Written Answers Nos. 165-180
165. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if enactment of the national speed review for local roads can be postponed until further guidelines are received by local authorities regarding their implications. [42380/24]
View answerThe Road Traffic Act 2024 makes changes to default speed limits on three classes of road, in line with the Speed Limit Review which my Department published last year. These changes mean that default speed limits for national secondary roads will come down from 100km/h to 80km/h, those for local roads will come down from 80km/h to 60km/h, and those for roads in built-up areas from 50km/h to 30km/h.
The introduction of these changes requires considerable work on the part of the local authorities and others, and as a result my Department has agreed that they should be implemented in stages. The reduction of the local roads speed limit is being undertaken first, to be followed by the other two classes.
As part of the implementation updated Guidelines were issued to local authorities in May of this year. In addition, regional workshops were held with local authority officials as to the detailed application of these guidelines with a particular focus on the rural local road network. A communications plan, including further workshops are planned as implementation progresses.
A key part of this process is for the local authorities to assess the local road network to determine the appropriate speed limits. While national default speed limits are set in law, the local authorities have the final say on speed limits on each individual road in their areas, and may leave them at the default or apply other speed limits to particular roads via special speed limit bye-laws. In addition to the need to complete their own reviews, local authorities are also progressing the procurement of the necessary additional signage in a co-ordinated manner.
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that speeding is one of the main causes of death and serious injury on our roads. Not only does speeding make collisions more likely, it also greatly increases the risk of serious consequences when collisions do occur. We all have a responsibility as road users to drive at a safe speed, and depending on factors such as traffic and weather that could be well below the maximum permitted speed limit on a road.
166. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport his views on the impact that the lack of extra flights in Dublin Airport will have on the economy in County Kerry if Kerry Airport loses one of its Kerry to Dublin routes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42427/24]
View answerI wish to assure the Deputy that I am fully in favour of increasing the capacity of Dublin Airport, the development of which is in line with the National Aviation Policy. This Policy recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport to meeting national social and economic policy goals and includes an objective to develop Dublin Airport as a secondary hub airport.
The cap on passengers is not a policy decision but rather a constraint imposed by a planning condition that can only be amended by a planning decision. The current situation is undesirable for all of us who would like to see Dublin Airport develop as a hub airport, however it is not a simple matter to make it go away and the planning process is complex. It is also important to the Government in ensuring the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, to balance the objectives of our National Aviation Policy, the needs of business and tourism interests and the legitimate rights of local residents who are concerned about noise levels, particularly at night.
In order to discuss ways in which the impact of the constraint of the passenger cap may be limited while planning permission is awaited, I wish to advise the Deputy that I have been undertaking a series of engagements with key stakeholders (airlines, airports, regulators, business groups). The objective of his engagement 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.
I am aware of concerns that have been raised in relation to the domestic air service between Kerry and Dublin and would be happy to meet with Kerry Airport as part of my engagements on this matter. I note that a significant increase in passenger traffic was witnessed on this route following its commercialisation and recognise the importance of this route to tourism in the south west.
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 in line with government policy on balanced regional development, this is evident in the level of Exchequer funding provided to this sector under my Department’s Regional Airports Programme. Under this Government alone, Kerry Airport has received funding totally over €13 million with additional operational funding to be allocated later this year.
In addition, you may be aware that a mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme was undertaken by my Department in 2023. The review found that the Programme is delivering on its objectives and is in line with National Aviation Policy. The review acknowledges, however, that further consideration could be given to how the Programme could better support connectivity and regional development. In line with the recommendations made under the review, I was happy to announce the high-level outcomes of the review on 16 July.
I understand that the expansion of the scope of sustainability projects funded under the Regional Airports Programme to support Solar PV farm projects and the consideration being given to the potential of an Exchequer funded Start-up Aid Scheme for airlines to support strategic route development to and from the regions, will be of particular interest to Kerry Airport.
This targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to connectivity and balanced regional development. There is evidence which shows that there is demand from Irish people to travel from our regional airports, and for tourists to arrive directly into the regions, when these services are provided. I was pleased to see that passenger numbers were up 9% across our regional airports last year and 8% to date this year, with Kerry Airport alone up 18% last year.
I trust that these initiatives, designed to support National Aviation Policy to create an environment that would encourage the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity and to maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development, will be welcomed by the Deputy.
167. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider an independent review of the risks posed by e-scooters considering they are not banned in many EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42494/24]
View answerE-scooters which comply with the relevant regulations and technical specifications have been legal to use on Irish public roads since May this year. Technical and usage requirements for e-scooters may be found at www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/5e95b-e-bikes-e-mopeds-and-e-scooters/.
My Department will consider a review in 2025 of e-scooter use and legislation, with a view to examining technical standards, usage requirements and road safety matters.
168. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the challenge which the cap on flights poses to charters to attend major sporting events over the coming months, both home and away; if measures can be taken to protect this traditional traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42503/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, increasing capacity at Dublin Airport is in line with the National Aviation Policy (“NAP”) 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. It is important to stress that the passenger cap at Dublin Airport is a planning issue, rather than an issue of policy.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has the responsibility for allocating slots to airlines at Dublin Airport under EU law. In taking into account the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, the IAA has set a passenger seat limit at the airport for the Winter 24 season and for the Summer 25 season.
This means that the availability of slots for ad hoc flights which can include charter flights for events including sporting events will be limited until such time that the passenger cap is lifted at the airport through the planning process. While additional slots may become available closer to the time at Dublin Airport, there is no guarantee that they will.
In light of the current constraints at Dublin I am currently undertaking a series of engagements with key stakeholders (airlines, airports, regulators, business groups) to discuss ways in which the impact of the constraint of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport may be limited while planning permission is awaited.
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, Shannon and Cork and those organising charter flights are encouraged to explore these options as an alternative to Dublin Airport while capacity at Dublin is constrained.
169. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport to provide first and full-year costs for the free public transport scheme to children aged 15 and under. [42538/24]
View answerAs 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.
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-fives 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.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
170. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority has plans to improve public transport links between towns in north Kildare and Dublin city, especially for daily commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42541/24]
View answerAs 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 question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
171. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority has plans to improve public transport links between towns in south Kildare and Dublin city, especially for daily commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42542/24]
View answerAs 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 question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
172. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the development of transport infrastructure in Kildare, particularly in relation to plans to upgrade the M7 motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42552/24]
View answerAs 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. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding any plans to upgrade the M7 motorway.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question regarding the M7 to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The Infrastructure Managers Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) between the Department of Transport and Iarnród Éireann provides a multi-annual investment programme to protect our national railway system by funding maintenance and safety projects needed to maintain safety and services levels in railway operations. This includes the Dublin to Sligo line, which serves Maynooth and Kilcock, and the Dublin to Cork/Galway line, which serves Kildare and Monasterevin. Approximately €1.3bn in Exchequer funding will go towards the protection and renewal of the national rail network which runs from 2020 to 2024.
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ Programme. The DART+ programme will modernise and improve existing rail services in the Greater Dublin Area, by electrifying the lines and purchasing new rolling stock among other work.
The DART+ programme comprises five different projects in and around the Greater Dublin Area including DART+ West, which provides an extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth and DART+ South West which will see the extension of DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge.
In December 2021 the Government approved the Preliminary Business Case for the DART+ Programme and a fleet framework agreement between Irish Rail and Alstom. This approval also enabled the submission of a Railway Order application for the DART+ West project in July 2022. The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromises 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, are due to start arriving in October for testing prior to entry into service in 2026. The Battery electric carriages are planned to enter service on the northern line to Drogheda. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement with Alstom, which will see 90 new battery-electric carriages arrive around 2026. The precise deployment of these carriages hasn’t been decided on.
Regarding DART+ West, a Railway Order was granted by An Bord Pleanála in July subject to certain conditions, notably that the proposed depot west of Maynooth not be constructed due to concerns about flood risk. Iarnród Éireann are currently exploring other options for the construction of a depot in collaboration with the NTA to progress the project into the procurement process. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are also considering responses to legal challenges to the projects planning decision.
Following approval by Cabinet at Decision Gate 1, a Railway Order application for DART+ South-West was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in March 2023. A planning decision is awaited.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. I have also referred your question regarding plans to upgrade the M7 motorway to TII for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
173. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve cycling infrastructure in north Kildare to encourage more sustainable modes of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42560/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
174. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve cycling infrastructure in south Kildare to encourage more sustainable modes of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42561/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
175. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on plans to electrify the rail line between Kildare town and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42571/24]
View answerAs 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.
As part of the DART+ Programme, the DART+ South West project will provide an electrified and more frequent rail service to passengers between Hazelhatch and Dublin city centre. Following Government approval, a Railway Order application for the project was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in March 2023. A planning decision from An Bord Pleanála is currently awaited.
The NTA Greater Dublin Area (GDA) Transport Strategy 2022-2042 recommends the further extension of the electrified DART network to Sallins and Naas in the longer term.
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 involve the electrification of the intercity rail network, including at Kildare.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to the GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042 and the DART Programme, 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.
176. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the plans to increase funding for rural transport links in Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42574/24]
View answerAs 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, the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and the development of New Town Services.
I am pleased to confirm that I have secured a funding package of €652m for PSO and Local Link services next year. This includes funding to support fare initiatives and for the continued roll-out of new services, 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 services, including in County Kildare, 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.
177. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the plans to provide rural transport links to the Ellistown and Lackagh areas of County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42575/24]
View answerAs 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, the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and the development of New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of new services, including in County Kildare, 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.
178. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on funding and timelines for the development of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure as part of the Monasterevin Market Square redevelopment project under the town centre first scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42578/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
179. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider extending the ten-year rule for taxis not covered by the existing extension, starting with 151-registered vehicles, given the fact that they will be due for renewal in 2025 when, paradoxically, older vehicles will not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42602/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Regulations made by the NTA in 2010 first established a maximum permissible age of 10 years for new standard taxis and hackneys. The ten-year rule was adopted in recognition of the need to strike a balance between achieving standards that offer the customer confidence, comfort, and safety, and allowing industry members to operate successfully.
The Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 require the NTA to seek to promote the provision and maintenance of quality services by small public service vehicles and their drivers. The Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015 continued the age limit for taxis and hackneys as, in general, less than 10 years old and always of a condition and quality suitable to provide SPSV services.
Wheelchair accessible taxis and wheelchair accessible hackneys can operate up to 15-years old. No maximum age is set for limousines due to the vintage nature of many of these vehicles, and the reduced mileage they do due to their ceremonial and prestigious roles.
The NTA's extension of age limits during Covid-19 was an emergency measure of a temporary nature, taken in recognition of the particular challenges posed by the pandemic and was specifically aimed at ensuring that no operator would be required to change their vehicle while passenger demand remained low, and there was a lack suitable vehicles available for purchase.
The 2022 Regulations amend Regulation 31 (Maximum Permissible Age Requirements) of the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015. This amendment was made as an exceptional provision and contingency measure, as a result of vehicle supply issues. The Regulations also provide for a graduated return to the ten-year age limit, with vehicles whose 10-year limit was originally in 2020 or 2021 now extended to 2025; those whose original limit is in 2022 or 2023 now extended to 2026, and those whose original limit will be reached in 2024, extended to 2027.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
180. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will change the 167 route to serve Drumconrath, County Meath (details provided); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42620/24]
View answerAs 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.
