Written Answers Nos. 170-183
170. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department purchased or produced any memorabilia such as pens, stationery, pins, badges, mugs or other types of souvenirs to mark or celebrate Pride 2023; if so, the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31805/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy, my Department did not purchase or produce any memorabilia such as pens, stationery, pins, badges, mugs or other types of souvenirs to mark or celebrate Pride 2023.
171. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the main policy achievements of his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31857/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the Defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.
One of the key commitments was to establish a Commission on the Defence Forces. On the 15th December 2020, the Government approved terms of reference and the membership of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces, and their report was published on the 9th February 2022.
On the 12th July 2022, Government approval was given for a move to 'Level of Ambition 2' (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The move to LOA2 will require an additional 2,000 personnel (civil and military) over and above the current establishment of 9,500. Work has commenced on this with the 'BE MORE' recruitment campaign. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
The High Level Action Plan for the report of the Commission set out a total of 38 early actions to be completed within 6 months of the Government decision. A comprehensive written update on all 38 early actions was published on March 23rd of this year, and includes the status of each of the 38 early actions in tabular form. At that time over 80% of the early actions had been achieved. Progress continues on the remaining early actions, and to-date approximately 90% have been achieved, with the remainder at an advanced stage and due to be completed shortly.
Some specific initiatives include the immediate commencement of planning for military radar capabilities, including primary radar, the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force and the commencement of a Strategic Defence Review (SDR), work in the phase of the SDR has commenced with the preparation of a Security Environment Assessment on-going. On foot of a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces, a new Capability Development Unit has been established to take a new top-down strategic approach to Capability Development Planning.
The High Level Action Plan sets out the initial implementation and oversight structures. A High-Level Steering Board has been established, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, to oversee the implementation. An independently chaired Implementation Oversight Group has been established to monitor the implementation of the recommendations approved by Government, and met for the first time on the 3rd of October. Ms. Julie Sinnamon has been appointed as the independent chair of the Implementation Oversight Group that has been established to oversee and drive progress in relation to the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces. There have been six meetings of the Group to date, most recently on 25th of May. A civil/military Implementation Management Office (IMO) has been established to support the implementation of the overall transformation programme required to implement recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Government noted that, in light of the Commission’s report, there is an urgent need for HR and cultural transformation in the Defence Forces and this will be prioritised. The High Level Action Plan identified the recruitment, through an open process, for the new senior-level civilian positions of Head of Transformation and Head of Strategic HR for the Defence Forces as early actions required to progress this transformation. I welcome the recent apppointment of Mr. Brian Molloy to the position of Defence Forces' Head of Transformation. The competition to select the Head of Strategic HR has recently concluded and the process to appoint the successful candidate is nearing completion.
A key early action, and key output from the opening phase of the Transformation Programme, the development of a detailed implementation plan, is at an advanced stage and is expected to be published in the coming weeks.
In 2022, following the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) and the High Level Action Plan (HLAP), the finalisation of ongoing White Paper Projects, and the scheduled initiation of the majority of the future projects, has been evaluated and considered in light of the CODF. It has been agreed that the majority of the projects could be merged within the CODF project mechanisms, with small numbers either to be progressed on a standalone basis or closed.
To date, 52 are now formally completed and closed with 43 remaining of which 14 are currently active. Of the 14 active, four are in the closing process.
In March of this year, following Cabinet approval, the report of the Independent Review Group on dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published. The Government has agreed to progress, as a priority, the report’s thirteen recommendations. These include the establishment of a statutory inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in dealing with individual complaints in relation to interpersonal issues, including but not limited to sexual misconduct. Consultation with the Attorney General, on the finalisation of the terms of reference for the Inquiry is continuing, which will include consideration of the feedback received from the various stakeholders.
An organisational capability review of the Department of Defence commenced in 2021. The Review was conducted by the Organisational Capability Review team which is based in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and involved engagement with Departmental staff and key stakeholders in the policy and operational domains of the Department. The report has been published on the Department’s website and an Action plan to implement the recommendations in the review was developed and published in July 2022.
My Department continue to implement the rolling 5-year Infrastructure Plan and rolling 5-year Equipment Development Plan for the Defence Forces. In December 2022, we published an updated Infrastructure Plan for the period 2022- 2027, with over €300m in building investment planned over the next 5 years. Major equipment projects are also being progressed and delivered including the upgrade of the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers, the acquisition of Armoured Utility Vehicles for the Army, the acquisition of PC 12 and C-295 aircraft for the Air Corps and the acquisition of refitted second user Inshore Patrol Vessels and progress on the new Multi Role Vessel (MRV) project for the Naval Service. In May 2023, the Department received delivery of two inshore patrol Vessels to the Naval Service, and this week I welcomed the arrival of the first of two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The arrival of this aircraft is an important moment for the Air Corps and a commitment delivered from the White Paper on Defence.
Recruitment and retention of personnel is a key priority for me. My Department has progressed a number of activities relating to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces, and related HR issues. The Report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) on Recruitment and Retention in the Defence Forces was published on the 4th of July 2019. The Report was accepted in full by the Government and an extensive High-Level Plan titled "Strengthening our Defence Forces” was also agreed and published on the same date.
All projects undertaken to facilitate the implementation of the recommendations of the PSPC report have now been completed, and/or are being progressed as part of normal business. A range of other initiatives have been introduced including commissioning from the ranks, the re-entry of former PDF personnel with specific skills, a sea-going commitment scheme for Naval Service Personnel, an Air Corps Service Commitment Scheme, the Naval Service Tax Credit and extending service limits for Privates, Corporals and Sergeants. A review of mandatory retirement ages in all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force is ongoing. The recently extended Building Momentum Agreement 2021-2023 provides for increases in pay for all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces of 6.5% over the lifetime of the agreement. A sub-committee of the Defence Conciliation and Arbitration Council (comprising of the Representative Associations, military and civil management) has been established to discuss, where appropriate, matters relating to implementation of the Working Time Directive. Discussions with the Defence Forces Representative Associations will continue to be undertaken through this forum as the current work evolves.
In 2023, my Department secured sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform for the extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces, on foot of a Programme for Government commitment and a Commission on the Defence Forces recommendation. A permanent Civilian Consultant Psychiatrist to the Defence Forces has been appointed and the maximum age of recruitment has increased to 29, for General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentices and certain Specialists.
In relation to legislation, the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 was enacted during 2021. The Act updates provisions in the Defence Acts relating to overseas operations and the enlistment of minors. It also provides for an enhancement of the role played by the Reserve Defence Force in support of the Permanent Defence Force, including the removal of the absolute prohibition in the Defence Acts on members of the Reserve Defence Force serving overseas. The Defence Forces (Evidence) Act 2022 was enacted during 2022. The principal purpose of this Act is to provide for members of the Military Police to take and use DNA samples and other evidence for the purposes of their investigations, including outside the jurisdiction when Defence Forces personnel are deployed overseas.
A three year implementation plan for the Civil Defence policy “Civil Defence-Towards 2030” was approved and as part of this a new Civil Defence Volunteer and Equipment Management System will go live in the coming months. This will allow for more efficient management of around 3,000 Civil Defence volunteers, their training and activities. It will also assist equipment and vehicle management. The Civil Defence Bill 2023 has recently been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas and has been forwarded to the President for signature. The purpose of the Bill is to modernise and reform the current legislative basis for the Civil Defence organisation.
With regard to international initiatives, my Departments main focus since June 2020 was Ireland’s policy input into negotiations around the establishment in March 2021 of the European Peace Facility (EPF); the new mechanism to finance Common Security and Defence Policy initiatives, and the Strategic Compass; which sets out the EU’s shared vision for Common Security and Defence Policy that was adopted in March 2022.
Since June 2020, the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) in my Department has continued to prioritise and enhance interdepartmental strategic emergency management through capacity building and knowledge sharing. This has been achieved by the publication of 4 guideline documents under the Strategic Emergency Management, National Structures and Framework suite of documents. These guideline documents were produced on the subjects of the National Emergency Coordination Group; Critical Infrastructure Resilience; Climate Adaption and; Planning and Exercising. The OEP has provided specialist training to colleagues from across the Lead Government Departments on the subject of strategic emergency management and crisis communications. Working with the Shared Island Unit of the Department of the Taoiseach, the OEP has hosted an all-island disaster risk reduction conference, bringing together policy area, academic and private sector experts in strategic emergency planning from across the island of Ireland.
My Department also published The National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2020, which identifies and assesses the likelihood and impact of key risks facing the State across a broad range of emergencies. It formed part of the EU-wide risk assessment process. Subsequently, my Department also published an Assessment of Risk Management Capabilities Report in 2021, which identified the capabilities in each of the government departments tasked with dealing with the 16 strategic risks identified in the National Risk Assessment for Ireland.
The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which I chair, convened 14 times in the reference period. In addition, a number of subgroups were held over the reporting period to deal with issues such as Critical Infrastructure Resilience, Strategic Risk Management, Emergency Communications, Public Information Campaigns, International Engagement and CBRN issues.
I am satisfied that significant progress is being made in implementing the Government’s ambitious programme for Defence and I look forward to ongoing delivery of key commitments.
172. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total advertising budget allocated by his Department and agencies in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2023, respectively; the funding provided directly to RTÉ in each year; if he has sought and secured an assurance that none of this funding was rebated via the RTÉ advertising barter account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32003/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total Miscellaneous Expenditure - Advertising budget allocated to my Department and agencies in each of the past ten years were as follows
|
A.22 MISCELLANEOUS EXPENDITURE (REV) |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
A22.2 Advertisements |
150,000 |
150,000 |
150,000 |
150,000 |
150,000 |
300,000 |
350,000 |
850,000 |
450,000 |
450,000 |
1,105,000 |
The Department makes extensive use of advertising agencies and payments for advertising are made to these agencies rather than direct to the media company. The Department’s financial records do not generally include a breakdown of the amounts paid to the advertising agencies in respect of RTE or other media companies. The Department’s financial records indicate that the only payment direct to RTE in the period was €12,300, paid in November 2013 in respect of a Winter Ready campaign on Aertel.
The Tánaiste is not aware that any of this funding was rebated via the RTÉ advertising barter account but he has asked his officials that further enquiries be made with the advertising agencies in this regard.
173. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid out to all consultancy firms for any services rendered; and the cost per contract for the year-to-date 2023, in tabular form. [31698/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see below the amount paid out to all consultancy firms for services rendered in 2023 and the cost per contract, where applicable.
|
Name of Division |
Title of Contract |
Cost per Contract |
Total |
|
Driver and Traffic Regulation |
Review of the Disabled Parking Scheme |
€81,345 (ex. VAT) |
€27,115 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Facilities Management |
Quadra Limited |
€3,690.00 |
€3,690.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Human Resources Division |
The provision of consultancy services to support the Department of Transport’s Blended Working Policy |
€134,850.00 |
€55,027.74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Press and Communications Division |
Contract with Kay McCarthy Communications Strategies for the provision of Market Research and Strategic Communications Planning |
€98,400 |
€98,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sustainable Mobility Management and Implementation |
EY Consultants - Project Management Office Setup and Support - Sustainable Mobility |
€454,979.46 |
€454,979.46 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Information Services Division |
PricewaterhouseCoopers |
€1,200,000.00 |
€341,272.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public Transport Investment and Policy Division |
Strategic Rail Review |
€949,651.53 |
€1,375,831.36 |
|
Strategic Rail Review – Strategic Environmental Assessment |
€99,500 |
€0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Road Transport – Operator Licensing and Freight Policy |
Review of the Irish Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence Programme |
€47,970.00 |
€47,970.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ZEVI |
Workstream and Organisation consultancy – EV Office (Teiku Ltd) |
€24,999 |
€13,284 paid to date |
|
Drafting of T&Cs document for sports club infrastructure scheme (Philip Lee) |
€5,000 |
€5000 paid in full |
|
|
Graphic design services for ZEVI Schemes (Outburst Design) |
€5,000 |
€5000 paid in full |
|
|
Project Management Services (ARUP) |
€359,000 (confirmed cost for H1 2023) |
No payment has been made yet |
|
|
Project Management Services (ARUP) |
€300,000 (estimated cost for H2 2023) |
No payment has been made yet |
|
|
Maritime Strategy & Governance |
Aerosurrance Ltd |
€350,000 |
€211,224.52 |
|
|
Antaris Consulting Ltd |
€250,000 |
€92,311.50 |
|
|
Bid&Tender Management Services Ltd |
€22,500 |
€23,828.18 |
|
|
Great Place to Work (Ireland) Limited |
€20,000 |
€1,230.00 |
|
|
HR Business Solutions Ltd |
Drawdown services as required |
€7,816.67 |
|
|
KPMG |
€840,000 |
€565,957.44 |
|
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
N/A |
€5,953.20 |
|
|
Ray Carroll (IRCG HIB Survey) |
N/A |
€2,644.50 |
|
|
Avigen Ltd |
€4,901.00 |
€4,901.00 |
|
|
Bureau Veritas Exploitation |
200,000 |
3,067.31 |
|
|
CHC (Ireland) Ltd |
N/A |
€58,141.17 |
174. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport the current position with regard to improvements to the Cork-Waterford route as planned under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; the timeline for the implementation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31708/23]
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 new and enhanced public transport services under Connecting Ireland, including services between Counties Cork and Waterford, 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.
175. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if additional supports are available for a person (details supplied) for their driver theory test as they require reading assistance; if so, how they can apply for these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31716/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the National Driving Test service, this includes the format and operation of the Theory Test. Neither I, nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual applications.
The Authority offers a number of options for people who require special assistance with completing their theory test. These options can be accessed via the Authority's website at www.rsa.ie and inputting Theory Test Assistance into the search bar. This service needs to be requested and booked in advance by phoning 0818 606 106, or selecting the relevant box on the application form under Support Request.
176. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any discussions have taken place within his Department in respect of the future provision of an additional road bridge to the east of the rail viaduct in Drogheda to address the major congestion experienced in Drogheda both north and south of the River Boyne; if so, if he will provide the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31754/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
The major cuts to funding for regional and local roads during the post 2008 recession resulted in the build-up of a substantial backlog of works across the country. The estimated cost of the backlog is in excess of €5 billion. Because of the pressures on the regional and local road network, approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or for road realignments.
Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
My Department has not received an application from Louth County Council regarding an additional road bridge in Drogheda.
177. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport his Department's plans to extend the age range covered by the young adult leap card scheme; if any review has taken place or is scheduled to take place to review the age range covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31766/23]
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
As the Deputy may be aware, participation in the YAC scheme was initially for 19 to 23 year olds inclusive, however, in October 2022 the YAC was further extended to include third levels students aged 16 to 18 years old.
The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures including the possible further widening of the age eligibility for the Young Adult Card (YAC) would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
178. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department purchased or produced any memorabilia such as pens, stationery, pins, badges, mugs or other types of souvenirs to mark or celebrate Pride 2023; if so, the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31819/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Department's Facilities Management Division did not purchase or produce any memorabilia or related materials to mark or celebrate Pride 2023, Pride 2023 was celebrated in the Department as one of our initiatives in terms of providing an inclusive, supportive workplace. This included highlighting on our intranet a number of relevant One Learning webinars, and working with the LGBTQI+ network to encourage attendance at the Pride parade under the banner "Proud to Work for Ireland", along with 1,100+ other civil and public servants. The LGBTQI+ Network receive up to €4,000 per annum to support their work in supporting diversity and inclusion at the Department of Transport.
179. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of journeys lost / failed to operate on the 150 Dublin Bus service as a result of driver shortages, failure to show or other reasons over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31830/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the deputy in relation to the number of journeys lost/ failed to operate on the 150 Dublin Bus service as a result of driver shortages, failure to show or other reasons over the past year is an operational matter for Dublin Bus.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
180. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the main policy achievements of his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31871/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, my department is responsible for the implementation of 54 specific commitments in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future.
Significant progress has been made in all policy areas of my department since 27 June 2020 and I believe that we are well on track to deliver on the Programme for Government commitments in all areas.
I would highlight the following key policy achievements over this period:
Climate Action Plan
• The Transport chapter of the national Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23) brings a renewed focus on the need for systemic action, at all levels of Government, to better integrate our planning and transport systems so that we can achieve the 50% emissions abatement target for the sector.
• The Department of Transport has identified 15 key ‘high impact’ work programmes under which actions have been grouped in accordance with an AVOID-SHIFT-IMPROVE framework for greater transport sustainability. These work programmes consolidate, build on and support a number of related Departmental strategies, action plans and Programme for Government commitments, outlined further below.
• The new National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) was published in April 2022 and aims to deliver at least 500,000 additional daily active travel and public transport journeys and a 10% reduction in kilometres driven by fossil-fuelled cars by 2030, in line with previous CAP21 commitments. These metrics have been superseded by updated targets in CAP23.
• Subsequent modelling undertaken for CAP23 to inform the design of a decarbonisation pathway capable of meeting the sectoral emission ceilings for transport established by Government in July 2022, suggests that an even greater level of ambition will be required, with approximately 2 MtCO2eq of emissions abatement to be achieved in 2030 through such AVOID + SHIFT measures, the Department is thereby developing a National Demand Management Strategy that will support the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, which will be aligned with the revised CAP23 targets.
• To oversee delivery of the Sustainable Mobility Policy, officials in the department established a Leadership Group. Under this Group, a Delivery Team identified 35 exemplar ‘pathfinder’ projects and initiatives to be delivered by 2025 that will champion sustainable mobility projects across the county.
• A broad variety of projects were selected ranging from national game-changing proposals like making College Green in Dublin car-free or locating a brand-new integrated public and active travel hub, with a new bridge across the Suir River in Waterford City, to smaller, creative and equally effective projects like a Bus-it-2-school project in Co. Meath or a pilot programme in Co. Leitrim to integrate local link with a hackney and community e-bike scheme.
• The Pathfinder Programme is focused on reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector, by enabling the shift to cleaner transport choices. The Pathfinder Programme will bring increased momentum to the delivery of projects at a local level, providing templates for replication and scaling up elsewhere and with a strong emphasis on experimental and innovative approaches.
• The Renewable Transport Fuel Policy sets out the pathway to the achievement of Climate Action Plan targets and European obligations as well as ensuring European sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction criteria are adhered to concerning renewable transport fuel.
• This is implemented through the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), provided for under Part 5A of the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 (as amended), which places an obligation on fuel suppliers to ensure that road transport fuel contains a proportion of renewable transport fuel. The policy’s ongoing implementation has been supported through the enactment of enabling legislation and regulations, including RTFO rates, the award of RTFO certificates to incentivise the supply of certain renewable fuels, and the implementation of E10 petrol as standard. A public information awareness campaign on the move to E10 petrol as standard in Ireland commenced earlier this year and will run until July when the regulations become operational. Following consultation, the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy Statement 2023-2025 is being finalised for publication in Q2, achieving CAP23 action TR 23/63. The policy statement will set out specific policy actions over the next two years and includes an indicative trajectory out to 2030 for the increase in the rates of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation rate, Advanced Biofuel rate and rate of reduction for high-ILUC risk feedstocks.
• Cycling and Walking
• The Programme for Government committed to cross-Government spending of around €360 million per annum for active travel measures throughout the lifetime of the Government. The majority of this funding comes from the Department of Transport and will contribute to the development of almost 1,000km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure across the country by 2025.
• In 2023, €290 million has been made available to local authorities around the country through the National Transport Authority (NTA) to progress the delivery of approximately 1,200 walking and cycling projects across Ireland. This funding constitutes a significant increase on investment levels even a few years ago, with funding of €45 million invested in Active Travel in 2019. In addition to the significant investment in Active Travel, €63 million is being invested in our Greenway network this year through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), an increase of over €40 million based on 2019 funding levels. The number of Greenways in development in Ireland has increased from 13 in 2019, to over 70 projects currently underway.
• The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published in December 2021.
• The Tralee/Fenit and Listowel/Limerick County Boundary greenways were opened in Q3 2022. The Limerick Greenway officially opened in July 2022 after months of extensive refurbishment. The Royal Canal Greenway was completed between Maynooth in Co. Kildare and Clondara in Co. Longford in 2020. Work is ongoing on the greenway bridge in Athlone (part of Galway to Dublin Greenway) which is due for completion in Q3 2023. The preferred route on the section from Athlone to Galway has been identified and is now at planning and design stage. A Design and Environmental Impact Assessment Report is expected to be completed in Q1 2025.
• Some of the other projects that were progressed in 2022 include; sections of the Grand Canal Greenway in Offaly, Kildare and South County Dublin, the Blessington Greenway in Wicklow, the Mid-Shannon Wilderness Greenway in Longford (Corlea Bog), Wicklow to Greystones Greenway and the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway.
• The following greenway projects commenced construction in 2021/2022 with completion expected in 2023: A significant stretch of the Grand Canal Greenway (specific sections include Aylmers Bridge to Sallins; Daingean to Tullamore Henesy’s Bridge to Turraun; Daingean to Edenderry and Turraun to Shannon Harbour; a section of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway; the Connemara Greenway from Clifden to Recess and Midleton to Youghal Greenway.
• Progress is also being made on the cross-border greenways. Routes 2 (Derry to Muff) and 3 (Lifford to Strabane) are completed as part of the Northwest Greenway with remaining sections due for completion by 2024. It is envisaged that the Carlingford Lough Greenway will also be competed in 2024. The Sligo Leitrim & Northern Counties (SLNCR) Greenway is at Phase 2, options selection of a defined eight phase process. In addition, approximately half of the 12 sections of the Ulster Canal Greenway are at the pre-planning stage.
• TII launched a public consultation on the development of a new National Cycle Network which was completed in Q2 2022. The plan comprises of a 3,500km network that will criss-cross the country, connecting more than 200 villages, towns and cities. The network will include cycling links to transport hubs, education centres, employment centres, leisure and tourist destinations, and support “last mile” bicycle deliveries. The National Cycle Network plan is due for publication in Q3 2023.
• A draft Cycle Network Plan for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) has been published on the National Transport Authority (NTA) website. An updated version is due for publication shortly. Cycle plans for the remaining counties outside the GDA were published for consultation as part of the NTA’s CycleConnects Plan in 2022. The finalised CycleConnects Plan will be published before the end of 2023.
• Active Travel teams are now in place in all 31 local authorities, with the number of dedicated staff for Active Travel projects increasing from 57 in January 2021 to around 240 as of 31 March 2023.
• The Safe Routes to Schools Initiative was established during 2021, with the first phase of 170 schools selected in June 2021, 167 of which remain actively engaged in the Programme. As of 31 May 2023, projects at 22 schools have been completed with all remaining schools at various stages of progress through the Programme. 108 additional schools were selected for inclusion in Round 2 of the Programme on 12 December 2022 which brought the total number of schools currently in SRTS to 275.
• My department funds the delivery of CycleRight training through Cycling Ireland. The 2022 target of 28,000 pupils was exceeded with over 30,000 students receiving training under the CycleRight Programme, and a target of 42,000 students has been set for 2023.
• Thresholds under the Cycle to Work scheme have been increased in recent budgets to allow for the purchase of e-bikes and cargo bikes or e-bikes. The latter was included in the Finance Act following Budget 2023 last September, with an allowance of up to €3,000 available for individuals to put towards the purchase of a cargo bike or cargo e-bikes.
• Transport Infrastructure
• MetroLink: A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when Cabinet granted Decision Gate (DG) 1 approval under the Public Spending Code (PSC) to MetroLink. This decision enabled the project to move to planning application stage, and on 30 September, TII submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The statutory planning consultation for the project closed on 16 January 2023. TII is currently preparing the Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy for MetroLink for consideration at Decision Gate 2 of the PSC.
• BusConnects Dublin: The programme preliminary business case and detailed project brief for next-generation ticketing were approved by Government in March 2022, at Public Spending Code Decision Gates 1 and 2 respectively. Planning applications have been submitted to An Bord Pleanála for nine of the Core Bus Corridors.
• The Network Redesign for the entire Dublin network is being rolled out over 11 phases and currently the NTA expect it to be completed by early 2025. Roll out of the plan began in 2021 with the launch of the first two phases – the H-Spine (Howth/Malahide to City Centre) in June and the C-Spine (Lucan/Celbridge to Ringsend via City Centre) in November 2021. Phase 3 was launched in May 2022. It consisted of two Northern Orbital Routes (N4 Blanchardstown to Point Village and N6 Finglas to Howth Junction). Phase 4, the G-Spine and Route 60 (Ballyfermot/Liffey Valley/Red Cow to the Docklands via city centre) was launched in October 2022. A fifth phase, Phase 5a (Western Orbitals), was launched on 25th June.
• BusConnects Galway: The Salmon Weir Bridge project has been completed and the bridge was opened to the public in May 2023. A planning application in respect of the Dublin Road scheme will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála in 2023.
• BusConnects Cork: Following an extensive public consultation process, the new network was finalised and published in June 2022. A second round of public consultation on the Preferred Route Options for the Sustainable Transport Corridors was launched on 30th March and ran until 25th May 2023. Following on from this, it is hoped to advance proposals for planning consent to An Bord Pleanála in about 18 to 24 months’ time.
• DART Expansion: Government approved the Preliminary Business Case for the overall DART+ Programme in December 2021 allowing progression of DART+ West (at Decision Gate 1) and DART+ Fleet (at Decision Gate 3).
• DART+ West: A Railway Order application for DART+ West was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on 29 July 2022, with statutory public consultation closing on 28 October 2022.
• DART+ South West: Government approved the updated Preliminary Business Case in March 2023 at Decision Gate 1. This allowed for a Railway Order application to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála on 22 March 2023.
• DART+ Fleet: Following Government approval for DART+ Fleet, an initial order was placed with Alstom in December 2021 for 95 new carriages, consisting of 30 battery-electric and 65 battery-electric carriages, with the fleet entering service in 2025. In November 2022 the Government approved an order for a further 90 new battery-electric train carriages from Alstom for delivery in 2026.
• Cork Light Rail - An engineering design team has been appointed to undertake an alignment options study and identify the optimum alignment for the proposed light rail line. It is anticipated that a draft proposal will be finalised early in 2023, which will then be the subject of a non-statutory public consultation launching in July.
• Galway Light Rail will be considered in the context of a review of the Galway Transport Strategy in 2023. Other GDA light rail proposals are being examined as part of the revised GDA Strategy.
• The N5 Westport to Turlough opened on 15 June 2023 and the N22 Macroom Bypass opened on 9 December 2022. Major national road projects under construction include the remainder of the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom project, the new Dunkettle Interchange, N69 Listowel Bypass and the N59 Moycullen Bypass. In 2023, funding was provided to TII for the progression of significant number of major projects specified in the NDP.
• In 2023, €626 million was allocated at the start of the year for investment in the regional and local road network, with about 90% directed to road maintenance and renewal and the balance for targeted road improvement schemes. Road improvement projects include the construction of the Athy Southern Distributor Road; Shannon Crossing / Killaloe Bypass/ R494 Upgrade; Tralee Northern Relief Road together with the completion of advance/emergency works and the retender of the main construction contract related to the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road. A range of regional and local road minor/safety improvement schemes are also being implemented.
• Public Transport
• The Young Adult Card was launched on Public Service Obligation (PSO) services on the 9 May 2022 enabling those aged between 19 and 23 to avail of an average 50% discount in their public transport fares. The Scheme was extended to participating commercial bus operators (CBOs) on 4 September 2022. Further, in October 2022, the Scheme was widened to include third level students aged 16 to 18.
• As part of the suite of Cost-of-Living measures, in May 2022 Government introduced a 20% average fare reduction on all Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport services.
• As part of the total funding package of €563.55m that was secured for PSO and Local Link services under Budget 2023, funding has been provided for the continuation of the Young Adult Card on both PSO and CBO services, and for the continuation of the 20% average fare discount on PSO services.
• On 27 April 2023, the NTA published its National Fares Strategy for commuter and inter-urban journeys on Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus and rail services, with exact fares determinations to be made later in the year. Under this Strategy, changes introduced in future fares determinations will reflect a more consistent, equitable approach, and one that is easier to understand for customers.
• The BusConnects G-Spine, serving areas such as Ballyfermot, Liffey Valley, Clondalkin and Islandbridge, was launched in October 2022. This follows the introduction of the H Spine in June 2021, running from Howth and Malahide to the city, the C Spine in November 2021, from Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, and Lucan, through the city to Ringsend and Sandymount, and the northern orbital routes which were introduced in May 2022.
• BusConnects Phase 5a was launched on Sunday the 25th of June. The new routes are titled W4 (the Square in Tallaght to Blanchardstown Shopping Centre), W61 (Hazelhatch Station just outside Celbridge and Maynooth Community College, stopping at Celbridge Main St., Salesian College and Maynooth Station) and W62 (Newcastle in south-west Dublin and the Square in Tallaght) and will be operated by Go-Ahead Ireland.
• A consultation report regarding the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan was published on 3 May 2022.
• Routes identified through the Connecting Ireland consultation process were prioritised to provide emergency public transport services to people fleeing the war in Ukraine and housed in rural or isolated locations to ensure better access to our local communities. This continues to be achieved through an acceleration of network improvements, including additional stops, route modifications, and more services with the aim to increase connectivity.
• Throughout 2022, Phase 1 of the Plan delivered 38 new and enhanced bus services. The revisions were implemented on routes and service serving areas in counties Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Clare, Sligo, Kildare, Offaly, Mayo and Wexford.
• In February 2023, Phase 2 of Connecting Ireland was launched, with 67 new and enhanced bus services announced for implementation across 2023.
• The Rural Transport Programme, now operating under the TFI Local Link brand, provides scheduled and demand responsive public transport services in rural areas nationwide. There has been a substantial increase in funding for TFI Local Link services going from €12 million in 2016 to over €42 million in 2023. The additional funding has enabled the introduction of 100 new Rural Regular Service routes operating at least 5 times per day over a 5,6,7 days per week schedule. They are specifically designed to ensure connectivity with other public transport services and better linkage of services between and within towns and villages.
• Regarding the commitment to establish a National Public Transport Forum, this has been incorporated into the Government's National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) published in April 2022. In line with the SMP the department convened its National Sustainable Mobility Forum in Athlone, Co. Westmeath in April 2023.
• The Forum provided stakeholders with an update on progress as well as an opportunity to feed into the development of related policy and served as a platform for wider collaborative engagement with national, regional and local stakeholders around the implementation of the Sustainable Mobility Policy.
• A report on the outcomes of the Forum, and a recording of its opening plenary session, will be made available in the coming weeks.
• Buses
• Ongoing work including commencement of preliminary design work for Core Bus Corridors in Cork and enhanced bus signal priority at signalised junctions is included in all plans for the BusConnects Dublin Core Bus Corridors and in the other cities. The procurement process for the Next Generation Ticketing project has commenced.
• No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for the PSO bus fleet since 2019. By the end of 2023, it is expected that there will be 454 low or zero-emission buses in the national bus fleet, out of a total fleet of 1,765 buses.
• Decarbonisation of Road Transport
• Electric vehicles (EVs) are a prominent mitigation measure in Ireland’s 2021 Climate Action Plan and we have set an ambitious target of nearly one million EVs on our roads by 2030. As of May 2023, there are over 91,700 EVs on our roads.
• In addition, while a national ambition has been firmly established that by 2030 all new cars and vans sold in Ireland will be zero-emission capable, EU Member States are unable to move unilaterally on the introduction of a fossil-fuelled car ban by 2030. Ireland is already a signatory to a non-paper to the European Commission requesting a phase-out date for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the EU in line with the objective of climate neutrality by 2050 as well as the introduction of a legal framework that allows Member States to move ahead by taking action at national level to incentivise early phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars and vans.
• An Implementation Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Report of the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group and consider further potential measures and barriers to the adoption of the EVs. A key recommendation of the Report was that an office be established “to co-ordinate, manage and deliver on key policy pathway actions”. Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) launched on 21 July 2022 to act as a one-stop-shop for members of the public interested in purchasing or using an EV. The office provides independent, non-sales advice and information on EVs, and supports test driving experiences as well as commissioning research and assisting in policy development.
• In the course of negotiations on proposals for revised regulations on CO2 emission limits for cars and vans under the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package, Ireland aligned with other high-ambition member states, as signatory to a joint non-paper submitted to the European Commission, which included a call for a transparent legal framework at EU level to be established that would allow Member States to take action at a national level to incentivise the early phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars and vans. While Ireland welcomes the outcome of the Council’s negotiations with the European Parliament that has set a 2035 phase-out date for the manufacture of fossil-fuelled cars and vans, modelling undertaken for our national Climate Action Plan has indicated that to meet our emissions abatement targets in the transport sector, we will need to accelerate our vehicle fleet transition, such that 100% of new car sales are electric vehicles by 2030. ZEVI supports the achievement of such EV targets, and in line with recitals set out under the agreed regulations for CO2 emissions performance standards for cars and vans (cf. Recital (31)), Department officials will continue to engage with the European Commission alongside our EU partners on the identification of options to facilitate the wider electric vehicle transition and consider the need for additional measures in line with national policies.
• A range of grants and incentives continue to be available to drivers making the switch to an EV, both privately and commercially. New incentives established since 2020 include:
• The Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme – launched in 2021 to promote the decarbonisation of the heavy-duty sector, and to assist road transport companies to transition from fossil fuels. The Scheme supports the purchase of new large vans, trucks, buses and coaches. Since the AFHDV scheme was launched in 2021, grants have been approved for 44 applications and a corresponding 180 vehicles. 15 grants have been paid out so far.
• The EV Commercial Fleet Trial - launched 21 July 2022 to afford businesses the opportunity to test an EV free of charge for a minimum period of 3 months. Its purpose is to show, through real world evidence, the benefits, savings and the suitability and viability of EVs in a commercial setting. 75 businesses have had EVs placed to date.
• The apartment charger grant - assists residents and owners of apartments and other multi-unit developments who want to install a home charger for their Electric Vehicle (EV). 33 applications have been received with 21 grant offers issued.
• In January this year, the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure was launched, 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 Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 fulfils the commitment to legislate for e-scooters and e-bikes, as well as the commitment to legislate if necessary to address anti-social use of scrambler bikes and other machines. The Act, which also addresses a wide range of other necessary matters, was signed into law by the President on 23 June 2023. Secondary legislation under the Road Traffic Acts is required to introduce e-scooters. Technical and usage regulations for e-scooters are in progress. Technical regulations are required to be notified to the EU Commission as part of the EU TRIS Process for a minimum of 12 weeks. It is anticipated that all necessary e-scooter regulations will be in place in Q4 2023.
• E-mopeds (high power e-bikes) will require registration, motor tax, insurance and a driver licence. It is expected that the administrative requirements, which may include legislation, for each of these elements will be in place by January 2024, when the e-bike provisions in the Road Traffic and Roads Act will be commenced.
• There are three measures to address misuse of scramblers. Dangerous driving, previously an offence only in a ‘public place’, will become an offence in any location. New powers will allow me to make regulations barring certain classes of vehicle from certain classes of territory, and there will be new Garda powers to seize vehicles being used dangerously.
• At the recent COP27 in Egypt, Ireland became a signatory to the Global Memorandum of Understanding on Zero Emission Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, which targets a new sales share of 30 percent for zero emission trucks and buses that are 3.5 tonnes or over by 2030.
• The 10-Year Road Haulage Strategy, published in December 2022, sets out the strategic and policy direction for the haulage and heavy goods road freight sector for the next decade. A key recommendation within the strategy was the establishment of a Road Freight Forum. The Road Freight Forum met for the first time in February 2023 with representatives from industry, Department of Transport and agencies and academics.
• The Review of the current motor taxation regime to ensure it adequately captures the harm caused by NOx (nitrogen oxide) and SOx (sulphur oxide) emissions would have to be carried out in conjunction with the Minister for Finance, who has responsibility for overall tax policy and Vehicle Registration Tax. Such a review has not commenced to date. Motor tax is currently based only on C02 for private cars registered from 2008. A NOx surcharge applies to the VRT on all private cars since 1 January 2020. CO2 and NOx emissions are detailed in the manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformity for all new vehicles. However, SOx emissions are not detailed on the Certificate or as part of the NCT. Some new means of capturing this data would be required if SOx emissions were to be used for tax purposes.
• Rail
• In Cork, Phase 1 of the Cork Commuter Rail Programme, largely funded through the EU's National Recovery and Resilience Plan, is to be completed by end-2026. This will facilitate more commuter rail services in the Cork area and the longer-term electrification of this network. Work on the overall programme is underway and the Preliminary Business Case is being developed. The frequency of a number of rail services in the Cork Metropolitan Area were doubled in July 2022, with a frequency of every 30 minutes to/from Cork-Cobh and Cork-Midleton and a frequency of every 15 minutes to/from Cork and Glounthaune.
• Relocation of Plunkett Station in Waterford is being funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (Department of Housing, Local Government and Hertitage) as part of the regeneration plans for Waterford City.
• Upgrade of Ceannt Station, included in NDP, Irish Rail have submitted its Final Business Case to the NTA. Subject to approval, Irish Rail anticipate the award of the contract in July 2023 with construction to be completed in Q1 2026.
• Oranmore Station, included in NDP: A multi-disciplinary design team has been appointed by Irish Rail. Design work for the project is at an early stage of development; however, the overall project is currently expected to complete the construction stage by Q3 of 2025.
• An All-Island Strategic Rail Review is considering inter-regional and inter-urban connectivity on the rail network out to 2050, including the potential for high-/higher speed rail and rail freight. Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage, it is expected that a draft will be published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July. It is expected that the final Review will be published in the autumn of 2023.
181. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of properties whose land is part of the proposed N11-M11 improvement scheme; whether they are in a position to apply for planning permission while the current scheme is active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31973/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for a progress update on the N11-M11 scheme; the funding that has been provided to date for the various phases of the scheme; the timeline for each of these phases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31975/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra183. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the rationale for the suspension of funding for the N11-M11 improvement scheme; whether he plans on reinstating funding in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31976/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra184. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the funding that has been allocated to date for the N11-M11 improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31977/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra186. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the reason funding has yet to be provided for sub-scheme B of the N11-M11 improvement scheme; when SS-A and SS-C were allocated funding in 2023; the impact this delay in funding will have on the provision of the overall scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31979/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 181, 182, 183, 184 and 186 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 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this project.
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.
