Martin Browne
Question:159. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport if the submissions to the All-Island Strategic Rail Review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42229/24]
View answerDepartmental Reviews
Questions (159)
Written answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken by the Department of Transport in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published on the 31st of July 2024.
The Review's 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. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.
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 Report will be subject to funding and relevant approvals as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.
A public consultation was undertaken for the Review between November 2021 and January 2022 to gather views of the public and stakeholders on the role of rail and priorities for investment. More than 7,000 submissions were received. These responses formed a key input into the draft Review Report’s recommendations.
The draft Review Report was published for the purpose of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation, which ran from July to September 2023. A total of 474 responses were received, with the vast majority of comments related to non-SEA issues.
A summary of the SEA related responses and updates made to the SEA documents as a result is published in the Appendix B of the SEA Statement published alongside the Final Report.
The Final Report provides a summary of comments received as part of the SEA consultation and the updates made to the Final Report to take account of them, which is set out in Appendix A of the Final Report. However, it is not intended to publish the individual submissions received as part of the public consultation.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, 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. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.
Social Enterprise Sector
Questions (160)
Carol Nolan
Question:160. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of all social enterprise organisations or bodies funded by his Department in each year from 2021 to date in 2024; the amount allocated in funding to each during this time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42282/24]
View answerWritten answers
Please see table below with details of all social enterprise organisations funded by the Department of Transport from 2021-2024.
|
Division |
Social Enterprise Organisations |
Year |
Amount Allocated € |
|
Active Travel |
Pobal |
2021-2024 |
€3 million |
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development, introduced a pilot initiative in 2021 for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes and the most marginalised and disadvantaged.
Funding of up approximately €1 million per annum is being provided by my Department over a three-year period through the Community Services Programme, which is managed by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development. Depending on the organisation involved, upcycled bicycles are made available for free or at a lower cost to various groups including those in direct provision or those outside employment.
Military Aircraft
Questions (161, 163)
Gary Gannon
Question:161. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the number of civilian aircraft that had not applied for an exemption under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973, have been refused permission to enter Irish sovereign airspace on the grounds that they were suspected of carrying munitions of war in each of the years 2010 to 2023 and to date in 2024; how his Department identified or was informed that these civilian aircraft were suspected of carrying such materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42295/24]
View answerGary Gannon
Question:163. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport to set out the written circulars, protocols, or processes used by his Department when exemptions under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, are applied for and when such applications are refused; the persons within his Department responsible for the oversight of these procedures; to detail any reviews of these circulars, protocols, or processes that have been conducted in each of the past ten years; and to specify any subsequent processes governing the oversight of these procedures. [42298/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 163 together.
Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, the carriage of munitions of war by civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory and by Irish-registered civil aircraft, wherever they may be operating, is prohibited, unless an exemption from this prohibition is granted by the Minister for Transport.
In accordance with the provisions of the Orders, the Civil Air Ireland unit in my Department operates a procedure under which air operators wishing to carry weapons or munitions through Irish airspace or airports must seek an exemption to do so in respect of each individual flight at least 48 hours in advance.
My officials consult with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice to determine if there are any foreign policy or security issues that need to be considered in the context of each application. The Department of Defence is also informed of all applications.
The Irish Aviation Authority, the state agency with responsibility for regulating the carriage of dangerous goods by air, is consulted on any applications for an exemption to permit the carriage of munitions of war also classified as dangerous goods, such as ammunition.
If an objection is raised regarding the grant of an exemption during these consultations, the recommendation made by officials to the Minister will be to refuse the application.
The system of overflights is a complex one and governed by several multilateral agreements to which the State is a party. The right of overflight is provided to air operators of contracting parties to these agreements, without requiring prior permission, save in the circumstance where the operator is intending to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory.
While operators are required to file flight plans, there is no requirement for these to indicate if munitions of war are being carried, as such unless an air operator has sought an exemption to carry munitions of war, there is no mechanism by which my Department will have knowledge of the type of cargo which is being carried on overflights. To put this into context, in 2023 some 368,000 flights operated through Irish controlled airspace (which includes sovereign airspace) – these were a mix of passenger operation and cargo operations – so it is simply not possible to maintain administrative oversight of all operations in either controlled or sovereign airspace.
In instances where there is an allegation that the carriage of munitions of war has occurred without the appropriate exemption, my officials contact the air operator concerned and seek out and examine all relevant information.
There have been no instances since 2010 where an air operator has been suspected of carrying munitions of war and refused entry into sovereign Irish airspace. There have been instances where air operators have sought exemptions to carry munitions of war, but due to the nature of the cargo on board they have been refused permission to do so and advised to re-route their operation.
An internal audit of the Civil Air Ireland unit processes and procedures was commenced in October 2022, with the final report completed in March 2023. While some administrative improvements were made following this, the overarching structure of the processing system was found to be effective. The scope of this review did not include a review of the legislation on the carriage of munitions of war.
This legislation is now being examined in the context of the consideration to introduce a system of random inspections. The potential for further amendment, to address any deficiencies that may be brought to light by recent events, will also be the subject of this consideration.
Air Navigation Orders
Questions (162)
Gary Gannon
Question:162. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of all working groups within his Department that have been engaged in reviewing any air navigation policy matters in each of the past 18 months, including their membership, terms of reference, and the outcomes or recommendations made by these groups. [42297/24]
View answerWritten answers
While no specific working groups have been established to review air navigation policy matters in the past 18 months, the Department is committed to the objective of providing high quality air navigation services with modern air traffic management infrastructure as outlined in the National Aviation Policy (2015).
The Department continues to work with AirNav Ireland, the Irish Aviation Authority and European and North Atlantic partners to ensure the provision of safe and efficient air traffic management services.
Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 161.
Local Authorities
Questions (164)
Brendan Smith
Question:164. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if urgent and favourable consideration will be given to a request from a local authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42324/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 and are supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the Council.
Within the budget available for the regional and local road grant programme, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
The 2024 regional and local road grants were notified to local authorities in February this year and Monaghan County Council received an allocation of over €17 million for the maintenance and improvement of their regional and local roads network; this represents an increase of over €800,000 compared to their 2023 allocation. 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. Monaghan County Council has been allocated €773,500 under this supplementary allocation.
The main regional and local road grant programmes are focussed on specific policy objectives i.e. surface sealing to protect the road surface from water damage, road strengthening based pavement condition rating to lengthen the life of roads and a Discretionary Grant which allows for a specified range of activities including winter maintenance. These three grant programmes account for most of the grant funding and are allocated taking into account the length of the road network and traffic factors in a particular local authority area. Apart from a requirement that 15% of the road strengthening grant is spent on regional roads, the allocation of funding to different categories of road is a matter for decision by each local authority, having regard to the funding available to it from local and central sources as well as its particular priorities.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their area, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
Road Projects
Questions (165)
Bernard Durkan
Question:165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he remains satisfied that urgently required road improvements and upgrades or new roads previously committed to will continue to be provided as required given the need to meet future as well as present public demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42363/24]
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 road network. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
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 which plays a critical role in supporting economic and community links throughout the country. For this reason, approximately 90% of State funding being provided in 2024 is aimed at protection and renewal works.
On 15th February I announced an Exchequer investment of €658 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an increase of €32 million over the 2023 allocations, with each local authority receiving an increase in funding for their Restoration Improvement grant. 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. The total allocation with the additional emergency funding is €688 million.
In addition to protecting and renewing the regional and local road network, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network and €677 million is earmarked in the NDP for such improvements on new regional and local roads over the 10 year period until 2030. Road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding will be assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (IG) (formerly known as the Public Spending Code (PSC)) and my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF).
In respect of National Roads, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
A major priority in the NDP, in line with the Department’s investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing national road network. The NDP foresees an exchequer allocation of circa €2.9 billion for the Protection and Renewal of existing national roads over the 10-year period to 2030, allocated fairly evenly across the decade.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there has been constraint on the funding available for new projects to 2025– however most national road projects in the NDP have continued to be progressed in 2024.
In line with the NDP and Government policy, the Minister for Transport has allocated national road funding for 2024 in a manner which seeks to achieve the following key outcomes:
• Protection and renewal of the existing national road network.
• Progressing major projects in or near construction.
• Progressing major projects which are pre-construction but well advanced in the development pipeline.
• Prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and Compact Growth in Ireland’s towns and villages.
Approximately €411m of exchequer capital funds were provided for National Roads for both Protection and Renewal and New Roads, through Transport Infrastructure Ireland to local authorities in 2024. The full list of allocations for 2024 was published on February 22nd. The delivery programme for all projects listed in the NDP will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. TII will announce the allocations for 2025 in the next few months.
Rail Network
Questions (166)
Bernard Durkan
Question:166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he will encourage the modernisation of rail transport infrastructure by ensuring long-term investment to meet the rail transport needs of the public into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42364/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published on the 31st of July 2024.
The Review's 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. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.
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 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.
The recommendations in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review are in addition to the projects currently being progressed under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030, for example the DART+ Programme. The Review will inform decisions on investment in the rail sector in both jurisdictions to 2050. In Ireland, the Review will assist in the Department of Transport’s engagement as part of the next update to the NDP.
Rail Network
Questions (167)
Bernard Durkan
Question:167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if adequate consideration has been given to the provision of adequate parking adjacent to railway stations with a view to ensuring the availability and convenience of rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42365/24]
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 park and ride facilities.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA's Park and Ride Development Office for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (168)
Bernard Durkan
Question:168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles in use that are totally reliant on electricity propulsion; his expectations for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42366/24]
View answerWritten 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.
Almost €116m has been allocated in 2024 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
Please find below a summary of number of EVs under current taxation as of 30th September 2024 by Fuel Type & Taxation Class. (Source: National Vehicle and Driver File).
The numbers in brackets illustrate the difference in growth between end August 2024 and end September 2024.
|
Fuel Type |
Total |
Private Cars |
|
Battery Electric Vehicles |
79,066 (+1,582) |
73,163 (+1,513) |
|
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles |
63,479 (+1,551) |
61,550 (+1,534) |
|
Total |
142,545 (+3,133) |
134,713 (+3,047) |
Per the above, the total number of vehicles which are totally reliant on electricity for propulsion is 79,066, with a further 63,479 which are directly chargeable and either mostly or partially use electricity for propulsion.
This figure does not include "mild" or "self-charging" hybrids, which have a much more limited electrical range and which use electrical propulsion for significantly shorter ranges.
There are a number of existing financial supports, including Government grants and tax relief measures, available for consumers to continue to support the transition to electric vehicles. These include:
• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €300;
• VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of battery electric vehicles;
• BIK relief for employees driving commercial battery electric vehicles
• eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV;
• ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
• Low rate of annual motor tax.
For the future, a grant scheme to support the purchase of electric motorcycles will be launched in 2025. This funding will aid the battery technology presently available in this sector which is best comparable with the existing urban modes of motorcycle transport, the ICE 50cc and 125cc bands.
These and related infrastructure supports will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.
And as part of the Budget 2025, several extended and new taxation measures to support the transition to zero and low emission vehicles were announced. These include:
• Extension of Benefit in Kind (BIK) relief for a further year for battery electric vehicles. This means the temporary universal relief of €10,000 to the Original Market Value (OMV) which was first introduced in 2023, plus the electric vehicle specific relief, will be continued into 2025.
• New provision for BIK exemption for the installation of electric vehicle chargers at the home of a director or employee.
• VRT amendment in respect of battery electric commercial (BEV) vehicles, so that they can qualify for the €200 VRT rate
• Introduction of an emissions based approach to VRT for category B commercial vehicles. This measure will provide for a lower 8% rate for category B vehicles with CO2 emission of less than 120grams per kilometre with a view to encouraging the purchase of such vehicles.
• Redefinition of the classification of a low emitting company car by reducing the maximum emission levels for qualifying for this relief for capital allowances purposes from less than 155 grams per kilometre to less than 140 grams per kilometre with effect from 1 January 2027.
My Department continues to engage with colleagues in other jurisdictions with a view to sharing research and learnings, and ultimately to develop cost effective and targeted policy supports.
All of these incentives are in place to help Ireland meet its target of 195,000 EVs on the road by end of 2025 and having 30% of the total vehicle fleet be zero emission by end of 2030.
Public Transport
Questions (169)
Bernard Durkan
Question:169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the improvement, extension and upgrade of rural transport networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42367/24]
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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of new and enhanced services, 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.
Public Transport
Questions (170)
Bernard Durkan
Question:170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects to encourage increased capacity on the commuter rail sector in north County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42368/24]
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 increased capacity on the commuter rail services in North County Kildare is a matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail 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.
Noise Pollution
Questions (171)
Bernard Durkan
Question:171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when noise reduction improvements will be completed on the M4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42369/24]
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 Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
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. 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. Therefore, all environmental noise related issues are a matter for each respective local authority.
Traffic Management
Questions (172)
Bernard Durkan
Question:172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which traffic congestion points have been identified throughout north County Kildare, with particular reference to Maynooth, Leixlip, Celbridge and Kilcock; the measures proposed to eliminate any such bottlenecks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42370/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for a number of targeted programmes, including the Safety Improvement Programme. Applications are sought each year from local authorities for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. In this context funding can be sought for traffic calming and other measures. It is a matter for Kildare County Council to submit such applications for consideration of funding.
Regional and Local Road Improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding will be assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (IG) (formerly known as the Public Spending Code (PSC)) and my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF).
It is important to stress that the responsibility for the management of roads, including traffic management measures, lies with each individual local authority within its administrative area. Local authorities work in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland in the case of national roads. While the National Transport Authority is responsible for overall transport strategy in the Greater Dublin Area and liaises with local authorities in that regard.
Traffic Management
Questions (173)
Bernard Durkan
Question:173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to combat the traffic congestion on the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42371/24]
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, including the M50, 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 traffic on the M50. 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.