Written Answers Nos. 195-208
195. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties some motorists are having with securing fully comprehensive motor insurance because they have not been able to renew their NCT in time due to considerable delays with the NCT appointment service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9921/23]
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, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance. Considerable progress is now being made to increase capacity at test centres and I am assured by the RSA that the business-as-usual waiting period of 12 days will be restored by the beginning of Q3.
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.
Insurance Ireland has advised my department 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.
196. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the applications for funding that were submitted for a section of greenway in County Mayo (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9942/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he will list the funding applications made by Mayo County Council for a specific project (details supplied) for the past five years; if he will list the funding amount sought; the funding amount approved; the location of same, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9952/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways.
Since 2018 and prior to the 20th September 2021, two applications were made for funding to the Department; one application in 2018/19 for sections of the Clew Bay Greenway and another in 2020 as part of the Carbon Tax Funding round to support the initial phases of the Ballina - Castlebar - Westport Interurban Greenway project. The table below summarises the total amount sought and granted over the period 2018/19 to 2021.
|
Greenway |
Sections applied for |
Amount Sought between 2018/19 and 2021 |
Amount granted between 2018/19 and 2021 |
|
Clew Bay Greenway |
Achill Sound and extension to Bunnacurry and Belclare to Murrisk |
€5.43 m |
€5.5 |
|
Ballina Castlebar Westport Interurban Greenway |
Viaduct Westport (Great Western Greenway)- Moy Cycle bridge, Ballina |
€0.95m |
€0.95m |
As of 20 September 2021 and in line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway projects is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and necessary statutory approvals.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to TII for a direct reply in relation to applications made and funding granted post September 2021. In addition, they will be able to answer the specific query relating to the Murrisk to Louisburgh/Roonagh project.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
198. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene with the National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus in relation to the continuing poor service and inaccurate real time information provided on the Dublin Bus 15 route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9986/23]
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 issue raised in relation to the continuing poor service of the number 15 bus service is a matter for Dublin Bus. The issue of inaccurate real time information provided on the Dublin Bus 15 route would be a matter for both Dublin Bus and the National Transport Authority (NTA). Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to both Dublin Bus and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
199. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport to list the public transport services provided under public service obligation contracts in Galway city, including the individual routes and the companies that are operating them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10002/23]
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. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to procure public transport services by means of Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to public transport services provided under public service obligation contracts in Galway city, including the individual routes and the companies that are operating them, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
201. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the numbers of users, bike rides, membership revenue and each station usage in the each of the years 2018 to 2022, and to date in 2023, for each of the public bike schemes in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Dublin, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10055/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure.
Details regarding revenue and usage of public bike schemes fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA) working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
203. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the awards made both with and without a tender process to management consultancy firms (details supplied) by his Department and aegis bodies for each of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive, in tabular form and classed by firm; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output. [10123/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs requested by the Deputy, my Department made the awards set out below to the following of the consultancy firms specified for the years 2018-2022.
Contracts awarded by bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the agency involve and. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
|
Year |
Firm |
Purpose and brief description of the awards |
Value of the awards and the total amounts paid (incl VAT) |
Timeline or timeframe of the contracts |
Desired or completed output |
|
2021 |
Deloitte |
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Projects |
€113,415 |
Procured under a Government Framework |
RPA process set up |
|
2022 |
Deloitte |
Robotic Process (RPA) Automation Projects |
€236,394 |
Procured under a Government Framework |
RPA process set up |
|
2022 |
Deloitte |
Review of the draft technology strategy and governance arrangements |
€30,750 |
21 January 2022 – 31 March 2022 |
Review of the draft technology strategy and governance arrangements completed |
|
2018 |
Ernst & Young |
Review of future options of Waterford Airport. |
€64,575 |
Q2 – Q4 2018. |
Report published by Q4 2018. |
|
2018 |
Ernst & Young |
Provision of internal audit services – OGP Framework |
€70,515.90 |
Contract commenced 1 February 2018 and expired on 25 January 2022 |
Reports in respect of internal audits/reviews completed. |
|
2019 |
Ernst & Young |
Provision of internal audit services – OGP Framework |
€89,888.40 |
Contract commenced 1 February 2018 and expired on 25 January 2022 |
Reports in respect of internal audits/reviews completed. |
|
2020 |
Ernst & Young |
Provision of internal audit services – OGP Framework |
€105,395.85 |
Contract commenced 1 February 2018 and expired on 25 January 2022 |
Reports in respect of internal audits/reviews completed. |
|
2021 |
Ernst & Young |
Provision of internal audit services – OGP Framework |
€117,397.35 |
Contract commenced 1 February 2018 and expired on 25 January 2022 |
Reports in respect of internal audits/reviews completed |
|
2021 |
Ernst & Young |
Award of tender for the implementation and roll-out of a Project Management Office within the Irish Maritime Directorate. |
€100,152 |
July 2021 – July 2023 |
Implementation and roll-out of a Project Management Office within the Irish Maritime Directorate |
|
2022 |
Ernst & Young |
Award of tender for the implementation and roll-out of a Project Management Office within the Irish Maritime Directorate |
€485,142 |
July 2021- July 2023 |
Implementation and roll-out of a Project Management Office within the Irish Maritime Directorate |
|
2020 |
KPMG |
To provide Financial Advisory Services in the preparation of a detailed business case for the proposed New IRCG Aviation Service Contract. This Contract was awarded using the OGP’s - Multi Supplier Framework for the Provision of Accounting, Audit and Financial Advisory Services |
€165,442 |
October 2020 - January 2022 |
To prepare a preliminary business case and financial appraisal in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. |
|
2021 |
KPMG |
To provide Project Management support and Financial Advisory Services to the Department’s Project Team tasked with the essential procurement of the New IRCG Aviation Service Contract. This contract was awarded using the OGP’s Multi Supplier Framework for the Provision of Business and Management and ICT Consultancy Services |
€812,951 (December 2021-December 2022) |
December 2021 – December 2023 |
General project management support to the Project Team for the IRCG Aviation Service procurement process to award stage. Commercial / Financial Advice e.g. re structure of the new contract, risk allocation in the contract. To support the Project Team throughout the CPN process. Drafting the Final Business Case for the Department in compliance with the Public Spending Code |
|
2022 |
KPMG |
Provision of services in relation to a public consultation on the EV Infrastructure Strategy |
€87,160.88 |
20/04/2022 – 07/07/2022 |
Public consultation and Stakeholder consultation were completed for the draft EV Infrastructure Strategy |
204. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the awards made both with and without a tender process to an organisation (details supplied) by his Department and aegis bodies for each of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive, in tabular form; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output. [10141/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department did not make any contract awards for the provision of goods and services directly to Microsoft in the period 2018 - 2022, Microsoft products have been procured by the Department via an authorised Microsoft supplier. Details of such procurements are being compiled by my Department and will be provided to the Deputy within 10 working days.
Contracts awarded by bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the agency involved and I have referred the Deputy's question to the agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
205. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the refurbishment or maintenance works that Iarnród Éireann will carry out at locations (details supplied) for the remainder of 2023; and when each of these works projects will commence. [10172/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The maintenance of train stations, including the ones referred to by the Deputy, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of the Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply. Please contact 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.
206. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided to have taxi-dedicated electric vehicle charge points at both Connolly Station and Busáras. [10173/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years.
Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles. It is also an essential part of ensuring just and equal access to EVs across Ireland, including in rural areas.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.
In July last year, I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. A suite of new grants and initiatives have been launched and further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
ZEVI has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
Last month I launched the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025, alongside an Implementation Plan. The strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.
The Strategy outlines a need for fast Taxi-Charging Hubs to support the greening of the taxi fleet, which will enable drivers to quickly charge and go. The provision of dedicated EV charging infrastructure for e-car clubs and at taxi ranks, as well as in strategic rural locations, is key. It will support the transition to electric and sustainable mobility in communities with low car ownership or population densities, and where demand for publicly-accessible charge points may be limited. In all instances, decisions about charge point locations and types require a strategic and data-driven approach to ensure that Irish EV charging infrastructure meets future needs.
ZEVI has established a Public-Private Vehicles Stakeholder Group with expertise to support and inform electric vehicle roll out. Representatives from the taxi industry are included on this group and can contribute to the consideration of EV taxi drivers' charging needs.
In addition, the eSPSV Infrastructure Scheme was designed to encourage more taxi drivers to convert to electric vehicles. The project involves installing taxi-dedicated electric vehicle charge points at major transport hubs nationwide. Officials from my Department have engaged with Irish Rail and Bus Éireann on this matter. Since 2020, charge points have been installed in Dublin (Heuston), Cork (Kent) and Limerick (Colbert) train stations as well as at Dublin and Cork airports.
Further funding was made available in 2022 to support the installation of 150 KW charge points at an additional 5 Irish Rail locations which are due to come onstream shortly. In total, my Department has committed €1.6m to this initiative to date.
207. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if she will advise on a situation where a family who have a severely disabled person cannot access the specially adapted vehicle due to insurance prohibitions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10185/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, motor insurance is required to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place. However, the provision of insurance cover to individuals is a commercial matter for insurance companies and not something I am in a position to comment on.
I would like, however, to inform the Deputy that Insurance Ireland operates a free insurance information service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. All queries regarding refusal to quote, or quotations that are so excessive as to be in effect a refusal, should be directed to Insurance Ireland.
208. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if regional flights between Cork and Bristol will be reinstated (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10199/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of any scheduled air service is a commercial decision for airlines, in consultation with airports and other market actors, based on the commercial viability of the route in question and other operational factors.
