Written Answers Nos. 149-168
149. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport the actions his Department is taking to address the misuse of E-scooters, specifically actions taken to address speeding, driving on footpaths and dangerous behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6869/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024 (SI 199 of 2024) set out requirements for e-scooter construction, equipment and use while being operated in public places, including speed, location and age restrictions. In addition, the Road Traffic Act 2010 (Part 3) (Fixed Charge Offences) Regulations 2024 (SI 227 of 2024) provide for fixed charge penalties of €50 for certain e-scooter offences.
Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of An Garda Síochána. Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the enforcement of road traffic legislation. As Minister for Transport, I have no role in such matters.
150. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on each of the projects funded under the 2024 active travel scheme within the Fingal County Council area; and if he will provide a list of the projects to be shared, in tabular form. [6849/25]
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.
151. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if the safe routes to school project will re-open later this year for new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6850/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects 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 (NTA) 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. 167 schools form Round 1 of the SRTS Programme while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme was launched in November 2024. 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 the Rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently.
152. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of all measures in relation to roads in Kerry contained within the revised National Development Plan; to provide a breakdown whether they are complete, in progress or yet to begin, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6866/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of the National Roads projects in Kerry.
Funding allocations for national roads in 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the National Roads projects. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days
In relation to Regional and Local roads, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
On 14th February I announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year. Details of the 2025 regional and local grant allocations are available at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/df86e-ministers-announce-713-million-for-regional-and-local-roads/.
The primary focus for capital investment under the National Development Plan continues to be the protection and renewal of the network with some limited investment in road improvement schemes.
In 2025, Kerry County Council were allocated €33,360,450 for the maintenance and improvement of their regional and local roads network of which over €28m was allocated to road protection and renewal. Over €5 million has been allocated for the progression of three Strategic Regional and Local Roads Schemes and seven Specific Improvement Grant Schemes.
In addition to maintaining the road network, targeted improvements are also prioritised, including 12 strategic schemes identified in the National Development Plan. The Tralee Northern Relief Road and the Dingle Relief Road Phase 4 are two of those schemes.
The table below sets out the status of each scheme.
|
Name of Project |
Current Status of Project |
|
Dingle Relief Road Phase 4 |
Completed 2019 |
|
Tralee Northern Relief Road |
Phase 1 at construction stage |
153. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will give consideration to concerns regarding the new proposed layout for the N72/L4040 junction at Gap Cross, Killarney (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6875/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management 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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
154. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding allocated by the NTA to the R135 cycle network scheme in Ashbourne, County Meath; the schedule of payments for this project; the expected full cost of the project after disputed claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6882/25]
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.
155. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he will support the allocation of €800,000 requested by Cork County Council to advance the development of the Mallow Relief Road (details supplied). [6918/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €300,000 was initially allocated for the Mallow Relief Road project in 2024. This was subsequently increased to €800,000 to enable the completion of the environmental impact assessment report. The allocations for 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of this project.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days
156. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to surface dress a road in County Kerry that has in excess of 200 potholes and is currently in an extremely dangerous condition (details supplied) and is a high-risk health and safety concern for all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6962/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Kerry County Council is responsible for deciding its annual programme for road maintenance and the Department has no role in that process.
Furthermore, my Department also provides funding to local authorities for a Community Involvement Scheme. This scheme encourages a joint approach (on a voluntary basis) with groups of local residents and landowners for the restoration of public roads that are lightly trafficked, single lane or cul de sac roads. The scheme is advertised and administered by the relevant local authority and therefore may be an option to explore with Kerry County Council directly.
157. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport in light of the decision to transfer the contract for provision of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter service, when he expects the service at Waterford Airport to be transferred; if the search and rescue helicopter service at Waterford will remain operational 24/7 as at present; if all current service personnel will be retained as part of the transfer to the new operator; the plan that is in place to monitor and review the performance of the new operator; if his Department has initiated any engagement between service personnel and the new operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6986/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision to award the contract to Bristow Ireland Limited (BIL) for the next Coast Guard Search & Rescue Aviation Service contract was approved by the Government in mid-2023 following a comprehensive public procurement process which was undertaken fully in accordance with all national and EU procurement rules. During the 2-year transition phase, the overarching priority remains safe and effective transition without interruption to this essential service.
The new Coast Guard aviation contract provides for the operation of four helicopter bases at Waterford, Shannon, Sligo and Dublin. Contract transition commenced at Shannon in December 2024 to be followed by Sligo on 30th April. CHC, the outgoing contractor and Bristow, the incoming contractor, are actively engaged in agreeing dates for transfer of services in Waterford and Dublin.
The contract provides for the delivery of 24/7 services from all four bases. Bristow will operate a fleet of six helicopters to enable 24/7 delivery of service from each of the four bases including Waterford.
From contract inception, Bristow as the incoming contractor has actively engaged with the three Trade Unions FORSA, UNITE and IALPA. This engagement is supported by local staff engagements in advance of individual base transition. The active engagement with trade unions is the forum through which all staff transfer matters are addressed.
Contract performance from an operational and contractual perspective is carefully managed by daily operational tracking, contract management and independent audits conducted by specialist aviation advisers contracted by my Department.
The overarching priority is safe and effective transition without interruption of services. Where my Department recognises the need to revise transition dates to ensure overall safety, it will do so without hesitation and expects full cooperation of both contractors to facilitate revised transition timelines. The Department will not allow risks to be taken in a rush to meet contractual deadlines. Safety of crew is the overarching priority.
158. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport in light of the decision to transfer the contract for provision of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter service, if he is aware of concerns regarding reduced utility of the helicopters proposed for use by the new contractor; if he is assured that there will be no decrease is service capability arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6987/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision to award the contract to Bristow Ireland Limited (BIL) for the next Coast Guard Search & Rescue Aviation Service contract was approved by the Government in mid-2023 following a comprehensive public procurement process which was undertaken fully in accordance with all national and EU procurement rules. During the 2-year transition phase, the overarching priority remains safe and effective transition without interruption to this essential service.
The new Coast Guard aviation contract provides for a fleet of six AW 189 helicopters to enable delivery of 24/7 services from four bases, i.e. Waterford, Sligo, Shannon and Dublin. For the first time the Coast Guard service will include a Fixed Wing element to be located at Shannon. The procurement process set out the operating criteria for any proposed helicopters. These criteria were based on Coast Guard operational requirements and operational experience.
The new helicopters fully meet the operational requirements. The AW 189 is an internationally well proven SAR helicopter, including operating in environments similar to the Coast Guards area of operations, including coastal inland and offshore. This helicopter type is fully capable of meeting Coast Guard expectations in terms of safely delivering the range of SAR, aeromedical support and environmental monitoring roles assigned to the Coast Guard.
The number of aircraft being utilised under the new contract supports a significant enhancement of the Coast Guard's capacity and capability to undertake search & rescue and other missions.
159. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport in light of the decision to transfer the contract for provision of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter service, the plans in place to utilise a number of fixed wing aircraft as part of the search and rescue capability; if he will provide details of the aircraft, the purpose and location of their deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6988/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision to award the contract to Bristow Ireland Limited (BIL) for the next Coast Guard Search & Rescue Aviation Service contract was approved by the Government in mid-2023 following a comprehensive public procurement process which was undertaken fully in accordance with all national and EU procurement rules.
During the 2-year transition phase, the overarching priority remains safe and effective transition without interruption to this essential service.
The new Coast Guard helicopter service contract will, for the first time, provide for a fixed wing aircraft element. This service will be located in Shannon and will have one aircraft on duty, day and night. The service will be delivered by a fleet of two King Air 200 aircraft.
The fixed wing aircraft enhances the Coast Guards ability to conduct Search and Rescue and in addition to search and locate capability. The aircraft will also be utilised to conduct environmental monitoring including investigation of pollution reports and will have a capacity to transport three walk on patients such as for emergency transfer for medical treatment abroad.
160. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport to examine the case for opening a drivers licence office in Dundalk, County Louth (details supplied). [7013/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, which provides the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 working days.
161. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide clarity on the reasoning for the Airport hopper bus service between Maynooth and Dublin Airport stopping its services without warning; and if passengers who booked tickets for a service which did not run will receive a refund. [7020/25]
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 is responsible for the licensing of public bus passenger services under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009.
While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the NTA’s public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. As a commercial operator, any decisions taken by Airport Hopper regarding routes scheduling and timetabling are a matter for the company, the NTA has no powers to refuse an application from an operator to reduce or withdraw services on a commercial route.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility as licencing authority, 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.
162. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to replace an infrastructure (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7048/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
In this regard, it is my understanding that Kerry County Council are examining options for Listry Bridge, considering the needs and objectives, and deciding how best to progress to ensure value for money.
In 2025, funding of €100,000 has been allocated to the Kerry Council for the Listry Bridge scheme.
163. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Department; if any section of his Department currently makes use of AI; the purposes it is utilised for and costs associated with same; and if he has consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of AI. [7052/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not engaged any consultancy firms to provide advice in respect of the use of AI. Some guidance has been received from Microsoft in relation to their Copilot platform as part of regular account management meetings and at no additional cost to the Department. A free version Copilot is being assessed by staff in the Department under strict controls.
A project is commencing this year with an AI proof of concept for the Coast Guard. Further use cases and additional proof of concepts may be explored in the year ahead but no specific projects have been approved nor budget allocated at this time.
164. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport the rationale for charging persons more for periodic payments of motor tax over single payments in full and if he will set out his plans to end this practice. [7074/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMotor Tax is payable on an annual, half-yearly or quarterly basis. There is an additional charge associated with both the half-yearly and quarterly discs. In relation to motor tax paid for 3 months or 6 months the charges are set out in Statutory Instrument No. 385/1992, as amended.
Regulation 26(1) of that S.I. reads as follows:
26(1) A licence may be taken out under Section 1 of the Act of 1952 for a period of three months or six months ending on the last day of any month in respect of a vehicle (not being a vehicle on which duty is chargeable at an annual rate which is less than €114) on payment of an amount equal to 28.25 percent or 55.5 percent, respectively, of the full annual rate of duty.
The differential takes account of the extra workload for staff in motor tax offices and the Driver and Vehicle Services Division (which operates the online motor tax facility) and the additional costs associated with the processing of non-annual motor tax including the printing and posting of additional motor tax discs and renewal notices. Each quarterly renewal of motor tax follows the same administrative procedures as the annual renewal process. Consequently, renewing on a quarterly basis generates four times the workload of an annual renewal for the equivalent period.
The loss of income from equalising rates for these options would have a negative impact on motor tax revenue and would have to be borne elsewhere in the motor tax system or in the taxation system generally. Any proposed change is a matter for consideration in the context of Budget preparations.
165. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicle owners that paid motor tax in one single payments in 2022, 2023 and 2024 versus those that opted for periodic payments over the same period. [7075/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below details the number of original tax discs issued in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 broken down by annual, half year and quarter year payments.
|
Number of Original Tax Discs Issues |
||||
|
Annual |
Half Year |
Quarter Year |
Total |
|
|
2022 |
2,083,568 |
713,987 |
2,026,763 |
4,824,318 |
|
2023 |
2,153,123 |
732,178 |
2,054,996 |
4,940,297 |
|
2024 |
2,257,452 |
764,078 |
2,145,774 |
5,167,304 |
|
6,494,143 |
2,210,243 |
6,227,533 |
14,931,919 |
|
166. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the additional amount derived from the collection of motor tax payments as a result of persons paying the charge by way of periodic payments instead of a one-off payment in 2022, 2023 and 2024. [7076/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below details the additional amounts derived from the collection of motor tax payments as a result of the surcharge for periodic payments. The rates payable are 28.25% (quarterly) or 55.5% (half yearly) of the full annual rate of duty.
|
2022 Surcharge |
2023 Surcharge |
2024 Surcharge |
|
|
Half Yearly |
€12,400,972 |
€12,314,427 |
€12,418,451 |
|
Quarterly |
€23,346,908 |
€22,753,111 |
€22,744,683 |
|
TOTAL |
€35,747,879 |
€35,067,538 |
€35,163,134 |
167. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 232 of 5 February 2025, if he will ask the NTA to provide a preliminary written view or report on the possible acceleration of planning and design of the extension of the Luas to Poolbeg, in the context of the new Programme for Government’s commitment to review and enhancing the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7100/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the development of a Luas red line extension to serve Poolbeg is currently one of the longer-term proposals in the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042, for development and delivery within the 2037-2042 timeframe. The Strategy states that the proposed Luas extension to Poolbeg is subject to the assessment of forecast travel demand arising out of development patterns in the Poolbeg Strategic Development Zone and environs.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is the Sponsoring Agency for the proposed Luas to Poolbeg project and the NTA is the day-to-day Approving Authority. I understand that the NTA has instructed TII to undertake a pre-feasibility analysis, including updated demand modelling, in order to assess the initial feasibility of Luas Poolbeg from a passenger demand viewpoint, in line with the Strategy's objective. This study is expected to be complete in the coming months.
Given the NTA’s statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, I, as Minister for Transport, intend to engage closely with the NTA in considering the needs of new or accelerated potential projects and programmes as part of the National Development Plan (NDP) review which is expected to occur this year. I will be in a better position to consider the Luas Poolbeg project at that stage.
168. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 5 February 2025, if the NTA will issue a reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7105/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand The NTA have issued a response to the deputy as of Monday 17th of February 2025.
