Written Answers Nos. 14-29
14. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the basis on which funding will be made to local authorities to fund mobility hubs for the different elements that can be provided; and when he expects that the first ten such hubs will be in place. [20732/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is my understanding that the Deputy is referring to a commitment in the Climate Action Plan 2023 to consider an eMobility hub model for the 5 cities, consisting of charging infrastructure for shared electric mobility solutions such as eBikes and eScooters, as well as car clubs operating EVs for short-term hire. My department, working in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, have commenced work on scoping out this project.
As the Deputy will appreciate, shared transport is taking on increasing importance as a key strategy in the effort to reduce emissions from transport and is considered an effective mechanism for reducing car dependency and car ownership because such services can provide users with short-term access to a variety of modes of travel when needed.
For this reason, the aim of the project is to locate a network of hubs conveniently close to where people live, work and play. It is intended that many hubs will be located adjacent to public transport nodes and will include AC charging and, where appropriate, options for faster DC charging.
As the project is at a very early stage in its development, the funding model and location of hubs have yet to be determined. However, my department and the NTA will be finalising the scope of this project over the remainder of this year, with a view to commencing roll-out in 2024.
15. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he agrees with the view of Transport Infrastructure Ireland that the Mallow Relief Road project is consistent with relevant objectives of national policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20728/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra80. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the rationale and reasoning behind the issuing of a Section 24 letter to Transport Infrastructure Ireland as part of the 2023 roads allocation to Cork County Council, which effectively overrules TII’s proposal to fund the Mallow Relief Road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20729/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 80 together.
As 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, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year.
Approximately €491m of exchequer capital funds have been provided for national roads through TII to local authorities in 2023. These allocations were announced by the Department of Transport and TII on the 16th of February 2023.
Having regard to the funding constraint outlined above, it was not possible to provide an allocation to all new national road projects in the NDP for 2023. However, the majority of projects have been allocated funding, including the Mallow Relief Road, which has been allocated €100,000. This scheme consists of a bypass of Mallow with the objective of removing east-west traffic from the town centre. The preferred route option for the scheme was identified last year and following this a public consultation took place. The project is currently in the design and environmental evaluation phase.
As with all national roads projects included 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.
16. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update regarding the progress of a park-and-ride facility in the Dunkettle area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20679/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Climate Action Plan 2019, the National Transport Authority established the Park and Ride Development Office in February 2020. The function of the Office is to enable the delivery of park and ride sites by the NTA across the country in collaboration with Local Authorities and transport operators, such as Iarnród Éireann. The Office provides full-time specialist resources for these projects. Plans to expand the park and ride network are set out in the various metropolitan area transport strategies which have been prepared by NTA.
Building on the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040, the Office has commenced the process of developing a park and ride strategy for Cork. Cork has a high proportion of motorised trips that originate outside the city centre, as well as other strategic employment locations that contribute to local congestion, noise and air pollution. The park and ride strategy will set out the vision and objectives for park and ride in Cork and identify the locations for planned investment, for both bus- and rail-based interchange.
To inform this work, demand analysis is being carried out on the main traffic corridors into Cork, including between Dunkettle and the city centre. The Office will also consider how to integrate park and ride with ongoing planned major public transport interventions, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, BusConnects Cork and Cork Light Rail. It is anticipated that the strategy along with implementation timelines will be completed in Q2 2023.
In parallel with this work, detailed site option analysis and feasibility studies are on-going for identified potential locations and are expected to be completed in the coming months.
The plans and timing of the development of a potential site in the Dunkettle area will be aligned with the delivery of other supporting infrastructure, in particular the on-going Dunkettle interchange upgrade and the wider plans for rail in the area set out in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.
17. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when he received a Public Service Obligation application from the Shannon Airport Group in respect of a proposed Shannon to Amsterdam Schiphol route; if this application is congruent with state aid rules; when he expects to make a decision on this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20802/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for his continued interest in this matter. Following engagement between my Department and Shannon Airport last year, the Department agreed to consider the airport’s request for financial support to provide EU hub connectivity. On foot of this, a submission was made by the Shannon Airport Group to the Department in Q2 2022, putting forward a case for Exchequer support.
My Department’s Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 provides for a Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service scheme, in compliance with Regulation (EC) No. 1008/2008, on the common rules for the operation of air services in the Community. This Regulation provides that a Member State may impose a PSO in respect of scheduled air services between an airport in the Community and an airport serving a peripheral or development region in its territory, or on a thin route to any airport on its territory, any such route being considered vital for the economic and social development of the region which the airport serves.
To date national policy on regional airports has been largely influenced by the need to optimise conditions for connectivity and regional development. Under Ireland’s PSO air service scheme financial support is provided to an airline to operate essential air services to isolated areas – those not adequately served by alternative transport services to administrative, business, education and medical centres. In line with this, PSO air services are limited to one route connecting Donegal and Dublin airports.
In consideration of the request to support EU hub connectivity, it would be a significant shift to expand national policy for the support of PSO services beyond that of support on domestic routes. Given this, the potential impact of such a policy, not only on the Exchequer but also on similar routes operating on a commercial basis from other regional airports, needs careful consideration. Due consideration also needs to be given to any possible impact on existing routes from Shannon Airport, and in particular the commercial service to Heathrow Airport which currently provides European Hub connectivity from Shannon to onward international destinations. It is imperative that any intervention in this market does not distort competition.
The Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 commits to carrying out a mid-term review of operational supports in 2023. I intend to launch a public consultation to inform this review shortly. It is envisaged that submissions received as part of this consultation process will contribute to the development of policy on future appropriate and cost-effective support measures for Ireland’s regional airports, including the development of future programmes.
The mid-term review will also consider how the Programme is currently delivering on its objectives, primarily in the context of how international connectivity and services, to and from the regions can be maintained and enhanced, whilst also exploring how balanced regional development is being supported.
Taking the above into consideration, an assessment of Shannon Airport Group’s submission is currently being finalised by my Department, with a view to it being submitted to me for my consideration this month.
18. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the number of extra carriages that have been allocated on the Dublin to Waterford train and the Waterford to Dublin train; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20801/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe deployment of new carriages is a matter in the first instance for Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for the development and delivery of certain public transport infrastructure, including the purchase of rolling stock.
In relation to the Deputy’s specific query, I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that its operational fleet is fully deployed on scheduled services at present, in line with prevailing demand. The current capacity is primarily based on pre-COVID demand levels, when rapid growth in demand resulted in the utilisation of 100% of the operational fleet at peak times.
However, it is the case that additional and/or cascaded fleet will become available over the next 24months and the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann are considering options for their deployment on the network.
The first element is the recent arrival of 41 additional intercity rail car carriages. As they are intermediate carriages, they will facilitate the lengthening of existing train sets. Iarnród Éireann is reviewing the proposed deployment with the NTA in the context of emerging post-COVID travel patterns, and Iarnród Éireann’s Strategy 2027 which targets service improvements on a number of routes, including on the Waterford-Dublin line and the new carriages will enter service as part of the next year’s timetable improvements.
The second element relates to the impending arrival in 2024 of the first of the new DART+ fleet. These carriages will be used on the used on Northern Commuter and existing DART services, to maximise capacity. This will also free up existing Intercity rail car and Commuter carriages for usage elsewhere on the network, and again this will be reviewed based on the above criteria.
19. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Bus Éireann to increase the frequency of 101 bus services at peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20825/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the House that the frequency of the 101 bus service at peak times will improve very shortly.
The 101 provides connectivity between Drogheda and Dublin City Centre, serving Balbriggan, Dublin Airport, N1 Business Park and Busáras. The 101 route was one part of two routes put out to tender by the National Transport Authority (NTA) last year, the other route being the 133 services linking Dublin City Centre with Wicklow. The preferred bidder for the contract was Bus Éireann and the improved services are due to commence on the 7th May 2023.
Under this new contract, the 101 will operate on a 24/7 basis, running every 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday, and every 20 minutes at peak. There will continue to be an hourly service Sundays. This represents an increase in services of 6.4% compared to the current timetable.
The existing 101X service will remain largely unchanged with the exception of some timetable tweaks. The NTA have also informed me that a plan to improve bus stop infrastructure along both the 101 and 133 corridors will be agreed by NTA and Bus Éireann as part of the contract.
The NTA will provide Bus Éireann with 35 brand new vehicles made up of 19 single deck and 16 double deck regional commuter vehicles.
I am sure the Deputy will agree that both the increase in frequency and fleet renewal for this route will greatly enhance the service. This is particularly important in terms of our climate agenda and increasing the attractiveness and accessibility of public transport network.
20. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the delivery of additional rail carriages for the Dublin - Sligo line to immediately address the overcrowding on many services on this line. [20685/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2019, the Government approved the purchase of 41 additional intercity rail cars to enhance passenger capacity across the rail network. Delivery of the first units purchased following this approval commenced late last year and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Iarnród Éireann recently took delivery of the final new carriages.
These new rail cars will allow for enhanced services across the rail network when introduced into service next year. As part of ongoing work by the NTA and Iarnród Éireann, consideration is being given to providing new and additional carriages where demand, available carriages and suitable infrastructure support such provision.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in determining the appropriate deployment of fleet, I have referred the deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for a more detailed response on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 days.
21. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Finglas roundabout scheme. [20738/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and active travel infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
The NTA has allocated €50,000 this year to Dublin City Council to advance proposals which seeks to improve pedestrian and cyclist measures at two busy junctions in Finglas. The first location is the junction of St Margaret’s Rd / McKee Avenue which is next to the planned LUAS extension to Finglas and in close proximity to the proposed Finglas to Phibsborough BusConnects scheme.
The Finglas Luas extension proposes to realign the St. Margaret’s Road/McKee Avenue junction and replace the roundabout with a signalised junction. In advance of the Luas works, the Active Travel Programme Office proposes to install pedestrian crossings on both the St. Margaret’s Road southern arm and McKee Avenue arm of this junction.
The detailed design and tendering for the St. Margaret’s Road/McKee Avenue junction is planned to be completed in Q2/Q3 2023 and a contractor appointed by the end of the year. This is subject to updated appraisal being approved and funding confirmed.
The second location is at the intersection of Jamestown Rd / Melville Road on the jurisdictional border between Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council. The Active Travel Programme Office proposes to replace the Jamestown Road Roundabout with a signalised junction. The new arrangement will include pedestrian crossings on all sides to improve safety for pedestrians. The work will also include protected cycle lanes through the junction.
The preliminary design for this junction has been completed. The environmental screening reports, detailed design and section 85 agreement with Fingal County Council are expected to be completed this year. Construction is expected to begin in 2024 subject to funding approval.
22. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide sufficient funding in 2023 to permit the N2 Ardee-to-Castleblayney road project to proceed to the next stage. [20523/23]
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.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year – however most national road projects in the NDP will continue to be progressed in 2023. In this context, €600,000 has been allocated for the N2 Ardee to south of Castleblayney scheme. This project is listed in the NDP and will continue to be considered for further funding in future years over the life of the current NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the status of this scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
23. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport when the Government will reinstate funding for the Derry to Dublin airlink in a partnership between his Department and the shared island unit. [20746/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his continued interest in this matter.
In the context of supporting greater connectivity on the island of Ireland, the Government agreed ‘to take forward a review of the potential for Government support to renewed viable air routes from Cork to Belfast and Dublin to Derry, working with the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to deliver improved connections as a priority’ as part of its commitments under New Decade New Approach.
As the Deputy is aware my Department has progressed a desk-based review, which myself and Minister Ryan are considering in consultation with Government colleagues.
Engagement between my Department and City of Derry Airport (CODA) is also continuing. In a post COVID-19 environment, CODA was requested to provide material, including evidence to demonstrate the airport's anticipated passenger demand for a Derry/Dublin route. My Department is reviewing the material provided by CODA during December, as well as additional detail sought from and provided by the airport during April.
Engagement will continue between my Department, the Northern Ireland Executive and the UK Government as appropriate and with all interested parties on this matter. In keeping with this, it is my intent to engage personally and meet with CODA representatives in the coming weeks.
25. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the N4 upgrade from Mullingar to Roosky; and if he will address the funding fears for the project. [20730/23]
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.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year, however, most national road projects in the NDP will continue to be progressed in 2023. In this context, €200,000 has been allocated for the N4 Mullingar to Longford (Roosky) project. This project is listed in the NDP and will continue to be considered for further funding in future years over the life of the current NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the status of this scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
26. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can detail any plans to provide funding for the installation of bike bunkers in urban areas; the funding that might be allocated to such schemes; if there are any plans to roll out such projects; if the recent withdrawal of plans by Dublin City Council can be reversed by Department policies aimed to encourage active travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20794/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel and public transport infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) works directly with local authorities on various walking and cycling infrastructure projects in relation to their selection, funding and delivery.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question in relation to the proposed bike bunkers scheme to that agency for a more detailed reply . Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
27. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he has sought an update from Iarnród Éireann on the present state of the railway line from Claremorris to Collooney, including the length of the line that has existing track on it; the condition of the fencing on it; when the last clearance of growth off the line took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20618/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, including the disused line from Claremorris to Collooney, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
28. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport how it is proposed that the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road scheme will be progressed this year, as due to changes in Government policy and design standards, additional design works are needed, and the project team has indicated that more funding will be required to close out and complete the current Phase 3 design process but TII has not indicated that more funding will be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20753/23]
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.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year – however most national road projects in the NDP will continue to be progressed in 2023. In this context, €600,000 has been allocated for the N2 Ardee to south of Castleblayney scheme. This project is listed in the NDP and will continue to be considered for further funding in future years over the life of the current NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the status of this scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
29. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the status of the business case for Cork light rail; the amount spent to date on consulting and engineering fees; when a route will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20822/23]
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 agreed responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including light rail.
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.
