Written Answers Nos. 143-162
143. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the timeline on the progression of the Navan rail line; and the most up-to-date estimated cost, including a breakdown of current and capital spend. [23753/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area, including County Meath. The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, which I approved early last year, sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042, and it provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for Counties Meath, Dublin, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow. Having a transport strategy is important to ensure we assess how the different modes can deliver for the region and also how we can sequence delivery to maximise benefits and deliver value for money.
The issue of a rail connection between Dublin and Navan was re-examined as part of the development of the Transport Strategy. That re-examination supported the development of a rail line to Navan and the final Strategy now includes delivery of the line over the medium term.
I am pleased that the NTA has allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann for the establishment of a design team to commence work in 2024. This work will involve the route option selection, planning and design phases of the project. Iarnród Éireann has commenced the procurement process for this pre-construction phase of the project. It is anticipated that a route options public consultation will take place in late 2025 or early 2026.
Following this design work and public consultation process, the project will then advance through the relevant Approval Gates and planning process as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
144. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the timeline on the progression of the western rail corridor; and the most up-to-date estimated cost, including a breakdown of current and capital spend. [23754/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs committed to in the current National Development Plan, the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor is being considered as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. This Rail Review was announced by Minister Ryan in 2021, in partnership with the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
The Review will inform the development of rail on the island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net carbon zero targets in both jurisdictions. Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft Report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment public consultation in July of last year.
The draft Review has focused on how the rail network across the island could contribute to the decarbonisation of the island’s transport system, promote sustainable connectivity into and between major cities, enhance regional accessibility, support balanced regional development and promote the use of rail freight. 30 recommendations have been put forward within the draft Review to achieve these goals, including reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry which is earmarked to commence by 2030.
The draft Review includes indicative costings, and it is estimated that reinstating the railway between Claremorris and Athenry could cost between €400 million to €600 million in 2021 prices. However, it should be noted that the analysis undertaken in the draft Review was based on a high-level, top-down assessment of the capital, maintenance, and operating costs of delivering the recommendations. All of the recommendations and interventions outlined within the Review will require detailed analysis on their potential costs and benefits and to secure relevant funding approvals prior to implementation.
The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both jurisdictions.
It is expected that a final Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government approval in both jurisdictions shortly and that the final Review will be published immediately thereafter.
145. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the timeline on the upgrade works for the N2/A5; and the most up-to-date estimated cost, including a breakdown of current and capital spend (details supplied). [23755/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
The planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the authorities in Northern Ireland. The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 were governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start, and under this Agreement the Government had committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland was concluded. Provision of £25 million sterling was made by my Department in 2024 for funding the scheme should it be required.
It was announced on February 20th that as part of Government funding commitments for Shared Island projects, €600 million was being committed for the progression of the A5 project.
The Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland estimates the total scheme cost for the A5 project is £1.6 billion with completion expected by 2032/2033 and the largest funding demands over the 2025 to 2028 period.
I understand that TII previously reverted to you on April 18th regarding the two projects on the N2. With regard to the most up-to-date estimated cost, 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.
146. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if research/scoping work has been carried out on plans for additional trains due to the increase in the population size of Portlaoise town and county; and how many trains are needed to service Portlaoise when a third level Institute is constructed. [23781/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 in relation to plans for additional trains for Portlaoise is a matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
147. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23923/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters and neither I nor my department have the power to intervene in individual cases. As such, I have referred the question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
148. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport to discuss what progress has been made in the construction of the Coonagh-Knockalisheen road; when he anticipates it being completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23934/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to emphasise that the 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.
Coonagh/Knockalisheen Distributor Road scheme consists of the construction of a new distributor road, cycleways, footpaths and verges between Coonagh roundabout on the Ennis Road and the Knockalisheen Road in the Moyross area of the city. The scheme forms part of the regeneration of Limerick plan which outlines the regeneration of disadvantaged areas in the city with improved transport and access seen as a vital tool in improving socio-economic conditions.
Limerick City and County Council is the contracting authority for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road project. Progress on this road project was interrupted in 2022. Since then, works on the Ballygrennan Bridge, which is over the Galway-Ennis railway line, have completed.
A further contract for completion of the project has been tendered. These tenders are currently being assessed. Subject to a successful outcome to that procurement process, the main construction for the remainder of the roads project could recommence this year. This would allow the local community improved access to various transport modes as well as better local access via the Distributor Road project.
149. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of reports that planes associated with the flight school, charter flights and flight clubs at Weston Airport are operating outside of designated flight paths; if there are records monitoring the adherence of pilots to their designated flights; to supply any available records; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23940/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWeston Airport ("Weston") is licensed and certified by the Irish Aviation Authority ("IAA") as an aerodrome operator and air navigation services provider. A volume of airspace has been designated to Weston to enable them to provide these services. Under the terms of their licence and certification, Weston are responsible for the safety and management of aircraft, on the ground at the airport, and in the airspace where they provide services.
The IAA have certified Weston, pursuant to EU Regulation 2017/373, as an air navigation services provider. This enables the airport to provide air traffic services and communication services to flights at the aerodrome and within their assigned airspace. In addition, Weston holds a license issued by the IAA in accordance with SI 355 of 2008 which enables them to provide aerodrome services for public use.
Weston aerodrome is in Class C airspace and aircraft there operate on a visual flight rules basis.
As part of its oversight, the IAA requires Weston to have a safety management system in place. This management system provides the framework and processes to enable the risks associated with the provision of services to air traffic are managed with safety tolerable levels. The IAA conducts oversight to ensure the management system is operating effectively and meets regulatory requirements.
Queries related to the safety and management of aircraft at the airport or in the airspace where Weston provide services should be addressed to Weston directly in the first instance. The IAA’s remit with respect to aerodromes is safety related and, as such, if people or organisations would like to register a safety-related complaint they can do so at www.iaa.ie/safety/safety-reporting. Environmental issues, including noise, are under the remit of the relevant local authority.
150. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the continued vacancies of two positions on the board of the Road Safety Authority since 1 January 2024; when the vacancies will be filled; his views on the board's capacity to manage recent increases in road deaths with a barely quorate seven members, instead of the full complement of nine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23942/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Board of the Road Safety Authority shall consist of a chairperson and between six and eleven ordinary members. The quorum of the Board is set at five members, and the current composition of the board fulfils all legislative requirements. There are, therefore, no vacancies on the Board, though its membership is currently two fewer than at the end of 2023.
In accordance with the Department’s obligations under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the Department has commissioned an external independent review of the Road Safety Authority. The overall objective of this review is to conduct a thorough and comprehensive examination of the organisational structures, funding model, service provision and strategic goals to ensure the Authority is structured appropriately in the years ahead to fulfil its statutory mandate and in the context of delivering the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030.
Pending the outcome of this review, it is prudent to defer any board appointments to ensure that any appointees to the board reflect the review's recommendations in terms of the RSA's oversight and governance structures and skills mix on the board itself. Following the appointment of two new members to the Board in November 2023, a panel remains in place until November of this year from which potential appointments may be quickly made following the conclusion of the Review, and which can also be drawn on if a current member of the Board must be replaced at short notice.
The Deputy may also be interested to note that my Department this week published a call for expressions of interest for appointees to the new Road User Safety Forum. The Forum is intended to comprise a wide range of different road user perspectives, including road safety advocates, and will be a key consultative body during the development of the Phase 2 Action Plan underpinning the Government's Road Safety Strategy from 2025 to 2027.
151. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers directly employed by CIÉ tours; the number of drivers contracted by CIÉ tours to operate their services; the steps the company can take to ensure all drivers either directly employed or contracted abide by current regulations related to maximum working time driving and breaks and so on; if the NTA has any role in the implementation and enforcement of such regulations as they apply to transport sector and to the tourism sector specifically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23948/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I am the shareholder in CIÉ, which is a commercial State-owned body that operates within the context of legislation and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. CIÉ Tours is a wholly owned subsidiary of CIÉ; it operates on a commercial basis and its business is as a tour operator mainly arranging international tourist tour-travel into Ireland from North America.
Operations of CIÉ Tours - such as the number of drivers contracted by CIÉ tours to operate their services; the steps the company takes to ensure all drivers either directly employed or contracted abide by current regulations related to maximum working time driving and breaks and so on - are, in the first instance, matters for the management and Board of the company and its parent, and are not matters in which the Minister has a specific role. I have therefore forwarded this aspect of the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct response.
Regarding the portion of your question asking whether the NTA has any role in the implementation and enforcement of certain regulations as they apply to transport sector and to the tourism sector. I have forwarded this aspect of the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response.
Please contact my private office if a reply has not been received within 10 working days.
152. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding the provision of a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23969/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link and the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of services under the Connecting Ireland, including in County Cavan, 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.
153. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the length of time D501 medical reports administered by the Road Safety Authority remain valid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23970/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical reports are issued by registered medical practitioners. Medical reports accompanying an application for a driving licence or a learner permit shall be dated not more than one month prior to the date of application and should indicate that, in the opinion of the registered medical practitioner:
(a) the applicant meets the required minimum standards of physical and mental fitness set out at EU level and is fit to drive vehicles of the category to which the application relates; or
(b) the applicant does not appear to require a medical review during the period for which the licence is sought.
154. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if D501 medical reports administered by the Road Safety Authority are recognised by Bus Éireann; if not, the reason why; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23971/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
155. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to facilitating the "walk around test", which is required as part of the process of acquiring a category D driving licence to drive a bus, to be taken immediately after an applicant passes the driving test itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23972/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 agency. As such, I have referred the questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
156. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport to outline the various processes involved in obtaining a category D driving licence to drive a bus in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23973/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo make an application for a bus driving licence, an applicant must first hold a valid full category B (car or light van) driving licence. To drive professionally on a D licence, a driver must also obtain a certificate of professional competence (CPC). Details on the steps required to obtain a bus licence are available on the RSA’s website at the following link.
www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/get-qualified/cpc-driver---bus---d.
157. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if there is a legal requirement for car tyres to be of a certain size, quality and minimum load bearing capacity; if so, if these requirements are clearly communicated to all NCT test centres and those who work in the tyre and puncture repair sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23975/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTyres are subject to EU and national law. To be placed on the market in the EU, tyres must satisfy minimum requirements under EU type-approval regulations (Regulation (EU) 2019/2144). These regulations provide for a range of quality checks, including rolling resistance, noise and wet-grip performance. Separately, the EU Tyre Labelling Regulation 2020/740 requires safety and environmental information to provided to consumers, to inform purchasing decisions.
The Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003 (SI 5 of 2003), as amended, sets out requirements for the condition of car tyres and tread in national law. The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 (SI 190 of 1963), as amended, provides that tyres must be maintained in roadworthy condition at all times when used on public roads.
Test items, methods and pass/fail criteria for the National Car Test and Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test are set out in Directives 2014/45/EU and 2014/47/EU. These requirements have been transposed into Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415 of 2017) and the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (SI 347 of 2013). Tyre size, load-bearing and condition are reasons for refusal to grant a test certificate under Schedule 3 of SI 415 of 2017 and roadworthiness testers are fully apprised of these requirements.
Further information about general tyre requirements is available from the website of the Road Safety Authority, www.rsa.ie.
158. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has instructed Transport Infrastructure Ireland to withhold funding for overlay of national roads or national secondary roads in counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24039/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 maintenance 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.
Approximately €411m in capital exchequer funding was allocated to local authorities through TII for the purposes of national roads in 2024. This includes funding for new roads projects, as well as for the protection and renewal of the existing network, such as pavement renewal. The allocations announced by TII earlier this year are an indication of the progress that TII believes is possible on each national roads project during the year. However, if the progression of any national roads project, programme or operation is impeded or priorities change, the funding will be redistributed by TII, in accordance with its statutory remit, to other national roads or greenways projects, programmes, or operations. No funding has been withdrawn by my Department from TII this year.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to work that is taking place regarding pavement renewal in counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon in 2024. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
159. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport the budget for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24042/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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, construction, operation and maintenance 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.
160. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport if funding has been withdrawn from Transport Infrastructure Ireland by his Department for the three road projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24043/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 maintenance 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.
Approximately €411m in capital exchequer funding was allocated to local authorities through TII for the purposes of national roads in 2024. This includes funding for new roads projects, as well as for the protection and renewal of the existing network. The allocations announced by TII earlier this year are an indication of the progress that TII believes is possible on each national roads project during the year. However, if the progression of any national roads project, programme or operation is impeded or priorities change, the funding will be redistributed by TII, in accordance with its statutory remit, to other national roads or greenways projects, programmes, or operations. No funding has been withdrawn by my Department from TII this year.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the works mentioned. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
161. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport if the budget has been cut to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for overlay works on national roads and national secondary roads countrywide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24044/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 maintenance 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.
Approximately €411m in capital exchequer funding was allocated to local authorities through TII for the purposes of national roads in 2024. This includes funding for new roads projects, as well as for the protection and renewal of the existing network, such as pavement renewal. The allocations announced by TII earlier this year are an indication of the progress that TII believes is possible on each national roads project during the year. However, if the progression of any national roads project, programme or operation is impeded or priorities change, the funding will be redistributed by TII, in accordance with its statutory remit, to other national roads or greenways projects, programmes, or operations. No funding has been withdrawn by my Department from TII this year.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to work that is taking place regarding pavement renewal in 2024. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
162. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the delays experienced by 15B bus route users on 17 May (details supplied); if he will provide an explanation as to the reason there was not one 15b in two hours but five 15 As; and what is Dublin Bus's strategy to deal with accidents when they occur. [24094/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
