Written Answers Nos. 211-231
211. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans to bring vacant units on the ground floor of the married quarters at Cathal Brugha Barracks back into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13946/25]
View answerI am advised that none of these properties can be occupied without considerable refurbishment as they were built before the Building Regulations and associated standards arising from same came into effect.
There are plans to overhaul the condition of the vacant housing stock, in so far as possible, to increase the provision of accommodation for serving personnel. In this regard, the Defence Forces commissioned Consultants to assess the condition of the Defence Forces vacant housing stock and its suitability for conversion/refurbishment to provide for additional single living-in accommodation for Defence Forces personnel. A report has recently been submitted to my Department for its assessment. Once my officials and the Defence Forces have considered the contents, they will submit recommendations to me on the remediation programme to be undertaken.
212. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the percentage of social media video accessible, such as providing the information or activities posted on each of his Department’s social media accounts, or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under its remit, including closed captioning and subtitling and Irish Sign Language translations, between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024, inclusive. [14047/25]
View answerIn the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024,
• three per cent of my Department's social media videos included Irish sign language (ISL) translations, and
• eighty per cent of social media videos included closed captioning/subtitling.
These figures include video content reposted to departmental social media channels and where automated closed captioning is available through video hosting platform (YouTube).
My Department endeavours to provide information in both English and Irish, not only through social media, but through other communication channels and materials. We are committed to complying with requirements under the Official Languages Act, including providing all static content on the Department's website in both Irish and English, and this is kept under regular review. The Department is committed to accessibility, including captioning.
There are three bodies which operate under the aegis of my Department - the Army Pensions Board, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces and the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces (EOB) - and I can confirm that none of these bodies operate social media accounts.
213. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner drivers disqualified in court each year from 2020 to 2024 who failed to comply with the requirement to surrender their learner permit to the Road Safety Authority and were summoned to court for failing to comply; the number convicted and the penalties imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13540/25]
View answerThe table below details the number of court disqualifications notified to my Department in each of the years 2020-2024 and the number of those licences that were not surrendered, both for learner permit licence holders.
A notification of disqualification is issued by the Courts Service for drivers convicted of a court disqualification, the notification includes the requirement to surrender the driving licence or learner permit to the Road Safety Authority within 14 days of commencement of disqualification.
It is important to note that, while the non-surrender of licences is of concern, the more important issue from a road safety perspective is that the disqualification from driving is observed. The individuals in question are fully aware of the Court's decision and the disqualification from driving is in effect regardless of whether their licence is surrendered.
My Department shares information on non-surrender of licences with An Garda Síochána but does not maintain records on additional convictions and penalties for drivers who have failed to surrender their licences. This is the responsibility of the Department of Justice.
|
- |
Learner Permit Disqualifications and Licences Not Surrendered 2020-2024 |
|
|
Disqualifications |
Licences Not Surrendered |
|
|
2020 |
1,712 |
1,646 |
|
2021 |
2,040 |
1,997 |
|
2022 |
1,802 |
1,739 |
|
2023 |
2,006 |
1,928 |
|
2024 |
1,756 |
1,681 |
214. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if discussion is expected regarding CIÉ pensioners having not received an increase in their pension since 2008; when they will receive an increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13678/25]
View answer264. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport the reason pensioners (details supplied) have not received an increase in their pension since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14032/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 264 together.
From the outset I would like to clarify that I, as Minister for Transport, have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ, Group and their employees. As a commercial semi-state body CIÉ are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees, this is consistent with the pension arrangements of semi-state bodies.
I am acutely aware of concerns raised by the members of both CIÉ pension schemes, regarding the lack of pension increases since 2008, especially given the higher cost of living that many are facing. However, decisions regarding pension increases are ultimately a matter for the CIÉ Board as informed by actuarial advice and is subject to requirements imposed by statute and scheme rules.
Therefore, I have referred 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.
215. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the latest update on the financial position of the CIÉ regular wages pension scheme; if the scheme has made progress in meeting the statutory minimum funding standard since December 2022; if any measures are being considered for retired members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13829/25]
View answer253. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the latest update on the financial position of the CIÉ regular wages pension scheme; if the scheme has made progress in meeting the statutory minimum funding standard since December 2022; if any measures are being considered for retired members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13828/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 253 together.
From the outset I would like to clarify that I, as Minister for Transport, have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ, Group and their employees. As a commercial semi-state body CIÉ are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees, this is consistent with the pension arrangements of semi-state bodies.
Therefore, I have referred your question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
216. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if further funding will be provided to assist people getting roads done through the community involvement schemes in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13964/25]
View answerThe 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.
On 14th February I announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
In 2018, the Department introduced ring-fenced funding for Community Involvement Schemes (CIS). The purpose of the CIS is to facilitate local community participation in the repair of local roads. The focus of the programme is on the repair of more lightly trafficked public roads which might not be high on the list of a local authority's annual roadwork programme. Under the scheme a local community can contribute in money or in kind, for example by making labour or machinery available.
While community contributions in the range 15% to 30% had been required up to 2021, depending on the mix between works and monies, the contribution rate has now been reduced to a minimum of 10% for monetary contributions and 20% for works contribution. This is more in line with Local Improvement Scheme contribution rates.
In order to allow for sufficient planning and applications for this scheme, local authorities are invited to apply for funding for CIS projects for a two-year programme with the latest round of applications received in 2023 for the 2024/2025 period.
€785,950 has been allocated to Kerry County Council for Community Involvement Schemes this year.
217. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to improve travel times on the Sligo to Dublin rail line; the plans that are in place to upgrade the current infrastructure to accommodate dual tracks from Maynooth to Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13308/25]
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 are an operational 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.
218. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any research or legal advice provided to him regarding proposals to amend existing inspection procedures at Shannon Airport for any planes that may be carrying military goods, destined for Israel as outlined in an article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13343/25]
View answerThe examination by my officials of the legislation governing the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft is ongoing. It is important to note that the provisions of the legislation apply irrespective of the destination of the aircraft in question.
I expect to be briefed by my officials on these matters in due course.
219. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will develop badly needed bus shelters at bus stops in Tubbercurry, County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13344/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.
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.
220. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if there is scope to include an additional 104 bus route at 7:30 am from DCU to better serve local students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13346/25]
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 this case Go Ahead.
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.
221. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm the commitment to delivering the MetroLink project, particularly in relation to its role in improving public transport access for north County Dublin; if he will provide an updated timeline for its approval and construction; if he will outline any measures being taken to prevent further delays and cost escalations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13394/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when Cabinet approved the project under Approval Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code. This approval enabled the project to move to the planning application stage, and in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. An Bord Pleanála held an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink in February/March 2024. Following the Oral Hearing, An Bord Pleanála held an additional round of public consultation from August to October 2024. A planning decision on the project from An Bord Pleanála is awaited. Subject to securing planning approval, and no successful legal challenges, TII will finalise a Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy for consideration at Approval Gate 2, in line with the infrastructure Guidelines. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence in the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.
The final budget for MetroLink will not be set until after the planning process and completion of tendering and procurement, with the Government having the final decision about whether to proceed to construction. The National Transport Authority (NTA) as the Approving Authority and the Department will continue to monitor costs as the project progresses. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions in relation to the areas raised to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
222. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport his views on the estimated number of ‘Ghost buses’ in the Dublin 15 areas in a news report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13410/25]
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 this case Go Ahead.
I am very aware however, of the recent performance issues on certain routes operated by Go Ahead Ireland in the Greater Dublin Area.
The performance of all of these public transport operators is closely monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators.
I want to reassure the Deputy that I recently met with the NTA to discuss a range of public transport issues, including the recent performance issues. The NTA fully acknowledged that an inadequate level of service was provided on certain routes operated on their behalf by Go Ahead Ireland in recent weeks and they have been working closely with the operator to rectify the situation.
I understand that the performance issues arose due to a shortage of mechanics within the Go-Ahead operations. Upon the occurrence of the issue, various remedial measures were taken by Go-Ahead, including flying in additional mechanics from their UK operations in addition to obtaining additional support from other sources.
I have been advised that the situation has improved significantly and fleet availability within the Go-Ahead operations has now been restored to sufficient levels.
I understand that the company have an ongoing mechanics recruitment campaign recruitment campaign underway; are continuing to invest in an apprenticeship program to train new mechanics; and they are considering further recruitment initiatives to strengthen their mechanic resources.
Fundamentally the reliability of our bus services require the type of bus priority measures we will introduce under BusConnects. This year will see construction start on the first of the BusConnects Dublin Core Bus Corridors, with Liffey Valley and Ballymun/Finglas both expected to commence, and I look forward to your support Deputy, as we implement this transformative programme.
223. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if bus services operated by Dublin Bus and (details suppled) in Dublin west will be fined for punctuality or reliability; and if the fines can be listed per each bus route. [13413/25]
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 this case, Dublin Bus.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
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.
224. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport how each “ghost bus” and “disappearing buses” are monitored by the NTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13414/25]
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.
I understand that the data displayed in the TFI Live app is provided directly by the bus operators and that it is the responsibility of the operators to provide accurate vehicle location data relating to all their services. This data is provided by the on-bus AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) system which records the position of the bus as it proceeds on its route and generates predicted arrival times for each bus stop.
The NTA TFI Live app receives this data from the bus operator and publishes it in the app. The issue of a bus service being displayed in the app but not showing up at the stop is typically caused by the operator not cancelling that service in their AVL system if that service is not being operated (for example, due to a shortage of drivers). TFI Live cannot display a service as cancelled if it has not received the appropriate cancellation message from the operator and as a result it reverts to showing the timetabled time that the bus is due to arrive at a stop.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
225. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport how “lost kilometres” are tracked on each bus to form the base; and the basis of reliable data for each bus route. [13415/25]
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.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
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.
226. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the budget invested into running bus services in Dublin west in each of the years 2020 – 2024 respectively, in tabular form. [13416/25]
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.
That being said, the Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. To support this objective, in Budget 2025, the Department of Transport secured €658.442 million of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024).
This includes 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 2025. Funding was also secured to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus and rail services under programmes such as BusConnects and Connecting Ireland.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
227. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the budget invested in the bus network in Dublin west to deal with capacity restraints in each of the years 2020 – 2024 respectively, in tabular form. [13417/25]
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).
In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises Core Bus Corridor schemes. To date, An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to 11 of the 12 Core Bus Corridor applications, including the Blanchardstown scheme. However, legal proceedings are ongoing in relation to this scheme.
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered as part of BusConnects, with the first 6 phases of the BusConnects Network Redesign rolling out since 2021, including the Northern Orbitals connecting Blanchardstown to the Point Village in 2022, and the Western Orbitals connecting Blanchardstown to Tallaght in 2023. The rollout of redesigned services 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.
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.
228. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the percentage bus services increased in Dublin west in each of the years 2020 – 2024 respectively, in tabular form. [13418/25]
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.
229. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport when a meeting will be facilitated for a representative group (details supplied). [13424/25]
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, through engagement with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ Programme. This would include any works that would take place at the location referenced.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
230. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to amend the CIÉ superannuation scheme for CIÉ pensioners, who have not received an increase in their pension for the past 17 years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13426/25]
View answerFrom the outset I would like to clarify that I, as Minister for Transport, have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ, Group and their employees. As a commercial semi-state body CIÉ are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees, this is consistent with the pension arrangements of semi-state bodies.
I am acutely aware of concerns raised by the members of both CIÉ pension schemes, regarding the lack of pension increases since 2008, especially given the higher cost of living that many are facing. However, decisions regarding pension increases are ultimately a matter for the CIÉ Board as informed by actuarial advice and is subject to requirements imposed by statute and scheme rules.
My Department is engaged with financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority, and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the matter of bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members.
231. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the DART+ West scheme; if capital funding for the scheme is provided in the NTA's allocation for 2025 and 2026; if so, the amount provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13456/25]
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. Capital funding is being provided to the NTA for this purpose.
There has recently been progress in relation to the DART+ West project. A Railway Order was granted by An Bord Pleanála in July 2024 subject to certain conditions, notably that the proposed depot west of Maynooth not be constructed due to concerns about flood risk. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are currently engaging on the submission of a new Railway Order for a depot. Work is progressing with a view to moving this project into procurement and thereafter into the construction stage in the coming years.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a specific response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
