Written Answers Nos. 181-200
181. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent to date on a project (details supplied), including all payments to contractors and consultants, from the year 2020 to 1 July 2024, in tabular form. [28989/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the proposal for the Northern Distributor Road was established in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. It is intended that the Northern Distributor Road will include both traffic and bus lanes as well as cycling and pedestrian facilities.
The expenditure from 2020 to end-June in relation to the Cork Northern Distributor project is in the table below.
|
Project |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024, to end June |
Total |
|
Northern Distributor Road |
- |
€402,733 |
€53,589 |
€2,755 |
- |
€459,077 |
As 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 Cork Northern Distributor project.
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.
182. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent to date on a project (details supplied), including all payments to contractors and consultants, from the year 2020 to 1 July 2024, in tabular form. [28990/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Light Rail project seeks to provide a high-capacity public transport corridor connecting Ballincollig to Mahon Point via the city centre. A public consultation for this project will launch in the coming months.
The expenditure from 2020 to end-June in relation to the Cork Light Rail project is in the table below.
|
Project |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
To 30 June 2024 |
Total |
|
Cork Luas Project |
€77,077 |
€571,500 |
€965,520 |
€922,860 |
- |
€2,536,957 |
As 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 Cork Light Rail project.
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.
183. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent to date on a project (details supplied), including all payments to contractors and consultants, from the year 2020 to 1 July 2024, in tabular form. [28991/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, following an extensive public consultation process, the new BusConnects Cork network was finalised and published by the NTA in June 2022. The network aims to provide an increase of over fifty percent in bus services across the city. It will provide a better overall network that will allow more people to gain more access to more places more quickly, whilst fully integrating with rail modes.
It is expected that the new network will be implemented over the coming years.
The expenditure from 2020 to end-June in relation to the Network Redesign element of BusConnects Cork is in the table below.
|
Project |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024, to 30 June |
Total |
|
BusConnects Route Rollout in Cork (Network Redesign) |
- |
€616,615 |
€595,648 |
€955,295 |
€867,999 |
€3,035,557 |
As 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 BusConnects Cork.
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.
184. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent to date on a project (details supplied), including all payments to contractors and consultants, from the year 2020 to 1 July 2024, in tabular form. [28992/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects will be hugely transformative for all five of our cities, including Cork. The third round of public consultation on the 11 sustainable transport corridors in Cork concluded last December. There was positive stakeholder engagement in relation to these proposals.
The National Transport Authority's (NTA) expenditure from 2020 to end-June on Cork BusConnects is in the table below.
|
Project |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
To 30 June 2024 |
Total |
|
BusConnects Project Cork |
- |
€1,555,715 |
€1,787,906 |
€10,486,270 |
€10,839,349 |
€24,669,240 |
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork.
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.
185. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the top four most popular Dublin Bus routes, by passenger numbers and directions, in 2023 and for the first five months of 2024, in tabular form. [28999/24]
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.
186. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if TII plans to run advertisement campaign on both social media and print media encouraging passengers to report anti-social behaviour issues on the Luas. [29000/24]
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 advertisement campaigns on encouraging passengers to report anti-social behaviour issues on the Luas is a matter for Transdev. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Transdev for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
187. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount the National Transport Authority received from advertisement at bus stops within Dublin in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the rates the NTA charges for such advertisement, in tabular form. [29001/24]
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 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.
188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when plans will be advanced to combat traffic congestion on the M50 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29065/24]
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 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 regarding traffic management on the M50. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he expects to be in a position to approve the necessary expenditure to increase the number of rail carriages serving all north County Kildare commuter routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29066/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the purchase of additional intercity railcars and the DART+ Programme.
The delivery of 41 additional intercity railcars was completed in March 2023 and this fleet has recently begun to enter service on a phased basis. These new railcars will allow for enhanced services across the rail network as they are introduced into service this year.
Approval by Government in December 2021 permitted the purchase of 95 DART carriages from Alstom, to start entering into service by 2026. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement with Alstom, which will see an additional 90 new battery-electric multiple units enter service from around 2026.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he remains satisfied with the adequacy of capital investment in the transport sector for the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29067/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn investment allocation of €35 billion was agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, as part of the revised National Development Plan in 2021, for the period 2021-2030. From this overall envelope, a total of €13 billion was allocated to the Department's Vote for the period 2021-2025, and set out in published capital ceilings. The Department is fully funded for 2024. For 2024, the Department forecasts that expenditure will be more or less on target, compared to a budget allocation of €2,679.450m.
During the spring, the Department negotiated an additional share of capital from the Windfall Reserve Fund for the period 2025 and 2026. The capital ceiling set for 2025 is €2.850bn and for 2026 is €3.350bn. Agreeing the capital allocations will assist the Department in planning into the medium term and prioritising and sequencing the full range of projects that will continue to emerge from the planning system in the coming years. It will also assist in funding existing commitments, for example protection and renewal and active travel investment.
191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the decarbonisation of the public transport sector continues towards the meeting of targets; the incentives currently available or likely to become available to the private sector in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29068/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the electrification of public transport.
The Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. 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.
Electric buses produce no 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.
Under the National Development Plan 2021-2030, BusConnects programmes will be substantially delivered in all of Ireland’s five cities by the end of the decade. BusConnects consists of designated Core Bus Corridors, a bus network redesign, the implementation of Next Generation Ticketing and fleet electrification.
In January 2023, the first full electrification of a town bus service was launched in Athlone under our Pathfinder Programme, providing clean and green public transport services for the town, and paving the way for a similar transition in other services across Ireland.
An order for 100 double deck electric buses was placed in 2022 with the vehicles scheduled for delivery in 2023. There are over 60 battery-electric double-deck buses available for service at Summerhill Depot and Phibsbourough Depot. Together, the charging infrastructure at Phibsborough and Summerhill will provide charging for a minimum of 136 electric buses. The remaining buses are expected to enter service in the coming weeks. Additional charging infrastructure is being procured to allow for more electric buses to enter service in the coming years.
Additionally, 34 electric buses entered service in Limerick earlier this year.
Currently, the DART network in Dublin is the only electrified part of the Irish rail network, approximately 50km running from Malahide/Howth to the City Centre and southward to Greystones. Upon completion of the DART+ Programme, the amount of electrified track will be approximately trebled.
Following the submission of a Railway Order application in July 2022, an Oral Hearing for DART+ West was held in September/October 2023. A Railway Order for DART+ South West was lodged in March 2023. DART+ Coastal North was submitted to and received consent for approval from Government in May 2024 and a Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North is expected to be lodged by the end of summer.
Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme was included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan, as submitted to the European Commission in 2021. All works associated with Phase 1 will be completed by end-2026 as required by the European Commission. This will see a significant investment (€164m of EU funds) in Cork’s rail infrastructure, which will facilitate the longer-term electrification of the network through construction of a new ‘through’ platform at Kent Station to create an integrated suburban network, re-signalling of the network, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton.
Last year, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract for battery-electric train-charging infrastructure at Drogheda to Alstom. The fast-charging infrastructure at Drogheda will enable new battery-electric DART+ trains, entering service by 2026, to operate to and from Dublin city and Drogheda in advance of planned overhead electrification.
MetroLink will be a fully electrified, segregated and mostly underground new rail line from the Swords area to Charlemont in the south of Dublin City Centre. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. An Oral Hearing in relation to the planning application for MetroLink commenced on February 19th and concluded on March 28th. 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.
In addition to these projects, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken by the Department of Transport in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. The Review has focused on how the rail network across the island could contribute to the decarbonisation of the island’s transport systems, promote sustainable connectivity into and between major cities, enhance regional accessibility, and support balanced regional development.
The development and implementation of an All-Island Rail Decarbonisation Strategy that includes an electrified intercity network has been included in the recommendations in the draft Report, which was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment public consultation in July of last year.
It is expected that the final Review Report will be submitted to Governments in both jurisdictions this month, and that the final Report will be published by the end of the Summer.
To promote the decarbonisation of the freight sector and to encourage companies towards this path, the Department of Transport has appointed TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) to administer the Zero-Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme (ZEHDV).
The ZEHDV Purchase Grant Scheme assists the purchase of zero emission heavy-duty vehicles (including buses) and is funded by the Department of Transport. The ZEHDV Scheme awards grants to assist companies and enterprises who wish to buy zero-emission heavy duty vehicles which are supported by the Scheme instead of buying the diesel equivalent. Grant amounts are calculated as a percentage of the difference in price between an ZEHDV and its diesel equivalent and the total maximum aid available to eligible applicants is up to 60% of the differential price.
The ZEHDV Scheme was opened on 12th February 2024 as a follow-on scheme to the Alternatively Fuelled Heavy-Duty Scheme (AFHDV). The AFHDV scheme began in 2021 and concluded in July 2023. During that period, a total of 23 applications have received €2.9m in grant payments aiding 38 alternatively fuelled heavy-duty vehicles purchases, including buses.
The Department has made a budget of €3.5m available for the ZEHDV Scheme in 2024, and TII, which operate the scheme on behalf of ZEVI, have already received 11 applicants for 19 vehicles. As of May 2024, €1,733,736 of the 2024 budget is allocated to 11 applicants and €349,277 is committed to 4 applicants carried over from the previous AFHDV Scheme. There is still funding available and the scheme remains open to applications in 2024.
192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he remains satisfied that urgently required road improvements and upgrades or new roads previously committed to will continue to be provided as required, given the need to meet future as well as present public demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29069/24]
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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
A major priority in the National Development Plan, in line with the Department’s investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing National Road network. The NDP foresees an exchequer allocation of circa €2.9 billion in capital exchequer funding for the Protection and Renewal of existing National Roads over the 10-year period to 2030. This has been allocated fairly evenly across the decade.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key National Strategic Outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year – however many national road projects in the NDP continue to be progressed in 2024.
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.
This work is in keeping with the commitments made in the Programme for Government, namely; to maintaining the existing road network to a high standard and funding safety improvements; and to invest in new roads infrastructure to ensure that all parts of Ireland are connected to each other.
193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if adequate consideration has been given to the provision of parking adjacent to all railway stations with a view to ensuring the availability and convenience of rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29070/24]
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 the provision of parking at railway stations is a matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with local authorities where appropriate. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when noise reduction improvements will be completed on the M4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29071/24]
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 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 Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
The amended European Communities (Environmental Noise Regulations) 2018 (S.I. No. 549) deal with the requirements to prepare noise actions plans to be developed for the purpose of managing environmental noise issues and their effects, including noise reduction, if necessary.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the national authority for overseeing the implementation of these Regulations. Local authorities, in their role as designated Action Planning Authorities, are responsible for making and approving noise actions plans.
The finalised action plan is the responsibility of the respective local authority. Therefore, all Environmental Noise related issues are a matter for each respective local authority.
195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he has assisted or can assist the provision or improvement of rural transport nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29072/24]
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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services. The NTA works with the public transport operators, who deliver the services and who have responsibility for day-to-day operational matters.
From a policy and funding perspective I would like to reassure the Deputy that 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, under Budget 2024, a funding package of c. €613.463m has been secured for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Local Link services. This package includes funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the extension of the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services to include 24-and-25-year-olds, and the continuation of the 90-minute fare until the end of 2024. Funding has also been secured to support the continued roll-out of new and enhanced bus and rail services this year.
Funding for TFI Local Link services has increased from €12m in 2016 to €57m in 2024 to improve rural transport across the country. This has seen passenger numbers on TFI Local Link regular bus services increasing by 78% year-on-year to 3.2 million in 2023.
As I am sure the Deputy is aware, the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan has been a hugely successful programme since its implementation began in 2022, with 100 new or additional services introduced since commencement in mid-2022. Under Phase 1 in 2022, 38 new and enhanced services were implemented while in Phase II in 2023, 65 new and enhanced services were implemented. This means that over 190 towns and villages have been connected to the public transport network, and over 280,000 people have access to new and enhanced bus services.
196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if changes are afoot in respect of integrated ticketing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29073/24]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA’s Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) Project is an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services. Fundamental to this project is a transition to an ‘Account Based Ticketing’ scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply in relation to this project. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which his Department has studied the weakest links in the transport system nationally; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29074/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for their question. I am acutely aware of the challenges we face, to redefine our transport policy, refine implementation, and reshape the transport system into the future. Together with our agencies, my Department works to prioritise our spend to ensure the biggest NDP allocation to transport is spent on those areas of most impact. We also reprioritise or seek additional funding when required to address emerging challenges.
Last year, my Department published a new Statement of Strategy out to 2025, setting out how we intend to apply ourselves in fulfilling our complex and important mission (available here: www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/270009/1da3d2bf-18e1-4f4c-be73-863aa9449a46.pdf#page=null). Therein, my Department has set out a high-level overview of a number of our key objectives, actions, and deliverables under each of our strategic goals during the lifetime of this Strategy, which will enable us to deliver on our important mission of delivering an accessible, efficient, safe and sustainable transport system that supports communities, households and businesses.
In rising to these challenges and the changing environment, we are committed to remaining agile and resilient, reviewing and revising our strategy, structure, systems and approaches, reflecting the dynamic nature of our work.
My Department is progressing a number of initiatives across our broad and far-reaching remit to meet these challenges and strengthen our transport system, with key updates under the most relevant of our Strategic Goals set out below.
Connectivity
A key strategic challenge for the Department is to maintain and develop our transport system, linking households, communities and businesses, both rural and urban, on the island of Ireland, while also ensuring Ireland’s international connectivity which is key to maintaining our global economic competitiveness.
My Department has progressed work across a number of areas under this goal, including:
• Initiation of a review of the National Ports Policy following an initial public consultation process.
• Continued roll-out of Ireland’s first ever dedicated Road Haulage Strategy 2022-2031, a commitment under the Programme for Government and designed to address areas of particular challenge for the haulage and road freight sector across key thematic areas, including Labour Market and Skills, and Road Safety.
• Continued support for our regional airports under a Regional Airports Programme, in line with National Aviation Policy. My Department also carried out a public consultation last year to inform a mid-term review of this programme, which was finalised in late December, to consider how Exchequer funding to this sector is delivering on its objectives, primarily in the context of how international connectivity and services to and from the regions can be maintained and enhanced.
• Progressing the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, and will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, to 2050, in line with net 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.
• Continued roll-out of National Road Improvements by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), as per the National Development Plan. Major new roads projects that are at or approaching construction include the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge, Adare Bypass and M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy.
Sustainability: Economy, Environment and Society
My Department is also working to ensure that our transport system is integrated, resilient and decarbonised in a manner that is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable into the future. My Department has progressed a number of initiatives in this regard, for example:
• Ongoing delivery of commitments under Climate Action Plan (2023) and the Sustainable Mobility Policy, including the ongoing expansion of rural mobility services under the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Connecting Ireland programme, completion of the first projects under our Sustainable Mobility Policy Pathfinder Programme including the electrification of the Athlone town bus fleet, publication of our National Cycle Network Strategy, the publication of our National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy and National En-Route EV Charging plan, update of our Renewable Transport Fuel Policy, the launch of the ‘Your Journey Counts’ national advertising campaign, the completion of new and revised Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies for the Waterford, Limerick-Shannon and Greater Dublin Areas, alongside the progression of BusConnects, DART+ and Metrolink through major milestones in our consultative and planning systems.
• Investing around €360 million per annum on cycling and walking across the lifetime of the Government, the majority of which comes from the Department of Transport through the NTA’s Active Travel Infrastructure Programme, and TII’s Greenways Programme. In 2024 alone, €290 million has been allocated to Active Travel infrastructure across all local authorities and this investment includes funding for the Safe Routes to School Programme which aims to making walking and cycling to schools safer for students and parents around the country. By the end of 2024, around €1 billion will have been invested in Active Travel projects since 2020, and a target of an additional 1,000km of walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025 as outlined in the National Sustainable Mobility Policy is forecasted to be achieved.
• Ongoing roll-out of Connecting Ireland, a major 5-year public transport initiative developed by the NTA to increase connectivity outside our major cities and towns, under which over 190 towns and villages have been connected to the public transport network, and over 280,000 people have access to new and enhanced bus services.
• Development of a new national demand strategy - ‘Moving Together: A Strategic Approach to the Improved Efficiency of the Transport System in Ireland’ – to support the delivery of the CAP23 target of reducing total vehicle kilometres travelled by 20% by 2030. This Strategy, which is currently in draft and open for public consultation, is the final key policy component in the decarbonisation pathway outlined in the Climate Action Plan, while also presenting opportunities and benefits that this systemic change can provide. In that context, the strategy will apply a ‘well-being’ framework to evaluate its implementation and impacts, a first in terms of transport policy and a vital ‘lens’ through which the wider co-benefits can be identified and highlighted.
• Working within the EU and at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to promote high levels of ambition and support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector as part of the EU’s Fit for 55 maritime package and within the framework of the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships.
• Progressing work to develop a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, to support the decarbonisation of aviation transport. My officials are also currently engaged in preparing for the domestic implementation of the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, which from 2025, will oblige fuel suppliers to blend increasing levels of SAF in kerosene for supply at EU airports, mandate Union Airports meeting a specific threshold to facilitate the access of airlines to such SAF, while airlines will also be mandated to uplift 90% of their trip fuel requirement when departing from Union airports.
• Publication of the Renewable Transport Fuel (RTF) Policy 2023-2025, setting out the pathway to the achievement of Climate Action Plan targets and European obligations, as well as ensuring European sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction criteria are adhered to concerning renewable transport fuel.
• Implementation of the Transport Sectoral Adaptation Plan (T-SAP) to ensure that the sector can fulfil its continuing economic, social, and environmental objectives by ensuring that transport infrastructure is safeguarded from the impacts of climate change. Under the revised National Adaptation Framework, the indicative timeline for publication of the revised T-SAP is Q3 2025, and cross-sectoral engagement is underway including with national environmental and adaptation stakeholders.
• Participation in Workstream 6 of the cross-governmental Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT), supporting the development of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) port infrastructure and capabilities to maximise the use of Irish ports. Within this workstream, my Department has been providing regular updates on the actions within its remit, including: ongoing work towards assisting in ports’ ORE infrastructure plans and exploring potential financing solutions; updates on engagement with the relevant stakeholders including Ports, Developers, the wider industry, the Irish Maritime Development Office, and other government departments in the Taskforce, and; the development of Technical Guidance on Navigational Safety, Pollution Control and Emergency Response for Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREIs).
Safety, Security & Accessibility
My Department is also progressing initiatives which will ensure that safety, security and accessibility for all users are at the heart of our transport system policies and services, including roads users, users of public transport, and pedestrians and cyclists, and air and sea travellers. These include:
• Ongoing delivery of segregated cycling infrastructure, contributing to increases in the number of people cycling as % modal share of daily trips (e.g. in Dublin City Centre, 5.9% in 2021 vs 13% in 2023).
• Progressing measures in the area of Road Safety, such as the Road Traffic Act signed in April 2024. The new Act introduces safer default speed limits, in line with the recommendations of the Speed Limit Review which my Department completed in September 2023, mandatory drug testing at the scene of a collision and the application of multiple sets of penalty points where multiple offences are committed.
• Supporting the Road Safety Authority to resolve National Car Test delays, through national and international recruitment drives, to increase the number of vehicle inspectors in the National Car Test Service to 665 at the end of 2023.
• Supporting the Road Safety Authority in their recruitment of additional driver testers, contributing to decreases in average waiting times for applicants to wait for their driver test.
• Funding the Public Transport Accessibility Retrofit Programme to retrofit older public transport facilities and services, the level of which has progressively increased to €15m in 2024.
• Progressing the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill, which is due for publication in Q3 2024, and will provide for the establishment of the full-time Marine Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU) within the Department of Transport.
• Developing and publishing an annual ‘Public Transport Passenger Safety and Personal Security Report’ in conjunction with the NTA, the first of which was published in March 2024, to inform future measures in this area: www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NTA-Security-Report-Final.pdf
• Continuing to work on ensuring a robust policy and legislative regime for aviation safety and security in Ireland. The drafting of a National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems that will enable the safe and sustainable use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Irish airspace and support a strong UAS enterprise sector is at an advanced stage.
• Monitoring current and emerging issues in aviation safety oversight as part of the State Safety Programme. My Department is making arrangements to carry out an independent examination of the Irish Aviation Authority’s performance of its safety oversight functions as required by the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993.
• Maintaining a continual focus on emergency preparedness and resilience across my Department and our transport agencies to ensure confidence and competence in responding to emergencies where they arise across the transport sector. My officials were closely involved in the preparation of the National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2023 (NRA), published in March of this year. The NRA identifies and assesses Key Risks with the potential to trigger a national emergency, as well as identifying ‘emerging risks’. The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning maintains oversight of these risks and the mitigation measures required to manage these risks.
• Overseeing the delivery of a transformation programme for the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) to ensure that it is best-placed to succeed in the 21st, , successfully concluding a procurement process for the next Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) Aviation Contract, and supporting delivery of the National SAR Plan, collaborating closely with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of individuals in distress at sea, or on land.
Effective Regulation
My Department is progressing a significant programme of legislation, to address both domestic and EU obligations, in order to ensure that laws are fit for purpose and keep up with change:
• The building of a new online licence application system for road transport operators is at an advanced stage and is due to be launched in November 2024. The new system will streamline the licensing process making it more efficient, secure, and accessible.
• The EU’s Mobility Package I, which introduced new and updated rules for the road transport sector, including in areas such as access to the profession and market (including cabotage), driving and rest times for professional drivers, tachograph standards and posting of driver rules, has now been fully implemented into national law. This is essential to support proper implementation and enforcement of road transport rules.
• Additionally, the corresponding provisions of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement governing the transport of goods by road have also been implemented into national law. This is important as it ensures that the Road Safety Authority and the Garda Síochána can continue to enforce the relevant road transport rules against UK operators while in the State.
• My Department is progressing the drafting of primary legislation that will allow for the ratification of three international treaties concerned with the conduct of passengers on aircraft, violence against passengers and aircraft and incidents of hijacking.
• Further information on my Department’s Legislative Priorities can be found in the Government’s Summer Legislation Programme 2024: www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/291080/12cf4585-fb09-4db0-afe6-989331aca3fb.pdf#page=null
My Department will continue to work to deliver under our Statement of Strategy to 2025, remaining responsive and agile to the challenges and new developments which may arise, to ensure the ongoing viability and robustness of our Transport System.
198. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year cost of uncollected tax revenue as a result of individuals offsetting their private health insurance costs against tax liabilities. [28825/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, it is important to clarify the position, which is that section 470 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (“TCA 1997”) provides for income tax relief in respect of payments made to authorised insurers under relevant contracts in respect of medical insurance and dental insurance.
Qualifying medical insurance policies can be for health insurance, dental insurance or health and dental insurance combined.
Tax relief is granted at the standard rate of tax (currently 20%) on the payment of the premium. The relief available is limited to the lesser of:
• the premium paid or €1,000 per adult, or
• the premium paid or €500 per child.
A child, for the purposes of this tax relief, is a child under 21 years of age in respect of whom a child premium has been paid.
In general, tax relief is given as a reduction on the cost of the insurance policy. This is known as tax relief at source (“TRS”) and under this treatment policy holders pay a reduced premium to the authorised insurer (i.e. pay an amount net of tax relief). The authorised insurer then makes a claim to Revenue for the tax relief granted at source to the policy holder. For example, the TRS in respect of a gross premium adult policy of €2,500 is €200 (i.e., €1,000 x 20%). Thus, in this case as TRS is applied, the individual will pay the authorised insurer €2,300 and the authorised insurer may claim the TRS of €200 from Revenue.
Detailed guidance on tax relief for qualifying medical insurance premiums can be found in Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-14, which can be accessed using the link –
www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-14.pdf.
Finally, I would point out that the latest Revenue data (2021) estimates that the cost of tax relief for medical insurance was approximately €390 million and it was availed of by 1,350,987 claimants.
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/tax-expenditures/costs-tax-expenditures.pdf .
199. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance if an employer has to facilitate the tax rebate scheme for those who purchase yearly tickets for commuting to work; and in cases in which the employer refuses to facilitate this, the options that are open to the employee. [28932/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that this Parliamentary Question relates to a situation where an individual is unable to avail of the Taxsaver scheme as their employer does not participate in the scheme and that the Deputy wishes to know whether the individual can avail of the scheme by another method.
Section 118(5A) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA) provides an exemption from benefit-in-kind (BIK) where an employer purchases a travel pass for an employee. This is commonly known as the Taxsaver scheme.
Under section 118B TCA, an employer and employee may also enter into a Revenue-approved salary sacrifice arrangement under which the employee agrees to sacrifice part of his or her salary, in exchange for the relevant benefit.
It is important to note that employers are not required to take part in the TaxSaver scheme. Where an individual's employer does not participate in the schemes, any benefits that could arise under the relevant scheme will not be available to any employees of that employer.
This means that an individual cannot avail of the scheme if their employer has chosen not to participate. However, it may be worth highlighting to their employer that if they do decide to participate in the scheme, employer’s PRSI is not payable on the cost of the relevant benefit(s) when they make the associated deduction from their employees' salary payments.
Further details on the tax treatment applicable to the provision of a travel pass to an employee and in regard to salary sacrifice arrangements can be found on Revenue’s website and in Tax and Duty Manuals Part 05-01-01f and Part 05-01-01k, respectively, which may be accessed at the following links:
• Revenue website - www.revenue.ie/en/employing-people/benefit-in-kind-for-employers/travel-passes-and-air-miles/index.aspx
• Tax and Duty Manual Part 05-01-01f - www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-05/05-01-01f.pdf
• Tax and Duty Manual Part 05-01-01k – www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-05/05-01-01k.pdf.
200. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a three-month gap in named driver experience renders this non-assessable for an insurance application with some providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28655/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government remains strongly committed to achieving a competitive and sustainable insurance market. The Action Plan for Insurance Reform, a critical government initiative, is progressing well. Overseen by a Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform, chaired by the Tánaiste, the plan has seen significant progress, with most actions either delivered or initiated. This coordinated whole-of-Government approach aims to improve the domestic operating environment for insurers, despite the EU level Solvency II framework, which prevents Government from compelling insurers to provide coverage or dictating pricing
As noted by Insurance Ireland as a general principle, no claims discounts apply to the policyholder. however, some insurers may offer discretionary introductory discounts for named drivers based on their experience. The discount generally depends on consecutive driving experience without gaps. However, insurers make their own commercial decisions on this, and the Government is not involved as per the EU Solvency II framework. The terms and conditions for such discounts vary according to the consumer, policy, risk, and provider.
It is worth noting that motor insurance rates have decreased by around 40 percent since their peak in July 2016 and new capacity is entering the market, benefiting consumers. Despite a 7.4 percent increase in premiums up to May, this is lower compared to an average EU increase of 12.1 percent and a 17.6 percent rise in the UK. Ireland's reforms have mitigated the steep rise in insurance costs seen elsewhere. The National Claims Insurance Database (NCID) report published earlier this week highlighted an increase in motor damage claims costs. These are largely influenced by a range of external factors including global inflation, and supply chain issues, along with labour market tightness.
Significant achievements of the Action Plan include rebalancing the Duty of Care, reforming the Injuries Resolution Board, and introducing new Personal Injury Guidelines. New competitors like Outsurance and Revolut have entered the motor insurance market, enhancing competition. Existing providers are expanding their risk appetite, and reports indicate reductions in rates being charged.
In conclusion, the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving a competitive and sustainable insurance market, ensuring the availability and affordability of insurance for all sectors.
