Alan Kelly
Question:123. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the 2023 and 2024 capital budget allocation for the Irish Coast Guard, in tabular form [24880/24]
View answerCoast Guard Service
Questions (123)
Written answers
Deputy,
Please see the below table for the 2023 and 2024 capital budget allocation for the Irish Coast Guard as requested:
|
Year |
IRCG Capital Allocation |
|
2023 |
€8 million |
|
2024 |
€18 million |
Bus Éireann
Questions (124)
Alan Kelly
Question:124. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of the Bus Éireann PSO fleet that have the capabilities of having one wheelchair space and one buggy space on board; and the estimated full-year cost of a double decker bus with capabilities to handle one wheelchair user onboard and one buggy at the same time. [24881/24]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, in conjunction with the transport operators as appropriate, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Questions (125)
Matt Carthy
Question:125. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of proposed cuts to the spending programme of Transport Infrastructure Ireland; if he provided sanction for such expenditure cuts; the scale of the expenditure cuts; the locations/projects impacted by such expenditure cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24900/24]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
Approximately €411m in capital exchequer funding was allocated to local authorities through TII for the purposes of national roads in 2024. This includes funding for new roads projects, as well as for the protection and renewal of the existing network. The allocations announced by TII earlier this year are an indication of the progress that TII believes is possible on each national roads project during the year. However, if the progression of any national roads project, programme or operation is impeded or priorities change, the funding will be redistributed by TII, in accordance with its statutory remit, to other national roads or greenways projects, programmes, or operations. No funding has been withdrawn by my Department from TII this year, and the overall level of exchequer funding for 2024 remains as outlined earlier this year in February.
Public Transport
Questions (126)
Róisín Shortall
Question:126. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 9 April 2024, the total cost of agreements reached between Transport Infrastructure Ireland and third parties in respect of the Metrolink Railway Order application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25009/24]
View answerWritten answers
MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30.
Further to the planning application for MetroLink, the Oral Hearing began on 19th February and ran until 28th March. This process allowed planning authorities, prescribed bodies, elected representatives and observers to share their views on the project.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) engaged constructively with all parties as part of the Oral Hearing. Where possible, following engagement, TII has provided An Bord Pleanála with conditions agreed by both parties aimed at addressing their specific concerns.
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 in conjunction with with TII.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
EU Directives
Questions (127)
Gino Kenny
Question:127. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if the EU directive 2012 HGV legislation (Unladen Weight to Gross Vehicle Weight) is being enforced since its proposed implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25026/24]
View answerWritten answers
The maximum authorised dimensions and weights of heavy-duty vehicles used in national and international commercial transport are set down in the Weights and Dimensions Directive 96/53/EC. This Directive is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as amended.
The Deputy may wish to note that this Directive was not amended in 2012. Separately, Regulation (EU) 1230/2012 amended the EU type-approval Directive 2007/46/EC on the type-approval of vehicle weights and dimensions. This legislation was replaced by Regulation (EU) 2018/858, given effect in Irish law by the European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020 (SI 556 of 2020), as amended.
Any vehicle placed on the market within the EU must have type-approval from an EU Type-Approval Authority in respect of the vehicle's maximum dimensions and weight. Without this certification, a vehicle may not be registered.
Road Projects
Questions (128)
Thomas Pringle
Question:128. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if information will be provided in relation to Fintra Bridge, Fintra, Killybegs, County Donegal which has been in the planning stage for some time; the status of the works; the timeframe for works to start and finish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25036/24]
View answerWritten answers
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.
The R263 Fintra Road project involves the upgrade of the R263 road for approximately 1.4km, improving road safety by providing a new road alignment and cross-section to current design standards. Active travel facilities will also be provided as part of the scheme.
My Department has provided grant assistance to Donegal County Council for the planning and design of the R263 Fintra Bridge and Road Realignment Project. Part 8 planning and CPO approval has been obtained. Donegal County Council are currently finalising the detailed design of the scheme and set to undertake the tender process of the main construction contract in Q3 2024. Subject to a successful tender process, construction should then commence.
The Department will continue to liaise with the Council in relation to progression of the scheme and as programme budgets allow. In 2024, the scheme received an allocation of €1.5 million.
Air Navigation Orders
Questions (129, 130, 131)
Thomas Pringle
Question:129. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the number of inspections carried out under Article 8 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 in each of the years from 2010 to 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25043/24]
View answerThomas Pringle
Question:130. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the number of inspections carried out under Article 8 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 in each of the years from 2000 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25044/24]
View answerThomas Pringle
Question:131. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the number of inspections carried out under Article 8 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 in each year 1990-1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25045/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 to 131, inclusive, together.
Article 8 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 empowers the Minster for Transport or an authorised person to carry out an inspection of civil aircraft flying from any place within the State.
However, the exercise of this power is conditional on there being an appearance, to either the Minster for Transport or the authorised person, of an intention or likelihood that the civil aircraft concerned is to fly in such circumstances that would be in contravention of the 1973 and 1989 orders.
As was communicated to the Deputy in their Parliamentary Questions 279 and 280 of 11 September 2023, insofar as it can be determined, there is no record of an inspection of a civil aircraft having been carried out pursuant to the 1973 and 1989 orders. I can further inform that, in the period since the abovementioned Parliamentary Questions were answered, no such inspections have been performed.
Question No. 130 answered with Question No. 129.
Question No. 131 answered with Question No. 129.
Public Transport
Questions (132)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:132. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 16 May 2024, to provide a breakdown of services that have been curtailed due to unacceptable or criminal behaviour and related risks to others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25055/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 a breakdown of route curtailments is an operational matter for Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, and Go-Ahead. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the companies for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Public Transport
Questions (133)
Catherine Murphy
Question:133. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of Revenue protection officers employed by Iarnród Éireann in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if this number will be further increased this year. [25105/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 Revenue Protection Officers employed by Iarnród Éireann is a 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Coast Guard Service
Questions (134)
Catherine Murphy
Question:134. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if contracts have been signed by both parties in respect of a new coast guard building in Howth; and if not, when his Department expects construction work on this project to commence. [25106/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has been working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine over the past number of months to formalise lease arrangements on a number of Coast Guard buildings located within Fishery Harbour Centres.
Formalising the lease arrangement in Howth has been a priority, in particular, so that the requirements of the unit can be formally reviewed with a view to extending the current facility at that location.
The lease is currently being finalised with the CSSO.
Rail Network
Questions (135)
Catherine Murphy
Question:135. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the refurbishment works that Iarnród Éireann carried out at a location (details supplied) in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024; and the future refurbishment works Iarnród Éireann has scheduled for this station between Q3 2024 and end of 2025, in tabular form. [25107/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 past and future works at Tara Street Station 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Bus Services
Questions (136)
Robert Troy
Question:136. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the reason a company (details supplied) has not increased its service following the discontinuation of another service. [25127/24]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
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 Aircoach 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 circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, such as Aircoach route 706/706X, the NTA has undertaken an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services. On the 12th of April the NTA published their determination which can be found online at: Route 706 Public Service Obligation (PSO) Determination - National Transport
The NTA has determined that there is not a Public Service Obligation to introduce new services to replace route 706. The services that will remain in operation along the Galway to Dublin corridor via Ballinasloe, Athlone, and Maynooth meet the minimum service standard outlined in Connecting Ireland and no immediate action is required to address the withdrawal of route 706. The NTA will continue to monitor local demands for travel along this corridor to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
In relation to your query on timetable adjustments, CityLink are commercial bus service, and responsibility for the operation of those services, including timetabling and capacity management, are matters for the company.
As the NTA is also the licensing authority for the commercial bus sector, I have also 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Bus Services
Questions (137)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:137. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport to address an issue in respect of local bus transport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25129/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 TFI Local Link and the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland, including in counties Kerry and Limerick, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Córas Iompair Éireann
Questions (138)
Leo Varadkar
Question:138. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport whether he is aware of the recent court judgement on the CIÉ pension scheme; his views on the matter and whether he will now support or oppose an increase in pensions paid. [25149/24]
View answerWritten answers
The case in relation to the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days. While original indications were that a judgement would be expected in the Autumn of 2022, the matter was deferred on multiple occasions, with the judgment being delivered on 19 April 2024.
In his judgement, Mr. Justice Mark Sanfey found that both CIÉ and the 1951 Scheme members were obliged to provide funding to the pension scheme to resolve any solvency issues. Justice Sanfey instructed both sides to consider what orders should be made on foot of the judgment ahead of a hearing date on 14 June 2024. The Department continues to engage with CIÉ, and advisors in NewERA in relation to this matter.
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the aspect of Deputy's question related to an increase in pension payments for 1951 pension scheme members to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Bus Services
Questions (139)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:139. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on BusConnects as part of the greater Dublin area capital programme, including detail on the anticipated start date for construction; to outline the projected cost allocated within expenditure projection contained in the stability programme update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25170/24]
View answerWritten answers
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of of BusConnects comprises Core Bus Corridor schemes. These Corridors aim to provide over 200 km of enhanced walking, cycling, and bus route infrastructure in the Dublin region. An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to four of the Corridors - the Clongriffin, Liffey Valley, Ballymun/Finglas and Belfield/Blackrock schemes.
New bus services in Dublin have already been delivered, with the first five phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years.
The first of these Spines—the H-Spine—launched in June 2021 and serves Howth and Malahide. The second Spine—the C-Spine serving the Lucan/Leixlip/Celbridge corridor —launched in November 2021.
Phase 3—the Northern Orbital routes—was rolled out in May 2022, connecting Blanchardstown with the Point and Finglas with Howth Junction. Phase 4, comprising the G-Spine and Route 60 connecting Ballyfermot with the Docklands via the City Centre, was launched in October 2022.
Phase 5a, the Western Orbitals, launched in June 2023 connecting the West of Dublin to Kildare. Phase 5b, the Southern Orbitals, launched in November 2023 connecting the Southern and Western areas of Dublin.
The E-Spine (Ballymun to Bray) and Inner City Orbitals are expected to roll out later this year subject to funding and staff availability. The Network Redesign for the entire network will continue in the coming years.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
The final budget for BusConnects will not be set until after the planning process and completion of tendering and procurement, with the Government having the final decision about whether to proceed to construction. Officials in my Department engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to the budget and progress of all major projects, including BusConnects.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Rail Network
Questions (140)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:140. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on MetroLink as part of the greater Dublin area capital programme, including detail on the anticipated start date for construction; to outline the projected cost allocated within expenditure projection contained in the stability programme update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25171/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, an Oral Hearing in relation to the planning application for MetroLink commenced on February 19th and concluded on March 28th. 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.
The Preliminary Business Case included a range of potential capital costs from €7.16bn to €12.25bn in 2021 prices, excluding VAT. An updated and more definite cost estimate for MetroLink will be known after the planning and procurement stages, and will be brought to Government for consideration at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The final budget for MetroLink will not be set until after the planning process and completion of tendering and procurement, with the Government having the final decision about whether to proceed to construction. Officials in my Department engage with the National Transport Authority (NTA) on an ongoing basis in relation to the budget and progress of all major projects, including MetroLink.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Rail Network
Questions (141)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:141. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on DART+ as part of the greater Dublin area capital programme, including detail on the anticipated start date for construction; to outline the projected cost allocated within expenditure projection contained in the stability programme update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25172/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ programme.
The DART+ programme will modernise and improve existing rail services in the Greater Dublin Area, by electrifying the lines and purchasing new rolling stock among other work. The expansion will create a connected and electrified rail network for the Greater Dublin Area, increasing the network from circa 50km to 150km and doubling city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours.
The DART+ programme comprises five different projects in and around the Greater Dublin Area and eastern region, including:
DART+ Fleet: a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric fleet;
DART+ West: extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth;
DART+ South West: extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge;
DART+ Coastal North: extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to Drogheda;
DART+ Coastal South: improvement of current DART services from Dublin city centre to Greystones.
In December 2021 the Government approved the Preliminary Business Case for the DART+ Programme and a fleet framework agreement between Irish Rail and Alstom. This framework allows for the purchase of up to 750 electric/battery-electric train carriages for the Irish Rail system over a 10-year period. This approval permitted the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which are expected to enter service in 2026. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement, which will see 90 new battery-electric multiple units arrive in 2026.
Following the submission of a Railway Order application in July 2022, an Oral Hearing for DART+ West was held in September/October 2023. A Railway Order for DART+ South West was lodged in March 2023. The DART+ Coastal North was submitted to Government in May 2024 and received consent for approval. A Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North is expected to be lodged by July.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues 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.
Public Transport
Questions (142)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:142. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on Luas Green Line Capacity enhancement as part of the greater Dublin area capital programme, including detail on the anticipated start date for construction; to outline the projected cost allocated within expenditure projection contained in the stability programme update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25173/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including the completed Luas Green Line Capacity Enhancement project.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply in relation to this project. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.