Written Answers Nos. 181-197
181. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to provide an outline of the expected cost to the Irish taxpayer for the State to fund 50% of the A5 motorway upgrade; and to outline engagements he has had on this matter. [32604/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the authorities in Northern Ireland.
The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 have been governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start, and under this Agreement the Government is committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded. Provision of £25 million sterling is being made by my Department in 2023 for funding the scheme, should this be required.
The Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland estimates the total scheme cost for the A5 project is £1.6billion with completion expected by 2032/2033 and the largest funding demands over the 2025 to 2028 period. The Department for Infrastructure expects to have the report of the Public Inquiry by year end and possibly sooner. The Department for Infrastructure has informed the Department of Transport that construction of the Main Works is currently planned to start in April or May of 2024 with the commencement of Section 1 from Newbuildings to Strabane. However, this is subject to a number of conditions being met, including a positive outcome from the report of the recently concluded Public Inquiry, completion of the Statutory Orders and agreement of a Target Cost with the contractor. If there is a further legal challenge the start dates will likely be revisited.
Officials in my Department engage regularly with the Senior Officials Group on North/South Infrastructure and Investment to facilitate discussion between the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive on the implementation of relevant commitments.
The purpose of the group is to drive implementation of North/South infrastructure and investment commitments set out in the framework of New Decade, New Approach .
182. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for a breakdown of the cost for the Blessington Greenway Project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32814/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Transport has responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The Blessington Greenway project is in Phase 4 (Statutory Processes) of a defined 8 stage process for progressing a Greenway. €544,478 has been incurred by Wicklow County Council in related expenditure from 2019 – 2022. In 2023, €1.8 million has been allocated by TII to Wicklow County Council in relation to the Blessington Greenway, €323,930 has been recorded in expenditure to the end of May 2023.
Costs incurred to date relate to pre-construction costs involved in developing the Greenway, including but not limited to design and feasibility reports and environmental evaluations.
If the Deputy has any further questions relating to the Blessington Greenway, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
183. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently engage with Louth County Council and Meath County Council to investigate whether any additional funds can be provided to fund a temporary dolly bridge at the site of the Obelisk Bridge in Drogheda, given the expected closure dates of this key transport link outline a ten-month closure timeline and its key position adjacent to one of the areas key tourism sites in Oldbridge House and Gardens; if any option could be considered that would allow the temporary cessation of toll charges for local residents on the M1 to alleviate what will be additional congestion pressures in an already over-congested town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32026/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra184. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32044/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra185. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised with respect to the imminent closure of a transport link in Oldbridge, Drogheda, which is essential for bridge refurbishment works; if he will examine whether any supports can be put in place with regard to a dolly bridge or slip toll reductions for residents affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32050/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra187. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that works being carried out on the historic Obelisk Bridge at Oldbridge, County Meath will see the bridge close from 1 August 2023 for one year; if he is aware that the closure of this bridge/route from the north to the south of Drogheda will force motorists to use the toll bridge on Donore Road, Drogheda; if he will engage with CRG to lift the toll for the duration of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32111/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra191. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will put in place a free electronic toll pass for residents within a 10km radius of Obelisk Bridge in east Meath for the duration of the closure of the Obelisk Bridge which will seriously discommode those living in the area and trying to cross the river Boyne for school, work, shopping, church and social reasons. [32196/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 183, 184, 185, 187 and 191 together.
The 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 Department has provided funding to Louth County Council for essential rehabilitation works of the Obelisk Bridge in Drogheda. Implementation of the project and the associated traffic management measures are the responsibility of the Council.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to national roads. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects on national roads are a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority. More specifically, the statutory powers to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).
186. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on what measures he has undertaken to ensure that Ireland meets the mandatory quote of 5.5% renewable fuel of non-biological origin use in the transport sector by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32106/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) was agreed by Member States on the 16 June and will now go to a plenary vote in the European Parliament later this year.
Within the agreement there is a proposed new binding combined target for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) and advanced biofuels and biogas (i.e., that are produced from the feedstock listed in Part A of Annex IX of the EU Renewable Energy Directive) at a level of 5.5% by 2030, with a binding minimum share of RFNBOs in transport of 1% by 2030. These targets will not be mandatory until the European Parliament has voted in favour of the agreed text between the Member States.
Supporting the supply of renewable energy in transport, the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy sets out the pathway to the achievement of both Climate Action Plan targets and European obligations concerning sustainability and GHG reduction criteria. The policy since 2010 has been to increase renewable energy in transport by pursuing progressive increases in the renewable transport fuel supply obligation (RTFO) on fuel suppliers, as provided for under Part 5A of the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007.
I published the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy Statement 2023-2025 on 28 June. The Policy Statement sets out updated rates for renewable transport fuels over the next two years and outlines the steps that have to be taken to achieve these proposed rates, in line with European requirements and national climate action objectives.
I made regulations on the 31 March 2023 to authorise the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) to issue additional Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) certificates for specified renewable transport fuels, where those fuels are used for specific purposes or means of transport, to incentivise their supply. The regulations became operational from 1 April, aligned to the administrative requirements of the RTFO. This included additional certificates for renewable fuel of non-biological origin such as Green Hydrogen and other advanced renewable transport fuel such as biomethane.
Renewable hydrogen has been identified as one of several technologies with the potential to decarbonise hard-to-abate transport sectors. Transport sub-sectors identified as potential renewable hydrogen off-takers include the long-haul road transport hydrogen fuel cell vehicles where there is an advantage over electrification, and in the production of future e-fuels for the maritime and aviation sectors.
The National Hydrogen Strategy to be published by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications will outline the pathways towards the production of green hydrogen, and its use in Ireland’s energy mix. The strategy is currently under review by government and publication is expected in the coming weeks.
188. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Bus Éireann regarding an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32128/23]
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 209 bus route is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. 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.
189. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if a preferred corridor or route for the N22 Macroom to Ovens has been identified by TII; if information on the most specific current proposed route will be provided; when this route selection took place; if it is open to review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32162/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
190. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of times his predecessor (details supplied) met with or corresponded with the Director General of RTÉ while he was in office; and the dates upon which such meetings or correspondences took place. [32167/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that there are no records of Mr Ross meeting with the Director General of RTÉ while in office in his capacity as the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport.
192. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport how much glyphosate was used by TII and its servants or agents in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32210/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and maintenance of 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.
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.
193. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking in response to the absence of an increased in pension payments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32234/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.As of end December 2022, the Balance Sheet deficit for the two defined benefit pension schemes operated by CIÉ, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), was €396.5m. While the funding position improved during 2022, and the 1951 scheme now meets the MFS, the RWS currently does not meet the MFS and the funding level is marginal and subject to future market volatility. In relation to RWS, I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July 2022.Regarding the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. This is being considered by the Department in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputy may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months (next update due on 25 October).Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
194. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of the grants, grant-aid, low-cost borrowing and funding that his Department can provide to an association (details supplied), heading under which the grants, grant-aid, low cost borrowing and funding is provided; the maximum amount that can be accessed; and the dates on which the schemes operate. [32288/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy,
A number of GAA member clubs have applied to receive an EV charging point under the Shared Island Sports Clubs EV Charging Infrastructure Scheme, which is funded by the Department of the Taoiseach and which has a maximum value of €15 million to be distributed on an all island basis across a number of sports. This funding will be used to undertake civil and electric works at sports club sites, as well as provide charging equipment.
This scheme is still in the appraisal stage and it is not confirmed which clubs will receive an EV charge point, so the specifics of how much GAA clubs may receive cannot yet be confirmed.
The scheme launched for initial expressions of interest in January 2023 and is expected to run until Q4 2024.
195. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on all Bus Éireann services which now stop in Moate, County Westmeath, on a daily basis. [32297/23]
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 details on all Bus Éireann services which now stop in Moate, County Westmeath, on a daily basis is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.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.
196. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount that Bus Éireann spent on security equipment and personnel on its bus fleet in the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [32312/23]
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 amount that Bus Éireann spent on security equipment and personnel on its bus fleet in the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023 is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.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.
197. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the provision of a second NCT centre in County Clare; where the centre will be located; when it will be operational; to outline the reason for the delay in delivering the second centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32318/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra198. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the provision of an NCT centre in west Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32319/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the Deputy's queries 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.
