Joan Collins
Question:96. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce the horse-drawn carriages Bill in the next month (details supplied). [42063/24]
View answerProposed Legislation
Questions (96)
Written answers
Further to Dáil Question No 112 on 24th September 2024, my Department had planned to undertake stakeholder consultations in 2024 but, unfortunately, this has had to be deferred due to conflicting legislative priorities. Nevertheless, the Bill remains on my Department’s legislative programme for Autumn 2024 and work to ensure that an appropriate legal basis is in place to regulate this area is ongoing.
All issues regarding animal welfare should be brought to the attention of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, people in possession of a protected animal, of which horses fit this definition, must ensure the animal is kept and treated in a manner that safeguards their health and welfare. Failure to do this is considered an offence under that Act. Section 33 of the Control of Horses Act 1996 provides that AGS may compel individuals in control of horses to obtain necessary attention from a veterinarian if the horse is in pain, distress, neglect or is severely injured, diseased or in need of veterinary attention. Failure to comply is an offence. Local Authorities also have powers under the Control of Horses Act, 1996 to introduce by-laws regulating activities involving horses in their respective functional areas.
The drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
Dublin Bus
Questions (97)
Paul Murphy
Question:97. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will act to increase capacity on the 15, 15B, S6 and S8 bus routes, which are frequently full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42041/24]
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 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.
The query raised by the Deputy are operational matter for Dublin Bus regarding the 15 and 15B, and for Go-Ahead regarding the S6 and S8, in conjunction with the NTA. I have, therefore, referred the question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Public Transport
Questions (98)
Catherine Connolly
Question:98. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 264 of 23 July 2024, the status of the feasibility study for light rail in Galway, and the status of the roll out of park and ride for the west and east side of Galway city which are being undertaken as part of the Galway metropolitan area transport strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41700/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, is developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). Part of the development of the new Strategy involves transport mode-specific analysis being undertaken, which includes a light rail feasibility study.
The NTA is also leading the development and roll-out of strategic park and ride sites nationwide through the Park and Ride Development Office.
Given the NTA's role in the development of the GMATS and the development and roll-out of park and ride sites, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for an update in relation to the issues raised. Please contact my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Rail Network
Questions (99)
John Brady
Question:99. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the plans to upgrade the Dublin to Rosslare line, and for the electrification of the line to Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42055/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 Wicklow Capacity Enhancement Study.
The potential extension of DART services southwards to Wicklow is included as an objective in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, which was adopted last year. Initial planning/design work is currently ongoing to establish the feasibility of operating an hourly DART service to/from Wicklow town using battery electric train sets that could operate along the un-electrified section between Greystones and Wicklow.
Modelling undertaken by the NTA for the DART+ Programme related to facilitating increased services on the Rosslare line, and to achieve maximum capacity in the Greater Dublin Area, includes an option that would see Rosslare services interchanging at Wicklow or Greystones to connect seamlessly to DART services into the heart of Dublin.
This was an infrastructural modelling exercise, and the NTA have advised that no decision has yet been made to alter services on the Rosslare line on this basis.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Bus Services
Questions (100)
John Brady
Question:100. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the development of a high-speed bus network for the Shannon Airport catchment area, to ensure fast access from across the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42052/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, proposals for investment in public transport services for the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area are set out in the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS). This Strategy was developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The final Strategy was published in December 2022. The Strategy sets out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years, including proposals to enhance the bus network.
For Limerick City, enhancements to the city’s bus network will take place under BusConnects Limerick. The NTA published its final new bus network for Limerick in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the nine key elements of BusConnects Limerick that aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.
LSMATS also notes the NTA’s intention to improve local and regional bus connectivity to Shannon town centre, employment areas and Shannon Airport.
A number of enhanced routes serving Shannon Airport came into effect in August 2024. Route 343, operated by Bus Éireann now provides a 24hr service from Limerick to Shannon offering increased frequency throughout the daily timetable, operating every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off peak hours on weekdays, as well as offering a doubling of the weekend service. The new improved service offers an hourly service between midnight and 4am. The enhanced services provide greater connectivity to Shannon Airport, Shannon Industrial Estates, and Colbert Station. 100% of timetabled services use fully accessible buses with low floor access. The enhanced Route 330, Shannon Airport to Ennis, also operated by Bus Éireann, now operates a daily hourly service from 5am to midnight, providing passengers with links to Shannon Airport, interchange with the 343 service and rail services.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to NTA for a more detailed response on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Airport Policy
Questions (101)
Leo Varadkar
Question:101. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport when he last discussed capital funding to extend the runway at Waterford Airport. [35588/24]
View answerWritten answers
As recently advised to the Deputy in response to a separate Parliamentary Question on this matter, my Department has undertaken a detailed appraisal of the development proposal put forward by Waterford Airport. This level of appraisal is necessary to ensure that due diligence is exercised in accordance with my Department’s “Transport Appraisal Framework” and the Government’s “Infrastructure Guidelines” (previously known as the Public Spending Code).
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has completed its assessment of the detail submitted by Waterford Airport in line with the Project Outline Document requirements under the Framework. This assessment was recently submitted to both Minister Ryan and I for our consideration.
Engagement will be undertaken with Government colleagues and with all Oireachtas members within the Constituency on this matter, at the appropriate time, after both Minister Ryan and I have given the assessment our full consideration and when next steps have been determined.
Question No. 102 answered with Question No. 70.
Airport Policy
Questions (103)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:103. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on the business case submitted by Waterford Airport following the completion of his Department’s review of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42072/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware my Department has undertaken a detailed appraisal of the development proposal put forward by Waterford Airport. This appraisal has included the assessment of significant documentation and responses to queries raised by Department officials and addressed by the airport up until 17 July. This level of appraisal is necessary to ensure that due diligence is exercised in accordance with my Department’s “Transport Appraisal Framework” and the Government’s “Infrastructure Guidelines” (previously known as the Public Spending Code).
The Transport Appraisal Framework requires that in the transport sector, where the proposal has an estimated potential cost of €15m or more, the Sponsoring Agency (in this case Waterford Airport) must produce a Project Outline Document, to be reviewed by the relevant Approving Authority (in this case the Department of Transport). The purpose of the Project Outline Document is to outline the rationale for an intervention and the intended impacts; verify the alignment of the proposal with wider government strategy and policy; and describe the appraisal, governance, and financial approach.
My Department has completed its assessment of the detail submitted by Waterford Airport in line with the Project Outline Document requirements. This assessment was recently submitted to both Minister Ryan and I for our consideration.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that any future investment would need to be contingent on significant, evidence based, demonstration that sufficient demand exists for Waterford Airport to be a viable facility for regular scheduled passenger services. It also needs to be recognised that other airports in the near vicinity and shared catchment, which are already well established, can support connectivity to the South East.
While the processes governing capital investment projects are onerous and rigorous and may take considerable periods of time to execute to the required standards, it is important to note that Waterford Airport is currently in a position to operate scheduled passenger services without any major runway extension. The Deputy will be aware that the existing runway can facilitate propeller plane services which are successfully operated at other airports currently, including for example, on services operating out of Donegal, Kerry and Dublin airports to the UK and France.
I would be happy to update the Deputy further when both Minister Ryan and I have given these matters and the assessment our full consideration and when next steps have been determined. Until that time, I reserve an open mind on the matter.
Budget 2025
Questions (104)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:104. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport how funding provided for public transport in Budget 2025 will benefit County Carlow. [42028/24]
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 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.
Under Budget 2024, a funding package of c. €613.463m was secured for PSO and Local Link services. This included funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services, and the 90-minute fare until the end of the year. Funding was also secured to support new and enhanced bus and rail services. More recently, under Budget 2025 funding has been secured to support fare initiatives and for the continued roll-out of new services next year, including the continuation of the BusConnects and Connecting Ireland programmes, and the planned introduction of further new town services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of new and enhanced services, including in County Carlow, 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.
Road Projects
Questions (105)
John Brady
Question:105. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he intends on progressing the N81 Tallaght to Hollywood crossroad improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42054/24]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
The current NDP was published in 2021, and the N81 Tallaght to Hollywood was not included among those projects identified in the Plan. As such, the advancement of the proposed scheme cannot be accommodated in the National Roads Programme at this point in time.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to other improvement measures on the N81. 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.
Road Projects
Questions (106)
Brendan Griffin
Question:106. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the current position regarding the new N22 Farranfore to Lissivigeen Killarney outer bypass project; the timelines for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42099/24]
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 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 latest status of this project.
However I can assure the Deputy that sufficient funding is in place to enable the conclusion of the route options phase by year end with a preferred route selected. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the N22 Killarney to Farranfore project will be kept under review in future years and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Airport Policy
Questions (107)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:107. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has examined the potential impact on tourism numbers of the many difficulties facing Dublin Airport in recent years, including the caps, and queues, due to staff shortages and airline strikes. [36755/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, tourism matters are under the remit of my government colleague the Minister for Tourism. However, in relation to the matters raised regarding Dublin Airport, I can advise the deputy that increasing capacity at Dublin Airport is in line with the National Aviation Policy which recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport to meeting national social and economic policy goals. The NAP includes an objective to develop Dublin Airport as a secondary hub airport. I wish to assure the Deputy that the passenger cap at Dublin Airport is a planning related issue, rather than a policy-based issue.
I am undertaking a series of engagements with key stakeholders (airlines, airports, regulators, business and tourism groups) to discuss ways in which the impact of this constraint may be limited. This process is reaching a conclusion and I will then consider any next steps.
My objective is to ensure that connectivity to and from Ireland can continue to grow and that the impact of the constraints at Dublin Airport can be mitigated where possible. While the impact of the current constraint in terms of future growth at Dublin Airport is recognised, it is important to note that there are no capacity constraints at Ireland’s other State Airports.
While there may be a slight reduction in capacity next summer, Dublin Airport will remain a very well served airport in terms of connections for passengers, tourists and businesses. This summer, for example, Dublin Airport’s passengers had a choice of more than 2,600 flights per week to hundreds of destinations all around the world. Almost half of the weekly flights on offer were to 125 cities and summer holiday destinations around Europe. In terms of other long-haul connections to the USA for example, over 210 weekly flights were available to cities including Boston, Chicago, Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles – as well as Denver - a brand new US destination for 2024.
There is evidence which shows that there is demand from Irish people to travel from our other State Airports in Shannon and Cork, and our other regional airports like Ireland West Airport Knock and Kerry Airport, and for tourists to arrive directly into the regions, when these services are provided. You may be interested to know that passenger numbers are up 9% across our regional airports last year and 7% so far this year. Cork airport alone is up 11%.
Government recognises that significant economic and social benefits are derived from facilitating access to and from our regions. Our national aviation policy seeks to optimise the operation of the Irish Airport network to ensure maximum connectivity to the rest of the world. Growth of air services at our regional airports is also in line with government policy on balanced regional development. That said, the operation of air services is a commercial matter between airlines, airports and other commercial partners and it is not possible for Government to direct traffic away from Dublin to our regional airports.
There is no impediment to any airline or charter service introducing new routes or ad hoc services at other Irish airports such as Shannon Airport, which has US Preclearance facilities and Cork Airport. There are no capacity constraints at these regional State airports or indeed at our smaller regional airports, Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal, which can be utilised to maintain and enhance connectivity to our regions.
In relation to security queues at the Airport, daa have advised my department that 94% of passengers passed through security screening in under 20 minutes in the peak summer period this year.
Noise Pollution
Questions (108)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:108. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities are fulfilling their roles regarding the implementation of sound barriers to mitigate the impact of major motorway construction projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41676/24]
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.
Noise mitigation measures for new National Roads projects are funded through the overall allocation for the new road project in question.
With regard to existing National Roads, the amended European Communities (Environmental Noise Regulations) 2018 (S.I. No. 549) deal with the requirements to prepare noise actions plans to be developed for the purpose of managing environmental noise issues and their effects, including noise reduction, if necessary.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the national authority for overseeing the implementation of these Regulations. Queries regarding the work of the EPA should be directed to the responsible parent department, in this case the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Local authorities, in their role as designated Action Planning Authorities, are responsible for making and approving noise actions plans. The finalised action plan is the responsibility of the respective local authority. While TII have a role in the preparation of noise maps, funding cannot be provided to TII from the Department as they have no role in the implementation of such plans under the Regulations. Therefore, all Environmental Noise related issues are a matter for each respective local authority.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to the offices of TII to advise on the implementation of noise mitigation measures while major motorway construction projects are underway. 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.
Road Safety
Questions (109)
Niamh Smyth
Question:109. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to outline the funding in place to address dangerous junctions in Cavan on our national road networks. [41635/24]
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 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 52.
Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 52.