Written Answers Nos. 181-197
181. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the reason why the wheelchair accessible grant scheme 2024 from the NTA is closed to applications; and the steps his Department is taking to ensure that persons who wish to become wheelchair-friendly taxi drivers are facilitated, given the struggles faced in transportation by persons with disabilities on a daily basis. [42663/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including administering the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme, 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 sector.
The NTA's WAV Grant Scheme 2024 (WAV24) opened on 2 January 2024 and closed to applicants on February 1st 2024. The level of interest vastly exceeded all previous years with an unprecedented number of applications lodged in the opening hours. In excess of 2,900 applications were received for the Scheme by 1 February 2024. The NTA closed the scheme to new applications on that same day, as all funding had been allocated. As of 11th October 2024, the NTA has licensed 364 wheelchair accessible SPSVs under the 2024 Scheme, and continues to process successful applications. The NTA issued 210 Provisional Grant Offers to those on the cancellation list in early September. In line with the terms and conditions of the Scheme, applicants must complete the licensing process by 13 December 2024 in order to avail of the grant support.
Wheelchair accessible taxi and hackney vehicle licence holders are legally obliged to prioritise service to persons with disabilities, including those who wish to travel in their wheelchairs. The NTA can request those who hold these licences to provide booking records to confirm that the service is being provided to those who need it. To ensure accessibility for all on public transport, NTA compliance officers investigate all complaints made in relation to the services provided by wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys, and impose fines for each instance of refusal. These fines are €250 for refusing to carry a passenger in a wheelchair and €250 for refusing to carry a guide dog or assistance dog in an SPSV.
182. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 18 September 2024, when a response will issue to this Deputy from the NTA. [42664/24]
View answerIn response to the Deputy, and further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 18 September 2024, my private office has contacted the NTA requesting that the number of demerits under part 5 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 that the NTA issued for each of the past ten years, be sent to you as soon as possible.
183. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the amount collected by the national car testing authority in testing and retesting fees from 2021 to date; how much of this related to VAT imposed on the fee for a test and retest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42668/24]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
184. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport for an update on an active travel project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42673/24]
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.
185. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport to confirm that no verification of non-EEA driver licenses is required by the foreign driving license authority to exchange the license for an Irish driver’s license, if the applicant has received a work permit as a professional driver within the previous three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42705/24]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS), and all applications for a driving licence must be made through the NDLS.
Where Ireland has a licence exchange agreement with a non-EEA country, a driving licence from that country can be exchanged in most cases, once the holder is resident in Ireland. Vigilance is needed when processing a foreign licence for exchange, to ensure a valid document has been submitted and a driving test was passed in the country which issued the licence. Road safety and keeping Irish roads safe for all road users remains the priority in this matter.
Licence details, where available, are usually sent to the RSA for verification during a work permit application period. If the exchange application is made within six months of the verification, the RSA does not need to check this again.
There are various reasons for time being taken in processing foreign licence exchanges. For example, the driver may need to submit outstanding information, such as a medical or eyesight report or, for an online application, the physical licence.
The most common reason for delays is where the NDLS is awaiting verification of the licence from the foreign licence authority. At times a response is received very quickly but sometimes there can be considerable delays.
186. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting time to receive an appointment with the NDLS for an exchange of a non-EEA driver license for an Irish license; the current waiting time for the processing and delivery time for the new Irish license to be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42706/24]
View answerIn general, there is no waiting time to receive an appointment with the NDLS front offices. The current average processing time for the NDLS to exchange a third country licence is approximately 30 days.
187. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the details of costings provided to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, in the context of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 review conducted earlier this year; and to provide a breakdown of each project and its projected cost in each of the years 2025 to 2030. [42726/24]
View answerIn the Summer Economic Statement 2023, an additional €2.25bn in capital was made available for allocation in the period 2024 2026a across all Government Departments. Final allocations were agreed in Q2 2024. For 2025, the Department was allocated an additional €185m, setting a revised investment ceiling of €2.850bn. The ceiling set for 2026 is €3.350bn.
The additional funds will assist in the Department its overall budgetary commitments, concerning- investing in new infrastructure, maintenance of existing road and rail infrastructure and its ongoing commitment to provide €360m per annum for investment in active travel infrastructure.
The Department engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the basis of whole-of-programme indicative funding requirement scenarios for 2025 and 2026. Final project cost estimates are only known at Approval Gate 3 stage, with estimated costs until then always developed on the basis of indicative cost ranges.
Across the Department’s land transport investment programme a number of major projects, such as the Adare Bypass, BusConnects Dublin Core Bus Corridors, DART+ West, M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy will likely reach Approval Gate 3 during 2025, with a number of other projects reaching that stage thereafter.
188. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport in light of international media reports that a company (details supplied) have illegally transported munitions of war from the US to Israel over Ireland on eight occasions between 2 September and 9 October, if there has been any contact with the company in relation to these flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42736/24]
View answerUnder 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 are operating, is prohibited, unless an exemption from this prohibition is granted by the Minister for Transport.
Over a number of weeks, media reports have been published alleging contraventions of Irish legislation by a number of air operators, including the operator that the Deputy has referred to.
My Department is examining the flights concerned and has corresponded will all air operators concerned, responses received to date are being considered and where necessary further information is being sought.
So as not to prejudice any potential future action, I cannot speak to the specifics of the initial analysis undertaken by my officials.
189. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the amount of investment provided for Ireland West Airport Knock since 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42774/24]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that Ireland West Airport received almost €47m in Exchequer funding from my Department over the period 2011 to 2023.
Over €44m was allocated under the Regional Airports Programme. This Programme provides support towards safety and security related projects and activities at Ireland’s smallest regional airports, those that provide connectivity and handle fewer than one million passengers on average, over the two preceding financial years. Projects with a sustainability focus are also supported, encouraging airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience.
A further €2.8m was provided in 2021 an EU approved COVID Supplementary Support Scheme for Irish airports. This funding compensated the airport for the damage caused to it by COVID-19.
Government is committed to continuing to support our regional airports. In relation to funding available under the Regional Airports Programme in 2024, a capital funding allocation of almost €3.67m was announced for Ireland West Airport in April. Operational funding will also be made available to regional airports later this year, from an overall budget of €4m. Further still, a budget of €17 million was recently announced as part of Budget 2025 for the continuation of supports under this Programme.
This level of funding has supported both connectivity to the West and balanced regional development. I was pleased to see passenger numbers were up 9% across our regional airports last year and 8% to date this year. Ireland West Airport alone is up 14% last year, having reached a record high of 820K passengers.
The Deputy 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 Ireland’s 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 pleased to announce the high-level outcomes of the review on 16 July. In relation to Ireland West Airport, there are four key initiatives, which will be of particular interest to the airport, as follows:
• The scope of sustainability projects supported under the Regional Airports Programme has been expanded to include Solar PV farms.
• To continue to support airports, such as Ireland West, who forecast passenger growth beyond the one million passenger eligibility threshold under any future programme, consideration will be given to the extension of supports, on a temporary phased step-down basis, to avoid a ‘cliff edge’ in supports.
• Further still, a detailed analysis will be undertaken in relation to the broadening of the scope of Programme eligibility to allow for the inclusion of airports, with greater than one million passengers in the next Regional Airports Programme.
• A consultation process will be undertaken with relevant stakeholders to consider the potential for the development of a Start-up Aid Scheme for airlines to support strategic route development to and from the regions.
I trust that these initiatives, which have been designed to support National Aviation Policy to create an environment that encourages 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.
190. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the waiting time for driving tests in Castlebar, Ballina, and Tuam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42775/24]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the information requested is held by that organisation. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. Please contact my office if a response is not received within ten days.
To address the issue of increased testing demand and excessive waiting times for a driving test, the RSA submitted a business case to the Department in June 2024 regarding long-term, permanent staffing needs for the service to cater to current and future demand. The Department conveyed sanction in September for 70 additional driver testing posts on a permanent basis, bringing the permanent sanction to 200 driver testers. This is double the sanctioned permanent headcount in June 2022, which was 100 testers.
As a condition of sanction for these additional resources, my officials have requested that a plan is put in place to restore waiting times to the service level agreement of 10 weeks as soon as possible.
The Deputy may wish to note that a change was made to the test online booking system in October 2023 to allow any unused slots to be 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 (www.rsa.ie/online-services/myroadsafety) portal.
191. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on active travel projects in Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42776/24]
View answer192. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport for an update on active travel projects proposed or pending in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42777/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.
As 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.
193. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if there are any planned pension increases for those on a CIÉ widowers pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42781/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ, Group and their employees.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
194. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport when free travel for children under nine years of age, announced in Budget 2025, will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42786/24]
View answerUnder 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. Similar to the previous fare initiatives this measure marks another step towards making sustainable transport a more affordable option for more families.
195. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 7 February 2024, if his Department makes a formal distinction between receipt of a digital document and a physical document. [42807/24]
View answerI wish to confirm to the Deputy that if your query is in relation to the development proposal submitted by Waterford Airport, my Department has recognised both digital documents and physical documents alike and has made no formal distinction between either.
196. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport to detail the long term planning in respect of the N25/M25 road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42808/24]
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 Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
I can confirm that €450,000 was provided in 2024 for the N25 Midleton to Youghal scheme, which includes bypasses of the villages of Castlemartyr and Killeagh. The N25 Carrigtwohill to Midleton and N25 Waterford to Glenmore schemes did not receive funding in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for these projects will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. The allocations for national roads for 2025 are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the status of projects on the N25. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
197. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport what schemes are available for schools and sports clubs to apply for funding for bicycle stands and shelters. [42816/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions 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, including the development of cycling infrastructure.
The NTA fund cycle and scooter parking through the Green Schools Travel Programme and the Safer Routes to School programme, both administered by An Taisce.
This enables infrastructure to be provided where there is complementary behaviour change or infrastructural measures to support students cycling. It also enables a robust and cost-effective delivery process whereby schools are visited by the contractor and warranties are signed to allow the contractor to install on the school ground, meaning the schools don’t have to organise installation themselves, which can often be a barrier.
Since 2021 the NTA have funded the provision and installation of 15,420 cycle parking spaces, 3888 scooter parking spaces and 937 shelters as part of the SRTS and Green Schools Travel programme.
Some individual local authorities have provided cycle parking for sports clubs and schools also, at a much smaller scale, they would have their own individual process for application.
