Written Answers Nos. 194-210
194. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department will take to help with the backlog of NCT tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24071/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). 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.
I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are facing to meet high demand for tests and the delays which vehicle owners are encountering. My officials continue to meet weekly 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.
There has been considerable progress in addressing the long-term staffing issues which have caused this backlog and in increasing capacity at test centres, including the temporary transfer of testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation last year, increased staff overtime and extensive recruitment of new vehicle inspectors. There are currently 582 testers in place, with 34 more testers commencing training this week and a further 21 expected in the coming weeks. New testers are being assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.
The average waiting period nationally is now just over 24 days, with some centres outside Dublin and Cork having significantly reduced wait times. The RSA is confident that a return to the service level agreement waiting period of 12 days will be achieved by July 2023. In the interim, I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992 or by availing 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.
In respect of extending the validity of National Car Test (NCT) certificates, under European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness testing, Ireland, like all Member States, must comply with the minimum specified intervals for carrying out such inspections. This is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415/2017), as amended.
Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations provides that the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined by its registration date and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of the registration date. Any certificate issued for that vehicle will be valid up to the test due date after the certificate is issued and is not automatically issued for 24 months, or 12 months in the case of vehicles over 10 years old, from the date of testing.
Permitting NCT certificates to be extended beyond the minimum test due dates without inspections would place the State in breach of our obligations under EU law and may affect road safety, should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive.
195. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will explain the exemptions for individuals with a driving licence from a different jurisdiction; the countries Ireland has a licence exchange agreement with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24094/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of licences, categories of vehicles and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence are set at EU level. Accordingly, EU-issued licences are recognised in Member States.
Ireland may make bilateral licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. Such agreements can be made only when the authorities in both jurisdictions have studied and compared the licensing regimes and each side is satisfied that they are compatible.
A licence, including an EU licence, issued in exchange for a licence from a third country that Ireland does not have an exchange agreement with cannot be exchanged for an Irish licence.
A person with a full but non-exchangeable licence must go through the normal driver learning process to obtain an Irish licence. However, they can avail of the shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons instead of the usual 12, and do not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
Ireland has driving licence exchange agreements with Australia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, New Zealand, Taiwan, seven Canadian provinces (Ontario, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta and New Brunswick), Northern Ireland and the UK.
196. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if an operator of an animal-drawn vehicle for commercial purposes is required to have some form of public liability or other insurance, particularly when using public roads; how proof of insurance is ascertained; if this involves An Garda Síochána; and if there is no such requirement, if there are any plans to legislate to introduce such a requirement. [24120/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no role in relation to an operator of an animal-drawn vehicle for commercial purposes being required to have public liability insurance in place.
If the Deputy is referring to the regulation of horse-drawn carriages for hire or reward, the development of legislation of this nature, which involves the repeal of legislation which pre-dates the foundation of the State, is complex and technical. It spans the responsibilities of several Departments and levels of government, as well as consultations with several stakeholders. Regulations for horse-drawn carriages for hire or reward should be aligned with any horse welfare obligations imposed by local authorities and, therefore, horse-drawn carriages for hire and reward should be regulated by local authorities, which is the intention of current draft primary legislation. Any requirements regarding public liability insurance may be specified by a local authority in secondary regulations.
197. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Transport for Ireland Leap card does not work for both bus and train nationwide (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24165/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the Leap card, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
198. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on Local Link services in rural areas; if there are plans to expand services to ensure there is connectivity along the Wild Atlantic Way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24229/23]
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 TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including connectivity along the Wild Atlantic Way, 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.
199. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the amount of taxpayers' money spent on Ardfinnan Bridge since 2015, including monies spent by Tipperary County Council, the NTA, TII, and monies spent on consultants on the proposed bridge projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24241/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 of specific projects in each local authority area and the allocation of the relevant funding.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
200. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and public bodies/agencies that operate under his remit have policies in place to install artificial structures that provide shelter and habitat space for wild species, such as, but not limited to, insect hotels, bat boxes, nesting towers, and beehives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24272/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department does not have a dedicated policy in place to install artificial structures to provide shelter and habitat space for wild species, as part of our recent upgrade of our courtyard we have installed biodiversity, bug and bird boxes to enhance the working environment for our staff and to support broader biodiversity objectives.
I have referred your question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply.
Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
201. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for the design, planning and construction of new DART stations at Heuston West and Kylemore Road, Ballyfermot. [24309/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government approved the updated Preliminary Business Case in respect of the DART+ South West project in March 2023. The project will extend DART services from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge train station, as part of the wider expansion of the DART network in the coming years. This project also includes the construction of the new Heuston West station at Islandbridge. The Government’s approval of the updated Preliminary Business Case enabled the DART+ South West project to enter the statutory planning process and the Railway Order application for the project was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on 22 March.
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in January 2023 following my approval. The strategy commits to the development of a number of new rail stations, including a station at Kylemore Road in Ballyfermot. While this station is outside the scope of the DART+ South West project, the design of the project has future-proofed its layout to allow the addition of a new station at this location in future. The NTA has provided funding to Iarnród Éireann this year to commence the preparation of designs and planning for the Kylemore Road station.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, 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.
202. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in relation to paying the new pension rate increase to those employed by Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24314/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department officials have considered the pension increase proposal submitted by Dublin Port Company in July 2022 in conjunction with officials in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
I am currently still engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the matter with a view to reaching a resolution. It is expected that this process will be completed shortly.
203. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to delays in the transfer of Leap card top-up stations to An Post; if the knock-on impact for those who choose only to use cash or do not have access to a smartphone have been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24362/23]
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 the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. In addition the NTA has responsibility for the tendering and procurement of a provider to supply Leap support and maintenance services which includes the provision of retail services and facilities to sell and top up Leap cards.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the transfer of the Leap card top-up stations to An Post; to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
204. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason Ardfinnan Bridge has been removed from 2023 funding programme; if this decision will be reviewed immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24367/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
In relation to proposed Active Travel infrastructure works in Ardfinnan, I understand that the NTA have actively engaged with Tipperary County Council in relation to the potential scope of the project. It is important that any project funded by my Department through the NTA's Active Travel Programme is aligned with Government policy priorities as outlined in the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland, the Climate Action Plan 2023 and the National Sustainable Mobility Policy.
While the project has been removed from the NTA's 2023 Active Travel programme, if and when agreement is reached in regards to the potential works in Ardfinnan the NTA will seek to include the project in its Active Travel Programme for receipt of funding to progress same.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
205. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the local hackney pilot; his plans to expand it to other communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24461/23]
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.
206. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of fines and the amount of same issued to a company (details supplied) in respect of non-delivery of national car tests do date; and the amount recovered in fines from the NCT operator. [24464/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra207. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he and or his officials have undertaken an analysis of the number of motor vehicles sold in second-hand motor vehicle market in 2022 and 2023; the number of change of ownership transactions that have taken place in 2022, and to date in 2023, in the context of the owners log being updated; and if his attention or that of his officials has been drawn to instances in which vehicle owners cannot sell their vehicle due to it not having an up-to- date NCT; if he and or his officials have considered augmenting the service delivery of the NCT operator with the use of approved vehicle test centres formerly known as DOE test centres; and the monetary value of free NCTs delivered in 2023. [24483/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. As Minister, I have no function in respect of operational matters, including the award of contracts for provision of the NCTS or the application of contract mechanisms. I have referred the Deputy's queries on these matters 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.
In response to the Deputy’s query regarding the second-hand market, the sale of private vehicles is a commercial matter and as Minister, I do not have a role. My department has not been made aware of ownership changes being significantly affected by NCT waiting lists. Change of ownership for a vehicle requires no validation of the status of the NCT.
The most recent figures for change of ownership notifications received by my department, for the period requested, are provided in the table below. Also shown are the number of these notifications for second-hand car sales only. The Deputy may wish to note that the figures do not pertain to unique vehicles as some vehicles, particularly those traded with motor dealers, may have more than one ownership change per annum.
|
Year |
All changes of ownership |
Changes of second-hand car ownership |
|
2022 |
1,037,374 |
812,311 |
|
2023 (to 30 April) |
388,292 |
313,714 |
208. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is currently implementing to reduce NCT wait times in view of the extraordinary average NCT wait times in counties Meath and Westmeath of over five months, and given that not everybody can avail of a priority booking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24487/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport in view of the fact that some NCT applicants in County Meath who booked their tests in August 2022 have only now received the test after over nine months, and have valid NCT certificates only until September 2023, a situation replicated across the State, if he will consider amending the legislation to allow the NCT certificates to be valid for twelve months from the date of testing and issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24488/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). 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.
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 continue to meet weekly 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.
There has been considerable progress in addressing the long-term staffing issues which have caused this backlog and in increasing capacity at test centres, including the temporary transfer of testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation last year, increased staff overtime and extensive recruitment of new vehicle inspectors. There are currently 582 testers in place, with 34 more testers commencing training this week and a further 21 expected in the coming weeks. New testers are being assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.
The average waiting period nationally is now just over 24 days, with some centres outside Dublin and Cork having significantly reduced wait times. The RSA is confident that a return to the service level agreement waiting period of 12 days will be achieved by July 2023. In the interim, I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992 or by availing 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.
In respect of extending the validity of National Car Test (NCT) certificates, under European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness testing, Ireland, like all Member States, must comply with the minimum specified intervals for carrying out such inspections. This is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415/2017), as amended.
Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations provides that the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined by its registration date and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of the registration date. Any certificate issued for that vehicle will be valid up to the test due date after the certificate is issued and is not automatically issued for 24 months, or 12 months in the case of vehicles over 10 years old, from the date of testing.
Permitting NCT certificates to be extended beyond the minimum test due dates without inspections would place the State in breach of our obligations under EU law and may affect road safety, should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive.
210. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport to confirm the N17 from Collooney to Knock scheme will receive minimum funding over the next few years to progress the design phase following the release of the preferred transport corridor for the scheme in January 2023 following a two-month public consultation period, and the project’s inclusion in the National Planning Framework, National Development Plan, Ten-T Comprehensive Network and is a core component of the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24529/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a phased construction approach for the N17 from Collooney to Knock scheme but ensure all design works are completed over the next number of years to ensure this essential infrastructure for the economic development of the West is progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24530/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 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.
I can confirm that €400,000 has been allocated for the N17 Knock to Collooney 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. The scheme remains part of the NDP and will be considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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.
