Written Answers Nos. 143-164
143. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the details of Ireland's contribution to the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025; the total number of personnel posts to be filled by members of the Defence Forces; the number of posts filled to-date by members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12833/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is currently foreseen that the total number of the proposed Defence Forces contribution to the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025 will be approximately 186 personnel. This will be comprised of a Group HQ consisting of 4 personnel, Mechanised Infantry Company (with a Company HQ, Infantry platoons and a weapons platoon consisting of 139 personnel) together with a National Support Element (consisting of 29 persons providing the necessary transport, medical, CIS, maintenance and ordnance support) and staff posts of 10 personnel to the Force Headquarters. There is also the potential for a further 4 personnel posts in a National Logistics Support Group to be based in Germany to aid the transport of DF equipment.
The Operational Headquarters (OHQ) will be located in Ulm, Germany, while the Force Headquarters (FHQ) is based in Strasbourg, France. Defence Forces personnel commenced their posting to the FHQ in January of this year.
Military management have advised that 81 EUBG appointments have been made to date and the expectation is that these posts will be fully filled in the coming months in advance of the first EUBG training exercise in the autumn.
144. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made in respect of each of the twelve recommendations arising from the Working Group which reviewed the Defence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12939/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Working Group on the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis in the Defence Forces presented its report and recommendations to the Minister with Responsibility for Defence in October 2017. A further working group was established with a view to examining and implementing these recommendations.
In January 2020, the Minister with Responsibility for Defence was informed by the military authorities that the instructions issued by the Director of the Medical Branch of the Defence Forces, had been amended to provide for options on the specific malaria chemoprophylaxis to be used for deployments to sub-Saharan Africa.
As the Working Group report and its recommendations were prepared in the context of current litigation, they are legally privileged, and it would be inappropriate to comment further. The military authorities have advised that Defence Forces policy on the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis is fully aligned with UN and World Health Organisation guidelines.
145. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware of any instances since 2020 whereby a person has sought to induce any other individual within the State to accept a commission or engagement with a military of another state in breach of the Defence Act 1954; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12940/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department , the Defence Forces, nor I, have any proprietary information indicating that any person has sought to induce any other individual within the State to accept a commission or engagement with a military of another State.
146. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 14 and 15 of 28 February 2024, the month of each expenditure in relation to orbiter 3 unmanned air systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13172/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my response to the earlier Parliamentary Questions Nos. 14 and 15 of 28 February 2024, I outlined that 4 Orbiter UAV Systems were procured between 2007 and 2009 from Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd, following a competitive tender process. An upgrade of the Defence Forces UAV systems was carried out by Aeronautic Defense Systems as the original equipment manufacturer, commencing in 2016. This involved the upgrade of 4 UAV systems, with 3 airframes in each system. Ongoing expenditure since this upgrade relates to annual support, spares, repairs & training in respect of the Defence Forces existing fleet of unarmed UAV.
Expenditure incurred to date relates to the Orbiter 1, 2, and 2B models, with the Orbiter 2B currently in service. The platform is planned to continue in service until it reaches end of life, at which stage a replacement will be considered in the context of Defence Forces capability development and available funding, against the backdrop of the overall Equipment Development Plan process and in line with public procurement procedures.
A table setting out payments to Aeronautic Defence Systems in respect of Orbiter UAV systems was provided in response to the previous PQs referenced above. While this list covered all payments to Aeronautics on an annual basis in respect of UAV systems bought since 2007, I wish to clarify for the Deputy that the Orbiter 3 model has never been purchased for the Defence Forces.
A monthly breakdown of the expenditure incurred since 2007 on the Orbiter 1, 2 and 2B models is being collated, and I will arrange for this to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
YEAR |
MONTH |
Description |
Value ex VAT |
|
YEAR |
MONTH |
Description |
Value ex VAT |
|
2007 |
MAY |
UAV Systems and Consumables |
€643,083.00 |
|
2009 |
FEB |
UAV Upgrade |
€3,160.00 |
|
2009 |
MAR |
UAV Consumables |
€148,856.00 |
|
2009 |
APRIL |
UAV Repairs |
€2,500.00 |
|
2009 |
JUNE |
UAV Repairs |
€25,050.00 |
|
2009 |
JUNE |
UAV Consumables |
€9,299.88 |
|
2009 |
JULY |
UAV Repairs |
€5,500.00 |
|
2009 |
OCT |
UAV Replacements |
€99,177.00 |
|
2009 |
DEC |
UAV Upgrade and Consumables |
€1,427,793.00 |
|
2010 |
JAN |
UAV Consumables |
€7,390.00 |
|
2010 |
APRIL |
UAV Repairs |
€13,700.00 |
|
2010 |
JUNE |
UAV Repairs |
€5,800.00 |
|
2010 |
JULY |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€92,120.00 |
|
2010 |
SEPT |
UAV Repairs |
€8,000.00 |
|
2010 |
NOV |
UAV Repairs |
€5,700.00 |
|
2010 |
NOV |
UAV Repairs |
€15,000.00 |
|
2011 |
MAY |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€155,000.00 |
|
2011 |
JUNE |
UAV Consumables |
€16,668.00 |
|
2011 |
JULY |
UAV Repairs |
€5,600.00 |
|
2011 |
JULY |
UAV Repairs |
€7,700.00 |
|
2011 |
JULY |
UAV Consumables |
€23,200.00 |
|
2012 |
FEB |
UAV Repairs |
€550.00 |
|
2012 |
MAY |
UAV Consumables |
€23,200.00 |
|
2012 |
JUNE |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€183,900.00 |
|
2012 |
AUG |
UAV Consumables |
€11,172.00 |
|
2013 |
APRIL |
UAV Consumables |
€22,224.00 |
|
2013 |
MAY |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€179,120.00 |
|
2013 |
AUG |
UAV Repairs |
€4,800.00 |
|
2013 |
SEPT |
UAV Consumables |
€4,600.00 |
|
2013 |
DEC |
UAV Repairs |
€4,700.00 |
|
2014 |
MAR |
UAV Training |
€100,000.00 |
|
2014 |
APRIL |
UAV Consumables |
€22,224.00 |
|
2014 |
MAY |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€165,000.00 |
|
2014 |
OCT |
UAV Repairs |
€4,700.00 |
|
2014 |
OCT |
UAV Repairs |
€4,700.00 |
|
2015 |
JAN |
UAV Consumables |
€3,480.00 |
|
2015 |
APRIL |
UAV Consumables |
€22,224.00 |
|
2015 |
JUNE |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€170,000.00 |
|
2016 |
JAN |
UAV Consumables |
€15,660.00 |
|
2016 |
JAN |
UAV Repairs |
€11,400.00 |
|
2016 |
MAY |
UAV Consumables |
€33,396.00 |
|
2016 |
JULY |
UAV Repairs |
€13,700.00 |
|
2016 |
JULY |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€170,000.00 |
|
2016 |
JULY |
UAV Upgrade |
€1,900,000.00 |
|
2017 |
FEB |
UAV Training |
€140,000.00 |
|
2017 |
MAY |
UAV Launchers |
€172,000.00 |
|
2017 |
JUNE |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€170,000.00 |
|
2017 |
AUG |
UAV Training |
€240,000.00 |
|
2018 |
MAY |
UAV Consumables |
€33,600.00 |
|
2018 |
JULY |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€175,000.00 |
|
2019 |
APRIL |
UAV Repairs |
€52,600.00 |
|
2019 |
OCT |
UAV Training |
€170,000.00 |
|
2019 |
NOV |
UAV Consumables |
€22,400.00 |
|
2019 |
DEC |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€180,000.00 |
|
2020 |
MAR |
UAV Repairs |
€12,372.00 |
|
2020 |
AUG |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€190,000.00 |
|
2020 |
AUG |
UAV Consumables |
€5,400.00 |
|
2021 |
FEB |
UAV Repairs |
€34,200.00 |
|
2021 |
AUG |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€200,000.00 |
|
2021 |
SEPT |
UAV Consumables |
€28,800.00 |
|
2022 |
SEPT |
UAV Maintenance Contract |
€204,000.00 |
|
2022 |
NOV |
UAV Training |
€63,000.00 |
|
2023 |
AUG |
UAV Training |
€195,000.00 |
|
Total |
€8,079,418.88 |
147. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide details on all planned PPP projects and ongoing PPP contracts; the status of each project; the anticipated or known capital cost; the anticipated or known cost to the Exchequer over the lifetime of the contracts; the annual total payment of PPP unitary charges and the percentage share of the total capital budget for his Department and all public bodies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13191/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no public private partnership projects operated or funded by my Department.
148. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his views on the fact that, ten years after the Garda inspectorate recommended that a system be introduced immediately to ensure that all penalty points are endorsed on driving licences, such a system is still not in place and it is still easy to register a vehicle in a false name and address in order to avoid enforcement on the roads (details supplied). [12890/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Síochána Inspectorate report noted that, on occasion, difficulties may arise in identifying the appropriate driver licence record on the National Vehicle and Driver File on which to endorse penalty points or apply disqualifications.
The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 amends section 5 of the Roads Act 1920 to address this issue, by ensuring that unique identifiers - a driver number where possible or a PPSN where necessary - will be captured when a person registers ownership of a vehicle. This will then be used to link vehicle ownership and driver licence records. The relevant section of the 2023 Act will be commenced once the necessary systems are in place.
149. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the removal of the 18 bus service has left residents of the Cashel Avenue/Ravensdale Park area in Crumlin without not only a bus connection with Ballyfermot and Palmerstown, but also without one that services Crumlin Village, and that, as a result, many elderly residents now have difficulties attending mass and going to their local Credit Union, Post Office and supermarket; and could the reconnection of this area of Crumlin with Ballyfermot, Palmerstown and, most urgently, Crumlin village, be re-examined. [11533/24]
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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
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.
150. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has had the need to contact An Garda Síochána due to verbal, written (including electronically) or physical threats being addressed to staff or Ministers, at any level, working within the Department during the period 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11605/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not contacted An Garda Síochána regarding the issues outlined in the Deputy's question during the timeframe specified.
151. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport what measures are proposed to address anti-social behaviour along the DART line which acts as a disincentive for people using public transport; if he will liaise with the relevant bodies including An Garda Síochána to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11718/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue to which public transport is unfortunately not immune; and those who regularly use and work within our public transport network are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.
While the safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff is of utmost importance, arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on public transport, are matters which first and foremost must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.
All public transport operators take the safety and security of both passengers and staff very seriously, and work with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Garda Síochána to promote order and safety onboard their vehicles.
Iarnród Éireann have significantly increased their security resources, with security resources up 50% in the past five years, from €3.7m in 2016 to €6.3m in 2023. They have established enhanced joint protocols with Gardaí both nationally and locally, which have been implemented through Operation Fanacht and beyond. The DART alone has 576 cameras on the network, and 110 cab cameras. These DART cameras are monitored at Howth Junction in real time, who connect with the National Train Control Centre in Heuston Station in emergencies. Additionally, Iarnród Éireann has established a DART text alert line established for discrete reporting of ASB incidents.
In terms of external engagement, Iarnród Éireann has engaged with the Commission for Railway Regulation, trade unions and other stakeholders including Gardaí at the Department of Transport Railway Safety Advisory Council, and with the NTA and other public transport operators at the NTA’s ASB working group to ensure best practice is shared and applied. My Department and the NTA will continue to engage regularly with operators on the issue of safety and security on public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to proposed measures for the management of anti-social behaviour on the DART line is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
152. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will reconsider resurrecting the Bantry line of the west Cork railway; if he will make funding available to run cost-benefit analysis of a west Cork railway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11731/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities including the potential for higher/high-speed, enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment public consultation in July of last year.
During the initial long list sift of options for interventions carried out as part of the Review options were ruled out due to strategic constraints. This included ruling out towns or corridors with low demand potential. Interventions that aimed to connect towns with populations of 10,000 or more that passed through sparsely populated areas were considered, whereas interventions that did not extend to towns of a similar population and only served sparsely populated areas, such as West Cork, were deemed to be financially unviable for rail. In these cases, buses would typically represent a more viable form of public transport.
The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both jurisdictions. It is expected that a final report will be submitted for Ministerial approval and ultimately the approval of the Government, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, in the coming months and that the final Review will be published in the Summer.
153. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 17 January 2024, the number of fleet owners/managers and motor traders that have yet to upload their vehicle details to the NFD under the Road Traffic Act 2023; the number where legal proceedings have commenced for failure to upload their vehicle details to the NFD by the deadline date in 2023; the number to date subjected to fines of up to €500 per vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 2023; the fines imposed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11786/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to the Deputy's question of 17 January 2024, the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) has informed me that, as of 11 March 2024, 257,320 fleet and motor trader vehicles have been uploaded to the National Fleet Database. This exceeds the original estimate of approximately 250,000 such vehicles operating on Irish roads.
Details on any legal offences or prosecutions that may have occurred in relation to the Database are a matter for An Garda Síochána. Neither my Department nor MIBI would have access to this information.
154. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if, in any discussions with stakeholders on the passenger cap at Dublin airport, the capacity at Cork airport has been discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11809/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that in any engagements I have with stakeholders, including airlines, and in any public statements on the matter of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, I endeavour to emphasise that while Dublin Airport may be constrained currently by a passenger cap, that there are no such capacity constraints existing at our other State Airports at Cork and Shannon.
While decisions in relation to individual routes are commercial matters for the airlines themselves, I encourage airlines to consider our other airports in the context of their route planning.
The Deputy will be aware that there has been a strong rebound in passenger traffic following the pandemic at our State Airports with further growth in passengers expected at both of our regional State Airports in Cork and Shannon over the coming years.
155. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he supports the expansion of Dublin airport, given its environmental impacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11038/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIncreasing the capacity of Dublin Airport is in line with National Aviation Policy which recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport in meeting national social and economic policy goals and includes a specific objective of developing Dublin Airport as a hub airport with the necessary capacity to connect key existing and emerging global markets.
Dublin Airport is a key driver of growth in our economy and the international gateway for trade, inward investment and tourism. In addition, and as the Deputy will be aware, Census 2022 showed that Ireland's population increased by 8% between 2016 and 2022 and by 31% since 2002. While alternatives to air travel such as rail can provide essential connectivity for many of our European neighbours, we do not have similar options as an island nation and air transport will therefore remain essential for our economy and our people.
While the importance of the airport to Ireland’s island economy is recognised, it is important to Government in ensuring the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, to balance the objectives of the National Aviation Policy, the needs of business and tourism interests and the legitimate rights of local residents. Development at Dublin airport is subject to assessment and mitigation in respect of the impact of associated aircraft movements on the noise environment around Dublin airport. This work is undertaken by the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) in its role as the independent noise regulator.
Significant efforts are being made to decarbonise aviation. Given the transboundary nature of aviation these actions are coordinated at EU level and internationally through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
In relation to Dublin Airport specifically, daa advise that sustainability initiatives being rolled out at the Airport will accelerate climate and sustainability related ambitions. daa has also committed to working with airlines and other companies in the aviation sector to reduce the environmental impact of their operations (Scope 3 emissions). daa advise that any growth at Dublin Airport will be managed by daa in line with their carbon reduction strategies and commitments to reduce Dublin Airport’s carbon emissions by 51% by 2030, and to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest.
156. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11812/24]
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 provision of public transport infrastructure as well as the provision of an accessible, integrated public transport system for all users. The NTA works with the relevant public transport companies, as appropriate, to progressively make public transport accessible.
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.
157. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport the reason none of the €3 million active travel investment grant was allocated to Graiguecullen despite this being the third largest town in County Laois and an area that would greatly benefit from further safe travel initiatives seeing as there are no cycle lanes or e-chargers present there at the moment. [11828/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
158. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport with regard to the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, when works begin on each of the new rail stations of Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Carrigtwohill West, Water-Rock and Ballynoe; when each station will be opened and operational, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11903/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, ‘Enable future electrification of Cork Commuter Rail’, was included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan (NRRP) as submitted to the European Commission in 2021. All works associated with Phase 1 will be completed by Quarter 3 2026 as required by the European Commission.
This will see a €185 million investment, €164m of which is EU funds, in Cork’s rail infrastructure. This will facilitate the longer-term electrification of the network through construction of a new ‘through’ platform at Kent Station to create an integrated suburban network, re-signalling of the network, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. All works included in the NRRP should be completed by 2026 as required by the European Commission.
Following approval from Cork City Council, the construction contract for the additional platform at Kent Station was awarded in early 2023 and enabling works have begun on site, with construction expected to be completed by 2025.
An Bord Pleanála granted a Railway Order with conditions to Córas Iompair Éireann for the double-tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton line in October 2023. Procurement preparations have started following this approval and a contract award is expected later this year, prior to construction commencing.
In addition to the Kent Station and double-tracking works above, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract to Alstom for a major signalling upgrade project on the Cork commuter rail network in June 2023. This signalling upgrade is required to increase the number of trains which can operate between Cork and Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.
As 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 Cork Area Commuter Rail programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
159. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport when works will commence in relation to each of the new rail stations of Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Carrigtwohill West, Water-Rock, Ballynoe under the Cork area commuter rail programme; when each station will be open and operational, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11927/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, ‘Enable future electrification of Cork Commuter Rail’, was included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan (NRRP) as submitted to the European Commission in 2021. All works associated with Phase 1 will be completed by Quarter 3 2026 as required by the European Commission.
This will see a €185 million investment, €164m of which is EU funds, in Cork’s rail infrastructure. This will facilitate the longer-term electrification of the network through construction of a new ‘through’ platform at Kent Station to create an integrated suburban network, re-signalling of the network, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. All works included in the NRRP should be completed by 2026 as required by the European Commission.
Following approval from Cork City Council, the construction contract for the additional platform at Kent Station was awarded in early 2023 and enabling works have begun on site, with construction expected to be completed by 2025.
An Bord Pleanála granted a Railway Order with conditions to Córas Iompair Éireann for the double-tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton line in October 2023. Procurement preparations have started following this approval and a contract award is expected later this year, prior to construction commencing.
In addition to the Kent Station and double-tracking works above, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract to Alstom for a major signalling upgrade project on the Cork commuter rail network in June 2023. This signalling upgrade is required to increase the number of trains which can operate between Cork and Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.
As 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 Cork Area Commuter Rail programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
160. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the timeline for when Glasnevin MetroLink station will be open and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11955/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre. MetroLink will serve 15 stations on opening including Glasnevin station.
An Oral Hearing for the project is currently ongoing. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.
As 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 MetroLink.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions in relation to the areas raised to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
161. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport the current position in relation to the number of driving testers recruited in 2023 and 2024, those on short term contracts, and whether they will all be retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12035/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driver Testing Service. Regarding the driver testing service, in order to meet unprecedented demand and address driver testing delays, last year, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to 205 in 2023, which is more than double the 100 sanctioned testing posts in June 2022. The national average waiting time for invitation to test has been decreasing since last September, when the first tranche of new recruits were deployed. By the end of 2023 there was an increase of 41 driver testers allocated across the driver testing service with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests. Sanction remains in place for the Authority to increase the number of testers employed.
My Department is working closely with the Authority to monitor demand and capacity requirements of the driver testing service to ensure it meets the agreed service level of average wait times of 10 weeks, which the Authority expects to achieve by mid-2024. A further exercise is planned to establish the long-term capacity needs of the service, once the current backlog is eliminated.
162. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if, when and the extent to which future reviews as to the schedule for the complete implementation rollout of all recommendations made in the National Speed Limit Review Report will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12078/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic Bill 2024 was passed by Dáil Éireann on 6 March. This is a short and focused Bill aimed at addressing the current rising trend of road fatalities and serious injuries, and among other things the implementation of key recommendations from the Speed Limit Review. It is expected that the Bill will be passed by the Oireachtas and signed into law in early Q2 of 2024. Implementation is progressing in two phases with phase 1 concentrating on the change in default speed limits and phase 2 the remainder. For phase 1 work is ongoing on the statutory guidance which will be issued to Local Authorities in relation to the reduction of default speed limits. As part of the implementation of the reduction of default speed limits, this will involve all Local Authorities conducting speed limit reviews in their areas including new byelaws as required. Work is underway in terms of programming timelines and logistics, and it is expected that the speed limit changes will begin to take effect in late Q4 of 2024.
163. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the disturbances to the residents of Firhouse due to loud air traffic over Firhouse (details supplied); if he will take steps in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12096/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted AirNav Ireland, who have operational responsibility for the management of air traffic within the State, and they have informed me that the flights referenced followed standard flight paths out of Dublin airport.
There were no anomalous flights during this period, and all Dublin departures maintained customary altitudes relative to their respective aircraft types and in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.
The list below gives further details of the flights referenced, including their altitude at the time of their passage over the Firhouse area.
|
Time |
Flight Details |
Altitude |
|
0622 |
Dublin departure |
13000 feet |
|
0640 |
Dublin departure |
11000 feet |
|
0658 |
Dublin departure |
10000 feet |
|
0700 |
Dublin departure |
11000 feet |
|
0738 |
Dublin departure |
9000 feet |
|
0741 |
Dublin departure |
11000 feet |
|
0748 |
Dublin departure |
14500 feet |
164. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to extend the young adult travel card to 24-year-olds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12204/24]
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.
As part of the overall PSO package of €613.463m for 2024, I secured funding for the continuation of the 20% average fare reduction on PSO services, the 90-minute fare, and for an increase in the upper age limit for the Young Adult Card from 23 to 25-years-of age.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
