Thomas Gould
Ceist:214. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of times a Bus Éireann bus has broken down or been unable to complete its route in each of the past 12 weeks in Cork city. [5740/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBus Éireann
Ceisteanna (214)
Freagraí scríofa
As 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 query raised by the Deputy 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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (215)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:215. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of delayed train services into and out of Mallow train station and Kent station in each of the past 12 weeks, in tabular form. [5741/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the number of delayed train services to and from Mallow and Kent train stations in the past twelve weeks is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (216)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:216. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport when it is expected that the Programme for Government commitment to extend the ten-year age limit by one year for taxis registered in 2015 will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5822/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
In line with the Programme for Government objective and with my consent, the NTA intends to make a regulation stating that standard taxis and standard hackneys which were first registered in 2015 will be permitted to renew their vehicle for a further one year beyond the current limit of the 10th anniversary of the date of first registration – i.e. they would be permitted to operate the vehicle to the 11th anniversary of the date of first registration, which will arise during 2026.
The Taxi Regulation Act 2013 (as amended) requires a consultation period in relation to any new regulations. This requires the draft regulation to be made available on the NTA’s website advising that representations may be made to the NTA by a date not later than 21 days from publication. In accordance with normal practice, the NTA will also consult with the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles.
In recognition of the time related impact of the proposed Regulation, the NTA intends to open this consultation period during the week commencing 17th February, with a view to a decision being made by the 21st March 2025. The new Regulation will be introduced soon afterwards.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (217)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:217. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the gender breakdown of his Department in respect of principal officers, assistant secretaries and secretaries general, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5863/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The gender breakdown of the Secretary General, Assistant Secretary and Principal Officer grades in my Department are outlined below:
|
Grade |
Male |
Female |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
- |
|
Assistant Secretary |
4 |
3 |
|
Principal Officer |
18 |
19 |
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (218)
John Connolly
Ceist:218. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the number of local-link services operating within County Galway, including the route serviced and the frequency of operation. [5869/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in County Galway, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Question No. 219 answered with Question No. 210.
Question No. 220 answered with Question No. 210.
Question No. 221 answered with Question No. 210.
Question No. 222 answered with Question No. 210.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (223)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:223. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the reason it is taking so long for a person (details supplied) to receive a date from the RSA for a driving test. [5950/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, this includes all application and scheduling matters and neither I nor my department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten days.
Pending this detailed response, to address the issue of driver testing waiting times, in September 2024 my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022.
As a condition of sanction, my officials have requested that a plan is put in place to restore waiting times to 10 weeks as soon as possible. I understand that recruitment is well underway and additional capacity will enter the service in the coming months, helping to progressively reduce waiting times.
Road Signage
Ceisteanna (224)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:224. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport when road signage will be amended to show the current speed limits on rural roads; the reason this was not done in advance of speed limits changing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5952/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In advance of the introduction of the 60km/hr default speed limit on rural local roads, local authorities installed approximately 35,000 poles and 65,000 signs nationally. Works were substantially complete by 7 February 2025, the date the new default speed limit took effect. However, the clear-up associated with Storm Éowyn caused some delays for some local authorities. Where there remained any outstanding signage at the commencement date of the new defaults, local authorities were advised to liaise with An Garda Síochána in advance.
My Department launched the ‘Slower Speeds, Safer Roads’ campaign prior to the change to raise awareness of the reduction in the speed limit. Since 27 January, the campaign has run across national and local print, including over 30 local papers, national and local radio, social media, digital display, and digital audio platforms. The campaign will continue until 16 March to further reinforce awareness of the change. The RSA advertising campaign ‘Rural Speed Limit Sign’ was also deployed to support the communications on the change in default speed limits on rural local roads. Its objective was to raise awareness of the change in meaning of the rural speed limit sign from drive at 80Km/h or lower to drive at 60Km/h or lower. It aired for the month of February across video on demand, radio, digital audio and social media.’
Finally, in the coming weeks the RSA will be launching a new campaign on rural speeds that will air extensively on TV, radio and across social media.
Dublin Airport Authority
Ceisteanna (225)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:225. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the plans Dublin Airport Authority has to develop an appropriate bus and coach area for users of Dublin Airport that includes fully accessible toilets a tourist information stand and a roof covering for waiting commuters. [5960/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, daa has the statutory responsibility for the operation, management and development of Dublin Airport.
As part of the Infrastructure Application submitted to the planning authority to develop Dublin Airport, daa has submitted plans which include developing the bus and coach areas at Dublin Airport. As this development is a matter for the airport operator, I have forwarded your question to daa for direct reply.
If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (226)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:226. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of new coach parking areas by location that were funded by the NTA in 2023 and 2024; the number of new coach parking areas that will be provided in 2025, in tabular form; and if it is intended to future proof the bays by including charging points for large-scale coach EVs. [5961/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Bus Éireann
Ceisteanna (227)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:227. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the Swords to city centre core bus corridor scheme to begin construction, in particular the Swords Road section. [5968/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 BusConnects Dublin.
To date, the NTA has submitted planning applications to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) in respect of all 12 of the Core Bus Corridor schemes, and ABP has approved eleven of these schemes, including the Swords to the City Centre Scheme, though legal proceedings are ongoing in relation to this scheme.
Noting the NTA’s responsibility in this 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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (228)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:228. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport whether Iarnród Éireann will take any necessary steps to facilitate the reopening of the bridge over the railway at Drumnigh, just south of Portmarnock station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6010/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including through engagement with Iarnród Éireann, the proposed reopening of the footbridge mentioned.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply.
Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (229)
John Connolly
Ceist:229. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the number of applications for the wheelchair-accessible vehicle grant scheme during the January 2025 application opportunity; the number that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6024/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant scheme, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector. Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (230)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:230. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will support the case for upgrading the rail line through County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6030/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review informs the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions. The Review’s Final Report was published on 31st July 2024.
The Review sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes. This includes proposals to electrify the route between Dublin and Galway, which serves Tullamore and Clara, and to double-track the line between Portarlington and Athlone.
It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the final Review Report will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.
Furthermore, assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (231)
Michael Collins
Ceist:231. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if an application (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6065/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Driver licensing is handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to and may not intervene in individual applications.
I have referred this question 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.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (232)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:232. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driver licence exchange (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6109/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles, and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence, are all set at EU level.
Ireland may make bilateral licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. Such agreements can be made only when the authorities in both jurisdiction have studied and compared the licensing regimes and each side is satisfied that they are compatible. Where an agreement is made, it may cover all or only some licence categories, depending on the outcome of the process.
Ireland has a licence exchange agreement with Ontario. However, this is restricted to automatic transmission category B (car) licences only. The agreement does not provide for the exchange of HGV licences.
When someone has exchanged their Ontario automatic B licence for an Irish automatic B licence and wishes to drive an HGV, they must go through the normal process of obtaining a category C licence in Ireland, as outlined here: https://www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/get-qualified/truck---c. In this situation, their category C learner permit and subsequent licence will also be restricted to automatic transmission vehicles.
There are two options to remove the automatic transmission restriction. The driver can sit and pass a category B manual test, which will enable them to get a manual learner permit for category C, or, having passed the category C test for automatics, they can take a test for a manual B which will remove the automatic restriction from their category C licence.
To drive heavy duty vehicles professionally in Ireland, a driver also needs a certificate of professional competence (CPC).
The overriding goal of these requirements is the objective of keeping Irish roads as safe as possible for all road users.