of the Navan rail line; the estimated timeline for delivery on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6910/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 to 157, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, the issue of a rail connection to Navan has been re-examined as part of the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The Strategy is a multi-modal, twenty year transport strategy for the region and one that must be reflected in relevant land-use strategies across the GDA.
A Navan rail link is included in the recently published GDA Transport Strategy as one of the proposed projects to be delivered. As it stands, the Strategy proposes delivery of the Navan rail line in the medium term from 2031-2036. A project of this scale will require significant planning and design before construction can commence. It is expected that this pre-construction work will commence in the second half of this decade under the National Development Plan funding envelope out to 2030.
158. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will provide funding for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6956/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and 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 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for 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 on the current status of this project.
I can advise that this project has been remitted back to An Bord Pleanála for consideration after the High Court quashed the previous decision to grant planning approval to this project. It is for the Board to reconsider the project in light of this and taking the most recent Climate Action Plan into account. The Board will also consider whether further information is required to aid their deliberations.
I can also advise that allocations for National Roads in 2023 will be announced by TII in the near future.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
159. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of full-time taxi enforcement officials working for the National Transport Authority in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [6971/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including enforcement and compliance in the SPSV sector, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Accordingly, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
160. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if Dublin Bus will run a 27x bus from UCD Belfield to Clarehall at 18:10 on Mondays to Fridays during term periods only. [6972/23]
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 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.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the possible provision of a Dublin Bus 27x service from UCD Belfield to Clarehall at 18.10 on Mondays to Fridays during term periods only, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
