Written Answers Nos. 202-216
202. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle charging points at each Irish Rail train station car park nationwide; if this number will be further increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29157/23]
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 operation of public transport.
The issue of the number of electric vehicle charging points at each Irish Rail train station's car park nationwide is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
203. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to link Portlaoise and Carlow on a more direct basis on the rail network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29158/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that Portlaoise and Carlow are both situated on the inter-urban rail network with rail connections between both towns currently possible through interchange, usually via Kildare town. The fact is the two towns are situated on different parts of the network with Portlaoise on the Dublin-Cork line and Carlow on the Dublin-Waterford line. I would also note that interchange is a normal feature of many rail networks although obviously its convenience is enhanced by issues such as service frequency etc.
The Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This includes the role of rail freight. The Review will also consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing or future potential corridors of the network, and that scope will include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and it is expected that a draft will be published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July. Following the SEA process and finalisation of the report, it is expected that it will be submitted for the approval of the Minister for Transport and Government in the autumn, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers in the NI Executive, approval will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time.
It is expected that the final Review will be published in the autumn of 2023.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for rail. The operation and maintenance of the rail network, including services on the network, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a direct response on the issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
204. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport why there has been an increase from €5 to €20 in the credit that needs to be on an EV deposit card before charging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29214/23]
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.
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.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
In January, 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.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
All public charge points in Ireland are managed and operated by commercial EV Charge point Operators. Some Charge point Operators require a minimum balance to be held on an EV deposit card in order for customers to charge. ESB ecars have amended their minimum account balance required to start a charge from 15 June. This is in response to a number of changes in customer charging behaviour, increases in EV battery size and the increase in energy costs.
Queries relating to public charge point payments is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. In this case, queries should be directed to ESB eCars.
205. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the reason a service (details supplied) is being withdrawn; and if this decision will be reversed. [29225/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to Bus Éireann Route 243, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
206. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport how much of the 40.8 ha of port lands described in appendix 1 of the Dublin Port Company's franchise policy, published in May 2014, as being used for non-core activities is still being used for non-core activities; if any of this land is now being used for core activities; if so, if he will make a statement on what these core activities are and their location in relation to the maps outlined in appendix 1 of the Dublin Port Company's franchise policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29227/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy refers to Dublin Port Company's Franchise Policy, published in May 2014, and lands described in Appendix 1 of that document.
The Deputy may be aware, that since 2014 the Company undertook a review of their master plan in 2018. This is publicly available and sets out the Company's options for each parcel of land within the Dublin Port Estate. In preparation for Brexit some further lands have been provided to the State agencies for necessary revenue and SPS inspection facilities. Dublin Port Company has also recently held a public consultation with regards to it's 3FM project and I have written to the port company to express my views with regard to the sustainable use of port lands.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for national ports policy in Ireland, however, I am not involved in the day to day operations of the port companies. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Dublin Port Company for a comprehensive direct reply with regard to the specific lands in question.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
207. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29355/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Driving Test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred the specific part of the question 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.
On the broader subject of driver testing waiting times, I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working closely with the Authority on addressing this issue.
The service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which is up 28% on 2021 figures.
The RSA reviewed the capacity of the service to meet demand and following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
It is expected that once these additional 75 driver testers are recruited, trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will start to reduce from October 2023 and agreed service levels should resume by early to mid-2024. The additional testers will be assigned to fill current vacancies and otherwise allocated to centres with the highest demand for tests. The recruitment process is currently under way.
208. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29360/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test service. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
I believe the RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process, consequently I understand that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first.
Urgent tests are only available to applicants who are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services where the candidate would need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work). Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs
209. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the frequency with which the help and emergency push-button system on train stations' platforms are tested to ensure that the help or emergency buttons are in full working order. [29427/23]
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 regarding the frequency with which the help and emergency push-button system on train stations' platforms are tested is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
210. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if the new DART and commuter rail carriages coming on board in the next few years will have automatic retractable ramps covering fully the gap between station platform and train carriages at all stations where these new carriages will be in use; and if not, if Iarnród Éireann will carry out the necessary improvements needed at the stations to ensure that the retractable ramps covers the whole gap between the platform and train carriages. [29428/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the purchase of rolling stock for the DART+ programme and commuter rail carriages.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport to confirm whether employees will be protected under European worker's rights legislation and whether TUPE will apply to the employees of CHC Ireland currently operating the search-and-rescue helicopter service on behalf of his Department and the Irish Coast Guard when Bristow takes over the running of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29443/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs legal proceedings have been issued by CHC Ireland DAC, it is not appropriate for me to make any comment at this time in relation to the next IRCG SAR Aviation contract.
212. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the pathfinder projects for Limerick city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29453/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure. While I am not involved in the day-to-day operations or the management of related schemes and projects, two projects in Limerick - the Limerick City University Connectivity project, and the Moyross Train Station project - were selected to be part of a Pathfinder Programme. The Programme, which is monitored by my department, consists of a diverse range of projects that have the capacity to showcase the multiple benefits of sustainable mobility in a relatively short period - all projects will be completed by 2025.
In broad terms, the Limerick City University Connectivity project aims to create sustainable connectivity options between the city and the large residential area of Corbally and Dublin Road, University of Limerick and the large employer campus at the National Technology Park, and further onto residential areas of Castletroy and Monaleen.
The Moyross Train Station will deliver a new train station in a growing area of suburban Limerick and is a key element of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The acceleration of this project, which is funded by the NTA, will provide tangible benefits to the local area and will facilitate a significant modal shift to more sustainable modes of travel.
As both projects fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA) working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
213. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will stop toll increases due on 1 July 2023 (details supplied) given that there has not been an increase in toll charges for cars with tags for ten years and the €344 million in toll revenue in 2022; if he agrees that these increases should not be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29457/23]
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, the setting of tolls is a statutory function of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). As such, there is no formal consultative role for me as Minister in relation to tolls.
The "maximum toll" for each tolled scheme is set in accordance with the relevant scheme bye-laws, based on inflation. In the twelve month period used to calculate maximum tolls for 2023, inflation was obviously a significant issue. That was at the heart of the toll increases which were announced for the M50 and the eight PPP schemes in late 2022. Following this announcement, I directed that Departmental officials engage with TII to develop options that might allow for the suspension of the planned toll increases.
Following this direction, TII commenced engagement with all eight PPP companies and the suspension of these increases was agreed upon for a six month period until the end of June 2023. As this six-month period is coming to an end, the planned toll increases will come into effect in July 2023.
214. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the implementation of circular 25/2016 by each State body under the aegis of his Department; and if he will provide, in tabular form, by State agency, the compliance with each of the standards and timelines set out in responding to Oireachtas Members’ queries. [29485/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 12 commercial bodies and 6 non-commercial bodies under the aegis of the Department of Transport, governed by the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016. My department has a dedicated governance division which oversees compliance with the Code, including appropriate circulars relating to agencies. All circulars are distributed to our agencies once received.
I can confirm to the deputy that my department actively engages with its agencies on compliance with the Code and its circulars and that the Performance Delivery Agreements of our non-commercial agencies specifically outlines the requirement to comply with circular 25/2016.
The department will follow up with any agency who had a negative response to the requirements listed below.
Information in tabular form outlining the implementation of circular 25/2016 across my department’s agencies is summarised below.
COMMERCIAL BODIES
|
BODY |
Dedicated email address for Oireachtas members (Y/N) |
Formal feedback process for Oireachtas members (Y/N) |
Query acknowledgement within 3 working days (Y/N) |
Reply within 15 working days (Y/N) |
Designation of responsible person (Y/N) |
|
Coras Iompair Éireann |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bus Átha Cliath |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bus Éireann |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Iarnród Éireann |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
AirNav Ireland |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Dublin Port Company |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Port of Cork Company |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Port of Waterford Company |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Shannon Foynes Port Company |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
daa plc |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
The Shannon Airport Group |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
NON-COMMERCIAL BODIES
|
BODY |
Dedicated email address for Oireachtas members (Y/N) |
Formal feedback process for Oireachtas members (Y/N) |
Query acknowledgement within 3 working days (Y/N) |
Reply within 15 working days (Y/N) |
Designation of responsible person (Y/N) |
|
Commission for Railway Regulation |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Marine Casualty Investigation Board |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Medical Bureau of Road Safety |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
National Transport Authority |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Road Safety Authority |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Transport Infrastructure Ireland |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
215. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when the E spine of BusConnects Dublin will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29495/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra217. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when the N2 route of Dublin BusConnects will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29497/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra218. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when the 19, 23 and 24 routes of Dublin BusConnects will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29498/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 215, 217 and 218 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.
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 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.
216. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when the F spine of BusConnects Dublin will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29496/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.
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 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.
