Written Answers Nos. 182-201
182. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the number of bus shelters currently in County Clare; his plans for future shelters, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10447/24]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
183. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport his views on the shortfall of bus shelters in County Clare; his plans to address that shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10448/24]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
184. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport his views on the number of bus shelters in County Clare with no up-to-date timetables displayed; his plans to replace them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10449/24]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
185. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport what plans his Department has in respect of signs or plaques to denote bus stops on buildings and in areas where buses stop but there is no bus shelter present in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10450/24]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
186. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if an online timetable will be updated to adequately reflect arrival and departure times (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10451/24]
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 question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éíreann. Therefore, I have referred the question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
187. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport when the Woodbrook rail station will be opened and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10477/24]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the works at Woodbrook train station.
Construction began on Woodbrook station recently and I expect that the station will open in 2025. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
188. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the total number of electric vehicles in Ireland to date in 2024; the number of electric vehicles registered annually over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10492/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details requested by the Deputy are provided in the table below. The data reflect the number of electric vehicles with a current motor tax as of 31 December each year from 2014 to 2023 and as at 29 February 2024 for the 2024 data. The data for fuel types of Diesel/Plug-In Hybrid Electric, Hybrid, Petrol/Plug-In Hybrid Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric have been aggregated into the fuel type Plug-In Hybrid to comply with statistical disclosure control rules. Statistical Disclosure Control (SDC) refers to methods that allow the dissemination of statistical information while ensuring that individuals are protected against disclosure, typically where there are very small numbers of individuals involved.
|
Fuel Type |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
DIESEL/ELECTRIC |
6 |
112 |
306 |
557 |
818 |
1,123 |
1,679 |
4,201 |
5,166 |
7,478 |
7,812 |
|
ELECTRIC |
701 |
1,251 |
1,825 |
2,913 |
4,825 |
9,120 |
13,694 |
23,333 |
39,280 |
62,484 |
66,942 |
|
PLUG-IN HYBRID |
8 |
132 |
452 |
894 |
2,831 |
6,436 |
12,497 |
24,394 |
34,298 |
47,862 |
51,426 |
|
PETROL/ELECTRIC |
9,073 |
10,809 |
14,298 |
21,119 |
32,083 |
47,560 |
61,756 |
83,411 |
107,751 |
131,144 |
138,879 |
|
Total Electric Vehicle Fleet |
9,788 |
12,304 |
16,881 |
25,483 |
40,557 |
64,239 |
89,626 |
135,339 |
186,495 |
248,968 |
265,059 |
189. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of cars and percentage of the national vehicle fleet powered by fossil fuels in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10493/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details requested by the Deputy are provided in the table below. The data reflect the number of private vehicles with a current motor tax as of 31 December 2023 and 29 February 2024 (most recent data for 2024) and are powered by a fossil fuels. Vehicles such as hybrid are included in the data below as they have the option to use fossil fuels. Vehicles not considered to be powered by fossil fuels are fully electric vehicles.
|
2023/2024 Private Vehicle Fleet Powered by Fossil Fuels under taxation as of 31-Dec-2023 and 29-Feb-2024. |
||||
|
Fuel Type |
2023 Total Number of Vehicles |
2023 % of Overall Fleet |
2024 YTD Total Number of Vehicles |
2024 YTD % of Overall Fleet |
|
DIESEL |
1,268,812 |
54.62 |
1,277,555 |
54.25 |
|
DIESEL/ELECTRIC |
6,593 |
0.28 |
6,888 |
0.29 |
|
DIESEL/PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC |
1,867 |
0.08 |
1,976 |
0.08 |
|
ETHANOL/DIESEL |
4 |
0 |
4 |
0.00 |
|
ETHANOL/PETROL |
6,491 |
0.28 |
6,453 |
0.27 |
|
OTHER |
148 |
0.01 |
147 |
0.01 |
|
PETROL |
811,818 |
34.95 |
819,536 |
34.80 |
|
PETROL & GAS |
905 |
0.04 |
881 |
0.04 |
|
PETROL/ELECTRIC |
124,149 |
5.34 |
131,643 |
5.59 |
|
PETROL/PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC |
44,358 |
1.91 |
47,704 |
2.03 |
|
Total fleet powered by Fossil Fuels |
2,265,145 |
97.51 |
2,292,787 |
97.37 |
|
Total Fleet |
2,322,875 |
2,354,746 |
||
190. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools enrolled in the safe routes to school in 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of schools waiting to be enrolled; the breakdown of the number of schools enrolled in the programme by each county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10494/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra191. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding that has been allocated to the safe routes to school programme in 2024; the number of schools that are availing of the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10495/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme with 1 school subsequently withdrawing, while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Rounds 1 and 2 will be selected for forthcoming rounds. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme is expected to be announced later this year.
A breakdown of the Round 1 and 2 schools per Local Authority can be found below.
|
Number of Schools By Local Authority |
|
|
|
Local Authority |
Round 1 |
Round 2 |
|
Carlow County Council |
4 |
3 |
|
Cavan County Council |
2 |
3 |
|
Clare County Council |
5 |
2 |
|
Cork City Council |
6 |
3 |
|
Cork County Council |
10 |
7 |
|
Donegal County Council |
5 |
5 |
|
Dublin City Council |
27 |
6 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
6 |
3 |
|
Fingal County Council |
11 |
5 |
|
Galway City Council |
4 |
3 |
|
Galway County Council |
7 |
5 |
|
Kerry County Council |
5 |
3 |
|
Kildare County Council |
5 |
5 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
5 |
3 |
|
Laois County Council |
3 |
2 |
|
Leitirm County Council |
3 |
2 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
8 |
5 |
|
Longford County Council |
2 |
2 |
|
Louth County Council |
4 |
4 |
|
Mayo County Council |
7 |
6 |
|
Meath County Council |
6 |
4 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
3 |
3 |
|
Offaly County Council |
4 |
2 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
5 |
3 |
|
Sligo County Council |
4 |
2 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
3 |
2 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
2 |
3 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
4 |
2 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
2 |
2 |
|
Wexford County Council |
4 |
3 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
3 |
5 |
|
Totals |
169 |
108 |
Noting the role of the NTA in the programme, I have referred your question relating to funding of the Programme to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
192. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport which local authorities have drawn down funding to establish active travel teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10496/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra193. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport which local authorities have active travel teams in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10497/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra194. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the 248 new posts for active travel teams in local authorities by county, in tabular form; the number that have been filled to date; the number of vacancies at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10498/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 192 to 194, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
My Department announced funding in January 2021 for up to 248 new jobs in local authorities around the country to expand walking and cycling facilities all over the country. This increase in resourcing reflects the significantly increased funding of circa €360 per annum for walking and cycling over the planned lifetime of the Government with the additional staff focused on delivering and promoting active travel in Ireland and will work across design, communication, community liaison and construction oversight. Following further demand from some local authorities, the total overall allocation was increased to 320 staff. To date, approximately 240 of these allocated staff resources had been recruited and Active Travel teams are in place in each of the 31 local authorities in Ireland.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer in relation to funding and breakdown of staffing numbers. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
195. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the amount each county council has drawn down from its allocated active travel funding in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10499/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra196. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the amount of the €290 million allocated to walking and cycling infrastructure in 2023 that has been spent; if he will provide a breakdown of where the funding has been spent to date in each county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10500/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport for a breakdown of the €290 million assigned to walking and cycling that has been allocated to each county council; if he will provide information on the amount of funding that has been spent to date in 2023 by each county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10501/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 197, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
198. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the total cost arising from the reduced 20% public transport fares to the public and the reduced 50% public transport to students and young people under 24 years of age nationwide; if he is considering making the reduction permanent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10502/24]
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.
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.
199. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport when the Kishogue rail station will be opened and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10521/24]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the works at Kishogue train station.
My understanding is that Kishogue train station will open this year. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
200. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport when the Moyross rail station will be opened and operational in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10596/24]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the works at Moyross train station.
Construction of a new train station at Moyross is proposed under the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS). Moreover, in order to support the delivery of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, which in turn is a key part of the Government’s plan to achieve a 50% reduction in transport greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland by 2030, I launched the Pathfinder Programme in October 2022. Construction of a new train station at Moyross was selected for inclusion in the Pathfinder Programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific queries raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
201. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport to provide the list of new rail stations to be opened under the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; when works will commence on each; when each will be opened and operational, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10597/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann.
Noting the NTA's role in the development of the strategy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
