Written Answers Nos. 237-255
237. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if sufficient legislation is in place in order for fixed-charge notices to be issues for the offence of displaying illegal number plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37811/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that, in line with the Road Traffic Act 2010 (Part 3) Fixed Charge Offences Regulations 2022, a member of An Garda Síochána is fully empowered issue a fixed charge (FCN) of €60 to a driver whose vehicle fails to comply with number plate requirements.
I can further confirm that provisions introduced by my Department under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 extend number plate enforcement powers, including the issuing of FCNs, to officers of the Revenue Commissioners. These measures will be commenced as soon as the necessary operational preparations have been made by the Revenue Commissioners. My Department is currently drafting amendments to the relevant Fixed Charge Notice regulations.
238. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s expenditure on hairstyling, make-up, personal grooming and general cosmetic expenses, in each of the years 2015 to 2025, in tabular form. [37005/25]
View answerMy Department has had no expenditure on hairstyling, make-up, personal grooming, and general cosmetic expenses, in each of the years 2015 to 2025.
239. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s expenditure on beauticians, make-up artists or hairdressing professionals, stylists or personal shoppers, specifying if such expenditure was on a contract or retainer fee basis, in each of the years 2015 to 2025, in tabular form. [37023/25]
View answerMy Department has not had any expenditure on beauticians, make-up artists, hairdressing professionals, stylists or personal shoppers in each of the years 2015 to 2025.
240. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport his expenditure on advertising, detailing the objective, duration, media platforms, advertising agency or agencies, and cost of each advertising campaign, in each of the years 2015 to 2025. [37041/25]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days, in line with the Standing Orders.
|
Year |
Campaign |
Cost |
|
2025 |
ZEVI Public Notices |
€17,171.97 |
|
2025 |
Speed Limits |
€523,924.64 |
|
2025 |
Online Change of Vehicle Ownership |
€28,849.58 |
|
2025 |
Logistics and Supply Chain Week Promotion |
€10,516.50 |
|
2025 |
Your Journey Counts |
€640,308.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
Recruitment - Chair of CIÉ |
€6,586.65 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – IRCG Watch Officer |
€1,136.40 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – AP ICT |
€1,168.50 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – PO Internal Audit |
€1,021.35 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – AP ICT |
€1,168.50 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – Quality Risk Manager |
€4,458.75 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – Watch officer |
€1,687.56 |
|
2024 |
ZEVI Car Buyer Campaign |
€59,606.10 |
|
2024 |
Your Journey Counts |
€523,426.80 |
|
2024 |
ZEVI Draft Regional and Local Plan PC |
€31,491.36 |
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
E10 Campaign |
€116,697.95 |
|
2023 |
Your Journey Counts |
€1,638,702.01 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI Universal Design Guidelines |
€17,377.58 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI Just Transition Fund Scheme |
€17,265.49 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI Car Buyer Campaign |
€75,087.76 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI Sports Club Scheme |
€14,902.11 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI National Charging Plan Public Consultation |
€3,666.57 |
|
2023 |
Recruitment Campaigns – Chair of NTA, Chair of Iarnród Éireann, and Board of Iarnród Éireann competitions |
€10,029.42 |
|
2023 |
Strategic Rail Review Public Consultation |
€16,987.92 |
|
2023 |
Recruitment - Director of the IRCG |
€1,5950.18 |
|
2023 |
Recruitment - Ship Surveyor |
€1,535.20 |
|
2023 |
Recruitment - Director of the IRCG |
€120.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
ZEVI Infrastructure Public Consultation |
€115,926.50 |
|
2022 |
Recruitment – Technical Service Manager |
€3,911.40 |
|
2022 |
Recruitment – AP ICT |
€1,168.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
Brexit |
€44,995.81 |
|
2021 |
Public Consultation – National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland |
€18,252.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
2020 |
Maritime ACT campaign - Brexit |
€53,752.65 |
|
2020 |
Recruitment – Irish Coast Guard |
€6,998.85 |
|
2020 |
Recruitment – Aviation IAA |
€7,999.59 |
|
Year |
Spend |
|
2019 |
€42,148.20 |
|
2018 |
€19,506.02 |
|
2017 |
€23,680.90 |
|
2016 |
€14,992.29 |
|
2015 |
€27,679.42 |
241. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport his Department's expenditure on media training in each of the years 2015 to 2025; the firms contracted to provide training; and the position or grade of those availing of training, for example, Minister, Secretary General, principal officer and so on. [37058/25]
View answerMy Department has no record of expenditure on media training in each of the years 2015 to 2025.
242. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport his Department's expenditure on media consultancy in each of the years 2015 to 2025; the consultancy firms involved; and the nature of each contract, in tabular form. [37076/25]
View answerMy Department has no records of any expenditure on media consultancy in each of the years 2015 to 2023.
Details of expenditure for 2024 and 2025 are outlined in the table below.
|
Expenditure |
Year |
Supplier |
Purpose |
|
€32,394.51 |
2024 |
Legacy Communications |
PR support, media partnership, online marketing |
|
€30,902.52 |
2025 |
Legacy Communications |
PR support, radio promotion, online marketing |
On both occasions, Legacy Communications were procured to support the Department in promoting Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week. The key aim of Logistics Week is to promote careers and educational opportunities in the Irish logistics and supply chain sector in an effort to address the skills shortage in this vital area.
243. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to Government funding to support the runway extension development at Waterford Airport. [37087/25]
View answer244. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made regarding Government funding to support the runway extension development at Waterford Airport. [37088/25]
View answer245. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the engagements he has had with stakeholders regarding the runway extension development at Waterford Airport since assuming office, in tabular form, including the name of stakeholder, date and type of engagement, location of meeting if applicable, and engagement outcome. [37089/25]
View answer246. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out an analysis of cost increases relating to the proposed runway extension development at Waterford Airport arising out of construction inflation between the years 2019 to 2025, during which time the project could not proceed; and if so, if he will detail the results of that analysis. [37090/25]
View answer247. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out projections of likely cost increases relating to the proposed runway extension development at Waterford Airport arising out of annual construction inflation should the project not proceed this year; and if so, if he will detail those projections. [37091/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 to 247, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Government commits to work with all stakeholders to quickly progress the Waterford Airport project to lengthen and widen the runway, building on the previous Government decision of 2019.
In line with that commitment, I can confirm that I, along with Government colleagues Minister Mary Butler and Minister John Cummins, met with Waterford City and County Council officials in Leinster House on 2 July where next steps for progressing the project were discussed.
With regard to the Deputy’s queries in relation to analysis or projections of cost increases, these are matters for Waterford Airport (the Sponsoring Agency) to determine and not my Department (the Approving Authority).
248. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to extend the list of recognised states in the exchange of a foreign driving licence to include the United States; when he anticipates the change will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37121/25]
View answer249. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to extend the list of recognised states in the exchange of a foreign driving licence to include more countries; the countries with which Ireland currently has reciprocal licensing agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37122/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law - the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level and EU driving licences are recognised and exchangeable when a person moves from one Member State to another.
Ireland may make bilateral driving licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is not a straightforward matter. Reaching them is not a matter of political will and the core principle is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users. Agreements may be made only when the authorities in each jurisdiction have compared the licensing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority.
The Programme for Government 2025 has a commitment to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with seven of the ten Canadian provinces.
Ireland does not have an agreement with the USA. My Department is considering how this Programme for Government commitment might be addressed.
250. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if the RSA could provide drivers with SMS reminders, with Eircode-specific directions and on-site signage, to prevent driving test no-shows due to issues with locating test centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37204/25]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
251. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport the additional measures his Department plans to implement to prevent misuse of e-scooters, including speeding and driving on footpaths. [37209/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that an extensive suite of regulations were introduced in May 2024 to govern the legal use of e-scooters on public roads. These regulations include provisions banning e-scooter use on footpaths and statutory limits on speed and power. I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has no current plans to amend or extend e-scooter regulations.
Enforcement of the regulations falls under the remit of An Garda Síochána and non-compliance may result in a Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) of €50 or confiscation of the e-scooter.
252. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport for an update on proposed updates to the 318 bus service linking Ennis and Limerick city (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37218/25]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in County Clare. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continuing the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
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 and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland plan, including in County Clare. 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.
253. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of purchase orders processed by his Department in 2023 that were not included in the published reports of purchase orders over €20,000; the number of purchase orders excluded due to their value falling below the €20,000 threshold, and the total combined value of those purchase orders; and the number of purchase orders excluded because they related to transactions other than for goods or services, for example, grants-in-aid or reimbursements, in line with reporting conventions. [37241/25]
View answerThe number of purchase orders processed by the department in 2023 that were not included in the published reports of purchase orders over €20,000.
Answer = 582 purchase orders
|
2023 |
Purchase Orders |
|
Quarter 1 |
94 |
|
Quarter 2 |
134 |
|
Quarter 3 |
165 |
|
Quarter 4 |
188 |
|
Total 2023 |
582 |
2) The number of purchase orders excluded due to their value below €20,000 threshold, and total combined value of those Purchase Orders.
Answer = 3684 Purchase Orders, Value = €10,652,049.65
|
2023 |
Purchase Orders U20,000 |
Total Value |
|
Quarter 1 |
755 |
€1,876,209.97 |
|
Quarter 2 |
945 |
€2,650,826.90 |
|
Quarter 3 |
945 |
€3,020,487.65 |
|
Quarter 4 |
1039 |
€3,104,525.13 |
|
Total 2023 |
3684 |
€10,652,049.65 |
3) The number of purchase orders excluded because they related to transactions other than goods or services
Answer = 582 purchase orders
|
2023 |
Purchase Orders |
|
Quarter 1 |
94 |
|
Quarter 2 |
134 |
|
Quarter 3 |
165 |
|
Quarter 4 |
188 |
|
Total 2023 |
582 |
254. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport the way in which his Department is using ongoing data analysis and local knowledge to identify accident-prone areas and focus road safety interventions where they are most needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37253/25]
View answerNetwork Safety Analysis is conducted annually on the Regional and Local Road Network using collision data (collected originally by members of An Garda Síochána). This process identifies high-risk road safety areas across the Regional and Local Road network, referred to as Locations of Interest (LOIs). Local authorities (LAs) are engaged to review and implement appropriate remedial measures at these sites.
Each year, LAs are invited to apply for funding from my Department to support engineering improvements at these LOI sites, supplementing their own resources. This investment is targeted by utilising collision statistics and the Network Safety Analysis. In addition to these LOI sites, local authorities also submit applications for safety schemes based on local knowledge and their engineering expertise.
Approximately €13m will be invested in Low-Cost Safety Improvement Works in 2025. Additional road safety schemes are also funded through the specific improvement and strategic regional and local road grant programmes.
There are two collision risk analysis mechanisms used by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Road Safety for collision monitoring on the national road network, the first is reactive and the second is proactive.
Reactive
Re-active Collision Analysis - TII carries out collision analysis of the entire national road network, as required by TII Standard GE-STY-01022 Network Safety Analysis, and the EU Road Safety Infrastructure Management Directive. The purpose of this exercise is to identify locations that have above average concentrations of collisions.
TII assesses the need for schemes through a TII Standard ‘Network Safety Analysis Procedures’ which states that ‘A High Collision Location is defined as a site where the: Collision frequency is greater than or equal to 3 or more collisions within the period of analysis (typically 3 years). And Collision rate is greater than twice the expected (average) collision rate for a Reference Population.’ This standard was put in place in line with the European Directive for Road Infrastructure Management.
The above process does not however include the subsequent process to devise proposals to identify road safety interventions; this is the responsibility of the relevant local authority, as the road authority for the area in the first instance.
In order for TII to provide funding for safety improvement work, the road authority is required to design an appropriate scheme to deal with the safety issues identified, carry out an economic appraisal of the proposal/fully cost the scheme and prioritise the scheme in relation to other works being proposed by the road authority.
TII Road Safety have six Regional Road Safety Engineers that assist the local authorities in preparing reports for funding and are available throughout the process to assist in preparing the designs.
Proactive
Pro-active safety inspections, as detailed in TII Standard AM-STY-06044 Road Safety Inspection, is a safety assessment of the National Road Network , this require road safety auditors to visually inspect the national road network every three to four years and any aspects of the road that should be improved for safety are identified and reported to the local authority - these issues are call Road Safety Inspection (RSI) items and risk rating is based on collision data including the non-injury material damage collision records.
255. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to finalise and publish the national drone policy framework, as committed to in the programme for Government, to ensure safe, secure and environmentally responsible drone operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37262/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to finalise and publish a policy framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Work on the drafting of the Policy Framework has recently been finalised and I expect to approve and publish it this summer.
The Policy framework will set out the vision, strategy, and priorities for the development of the UAS sector in Ireland. The framework aims to guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector in Ireland over the next decade by supporting growth and innovation. The framework also seeks to ensure safe and secure operations which are planned to minimise environmental and privacy impacts.
