Tuesday, 28 Nov 2023

Written Answers Nos. 122-145

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Ceisteanna (122)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

122. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 28 September 2023, if he has reverted to the Local Government Management Agency with feedback on the draft Codes of Practice and Data Protection Impact Assessments in order to permit local authorities to install CCTV cameras in the vicinity of bottle banks and other waste collection locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52274/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I refer to the reply to Question No. [50597/23] of 21st November 2023. The position is unchanged.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (123)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

123. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can address the issue raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52275/23]

Awaiting reply from Department

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (124, 126)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

124. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a comprehensive list of energy-generating stations in Ireland that are scheduled for closure; their closure timeline; including stations, if any, that have already closed or decommissioned; the fuel source serving each respective station; their respective energy-generating capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52277/23]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

126. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a detailed breakdown of the entire infrastructure present at energy stations that are current, decommissioned and scheduled for closure; the types of facilities, equipment, and technologies employed in energy generation, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52279/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 126 together.

The All-Island Generation Capacity Statement (GCS) is an annual report from EirGrid (Transmission System Operator) examining the likely balance between electricity demand and supply for the next 10 years. The GCS includes comprehensive information on energy generation capacities and infrastructure in Ireland. The GCS also includes a table of all the dispatchable generation capacity in Ireland, and documents information on known plant closures. 

The GCS 2022-2031 report, which is published on EirGrids website, noted the following information on plants that were potentially at risk of closure in the near future:

Plant	Capacity	Fuel	Information noted in GCS 2022-2031
Aghada (AT1)	90MW	Distillate Oil	Scheduled to close by end 2023
Tarbert	592 MW	Heavy Fuel Oil	Unit has been placed on outage until Dec 2023. Scheduled to close thereafter
Moneypoint	820MW	Coal	Modelled as not available from October  2024
Edenderry	118MW	Peat	Will now run exclusively on biomass from Jan 2024

As part of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities Security of Supply Programme, plans have been put in place to extend the operating life of a number of older generation plants for a temporary period under the "retain existing units" workstream until new capacity has been delivered to replace them through the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism.

The GCS 2023-2032 is expected to be published by EirGrid in the coming weeks with an updated assessment of the balance between electricity generation capacity and demand and as above with updated information in relation to anticipated closures.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (125)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

125. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide the mapped locations and acreage around power stations scheduled for closure, decommissioned, and active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52278/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The All-Island Generation Capacity Statement (GCS) is an annual report from EirGrid (Transmission System Operator) examining the likely balance between electricity demand and supply for the next 10 years. The GCS includes comprehensive information on energy generation capacities and infrastructure in Ireland. The GCS also includes a table of all the dispatchable generation capacity in Ireland, and documents information on known plant closures. 

The GCS 2022-2031 report, which is published on EirGrids website, noted the following information on plants that were potentially at risk of closure in the near future:

Plant	Capacity	Fuel	Information noted in GCS 2022-2031
Aghada (AT1)	90MW	Distillate Oil	Scheduled to close by end 2023
Tarbert	592 MW	Heavy Fuel Oil	Unit has been placed on outage until Dec 2023. Scheduled to close thereafter
Moneypoint	820MW	Coal	Modelled as not available from October  2024
Edenderry	118MW	Peat	Will now run exclusively on biomass from Jan 2024

As part of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities Security of Supply Programme, plans have been put in place to extend the operating life of a number of older generation plants for a temporary period under the "retain existing units" workstream until new capacity has been delivered to replace them through the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism.

The GCS 2023-2032 is expected to be published by EirGrid in the coming weeks with an updated assessment of the balance between electricity generation capacity and demand and as above with updated information in relation to anticipated closures.

The acreage and status of power stations are a matter for the relevant electricity generation companies and developers.

Question No. 126 answered with Question No. 124.

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (127)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

127. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications for funding from the Climate Action Fund since the beginning of 2020; the nature of these applications; which of the applications were granted funding from the CAF, if any organisations at all received funding from the CAF; what proportion of these organisations were private sector and what proportion represented the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52286/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action Fund (CAF) was established on a statutory basis, with effect  from 1 August 2020,  on the commencement of the National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) Act, 2020 (the Act). A key objective of the Fund is to provide support for projects, initiatives and research that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets, and for projects and initiatives in regions of the State, and within sectors of the economy, impacted by the transition to a low carbon economy. Applications that are approved for funding must fall under allowable expenditure as provided in section 37B of the Act.

The projects that have been approved for funding through the Climate Action Fund are set out below. 

• The first call for applications in 2018 received 97 applications and approved seven projects to move to validation stage, 5 of these projects are in delivery with another expected to move to delivery this year.  Four of these projects have received funding amounting to €6.3 million. Six out of seven of the approved projects would be considered public sector.

• Climate Action Fund LIFE Programme 2021 Co-financing Grant Scheme received eight applications.  Seven of these were approved pending success under the EU LIFE Programme 2021. Only one was successful. A further two projects were selected to receive co-funding under the EU LIFE 2020 European Green Deal, and drawdowns are expected for all 3 projects before the end of the year. All three grantees are private sector.

• 166 applications were received for Creative Climate Action phase 1. 14 were approved for co-funding with Creative Ireland and they have received €1 million from the CAF. It is difficult to assign public or private to these projects as they contain multiple partnerships with both. 40 projects have been successful for Creative Climate Action phase 2, and these have not yet drawdown funding from the CAF.

• The Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) strand 2 is managed on behalf of my Department by Pobal. Phase 1 received 72 applications for funding, 18 were approved, one dropped out and two additional were approved from a reserve list. To date the CAF has paid €2.2 million towards these projects. This programme also includes partnerships of both public and private sector organisations.

• Additionally the CAF funds the Bord na Mona  Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme, which has received €34.2 million to date with further claims expected this year. 

• In addition to the above, applications are expected to open for the  Community Climate Action Programme CCAP strand 1 in December. Under the first phase of this programme, funding of €24 million will be provided to Local Authorities to support and build low carbon communities across the country.

Energy Prices

Ceisteanna (128)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

128. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress towards a solution to the problem of high energy prices at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52287/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

At the request of the District Heating Steering Group, a research project was initiated to assess the viability of retrofitting an existing communal heating system with a shallow geothermal energy source. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland commissioned an independent consultancy to undertake this research.  The report has now been published and us available here: www.seai.ie/news-and-media/communal-heating-systems/. 

The Report contains recommendations in relation to heat network efficiency, and options for low-carbon heat alternatives, including costs of installation and operation.  It is important to note that the scheme in question is privately owned and managed, and implementation of any of the recommendations would be a matter for the relevant parties to decide upon.

More generally, recent trends have seen reductions in the price of both wholesale gas and electricity and a number of energy providers have announced price reductions.  In terms of supports, Budget 2024 has included measures to assist people in meeting their energy bills, including the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme III. Under the Scheme domestic electricity customers will receive a credit of €412.83 (exclusive of VAT) on their bills; the credit will be made in three separate payments. A Submeter Support Scheme is also being introduced to ensure the payment will be applied to supplier submeter accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters.  This will provide equivalent support for approx. 5,000 additional households.

Broadband Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (129)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

129. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated date for the roll-out of fibre broadband to (details supplied). [52563/23]

Awaiting reply from Department

Electricity Supply Board

Ceisteanna (130)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

130. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what engagement his Department has had with the ESB with regard to the purchase of coal from the Cerrejón mine in Colombia, in particular with regard to the human rights and environmental issues associated with the mine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52573/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The procurement of fuels for ESB power stations is an operational matter for ESB.

The Department of Foreign Affairs officials in Dublin and the Irish Embassy in Bogota monitor the human rights situation in La Guajira region and remain in contact with the ESB on the issue.

I understand that ESB remains a member of Bettercoal whose mission is to promote continuous improvement in mining and sourcing coal for the benefit of all the people affected by the industry. ESB have advised my Department that "Bettercoal, through the Colombia Working Groups, has had frequent communications with Cerrejón and other Colombian producers where the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) is discussed along with other issues that are brought to the attention of Bettercoal and its individual members regarding plant operations and its effect on local communities."

I have asked ESB to contact the Deputy directly to provide an update on this matter.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (131)

John Brady

Ceist:

131. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are personnel in his Department who could be classified as having a significant or exclusive focus of their role dedicated to dealing with integration; if so, to detail the title of the post; the grade level of that post; the core functions of that role; to provide details of the exact nature of their responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51820/23]

Awaiting reply from Department

Freedom of Information

Ceisteanna (132)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

132. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023; the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51968/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

The total number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to my Department in the years 2022 and 2023 to date and the total number of requests refused are set out in the table below:

	2022	2023 to date*
No. of FOI requests submitted to my Department	131	146
No. of FOI requests refused in their entirety	40	48

Refusals were as a result of no records existing, or requests being invalid, pre-dating the legislation, or being subject to an exemption under the FOI Act.

Official Travel

Ceisteanna (133)

Matt Shanahan

Ceist:

133. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence in relation to the announcement of the Government intention to purchase a new Government jet capable of 3,500 miles range, if he will outline the number of approved entities on the requisite tenders short list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51997/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

The Department of Defence is proceeding with a tender competition to acquire a new mid-sized jet aircraft for Ministerial Air Transport, to be procured under the Defence and Security Directive 81/2009 and in compliance with the Public Spending Code.

As the competitive bidding process has commenced with the publication of a contract notice on Friday 17th  November 2023 on the Official Journal of the European Union platform no short-list of approved entities has been compiled at this stage of the tender process. It should be noted that Public Service bodies are obliged to treat all tenders as confidential during the currency of a tender competition.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (134)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

134. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department is aware of a former Irish Army soldier (details supplied) with fourteen years' service who has no Army medical records and has informed this Deputy that their medical records were destroyed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52007/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I am advised that the Defence Forces, as a matter of policy, retain all medical record files.  I can confirm that the medical record files of the former member referred to, are securely stored and have previously been provided to his civilian General Practitioner.

I understand the individual in question discharged from the Defence Forces in 1989 at their own request, having completed 12 years’ service. Since then, at his request, my Department has engaged on a number of issues. One such issue surrounds a search carried out to ascertain the whereabouts of a small number of documents from his medical records that were provided in relation to a hearing loss claim that is now concluded, namely;

• AF 14 (Medical Examination sheet) from 11th February 1977 and

• AF 332A (Report on medical examination of member prior to discharge) from 20th March 1989.

I understand that extensive searches were conducted for the documents sought by the former member.

Despite numerous searches, including liaison with the Office of the Chief State Solicitor, it has unfortunately, not been possible to locate these documents. The unsuccessful efforts to locate copies of these two medical documents have been explained in correspondence with the individual.

Departmental Advertising

Ceisteanna (135)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

135. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total costs incurred by his Department arising from the placing of advertisements with the national broadcaster, RTÉ, in any format, for each of the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52159/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I wish to advise the Deputy the Office of Emergency Planning in the Department of Defence conducts two public information campaigns annually.

Each campaign delivers a ‘whole of Government’ approach to increasing societal resilience by providing information to communities, businesses and households on how to plan and prepare for the seasonal challenges.

Core to these campaign is the message to be prepared, stay safe and know where to find help if needed.

The Office of Emergency planning amplifies these campaigns using traditional and social media.

The Office of Emergency Planning spent the following, inclusive of VAT, on radio ads with RTE since 2016. The following table gives a breakdown of advertisement spend broken down across year and purpose.

Year	Purpose	Allocated to RTE Radio 1
2016	Be Winter Ready radio ads	€9,284.04
2017	Be Winter Ready radio ads	€9,284.04
2018	Be Winter Ready radio ads	€9,284.04
2019	Be Winter Ready radio ads	€9,850.92
2020	Be Winter Ready radio ads	€9,981.47
2021	Be Winter Ready radio ads	€10,480.67
2022	Be Winter Ready radio ads	€11,202.25
2023	Be Winter Ready radio ads	€12,882.59

The total expenditure was €82,250.02

Departmental Communications

Ceisteanna (136)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

136. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if her Department, or any body under the aegis of her Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue by organisations (details supplied) from 2020 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52186/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

My Department, or any body under the aegis of my Department, has not facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issues with the organisations referred to by the Deputy from 2020 to date.

Air Corps

Ceisteanna (137)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

137. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans for the items displayed in the Irish Air Corps museum in Baldonnel, which is due to close in December 2023; and if there are any plans to build a new hangar to house the same. [52397/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out an ambitious programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027 across the entire spectrum of military activities. In relation to Baldonnel, major capital works projects to the value of some €17m are currently being developed for the Aerodrome, including the relocation of St Bricin's Military Medical Facility to Casement Aerodrome; Hangar 3 enhancement works, and the refurbishment of the Main Technical Stores.

To support this investment, I am informed that the current museum facility will be repurposed in the coming months to house the expanding Air Corps fleet. It is intended that some of the museum exhibits will be stored in a temporary facility on the base, while others will be loaned out to the Shannon Aviation Museum; which already houses a display of material provided by the Air Corps.

Finally, the IDP is kept under periodic review by my officials together with the Defence Forces and any prospective capital project would need to be considered in the context of existing and competing military operational demands.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (138, 188)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

138. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV charger points in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52589/23]

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

188. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to list the number of EV Charger points in counties across the country, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52577/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 188 together.

The 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, enroute charging for long journeys and workplace charging.

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerates 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.

Destination Charging is a strong priority for ZEVI. In addition to a general scheme, a number of bespoke schemes are also in advanced stages of development and delivery, including:

• A shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers

• An EU Just transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers

These circa 300 sites, in addition to those under other destination schemes currently planned will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.

I launched The National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan in September. This is the first element of the National EV Charging Network Plan which, will cover all publicly accessible EV charging in the country.

The National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan and associated initiatives will drive the delivery of charging infrastructure on the National Road Network. The Plan sets out ambitious targets for the level and coverage needed for En-Route charging on our national roads network. We are already seeing significant increased capacity of EV charging on our national roads, and this plan provides additional reassurance and certainty for EV drivers and those thinking of making the switch to EVs that they will be able to find high powered, fast and convenient EV charge-points where and when they need them.

The Plan sets out a provision of EV charging that will be ahead of demand and meet European requirements for charging electric cars, LGVs and HGVs by 2025 and 2030. The implementation of this Plan through enhanced grid connections, funding interventions and enabling measures will remove barriers and accelerate the delivery of high-powered EV charging.

Additionally, ZEVI has been engaging extensively with Local Authorities to develop their EV Infrastructure Strategies for Destination and Residential neighbourhood chargers. Local Authorities as part of their strategy development and implementation planning will identify locations and optimum sites where these types of chargers are required. ZEVI is currently engaging with Local Authorities and looking at potential direct multi annual funding options for Local Authorities to install both Destination and Local neighbourhood Charging Projects. It is anticipated that Phase 1 projects will commence roll out in 2024.

As of July 2023, there were approximately 2,100 charge points in Ireland of which 441 were fast or ultra-fast recharging points. The Department of Transport does not at present maintain counts of available public EV charging stations, but ZEVI are developing a Data Strategy which, when implemented, will give the Department full visibility on this. The system will enable the collection of data from charge-points in near real time, and provide it on an Open Data basis. The obligation on charge-point operators and owners to share this data is legislated for in the EU Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation. This data system is expected to be in place by April 2025.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (139)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

139. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding the N22 road improvement project between Farranfore and Killarney; the up-to-date timeline for the finalisation of the preferred route; the estimated total cost; and the estimated completion date for the project [51840/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. 

I can confirm that €100,000 was allocated for the N22 Farranfore to Killarney scheme in 2023. The funding for this scheme, as with all schemes in the NDP will be kept under review and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII in 2024. The allocations for 2024 are expected to be announced by the end of the year.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (140)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

140. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding the construction of the south Kerry Greenway; the up-to-date timeline for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51841/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Greenways. Funding is administered through the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)  who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.

Noting the role of the TII in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (141)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

141. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding the Tralee northern relief road; the up-to-date timeline for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51842/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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 Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. 

The Tralee Northern Relief Road is one of a limited number of strategic regional and local road improvement schemes being undertaken under the National Development Plan. Implementation of the project is the responsibility of Kerry County Council. 

My understanding is that Kerry County Council are progressing a number of advance works for Phase A of the Tralee Northern Relief Road Scheme, including the substantial completion of works on the Big River Bridge and ancillary roads. I am also given to understand that Kerry County Council are preparing contract documents to progress the tender for the remaining mainline works with a view to appointing a contractor and advancing works in 2024.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (142)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

142. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding the construction of the Listowel bypass; the up-to-date timeline for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51843/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. 

However, I can confirm that €22,000,000 has been allocated for the Listowel Bypass scheme in 2023. The funding for this scheme, as with all schemes, will be kept under review and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII in 2024. The allocations for 2024 are expected to be announced by the end of the year.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Greenways Provision

Ceisteanna (143)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

143. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding plans to link the Tralee to Fenit greenway with the Listowel to Limerick greenway via Ardfert, Abbeydorney and Lixnaw; the up-to-date timeline for the completion of the project; if a segregated cycle lane spur to Ardfert village/Banna beach will be included in the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51844/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Greenways. Funding is administered through the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)  who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.

Noting the role of the TII in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (144)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

144. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the anticipated amount of capital underspend in his Department for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51845/23]

Awaiting reply from Department

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (145)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

145. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he or officials in his Department have received a request from the Department of Rural and Community Development to contribute financially to the LIS scheme; if so, his response to the requests to date; if he will provide an up-to-date response on whether he will contribute to the scheme; if he will state what €30 million would represent as a percentage of his Department's overall capital budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51846/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

My understanding is no recent requests has been received from the Department of Rural and Community Development regarding financial contributions towards the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) programme.

The Local Government Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for the LIS, allowing funding to be provided to local authorities for the construction and improvement of non-public roads which meet certain criteria. It is important to highlight that the maintenance of non-public roads is the responsibility of the relevant landowners; local authorities only have statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of public roads (in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993). Works on these public roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road Grants. 

My department has not provided dedicated funding towards the LIS programme since 2012. Between 2013 to 2017, local authorities were permitted discretion to use a proportion of their Discretionary Road Grant for the LIS programme if they chose to do so. In September 2017, the Minister for Rural and Community Development reintroduced a dedicated funding stream for the LIS. Considering the significant funding support being provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the need to direct limited resources into maintaining and renewing public roads, it was decided that Discretionary Grants would no longer support LIS programmes. This remains the position. Maintenance and improvement of public roads is essential to ensure a safe network with a high level of service and social/economic connectivity.

In relation to the Deputy’s query regarding my department’s capital budget, €30 million would represent c.1.14% of the overall capital budget in 2023. As the Deputy is aware this capital budget funds an array of projects across the country in the areas of active travel, public transport, roads, aviation, maritime, climate change etc.