Peadar Tóibín
Question:60. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the average wait time for a driving test in each test centre in the State. [41849/24]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (60)
Written answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the information requested is held by that organisation. I have therefore referred the specific question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
The Deputy may wish to note that the RSA has started to publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of testing capacity by test centre.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Tolls
Questions (61)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:61. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total amount collected in toll charges at each toll bridge in the State in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [41850/24]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Public Transport
Questions (62)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:62. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the most current timeline for phase 2 implementation of the Transport for Ireland 2024 fares determination; if there are any delays to implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41903/24]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In April 2023, the National Transport Authority published a new National Fares Strategy, aimed at delivering more consistent and equitable fares. Subsequently, in January 2024, the NTA published its fare determination which introduced specific changes to fares, including the formalisation of new ‘Dublin City’ and ‘Dublin Commuter’ Zone boundaries, simplified Leap capping, as well as changes to some Intercity Rail and town bus fares. The first phase of the fare determination was implemented on the 23rd of June.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question regarding the implementation of Phase 2 to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (63)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:63. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the implementation of the legislation required for speed-limit reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41975/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Traffic Act 2024 makes changes to default speed limits on three classes of road, in line with the Speed Limit Review which my Department published last year. These changes mean that default speed limits for national secondary roads will come down from 100km/h to 80km/h, those for local roads will come down from 80km/h to 60km/h, and those for roads in built-up areas from 50km/h to 30km/h.
The introduction of these changes requires considerable work on the part of the local authorities and others, and as a result my Department has agreed that they should be implemented in stages. The reduction of the local roads speed limit is being undertaken first, to be followed by the other two classes.
A key part of this process is for the local authorities to assess the local road network to determine the appropriate speed limits. While national default speed limits are set in law, the local authorities have the final say on speed limits on each individual road in their areas, and may leave them at the default or apply other speed limits to particular roads via special speed limit bye-laws. In addition to the need to complete their own reviews, local authorities have also been working to procure the necessary additional signage.
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that speeding is one of the main causes of death and serious injury on our roads. Not only does speeding make collisions more likely, it also greatly increases the risk of serious consequences when collisions do occur. We all have a responsibility as road users to drive at a safe speed, and depending on factors such as traffic and weather that could be well below the maximum permitted speed limit on a road.
Bus Services
Questions (64)
Gary Gannon
Question:64. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport if his Department can provide clarification on the decision to discontinue the number 11 bus route, which serves a vital role in Drumcondra, particularly for elderly residents, as well as students attending UCD and DCU; the rationale behind the decision to cancel the route on the north side only, given that this route is essential for mobility and access to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41976/24]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Dublin, and for decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
I also want to assure the Deputy that the NTA is working closely with operators to address any service or connectivity issues arising from the roll-out of BusConnects. I understand that the NTA undertakes extensive public engagement prior to the introduction of any service changes.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Network
Questions (65)
Niamh Smyth
Question:65. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase allocations for the upgrading and maintenance of rural roads. [29472/24]
View answerWritten answers
Since 2020, allocations provided for the regional & local roads programme in the annual Revised Estimates of Public Services ("REV") have increased year on year, with the current 2024 allocation announced as €658m in this year's REV.
Over the years, further additional funds have been added during the year, to offer additional support to local authorities for the maintenance and upkeep of regional and local roads, with an additional €30m being made available in May 2024 for example, to assist with the damage to the road network caused by unusually persistent and prolonged rainfall over winter and spring period
From the outset, it is important to emphasise that the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. And that works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads.
As outlined in the 2024 Regional and Local Roads programme which I released on the 15th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in connecting people and places across the country. It facilitates business, education, tourism, healthcare, agriculture and the provision of critical services and activities.
Ireland's regional and local road network spans over 96,000kms. The network requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilient. As such, €658 million was allocated to Regional and Local Road Grants in 2024, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This represents an overall grant funding allocation increase of 5% from 2023. On 31st May 2024, I announced additional funding of €30 million to local authorities through Restoration Improvement (RI) Grants following persistent rainfall over winter and spring.
In addition, under the National Development Plan, the Government has made carrying out targeted improvements to sections of the regional and local road network a priority. €677 million is earmarked for such improvements over the 10-year period until 2030. Road improvement projects can be proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding. All projects put forward by local authorities must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF). Each project will be assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis, keeping available resources in mind.
Road Projects
Questions (66)
Niamh Smyth
Question:66. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allocate funding to complete the design work on the Ardee to Castleblayney N2 road scheme. [29473/24]
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 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.
While it was not possible to provide an allocation to the N2 Ardee to South of Castleblayney road scheme in 2024, it remains part of the NDP, and as with all NDP projects will be considered for funding in future years.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Military Aircraft
Questions (67)
Matt Carthy
Question:67. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 11 September 2023, if he is confident that cluster munitions have not transited sovereign Irish airspace in the period since February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42012/24]
View answerWritten answers
In response to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 11 September 2023, my predecessor advised that his officials had assessed records from 2003 to that date and had identified no instance where an application was processed and exemption granted, under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, for the carriage of cluster munitions on civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory.
I can confirm that from 11 September 2023 to date, there have been on applications for exemptions to carry cluster munitions on civil aircraft in sovereign Irish territory.
My Department's examination of recent allegations related to the carriage of munitions through sovereign Irish airspace without the appropriate exemption is ongoing. This examination includes the verification of the cargo carried on the flights identified.
Coast Guard Service
Questions (68)
Matt Carthy
Question:68. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the acquisition of search and rescue helicopters from a company (details supplied); if he is aware that the fixed wing component of the contract has been subcontracted to another company; if he is aware that this company is a leading supplier of the Israeli Defence Forces who are currently committing genocide against the Palestinian people; if he is aware of the recent terrorist attack against Lebanon involving mobile communications equipment; his views on whether it is prudent that Ireland tender such sensitive and crucial equipment to companies which may expose our supply chain to Israeli military or intelligence agencies; if he has requested the input of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Defence, National Cyber Security Centre, or other appropriate government agencies; if he can provide assurance that any such acquisition will not have been exposed to tampering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42013/24]
View answerWritten answers
Following a comprehensive procurement process, the Department of Transport awarded a 10-year contract to Bristow Ireland Limited (BIL) to provide year-round, day and night Search and Rescue aviation services. This service will be delivered through a fleet of six search and rescue (SAR) configured AW189 helicopters located in Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford. This contract was signed in August 2023.
In addition, for the first time, the Irish Coast Guard will also have dedicated day and night-time Fixed Wing service provided by ToExcel Ireland under a sub-contract with BIL and will be located at Shannon Airport. The Fixed Wing capability will enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity to coordinate Search and Rescue missions and conduct environmental and ship casualty monitoring of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
I am advised that ToExcel Ireland is solely involved in providing SAR, environmental and ship casualty monitoring services and is not a supplier to the Israel Defence Forces, and never has been.
Military Aircraft
Questions (69)
Matt Carthy
Question:69. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his efforts to ensure that no further flights transit Ireland trafficking arms in support of Israel's genocide in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42014/24]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of overflights is a complex matter which is underpinned by various multilateral conventions and/or bilateral agreements to which Ireland is a party. As a result of this, air operators do not need to seek prior permission before transiting our airspace save where they are intending to carry munitions of war. In 2023 approximately 368,000 overflights were managed in Irish controlled airspace (which includes sovereign airspace) and 1185 exemptions were granted of which 601 were in respect of overflights.
While Ireland's legislative requirements in respect of the carriage of munitions of war are set out in the internationally standardised Integrated Aeronautical Information Package (IAIP), my Department arranged for a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to issue in August the purpose of which was to remind all carriers of our legislative requirements, as pilots in command should take account of any NOTAMs along its flight plan.
My officials are continuing to examine the matter of alleged contraventions in respect of the carriage of munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, through engagement with the air operators concerned.
Road Safety
Questions (70, 71)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:70. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to outline all measures being progressed on the N22, Macroom to Ballincollig road, to address all safety issues relating to right-turn junctions on this stretch of road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42060/24]
View answerAindrias Moynihan
Question:71. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position on a roundabout for a junction on the N22 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42061/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 71 together.
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 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 regarding safety measures on the N22. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 70.
School Funding
Questions (72)
Claire Kerrane
Question:72. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider establishing a fund along with the Department for Education to provide funding for schools seeking safety measures/safe parking outside schools to ensure safety of the entire school community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42097/24]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
While there are no plans at present to establish a fund along with the Dept of Education, The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions 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. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Rounds 1 and 2 will be selected for forthcoming rounds. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme is expected to be announced later this year.
Given the number of schools currently registered with the Programme, there is currently no plans to open up the Programme for additional applications. It should be noted, however, that funding for Active Travel infrastructure for schools is not confined to the Safe Routes to Schools Programme alone. In some cases, schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (73)
Bríd Smith
Question:73. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is intending to introduce any legislative changes or measures to improve pay and working conditions in the Irish aviation sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30464/24]
View answerWritten answers
Labour matters are primarily the purview of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, except in limited areas where the European Union has separately legislated in respect of mobile workers in civil aviation. I can confirm that I am not intending to introduce any legislative changes or measures related to pay and working conditions in the Irish aviation sector.
Road Safety
Questions (74)
Robert Troy
Question:74. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce road fatalities. [38161/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has a dedicated Road Safety Strategy, which is aligned with the EU Vision Zero aspiration for 2050 and includes the interim target of halving fatalities and serious injuries this decade.
The Strategy is being delivered in partnership by key road safety agencies, including my Department, the Department of Justice, the Road Safety Authority, the Medical Bureau of Road Safety and An Garda Síochána. Other Government Departments and key agencies also have responsibility for leading on the delivery of certain actions within the Phase 1 Action Plan, which runs from 2021 to the end of 2024.
However, road safety is not just a matter for Government; it is an all-of-society concern. To ensure we achieve road safety goals, we need the help and commitment of drivers and other road users. We know that speeding, drink and drug-driving, distracted road users, driving while fatigued and the non-use of seat belts are among the reckless driver and road user behaviours destroying lives on our roads.
To address these issues, notable achievements include the signing into law of the Road Traffic Act 2024. This priority legislation was brought forward by my Department in response to the rising road fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
The Act seeks to bring about systemic change to dangerous driver behaviour through safer default speed limits, harsher penalties on those caught committing multiple driving offences, and mandatory drug testing at the scene of a collision. The Act also enabled the introduction of e-scooter regulations which are now subject to a legal framework and restrictions on their use, operation and capacity.
Last September, the Speed Limit Review was published, which fulfilled a Programme for Government commitment. Since publication, significant progress has been made across various levels of Government to implement the principal recommendations in terms of establishing safer default limits on much of the network, while still respecting the important devolved responsibility of local authorities to vary the limit on a given road where this is warranted. The first phase will be to change the default speed limit on rural, local roads from 80km/h to 60km/h, and consultations are currently under way across the country in this regard.
An Garda Síochána has recently confirmed that commissioning and testing has begun for average safety cameras on the N3 in Cavan and on the N5 in Mayo, and these are expected to enter operation later this month. In total, there will be three additional average Safety Camera systems, and nine Static Safety Cameras rolled out this year, with work also progressing on the first National Safety Camera Strategy to provide a framework for a significant expansion of camera-based enforcement in the coming years.
In addition to closing out Phase 1 of the strategy in 2024, the Phase 2 Action plan is under development, which will target impactful actions under the safe system approach for the period 2025 - 2027. In order to ensure road user advocates have the opportunity to contribute to the Phase 2 Action Plan, my Department, together with the Road Safety Authority, has established a new Road User Safety Forum, comprising road users and road safety advocates.
My Department has also initiated a review of the Road Safety Authority itself, which is now nearing conclusion and the findings of which will be brought to Government shortly. The review has a wide remit but the transformational change being recommended will also aid our whole of Government response to road safety.
Road safety is a foremost priority for me and this Government. Everyone is entitled to use our roads and, importantly, to be safe on our roads.
Commissions of Investigation
Questions (75)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:75. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total cost associated with each Commission of Investigation under the remit of his Department in the past twenty years. [42464/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department has not identified a Commission of Investigation occurring under its remit within the past twenty years, or associated costs.