Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:144. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the first- and full-year costs of reinstating the grant rate of €5,000 for the purchase of EVs. [42196/24]
View answerElectric Vehicles
Questions (144)
Written answers
The Government has committed significant funding to support zero and low emitting vehicles through the National Development Plan, which currently includes an allocation of almost €500 million for the period 2021-2025 and additional support from the Climate Action Fund, the Shared Island Fund and the EU Just Transition Fund.
€115.8m has been allocated in 2024 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure.
Based on 2023 sales, and accounting for the downturn in sales that has been seen in 2024 figures to date, projections for current spend to the end of this year with the current grant rate of €3,500 are €45,905,299.
If the grant rate of €5,000 was to be reinstated, based on the 2024 projections, the spend for 2024 would be €65,578,998.
If the grant was to be increased to €5,000, the extra €19,673,699 of spend would be diverted from other schemes that are in place to improve the charging infrastructure around the country. In line with International best practice, the focus of government funding has transitioned from vehicle spending to charging infrastructure.
There are still a number of incentives, other than the purchase grant of up to €3,500 off the price of a new battery electric vehicle (BEV), that are aimed at increasing the uptake of BEVs, including:
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €300;
• VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a generous grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to Wheelchair Accessible EV’s of up to €25,000;
• ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant scheme for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
• Low rate of annual motor tax;
These and related infrastructure supports will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and accessible rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.
Aviation Industry
Questions (145)
Matt Shanahan
Question:145. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport the cost-benefit analysis that has been done by his Department to identify economic benefit of passenger jet aviation into each region of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41977/24]
View answerWritten answers
As an island nation, aviation plays a crucial role in our economy and society. The National Aviation Policy (“NAP”) published in August 2015, established a policy framework for the development of the aviation sector. The NAP was designed to create an environment that would encourage the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity, to foster the growth of aviation enterprise and to maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development.
Government recognises that significant economic and social benefits can be derived from facilitating access to and from our regions. In terms of our State airports Economic Impact Assessments have been undertaken by Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports in order to show the economic value of those airports to their regions, and the contribution the airport makes to the local/regional economy. Reports on Dublin and Cork airports were published this year and a report on Shannon Airport Group was published in 2023.
The following table captures the impact in terms of employment and gross value added (GVA) for these State airports (GVA is broadly equivalent to GDP):
|
Dublin Airport |
Cork Airport |
Shannon Airport Group |
|
|
Jobs – direct |
19,900 |
2,330 |
11,300 |
|
Jobs – indirect |
11,700 |
1,370 |
4,560 |
|
Jobs – induced |
13,000 |
1,610 |
4,480 |
|
Jobs – catalytic |
71,200 |
7,340 |
- |
|
Jobs supported - total |
116,100 |
12,650 |
20,330 |
|
GVA |
€9.59bn |
€1.045bn |
€3.96bn |
Note : Some total figures have been rounded. The Shannon Airport Group figures include both the commercial property business and Shannon Airport.
The NAP also recognises the important role our smaller regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. These airports continue to be important because of a level of international connectivity that they bring to a region for tourism and business.
Although not State owned, as part of the eligibility criteria under the Regional Airports Programme, Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports are required to report to my Department annually with a summary of the economic value of the airport to their region, and the contribution the airport makes to the local/regional economy.
The following table captures the impact in terms of employment and GVA at these smaller regional airports:
|
Ireland West Airport |
Kerry Airport |
Donegal Airport |
|
|
Jobs – direct (airport) |
151 |
135 |
30 |
|
Jobs – indirect |
3,026 |
500 |
233 |
|
Jobs supported - total |
3,177 |
635 |
263 |
|
GVA |
€34.6m |
€18.4m |
€14.5m |
Road Projects
Questions (146)
James O'Connor
Question:146. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocations to road projects contained within the NDP; if the funding has been spent in full during 2023; if not, the amount of unspent funding returned to his Department, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29502/24]
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, management, 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.
Approximately €491m of exchequer capital funds were provided for national roads through TII to local authorities in 2023. I can confirm that these allocations were drawn down in full. Please see below link to the 2023 allocations on the TII website for ease of reference: www.tii.ie/media/afwm0ocp/tii_local-authorities_2023-grant-allocations_final.pdf
This funding was used for the protection and renewal of the existing national road network, as well as to progress a number of new roads projects. Projects completed in 2023 include the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom, the N5 Westport to Turlough and the Moycullen Bypass.
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. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The primary focus for capital investment under the National Development Plan continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network. In 2024, over €688m has been allocated towards regional and local roads, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works.
In addition to maintaining the regional and local road network in good repair, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network. This includes 12 strategic schemes identified in the NDP. To date 7 of the NDP schemes have been completed including the Athy Southern Distributor Road which opened late last year, along with the Portlaoise Southern Relief Road, Sallins Bypass and the Sligo Western Distributor Road. A further two projects are at construction stage, namely the Tralee Northern Relief Road, the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade schemes.
As regards the regional and local road grant funding allocated to local authorities for road projects in 2023, details of the regional and local road grant allocations to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
As regards to the funding drawn down by local authorities, this is reflected in the regional and local road payments booklets which are also available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
Bus Services
Questions (147)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:147. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the plans being considered for increased bus services from Headford to Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42135/24]
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query 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.
Public Transport
Questions (148)
John Brady
Question:148. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if the allocation of €116 million from the contingency fund to his Department in Budget 2025 will be used for the purpose of extending the fare reductions on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42137/24]
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 the recent Budget 2025 negotiations my Department secured €128 million contingency funding as part of the overall package for the provision of public transport services. Utilising this funding will be of help in the continuation of the provision of the temporary fare initiatives currently in place until the end of 2025. This includes the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services and the young adult card on PSO and participating commercial services.
Funding under this package will also help provide for free public transport for children aged between 5 and 8 years of age with additional funding provided for new measures introduced during the year.
Public Transport
Questions (149)
John Brady
Question:149. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if, from 2026 onwards, money for the current fare reduction will need to come from 'to be allocated' or if this allocation is in the expenditure ceilings for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42138/24]
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.
The funding allocation for PSO public transport services for 2026 will be subject to the annual Budgetary process next year, and therefore the allocations for 2026 are yet to be determined in the context of the future estimates process.
Public Transport
Questions (150)
John Brady
Question:150. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the average fare paid on intercity public transport journeys, broken down by passenger type (student, adult, pensioner, and so on) and mode of transport (bus, tram, train, and so on); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42139/24]
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 light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Public Transport
Questions (151)
John Brady
Question:151. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the average fare paid on intercity public transport journeys (for example, from Dublin to Galway), broken down by passenger type (student, adult, pensioner, and so on) and mode of transport (bus, tram, train, and so on); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42140/24]
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 light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Driver Test
Questions (152)
Michael Creed
Question:152. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport when a person in County Cork (details supplied) will receive a date for their rescheduled driving test. [42152/24]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, this includes all application and scheduling matters and neither I nor my department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the Deputy may wish to note that a change was made to the online booking system for the National Car Test in October 2023. Unused test slots are now made available for candidates to take up at short notice. If a driving test is cancelled at short notice, the RSA now make this appointment available on the [MyRoadSafety (rsa.ie)] portal.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Public Transport
Questions (153)
Bríd Smith
Question:153. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport when free travel for children under nine years will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42157/24]
View answerWritten answers
Under Budget 2025, funding has been allocated to the Department of Transport to provide for free public transport for children aged 5 to 8 years. Free travel for all children under-five on subsidised public transport services was introduced in 2017, and this new measure now extends that to include children aged between 5 and 8 years of age.
The extension will be introduced next year, with a lead time involved to allow for the necessary technical changes required to facilitate the implementation of this change to child fares. Similar to the previous fare initiatives this measure marks another step towards making sustainable transport a more affordable option for more families.
Public Transport
Questions (154)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:154. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a timeline for the extension of free child fares on public service obligation services to children aged 5-8 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42175/24]
View answerWritten answers
Under Budget 2025, funding has been allocated to the Department of Transport to provide for free public transport for children aged 5 to 8 years. Free travel for all children under-five on subsidised public transport services was introduced in 2017, and this new measure now extends that to include children aged between 5 and 8 years of age.
The extension will be introduced next year, with a lead time involved to allow for the necessary technical changes required to facilitate the implementation of this change to child fares. Similar to the previous fare initiatives this measure marks another step towards making sustainable transport a more affordable option for more families.
Public Transport
Questions (155)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:155. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the current cost of installing a new bus shelter at a bus stop that previously did not have one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42178/24]
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, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
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.
Public Transport
Questions (156)
Robert Troy
Question:156. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine providing a daily rural transport link to service Streamstown, County Westmeath, as currently the 819 local link service caters for Castletown-Geoghegan; and if this service could be extended to take in Streamstown. [42197/24]
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 services and the roll-out of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in County Westmeath, 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.
Rail Network
Questions (157)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:157. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on plans to improve rail transportation services in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42226/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that good progress has been made in advancing rail investment in Galway. The construction contract for the upgrade of Ceannt Station in Galway was awarded in November 2023. Works on this project are currently on-going and construction is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026.
Iarnród Éireann lodged planning permission applications in September for a new platform and second track through Oranmore Station, to increase train frequency, which will allow more trains to operate between Galway and Athenry.
The Infrastructure Managers Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides a multi-annual investment programme to protect our national railway system by funding maintenance and safety projects needed to maintain safety and service levels in railway operations, including the Dublin to Galway line which serves Woodlawn, Attymon, Athenry, Oranmore and Galway. Approximately €1.3bn in Exchequer funding will have been allocated towards the protection and renewal of the national rail network through the current IMMAC contract, which runs from 2020 to 2024.
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review by the Department of Transport in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. In relation to Galway, the Review recommends:
• Increased intercity service frequencies to at least hourly between Dublin and Galway;
• Providing more direct services between Ireland’s West and South Coasts, including between Galway and Limerick;
• Reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry; and
• Electrification the Dublin and Galway route.
The Final Review Report will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050. It should be noted that individual projects referred to in the Final Report will be subject to funding and relevant approvals as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade. A report on this matter is expected to be published in the near future. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.
Public Transport
Questions (158)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:158. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he is committed to making public transport in rural areas accessible to passengers with mobility issues; the improvements he is making in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42227/24]
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, 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.