Written Answers Nos. 162-181
162. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the number of front of school projects on the safe routes to school scheme across the country that have been fully completed since the initiation of the scheme in 2020. [46332/24]
View answerThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 167 schools form Round 1 of the SRTS Programme while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme was launched in November 2024. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the Rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
Noting the role of the NTA in the programme, 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.
163. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the publication of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Plan. [46333/24]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, is developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). This strategy will replace the existing Galway Transport Strategy adopted in 2016 and will provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport and the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Galway Metropolitan Area.
As part of the development of the new GMATS, mode specific analysis is being undertaken in the form of a Light Rail Feasibility Study and a Strategic Roads Feasibility Study. Both studies will form part of the analysis used to inform the development of the multi-modal GMATS, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus, rail, roads and demand management measures.
The Light Rail Feasibility Study was published by the NTA on 30 October 2024 for information. The study is not intended to specifically identify a preferred alignment of a light rail corridor in the city; instead, it explores key issues and potential feasibility. Route options will need to be explored in more detail during any subsequent process of options assessment and development.
In relation to the Strategic Roads Feasibility Study, in January 2023, the High Court remitted the application for approval of the N6 Galway City Ring Road back to An Bord Pleanála for further consideration. An Bord Pleanála have asked Galway County Council to provide additional updated information in relation to the planning consent application for the Ring Road. The NTA is of the view that this updated information, when provided to An Bord Pleanála, should also be considered in the preparation of the GMATS and prior to publication of a draft strategy for public consultation.
In the meantime, implementation will continue on the current Galway Transport Strategy. A significant amount of planning and design has already taken place which will enable construction activity in the coming years across active travel, bus and rail related projects including BusConnects.
164. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the implementation of the new proposed Galway city bus network. [46336/24]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) published its final new bus network for Galway in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway that aims to fundamentally transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.
In 2023, the NTA carried out an extensive review of the bus network in Galway, in collaboration with Galway City Council, Galway County Council, local bus operators, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers Jarrett Walker and Associates. In April 2023, a draft new network was published, and the feedback and submissions received have informed the final new bus network published in December.
The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport, resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Galway City, Bearna and Oranmore. Once this network is implemented, circa 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route (running every 15 minutes or better).
The NTA plans to commence the implementation of the New Galway Bus Network between 2025 and 2026. As part of BusConnects, the NTA are also advancing work on the Sustainable Transport Corridors which will improve travel times on the bus network and improve connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Other parts of the BusConnects programme, like simpler fares, will be delivered with the new bus network.
165. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport to provide details on six matters at the National Transport Authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46338/24]
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 questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
166. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated WTE cost to recruit two additional ship surveyors for his Department's allocation in 2023. [46374/24]
View answerThe estimated WTE cost to recruit two additional ship surveyors for my Department's allocation are outlined below:
|
Basic Salary |
ePRSI |
Total |
|
€76,068 |
€8,481.58 |
€84,550 |
|
€76,068 |
€8,481.58 |
€84,550 |
|
€152,136 |
€16,963.16 |
€169,099 |
167. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV charging points currently available for use in each Dublin Bus depot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46394/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including public transport fleet.
No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on the replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.
In November 2023, the initial element of the first phase of depot electrification to support the transition of Dublin city bus services to operation by zero-emission buses was completed with the inauguration of 56 charging guns and associated infrastructure funded through the NTA at Dublin Bus's Summerhill bus depot. In December 2023 and January 2024, a further 80 charging guns were commissioned at Dublin Bus’s Phibsborough bus depot, which was also funded through the NTA. Following this installation, the first 100 double-deck electric buses ordered have entered service in the Dublin area using charging facilities in Phibsborough and Summerhill.
Electric buses produce no tailpipe carbon emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will result in cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
168. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV charging points currently available for use in each Bus Éireann depot. [46395/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, public transport fleet.
No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.
There are 11 battery-electric buses in operation on public bus services provided by Bus Éireann in Athlone since January 2023.
There are currently 34 battery-electric buses in operation on public bus services provided by Bus Éireann in Limerick City, all of which were first deployed in 2024.
Electric buses produce no tailpipe carbon emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will result in cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
169. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of the capital budget allocation of his Department that was spent in the first 11 months of 2024; and if he will provide same figures for the corresponding period in 2023, in tabular form. [46416/24]
View answerPlease see table below the percentage of the capital budget allocation of the Department of Transports that was spent in the first 11 months of 2024 and 2023:
|
- |
Capital Budget Allocation |
Spend (first 11 months) |
% Spent |
|
2023 |
€2,679,450,000.00 |
€1,935,552,000.00 |
72% |
|
2024 |
€2,622,264,000.00 |
€1,745,872,000.00 |
67% |
170. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport If Iarnród Éireann plans during 2025 to increase the frequency from three times daily to four times daily at the weekends for trains between Dublin Connolly and Rosslare Europort. [46440/24]
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 issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
171. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport the reason civilian cars with registration number plates dating from 2010 to 142 remain operational on the road after being granted a Covid-related extension of the NCT, which were given a two-, three- and four-year extensions, but taxis up to a 151 registration plate have not received the same extension; the reason for this; and his views on the matter, given this will affect up to 1,489 taxi drivers in January 2025. [46527/24]
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 Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 require the NTA to seek to promote the provision and maintenance of quality services by SPSVs 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 was in 2022 or 2023 now extended to 2026, and those whose original limit was reached in 2024, extended to 2027.
Regarding the Covid related extension of the National Car Test (NCT) which was granted on 28 March 2020, the operation of the National Car Test Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. The Road Traffic (National Car Test) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 provided for a permanent four-month extension to test due dates for certain qualifying vehicles. The extension was automatically applied to vehicles with an NCT certificate in force on 28 March 2020 and those with a first test due falling during the period between 28 March and 31 July 2020. Cars first registered on or after 1st August 2016 were not eligible for the extension.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.
172. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the Mallow relief road; the plans for funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland to progress the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46532/24]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €300,000 was initially allocated for the Mallow Relief Road project in 2024. This was subsequently increased to €800,000 to enable the completion of the environmental impact assessment report. 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. The allocations for 2025 are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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.
173. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when the Finglas/Ballymun core bus corridor is expected to go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46554/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The major infrastructure element of BusConnects Dublin comprises Core Bus Corridors (CBCs). These CBCs will provide over 200 kilometres of enhanced walking, cycling, and bus route infrastructure in the Dublin region.
An Bord Pleanála has approved ten CBC schemes so far, including the Ballymun/Finglas scheme. The tender process for the Ballymun/Finglas scheme is underway.
The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
174. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when the E spine of BusConnects in Dublin will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46555/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first five phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years.
I understand that Phase 6a of the BusConnects Network Redesign roll-out, including the local L routes in Wicklow and the E-Spine connecting north Dublin to Wicklow, is scheduled to launch on 26 January 2025. The Network Redesign for the entire network will continue in the coming years.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
175. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when the F spine of BusConnects in Dublin will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46556/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first five phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years.
I understand that the F-Spine, connecting Finglas to Tallaght via the City Centre, is currently expected to roll-out by Quarter 3 2025 subject to funding and resource availability.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
176. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the ongoing anti-social behaviour and criminal damage taking place at Pelletstown train station and surrounding areas; any plans to introduce measures to reduce open access to the station, platforms and tracks; and any available funding that could be used to make the station more safe and secure. [46561/24]
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 issues raised by the Deputy in relation to Pelletstown train station are a matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority 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 Orders.
177. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if an independent road maintenance crew can be provided for the Ring of Kerry N70 route, given its importance to Ireland’s and Kerry’s tourism industry; if he will give a commitment that all hedges, trees and bushes will be cut on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46591/24]
View answer179. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to direct Transport Infrastructure Ireland to invest finances and resources to correct the horrendous state of roads and footpaths in key towns such as Cahersiveen and Killorglin on the N70 Ring of Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46595/24]
View answer181. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a significant increase in funding for the Ring of Kerry N70 road, given its importance to Ireland’s and Kerry’s tourism industry, as 70% of this national secondary road is substandard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46607/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 177, 179 and 181 together.
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 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. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
178. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if the Killarney to Farranfore bypass can now be expedited due to the chronic traffic situation in Killarney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46594/24]
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 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the latest status of this project.
A public consultation on the Preferred Transport Solution (including the preferred route corridor) for the project has concluded in recent weeks. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the N22 Killarney to Farranfore project will be kept under review in future years and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. Allocations for 2025 are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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.
180. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans by the Government to extend the South Kerry Greenway through Killorglin to Farranfore and on to both Killarney and Tralee and at the other end to connect Cahersiveen/Renard with the Skellig Ring, Valentia Island, Portmagee, Ballinskelligs, Waterville and onto Kenmare, Killarney and so connect all of the Kerry Greenways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46605/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
