Thursday, 17 Oct 2024

Written Answers Nos. 66-80

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Greenways Provision

Questions (66)

Peter Fitzpatrick

Question:

66. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the concerns of County Louth farmers and members of an organisation (details supplied) that the proposed Carlingford to Dundalk Greenway project may see the council attempting to acquire a significant area of private farmland for the greenway; if these concerns are considered when determining the emerging preferred route corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36774/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The Department of Transport provides funding for regional and national greenways only. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. €72m was allocated to TII to support the Greenways programme in 2024.

The Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Lough Greenway is currently at Phase 2 (Options Selection) of the Transport Infrastructure Ireland Project Management Guidelines. The general purpose of Phase 2 is to appraise and interrogate feasible route options with a view to establishing an emerging preferred route corridor.

Louth County Council, through the appointed project team, and acting as Sponsoring Agency have primary responsibility for evaluating, planning and managing the project. This is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the ‘Infrastructure Guidelines’, the ‘Transport Appraisal Framework’, Transport Infrastructure Ireland publications, and other relevant documents such as for example the ‘Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways’.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the second public consultation period pertaining to Feasible Route Options concluded on the 6th September 2024; the purpose of this consultation period was to receive feedback from the public on the route corridor options. It is understood that the project team are currently working through submissions received. Information received where it is deemed to be relevant, will inform the appraisal process, sub-criteria pertaining to agricultural and non-agricultural property will form part of the wider appraisal process. State owned lands located within the study area will be utilised to the greatest extent possible thought my officials have advised that there are limited, suitable state owned lands in the study area.

It is not possible at this stage to determine what the nature, scale, or extent of land acquisition might be. It is currently envisaged that a preferred route corridor may be published in the first half of 2025. A Public Consultation will then be held to inform stakeholders of the preferred option. Project Liaison Officers (PLOs) and the Project Team will be available to provide input on the preferred option. The Public Consultation will enable stakeholders to provide feedback on the preferred route corridor.

I have been assured that engagement with the landowners will continue to take place and remains a priority for the project team. I would encourage all landowners to engage with the project team on a constructive basis.

Road Projects

Questions (67)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

67. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the current position regarding the new N21 Adare bypass project; the timelines for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42100/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.

In November 2023, Government approved the early delivery of the Adare Bypass element of the Limerick to Foynes project. I can confirm that €24,000,000 has been allocated for the project in 2024, which includes funding for the Adare Bypass. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2025 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. 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.

Bus Services

Questions (68)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

68. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he has met recently with representatives of Bus Éireann in Cork city; if he is aware of ongoing issues with delays and cancellations on many bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41675/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I want to begin by acknowledging the frustration public transport passengers have been experiencing recently in Cork City.

Unfortunately, Bus Éireann has been experiencing ongoing service issues in Cork city in recent months due to two key issues; namely driver recruitment and congestion, the combination of which has led to performance issues on certain services in the city.

Despite Bus Éireann’s extensive efforts to address the challenge of driver recruitment, including holding 18 open days in Cork so far this year, there remains a shortage of drivers in the city. This shortage is having a detrimental impact in service delivery and resulting in a considerable number of cancellations each day. Further, congestion issues and driver compliance with parking and bus lane regulations also continue to negatively impact services.

In order to mitigate the impact on passengers, and to help improve punctuality and service delivery on the routes, Bus Éireann have proposed temporary revised timetables on five of the twenty-five Cork City Bus Services, (202 / 202a, 205, 208 and 220), with effect from October 20th. As driver headcount increases, service frequency will return to current levels on the aforementioned routes as quickly as possible.

I can confirm that I have met with both Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority in recent weeks to discuss these issues, and my officials are in regular contact with both entities in relation to this matter.

Further, I am due to meet Cork City Councillors on the 21st of October to discuss the temporary timetable changes and other possible mitigation measures that could potentially help ease the congestion issues in Cork.

Full implementation of BusConnects Cork will deliver over 90kms of priority bus lanes which will significantly tackle the issue of congestion, however in the interim Bus Éireann will continue to take mitigation measures and engage with the relevant authorities to deliver a more reliable service to the people of Cork.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (69)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

69. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to outline the rules for e-scooters being used on secondary roads; if the rules applied are the same as cyclists; and if sufficient headgear is mandatory when driving an e-scooter. [41639/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

E-scooters which comply with the relevant regulations have been legal to use on Irish roads since May of this year. Requirements include limits on maximum weight, power and design speed, adherence to EU requirements for construction standards and electrical and battery safety and fitment of front and rear lights and reflectors, brakes and a bell. They should also display a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed. Technical specifications and usage requirements for e-scooters are set out in detail at gov.ie - E-Bikes, E-Mopeds and E-Scooters (www.gov.ie).

E-scooters are subject to the same rules of the road as pedal cycles and they are permitted to travel on roads, including secondary roads, cycle tracks and bus lanes, but not on footpaths or motorways. The Road Traffic Act 2010 (Part 3) (Fixed Charge Offences) Regulations 2024 provide for a range of fixed charge penalties (currently set at €50) for e-scooter users who fail to comply with either technical or traffic regulations.

As is the case with pedal cyclists, my Department has no plans to introduce a legal requirement for the use of protective helmets by e-scooter users. While both the Department and the Road Safety Authority strongly encourage the use of such protective equipment, making the wearing of helmets compulsory would raise a number of difficulties and constitute a barrier to the uptake of micromobility. It is my belief that the best way to increase helmet use is through educational and publicity campaigns, rather than by pursuing a punitive approach.

Public Transport

Questions (70, 102)

Bríd Smith

Question:

70. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the company (details supplied) recently awarded a lucrative contract of over €2 billion by the NTA to install ticketless operations on Irish public transport also has lucrative contracts in Israel; if his Department has examined if the company are complicit in terms of supporting Israel's apartheid separation policies through its toll road operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42068/24]

Bríd Smith

Question:

102. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can detail the costs of the contract awarded to a company (details supplied) for the proposed ticketless public transport system; to further detail what discussion his Department has had with the NTA on this project, and its costs; to clarify if he or his officials examined free public transport as an alternative to this costly project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42040/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 102 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Next Generation Ticketing system was identified in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 as part of a package, including BusConnects, and other key public transport projects that would help increase the attractiveness of public transport and help encourage a modal shift away from private car use.

The Next Generation Ticketing (or NGT) project is also identified as one of the NTA’s overall key objectives in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042. The upgraded ticketing system will implement an account-based ticketing system which will enable cashless technology, allowing for the incorporation of mobile and card-based payments using contactless credit and debit cards, all of which will be linked to a payment account.

In April of this year, the NTA entered into a multi-year framework agreement with Indra Sistemas to deliver the NGT project. Following this appointment, engagement between the NTA and Indra has been ongoing in relation to the appropriate methodology and approach for system delivery and installation across the public transport network. Furthermore, in August of this year, the NTA and Indra initiated the first call-off contract to extend NGT across all PSO services in the Greater Dublin Area. The further extension of NGT across modes and areas will be progressed by way of further call-off contracts. A reasonable level of certainty in relation to the total cost will be known after the further contracts are signed.

Indra was awarded this contract following a competitive tender process which was conducted in compliance with EU procurement rules.

In relation to the Deputy’s query on implementing free public transport as an alternative to NGT, the estimated total cost of providing the existing level of PSO services this year is around €1.14 billion. Research undertaken for the NTA in 2022 showed that a free public transport system, without accounting for any increased passenger demand, would require an additional €540 million in funding at a minimum. This would cost closer to €700 million in 2024 prices.

That same research found that any increase in public transport demand due to free fares would largely be achieved by reductions in active travel, resulting in just a 1% reduction in car travel. It also found that motorists are more likely to switch to public transport if fuel prices increase, or parking and road usage is restricted, rather than due to free fares.

PSO funding is therefore focused on continuing to support the fare initiatives, and improving service provision, to deliver maximum benefit for all passengers. In order to encourage more people to use public transport, the Government is investing in significant service and infrastructure improvements, as well as continuing to support the various fare initiatives. All of these improvements do however require significant levels of funding and we need to make sure we utilise these funds in the best way possible.

Road Safety

Questions (71)

Robert Troy

Question:

71. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide funding to local authorities to carry out safety works on regional and local roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42009/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 these roads are funded from Councils’ own resources and 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 Works Grant Programme. Applications are sought each year from eligible local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. Councils are asked to submit applications in order of priority.

This year, over €10.5 million has been allocated specifically under the Safety Improvement Works Grant Programme to regional and local roads for 261 schemes across the State, while a further €10.1 million of the Specific Improvement Grant Programme was allocated to road improvement schemes related to road safety.

Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 50.

Rail Network

Questions (73)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

73. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will take action ensure the DART+ Coastal North project retains direct DART services to Howth, Sutton, and Bayside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42064/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects, which includes DART+ Coastal North.

This project aims to extend the overhead electric wires on the DART system by circa 37km, from Malahide to Drogheda. It will allow for high-frequency and fully electrified DART trains to operate between Dublin city and Drogheda, upgrading the rail service to growing communities along the route.

The DART+ Coastal North project was submitted to Government in May 2024 and received consent for approval under Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines. A Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North was lodged in July 2024. The public have been invited to make submissions as part of the Railway Order consultation which is currently open until October 23rd 2024, which will be duly considered by An Bord Pleanála as part of the board’s decision-making process.

The infrastructural changes proposed by DART+ Coastal North will permit both direct and shuttle services to operate from Howth. To achieve maximum operational capacity, for every service that is operated direct to Howth, there would be one less service operating north of Howth Junction. This would result in a doubling of frequencies on the Howth branch compared to existing service levels which is typically three trains per hour per direction.

The implementation of a shuttle service is an operational matter, which will have to be decided on in the future following the development of the infrastructure. A separate consultation process would have to be conducted prior to the introduction of a shuttle service, as part of the regular timetable review.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 52.

Public Transport

Questions (75)

Paul Murphy

Question:

75. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he supports the goal of free public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42043/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

In order to encourage more people to use public transport, the Government is investing in significant service and infrastructure improvements, as well as continuing to support the various fare initiatives. All of these improvements do however require significant levels of funding and we need to make sure we utilise these funds in the best way possible.

The estimated total cost of providing the existing level of PSO services this year is around €1.14 billion. Research undertaken for the NTA in 2022 showed that a free public transport system, without accounting for any increased passenger demand, would require an additional €540 million in funding at a minimum. This would cost closer to €700m in 2024 prices.

That same research found that any increase in public transport demand due to free fares would largely be achieved by reductions in active travel, resulting in just a 1% reduction in car travel. It also found that motorists are more likely to switch to public transport if fuel prices increase, or parking and road usage is restricted, rather than due to free fares.

PSO funding is therefore focused on continuing to support the fare initiatives, and improving service provision, to deliver maximum benefit for all passengers.

My department is also in the process of finalising a national demand management strategy for transport. When implemented, I expect the strategy to play a key role in unlocking the full potential of Government investment in sustainable mobility options - by prioritising these modes across the transport system. Essentially, it will support reductions in congestion to the benefit of the public transport system, helping to facilitate greater bus service efficiency and improved journey times.

Rail Network

Questions (76)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

76. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress made during his tenure of office with progressing the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Collooney and improving the railway line from Limerick to Athenry with the provision of extra capital funding for passing loops and longer platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41629/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As committed to in the current National Development Plan 2021-2030, the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor was considered as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. The All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken by the Department of Transport in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions.

The Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024. The Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050. 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. Included in these recommendations is the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry, which is earmarked to commence by 2030.

It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the final Review Report will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.

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.

In relation to the rail line from Limerick to Athenry, I understand that Iarnród Éireann have received funding from the National Transport Authority (NTA) for the Ennis Line Capacity Enhancement project which aims to increase operational capacity on the line between Limerick and Athenry. A consultant has been appointed and the project is progressing, with an Emerging Preferred Option expected in first half of 2025.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issue 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.

Road Projects

Questions (77)

Holly Cairns

Question:

77. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to upgrade the road infrastructure leading to Castletownbere port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41897/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with approximately 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.

Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are 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 (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

Cork County Council received an allocation of €50,000 this year under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme for the R572 Realignment project. Planning and implementation of the R572 Realignment project is the responsibility of Cork County Council.

Bus Services

Questions (78)

Pauline Tully

Question:

78. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the actions he has taken to increase the capacity of the 109X Dublin to Cavan bus service which is oversubscribed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42113/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 is an operational matter for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the NTA. I have, therefore, referred the question to the Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 52.

Public Transport

Questions (80)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

80. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will fund Local Link to allow it to extend their routes in areas where there is demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41351/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 an indicative funding package of €652m has been secured for PSO and Local Link services next year. This includes funding 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.

• Written Answers Nos. 47-65
• Written Answers Nos. 81-95