Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:21. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the extension of the Luas to Finglas; and the latest projected timeline for delivery. [28450/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Transport
Ceisteanna (21)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2022-2042 was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in January 2023, following my approval. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
Implementation of the strategy has been divided into three phases – short-term up to 2030 to align with the National Development Plan, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. The development of a Luas line serving Finglas is part of the strategy’s medium-term proposals, for development and delivery within the 2031-2036 timeframe, as part of a number of proposed Luas network extensions for the period up to 2042.
The preliminary business case for the Luas Finglas project has been submitted to my Department by the NTA and will soon be brought to Government for its consent in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. This will enable the project to enter the statutory planning process through the submission of a Railway Order Application to An Bord Pleanála. The precise start date for construction of the Luas Finglas project will depend on a number of factors, including a decision in relation to the planning application.
Active Travel
Ceisteanna (22)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:22. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport for an update on plans for active travel in County Carlow. [28316/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (23)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:23. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport his plans for increasing the funding and supports to local authorities for the maintenance and upkeep of regional and local roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28618/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since 2020, allocations provided for the regional & local roads programme in the annual Revised Estimates of Public Services ("REV") have increased year on year, with the current 2024 allocation announced as €658m in this year's REV. Over the years, further additional funds have been added during the year, to offer additional support to local authorities for the maintenance and upkeep of regional and local roads, with an additional €30m being made available in May 2024 for example, to assist with the damage to the road network caused by unusually persistent and prolonged rainfall over winter and spring period
From the outset, it 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. And that works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads.
As outlined in the 2024 Regional and Local Roads programme which I released on the 15th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in connecting people and places across the country. It facilitates business, education, tourism, healthcare, agriculture and the provision of critical services and activities.
Irelands regional and local road network spans over 96,000kms. The network requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilient. As such, €658 million was allocated to Regional and Local Road Grants in 2024, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This represents an overall grant funding allocation increase of 5% from 2023. On 31st May 2024, I announced additional funding of €30 million to local authorities through Restoration Improvement (RI) Grants following persistent rainfall over winter and spring.
In addition, under the National Development Plan, the Government has made carrying out targeted improvements to sections of the regional and local road network a priority. €677 million is earmarked for such improvements over the 10-year period until 2030. Road improvement projects can be proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding. All projects put forward by local authorities must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF). Each project will be assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis, keeping available resources in mind.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (24)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:24. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in County Carlow; and the date by which all bus routes under the Plan will be up and running in the county. [28315/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for new and enhanced public transport services under Connecting Ireland, including services in County Carlow. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (25)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:25. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will take action ensure direct DART services to Howth, Sutton and Bayside are retained as part of the DART + Coastal North Project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28345/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, DART+ Coastal North is part of the overall DART+ Programme. The DART+ Coastal North project will provide for electrified DART trains between Dublin city and Drogheda and an improvement to the existing DART services between Dublin city and Howth/Malahide. The project will significantly increase the peak hourly capacity and frequency on the Northern route between Dublin city and Malahide, Howth and Drogheda.
It should be noted that an indicative service pattern is required to conduct modelling for the DART+ Coastal North project, to assess the potential level of benefits which will arise as a result of the project. The infrastructural changes proposed by DART+ Coastal North will permit both direct and shuttle services to operate from Howth. The implementation of a shuttle service is an operational matter, to be decided on in the future and implemented following the delivery of relevant infrastructure as part of the DART+ Coastl North project.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (26, 150)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:26. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is concerned that carbon emissions from transport increased last year; and the measures he intends to take to address this. [28463/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Robert Troy
Ceist:150. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport his response to the Climate Change Advisory Council finding that emissions related to the transport sector rose slightly last year, driven by a rise in demand for petrol and diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28608/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 150 together.
Yes. I am of course concerned that transport emissions continue to rise. This sector was always going to be the hardest one to reduce emissions given that it is so closely linked to population and economic growth and decades of dispersed settlement patterns that favour the car. As evidenced in recent reports from the likes of the European Transport and Environment Group, transport emissions continue to grow in Europe and internationally. I also welcome the recent publication of the Climate Change Advisory Council’s annual sectoral review of the transport sector.
While Government has provided an unprecedented level of investment in sustainable transport and EV supports over recent years, I accept the Council’s assessment that further measures are required if we are to achieve our 2030 climate objectives.
The Advisory Council have estimated that emissions from the transport sector increased by an estimated 0.2% in 2023. Updated provisional emissions inventories for 2023 are expected from the Environmental Protection Agency in coming weeks, which I expect will confirm that we have expended 64% of our first sectoral carbon budget over the first three years of the programme (2021-2023). While this is disappointing, I also recognise that transport is probably the most difficult sector of all to decarbonise in the short-to-medium term.
I note that the Council’s recommendations, that both planning and taxation reform are fundamental to our ability to accelerate our decarbonisation efforts, strongly echo the whole-of-Government approach we have set out in our draft Moving Together: A Strategic Approach to the Improved Efficiency of the Transport System in Ireland demand management strategy, which seeks to make our transport systems work better for everyone.
The Council’s review clearly recognises that spatial planning and transport systems are fundamentally linked, with deeply embedded travel preferences and overall levels of transport demand resulting from choices with regard to settlement patterns and planning policy.
Compliance with our legally binding sectoral emission ceilings in the transport sector will not be possible unless projected future growth in transport demand is primarily serviced via sustainable modes and zero-emission alternatives, in accordance with the ‘Avoid-Shift-Improve’ framework for greater transport sustainability that we have established in the transport chapter of the Climate Action Plan, our National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP), and our draft Moving Together strategy.
The draft Moving Together strategy’s Implementation Plan, which has been published alongside the draft strategy, will seek to strengthen the policy alignment and implementation mechanisms to deliver our National Planning Framework’s National Strategic Objectives of ‘Compact Growth’ (NSO1) and ‘Sustainable Mobility’ (NSO4) given the critical role of compact growth in reducing travel demand and in enhancing transport system efficiencies.
Doing so will help to reduce congestion and improve journey times for car drivers, public transport users, business and freight, leading to improvements in local air quality and reduced stress, with associated health benefits for drivers and non-drivers alike.
The draft Moving Together strategy and its accompanying implementation plan were published in April 2024 for public consultation, with a view to being finalised later this year. However, over coming weeks and months, we will continue to take account of the Council’s recommendations by working across Government to
• strengthen our transport and spatial planning alignment through the imminent update of the National Planning Framework;
• seek to accelerate the planning consenting processes for critical transport infrastructure, in line with measures outlined in the Planning and Development Bill;
• empower our local authorities in their ability to implement further local demand management measures by finalising our Moving Together strategy;
• accelerate the roll out of EV recharging infrastructure and taxation incentives for fleets to further generate and support an affordable second-hand EV market;
• strengthen and build on the key AVOID-SHIFT-IMPROVE framework for greater transport sustainability that we have set out in Climate Action Plan 2024, and
• seek to identify further corrective actions for inclusion in future updates to the Climate Action Plan.
I am confident that the tide is turning in relation to transport emissions and that early and effective implementation of our policies and strategies will deliver the required reductions over time and in a just and equitable manner.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (27)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:27. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the incentives or alternatives he is examining to combat the slowing down of sales of electric cars and the poor trade in and sale prices for electric cars. [28469/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current target for EV uptake in Ireland is set out in the Climate Action Plan and is defined as 30% of the private vehicle fleet being zero emission by 2030, with a supplementary target of 195,000 EVs (both BEV and PHEV) on the road by end of 2025.
The EV target is the single biggest mitigation action within the transport sector of CAP, and indeed, one of the two biggest mitigation actions in the CAP in total, and its achievement is therefore a strong lever in meeting carbon emission reductions targets for the transport sector.
EV uptake to end 2023 was very positive with an average increase of month-on-month registrations. Since the start of 2024 however the overall uptake has reduced with trends showing a still reasonable but slower uptake of EVs. It should be noted that this issue is not exclusive to Ireland, with international markets showing similar trends.
While no specific single cause has emerged as the cause of a slowdown in uptake of EVS, misinformation about EV performance, uncertainty about charging infrastructure and rapid changes to the market and perceived value of EVs due to an increase of brand and model availability are regularly highlighted as contributing factors.
The Government is committed to supporting the transition to EVs through the continuation of vehicle incentives such as the purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), home and apartment charging schemes, benefit-in-kind tax relief, VRT relief of up to €5,000 and a low rate of annual motor tax.
The government has put in place a comprehensive suite of incentives to encourage uptake of EVs:
• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) of up to €3,500;
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €300;
• VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a grant to enable taxi drivers to apply for an EV or a wheelchair accessible EV
• ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant scheme for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
• Low rate of annual motor tax.
The Department of Transport will seek to maintain these and related incentives for as long as appropriate and practical, working with the Department of Finance on taxation matters and other stakeholders as necessary.
Additionally, ZEVI has recently published a suite of new plans and incentives to increase the rollout of more public charging infrastructure, is working to create a regulatory and policy environment to encourage EV sales and the rollout of that infrastructure, and is also engaging in an extensive and adaptive communications programme with stakeholders across both industry and with consumers.
ZEVI is continuously examining alternative or evolved incentives to encourage our transition towards EVs and the Government will consider any viable and proportionate action proposed.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (28)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:28. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on the regional and local EV infrastructure network plan’s public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28619/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) is an Office within the Department of Transport, established in July 2022 to lead EV policy including vehicle supports and infrastructure planning and delivery.
The Draft Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, published for public consultation in May 2024, is the second element of the National EV Charging Network Plan.
The plan provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of regional and local networks of public EV charging infrastructure in cities, towns and villages across Ireland, in line with both national and European ambitions for cleaner transportation.
The draft Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan will be led by Local Authorities. Local Authorities are ideally suited to accelerate the delivery of charging infrastructure at the local level that is financially sustainable and best ensures equitable access for all.
ZEVI have been engaging extensively with Local Authorities and will provide funding and guidance to them for developing their strategies and subsequent implementation plans.
These strategies will identify areas without off street charging capabilities and identify solutions which may include off street community chargers, Shared Charging facilities, and/or use of local Rapid Destination Chargers or Hubs.
Submissions will close on 19th July 2024 and responses will be reviewed by ZEVI on completion of the consultation.
The key themes emerging from the public’s responses will be carefully considered in the final document. It is expected that the Plan will be published on the Government’s website in late 2024.
Airport Policy
Ceisteanna (29)
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:29. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport on the matter of providing co-funding for developments at Waterford Airport. [25979/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, in June 2019 the then Government gave an approval in principle of an expression of support for an expansion proposal at Waterford Airport and to providing Exchequer funding of €5m towards a runway extension project. The project was then estimated to cost €12m and the €5m Government support being sought at that time was not only contingent on local authority and private investment necessary to complete the project being committed and any risks relating to cost escalation being borne by the non-State investors, but also on full details of the project being provided to my Department for consideration. Despite engagement with the airport over the intervening period, this detail remained outstanding until 13 December 2023.
Furthermore, the development proposal submitted by Waterford Airport outlines that the project costings have increased substantially above the original estimated cost of €12m to €27m, deviating significantly from the proposal in 2019. Given that an early assessment of the proposal is being sought by the airport, my Department has prioritised the necessary assessment of the proposal submitted, which is taking account of an increased Exchequer funding contribution of €12m now being sought. Such an assessment is necessary to ensure that due diligence is exercised in accordance with my Department's Transport Appraisal Framework and the Public Spending Code/Infrastructure Guidelines.
I understand that an initial assessment of the development proposal was complete by my Department in mid-February. A number of clarification requests and questions seeking further detail had been raised with the airport. This is to be expected with an appraisal process of this nature. On foot of this, an updated submission was made by the airport to the Department with additional outstanding detail provided on 27 May. I understand that my predecessor, Minister Jack Chambers, met with board members of Waterford Airport last month, , along with Minister Mary Butler and other local representatives, and discussed the acceleration of this appraisal process.
The Deputy will understand that it is essential that a business case must be made for the proposals, requiring as they do significant State aid, and any plan must be supported by robust empirical evidence. It is also essential to understand the public/private aspects of the proposal and the various contingencies that may arise in different scenarios. I reserve an open mind on the issue and await assessment of any proposal on that basis.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is continuing to engage with airport management in order to bring all matters raised to a conclusion. I will consider my Department's initial assessment of this proposal when this engagement with the airport is complete.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (30)
Joe Flaherty
Ceist:30. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the planned N4 upgrade from Mullingar to Rooskey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28642/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that the N4 Mullingar to Longford Scheme received an allocation of €1.44 million for 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for 2025 and in future years and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (31, 45)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:31. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the recruitment of driving testers by the RSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28555/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiamh Smyth
Ceist:45. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the measures he proposes to take to reduce the wait time for driving tests from 15.6 weeks to the projected target of ten weeks. [28468/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 45 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. The national average estimated waiting time for a car driving test invitation is 15.6 weeks for a new applicant. While this is still above the service level agreement target of 10 weeks, significant progress has been made since last August, when the estimated wait time was 30.4 weeks nationally.
To address issues of rising demand and wait times for a driving test, in March 2023 the Department of Transport conveyed sanction for the RSA to recruit up to an additional 75 driver testers on a temporary basis. This brings the current overall number of sanction driver testing posts to 205, up from 100 in June 2022.With the introduction of additional testing capacity from September last year, the average wait time for a test fell from 30.4 weeks at the end of August to 14.9 weeks at the end of April. The Authority is targeting a restoration of the 10-week level by the end of August. However, due to high volumes of new applications during May, which were around 60% higher than the historical average, the average wait time rose to 15.6 weeks at the end of that month.
To further assist with reducing waiting times, in October last year a change was made to the booking system to allow any unused test slots to be made available for candidates to take up at short notice. If a driving test is cancelled at short notice, the RSA now make this appointment available to the general public on the MyRoadSafety portal.
The Authority has recently started to publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of testing capacity by test centre.
The RSA submitted a business case to the Department in June 2024, regarding long-term, permanent staffing needs for the service to cater to current and future demand. This submission is in line with the March 2023 sanction which indicated the permanent staffing needs would be considered and agreed before the end of 2024.
The Department of Transport and RSA are engaging on this proposal. While these deliberations are ongoing, sanction remains in place for up to 205 driver testers.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (32)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:32. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport for a progress report on the TEN-T project for Donegal. [28119/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (33)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:33. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport his views on the issue of ghost buses and no shows across the fleets; the steps that have been taken to date to counteract this; and for an update on any measures already implemented. [28116/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
I understand that the data displayed in the TFI Live app is provided directly by the bus operators and that it is the responsibility of the operators to provide accurate vehicle location data relating to all their services. This data is provided by the on-bus AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) system which records the position of the bus as it proceeds on its route and generates predicted arrival times for each bus stop.
The NTA TFI Live app receives this data from the bus operator and publishes it in the app. The issue of a bus service being displayed in the app but not showing up at the stop is typically caused by the operator not cancelling that service in their AVL system if that service is not being operated (for example, due to a shortage of drivers). TFI Live cannot display a service as cancelled if it has not received the appropriate cancellation message from the operator and as a result it reverts to showing the timetabled time that the bus is due to arrive at a stop.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (34)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:34. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the works to complete the Coonagh-Knockalisheen Road; when he expects works to recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28558/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It 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.
The Coonagh to 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 been completed.
A further contract for completion of the project has been tendered and this process is continuing by Limerick City and County Council. Subject to a successful outcome to that procurement process, the main construction for the remainder of the project could recommence this year. Progression and completion of the project will allow the local community improved access to various transport modes as well as better local access via the Distributor Road project.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (35)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure further substantial financial allocations are made by his Department to progress the development of the East West route, with particular reference to the Cootehill/Shercock/Carrickmacross/Dundalk road in view of this road’s strategic importance for the Border region and the urgent need to upgrade same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28641/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department has been working with Cavan and Louth County Councils in relation to funding projects associated with the proposed upgraded East West Link Road. As the Deputy is aware the proposed scheme would run on regional routes from Dundalk to Cavan and national routes from Cavan to Sligo.Going back some time there was a proposal for a substantial upgrade of the regional road part of the route; my department provided over €2 million to Cavan County Council, acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils, to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design stage.However, more recent appraisal work has indicated a very substantial cost if the road scheme was fully implemented. As such, my department engaged Cavan County Council to carry out a risk-based analysis for the route between Dundalk and Cavan. This analysis explored the possibility of a series of interventions which could be implemented over time, and which could improve safety, journey times, and bring consistency to the travel speed along the route. From this risk analysis individual local authorities examined if, and how, projects identified could be brought forward, while taking into account their own priorities and available resources. Following this process, my department allocated funding to both Cavan and Louth County Councils to carry out initial assessments of two possible schemes. Subsequently, both Louth and Cavan County Councils submitted Strategic Assessment Reports for these two schemes. These submissions have been reviewed and approval has been provided to advance both schemes. My department has provided further funding in 2024 for both Cavan County Council and Louth County Council to advance these schemes through to the end of Phase 2 “Route Selection” (see TII Project Management Guidelines, 3.3 Overview of Project Phases). This process is underway by the local authorities and following completion, a further review of both schemes will be examined by my department before approval to the next phase.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (36)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:36. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to fund further rollouts of Local Link services, to meet the demand in their various areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28152/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
In the first instance, I can assure you that the intent of all of our public transport policies is to increase the attractiveness and accessibility of public transport so we can all, including older people, disabled people, and those with mobility concerns, enjoy a sustainable and more integrated public transport network.
To address specific concerns in rural areas, the Department of Transport has secured increased funding to improve rural transport services across the country, with funding increasing from €12m in 2016 to €57m in 2024. Passenger numbers have increased from 1.76 million passengers in 2015 to 3.2 million in 2023.
The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is a major 5 year public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to increase connectivity outside our major cities and towns.
• Over 100 new or additional bus routes introduced since commencement in mid-2022.
• Phase I in 2022: 38 new and enhanced services implemented.
• Phase II in 2023: 65 new and enhanced services implemented.
• Over 190 towns and villages have been connected to the public transport network.
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 new and enhanced public transport services under Connecting Ireland. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (37)
John Brady
Ceist:37. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to provide an outline on plans to upgrade the Dublin to Rosslare line, along with details of plans for the electrification of the line to Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28574/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the Wicklow Capacity Enhancement Study.
The potential extension of DART services southwards to Wicklow is included as an objective in the new Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, which was adopted last year. Initial planning/design work is currently ongoing to establish the feasibility of operating an hourly DART service to/from Wicklow town using battery electric train sets that could operate along the un-electrified section between Greystones and Wicklow.
Modelling undertaken by the NTA for the DART+ Programme related to facilitating increased services on the Rosslare line, and to achieve maximum capacity in the Greater Dublin Area, includes an option that would see Rosslare services interchanging at Wicklow or Greystones to connect seamlessly to DART services into the heart of Dublin.
This was an infrastructural modelling exercise, and the NTA have advised that no decision has been made to alter services on the Rosslare line.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Tolls
Ceisteanna (38)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:38. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the amount collected annually in this jurisdiction from toll roads in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28278/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Park-and-Ride Facilities
Ceisteanna (39)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:39. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport his plans for park-and-ride facilities along the N3 in County Cavan to encourage more people to make use of public transport and reduce the dependence on private car use in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28617/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 provision of park and ride facilities.
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.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (40)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:40. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered whether a ban on fossil fuel advertising could play a role in reducing demand for fossil fuels and fossil-fuelled vehicles, which, according to the latest annual review of transport from the Climate Change Advisory Council, is still increasing. [28465/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Reducing our carbon emissions in the transport sector by 50% by 2030 will require transformational systemic and behavioural change with improved communication and engagement actions identified as a key pillar of our decarbonisation pathway. Under the Climate Action and Sustainable Mobility Public Engagement Strategy, published on 20th of May, the key objective is to strengthen the social contract between the Government and the public for sustainable transport action through an inclusive programme of communication and engagement at national, regional and community level. Communication and consumer awareness campaigns have also been highlighted as a key action under the National Demand Management Strategy - "Moving Together – A Strategic Approach to the Improved Efficiency of the Transport System in Ireland" – published by my Department for public consultation on 12th of April.
The regulation of car advertising was recognised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its sixth assessment report as a policy that can have a major influence on mitigative capacity internationally. Going beyond this, in its 2022 report, Redesigning Ireland’s Transport for Net-Zero, the OECD also highlighted the need to enhance communication efforts to address car-centric mindsets, and that industry car advertising ‘may undermine the effectiveness of the Irish Government’s communications strategy in favour of sustainable transport systems.’
In line with these recommendations, a commitment to conduct a review of car advertising and labelling has been included in the Transport chapters of Climate Action Plans 2023 and 2024 as well as in the Draft Implementation Plan of the Moving Together strategy. I have asked my Department to expedite work to develop proposals for regulating certain elements of car advertising, through on-going consultation with experts and key stakeholders in this field, alongside a suite of supporting public engagement and communication measures.