Written Answers Nos. 36-55
36. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the western rail corridor is added to the TEN-T network following the publication of the All-Island Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10590/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, a financial and economic appraisal in relation to the potential re-opening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann and conducted by EY economic consultants, was published in early 2021 and is available to view at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/1174d-review-of-western-rail-corridor-phases-2-and-3-athenry-to-claremorris/
This report was subject to an independent review commissioned by my Department and conducted by JASPERS, an agency of the EU/EIB, and that review is also available to view through the above link.
As the Deputy may also be aware, the Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, will inform the development of inter-urban / inter-regional rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. It will establish the strategic backdrop to rail investment in our regions that the JASPERS review noted was lacking when considering investment in Phase 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor.
The Review is considering the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network, and that scope will include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor. It would be premature to commit to the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor before the Review is finalised.
The Review is now at an advanced stage. Publication of the report will follow after the necessary approvals have been secured.
The European Commission proposals for the revised TEN-T Regulation is currently at the trilogue stage in Brussels, with a view to adoption by the end of the year. As such, there is still time for the results of the Review to inform Ireland's position in relation to the future TEN-T network.
37. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can clarify the proposed progressing of the BusConnects scheme for Dublin in the coming year, specifically if the NTA intends to push ahead with existing dates for implementation, given the difficulty transport companies concerned have in recruiting and retaining staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10458/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra40. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene with the NTA in relation to the ongoing deterioration of bus services in Ballyfermot as a result of the introduction of the new BusConnects routes, specifically the collapse of services in Lower Ballyfermot as a result of the introduction of the new 60 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10457/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra53. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport his views on the new spines for BusConnects, particularly the G, C and D spines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10566/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 40 and 53 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, including BusConnects Dublin.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
38. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with the NTA to increase the frequency of bus services on the S2, Sligo to Rosses Point route, to cater for the very significant increase in passenger numbers due to refugees being accommodated on the Rosses Point Peninsula. [10437/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
My Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) continue to monitor and respond to the influx of refugees due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and are factoring in the geographical spread of Ukrainian refugees into the planning process. In order to serve a dual purpose by catering for both existing demand as well as responding to the increased pressures on services where the local population has grown in response to the humanitarian crisis, the NTA have accelerated the implementation of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, and also added additional stops, routes and services where the need has arisen.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including in County Sligo, 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 days.
39. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the progress and timeline for the implementation of the expansion of the 233 bus route and the further expansion of the 257 bus route under Connecting Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10540/23]
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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, including in Counties Cork and Kerry, 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.
41. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken by Transport for Ireland to introduce multi-modal integrated ticketing nationwide; the timeline that exists for its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10366/23]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology 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.
42. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport his Department's projected total number of electric vehicles on Irish roads in each of the years 2023 to 2030, inclusive. [10521/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport the total projected number of electric vehicle charging points in Ireland in each of the years 2023 to 2030, inclusive. [10522/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 55 together.
The new target under the Climate Action Plan is to have 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030 (i.e. 845,000 private EV target). There is also an interim 2025 target of 195,000 EVs on our roads. Fleet forecasts have been estimated using the Irish Car Fleet Model that assesses the impact of new vehicle technologies on carbon emissions. The model predicts how the proportion of fuel types (petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric) within the fleet will change over time using observed vehicle registration and scrappage rates by age and fuel type. Using this model, we estimate that by 2025, the total electric vehicle share of the national vehicle fleet would be approx. 6.5%. The model is kept under continued review and an update of the model is planned to account for the latest 2022 fleet registration data.
The key change is instead of simply targeting a minimum number of cars, we are focused more on making a large amount of the overall private car fleet electric. The 2023 Climate Action Plan places electric vehicles within a greater framework of our national transport infrastructure, with a focus on other sustainable methods of transport other than private car ownership.
The Government has already committed significant funding to support low emitting vehicles through the National Development Plan, which currently includes an allocation of almost €500 million for the period 2021-2025 and additional support from the Climate Action Fund. This funding includes both capital grants to support the purchase of EVs and capital funding for the delivery of EV charging infrastructure.
In July 2022, 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 of grants and initiatives have been launched with further information available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
Further funding has been allocated in 2023 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all. This funding will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.
There are currently almost 77,000 EVs registered on Irish roads (end January 2023). That number is expected to increase as the price of EVs continue to fall relative to their combustion engine equivalents. It is expected that as manufacturers increasingly ramp up EV production, upfront costs will become more comparable to traditional combustion engine cars within the next number of years. This will make total cost of ownership much more attractive and competitive, particularly given fuel prices trends. There is also far more choice available across all major car manufacturers and this is driving increased competition on price.
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 seeks to increase the country’s Publicly Accessible Charging capacity by 250% by 2025. In addition we will ensure charging infrastructure is available on the Ten-T network and nationwide including remote areas and areas that will have high seasonal attractions.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging. ZEVI is also working closely with other stakeholders in the development of a national delivery plan for en-route charging later this year.
43. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the electrification of the Dublin Bus fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10261/23]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including provision of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus fleet.
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.
44. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the stealth charges from Irish Rail, which affect those using the elderly travel passes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10364/23]
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 in relation to fees charged by Iarnród Éireann to free travel users is an operational matter for the company and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the Iarnród Éireann 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.
45. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on whether a feasibility study can be commissioned to look at the impact the reopening of Dunleer train station would have in terms of reducing vehicles, improving connectivity in mid-Louth and reducing commuting costs for mid-Louth residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10439/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport, including rail. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the former station at Dunleer, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the reopening of Dunleer station is not currently included in the Louth County Development plan. However, potential services and infrastructure along existing and potential new rail lines are being considered as part of the ongoing Strategic Rail Review. This includes the Northern Line between Dublin and Belfast, on which the former station at Dunleer is located.
The Review is now at an advanced stage and will be published after the necessary approvals are secured on both sides of the border.
46. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on BusConnects Cork. [10455/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra67. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made for routes servicing Ballincollig under BusConnects for Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10541/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 67 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including BusConnects Cork.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
47. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the DART+ West project; and when the construction works are expected to be completed. [10388/23]
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 planning and implementation of the DART+ Programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply in relation to specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
48. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if further funding will be made available to Monaghan County Council as the lead agency for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney road scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9868/23]
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.
I can confirm that €600,000 has been allocated for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney scheme in 2023. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply as to the latest status of this scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
49. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the level of funding allocated for roads in Cork, in particular rural roads, in light of the 2023 grant allocations from his Department for national roads, active travel and greenways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10470/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI announced the 2023 regional and local road allocations on 14th February and grant details for each local authority are available at: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/2381e-626-million-for-regional-and-local-roads-announced/
In addition, details of the regional and local road allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The tables included in the booklets outline expenditure by type of grant programme.
The 2023 allocations booklet will be lodged shortly.
50. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position on the construction of the south Kerry greenway; the timeline and budget for the various stages of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10533/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 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.
51. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the investment in greenways in Cork South-West under the national development plan. [10276/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways.
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.
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.
52. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has specific initiatives in place to facilitate vehicle sharing platforms; and the role he envisages they can play in a more sustainable transport strategy. [9531/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraVehicle sharing platforms and shared mobility services, such as car-share clubs, escooter or bike-share schemes and other short-term rental or sharing models, particularly those which can be obtained ‘on demand’, are an effective mechanism for reducing car dependency. This was recognised in the recent OECD Report 'Redesigning Ireland’s Transport for Net Zero', which underlined the transformative potential of on-demand shared services, including in active travel and micromobility.
In that context, and in line with an action in the recently published Climate Action Plan (CAP23), a new unit has been established within my department to actively engage with shared mobility operators and partnerships, local authorities, and the National Transport Authority to develop and guide policy around shared mobility and promote the use of shared mobility nationally. This engagement will be aimed at developing more coherent policy and supports, including technical innovation and the development of appropriate regulation, to scale up shared mobility services around the country.
Additionally, my department will work with its partners across Government to develop further supports for the electrification of transport through consideration of ‘eMobility hub’ models. These hubs would be distributed widely and would consist of charging infrastructure for shared electric mobility solutions such as e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as car clubs operating EVs for short-term hire.
In addition to these actions, CAP23 also includes a commitment to undertake policy initiatives to support access to e-bikes and e-cargo bikes, including shared options. The sharing of e-mobility assets as a service has the potential to enable modal shift from private car ownership across all types of settlements. The prospective benefits of these shared services is already recognised through an array of actions to be implemented as part of the Government's National Sustainable Mobility Policy and its associated Pathfinder Programme, which was launched last October.
In summary, there are many shared mobility initiatives in place or in development and these are anticipated to play a key role in reducing car dependency and in halving transport emissions by 2030.
54. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 33 of 10 November 2022 and 81 of 19 January 2023, the status of the preparations for carrying out the promised feasibility study of light rail in Galway; the timeline for the feasibility study; the status of the specialist team tasked with assisting the National Transport Authority in the updating of the Galway Transport Strategy; the membership of the specialist team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10377/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, has begun the process of developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). A feasibility study of light rail will be undertaken as part of the development of the new strategy which will replace the current Galway Transport Strategy.
The NTA is currently assessing tenders received for the GMATS project. The NTA expects to complete this assessment process by the end of next month at which point the composition of the strategy team will be known.
The NTA will undertake a comprehensive public consultation exercise on a draft GMATS as part of the development process, with an expected publication of a final strategy before the end of 2023.
