Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when it is intended to publish the All Island Strategic Rail Review; if, following its publication, he will fast track the commencement of the opening of the western rail corridor from Athenry to Claremorris, as was done in the case of the reopening of the Foynes to Limerick line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28343/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken by my Department, in co-operation with the Department 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 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, or SEA, public consultation in July of last year. As part of the draft Report's recommendations, there would be the rehabilitation of disused lines such as the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris. It is recommended in the draft Review Report that works commence on the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris by circa 2030.
Overall, the draft Report makes 30 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system across the island up to 2050. Implementation of these recommendations would result in substantial improvements in the capacity, speed, frequency and reach of the rail system. Journey times by rail would be much reduced, and frequency would increase to at least hourly between cities and every two hours on rural and regional routes. The network would be decarbonised, with the intercity routes electrified.
The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
It is expected that a Review Report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government shortly and that the final Review Report will be published by the end of Summer.
Individual programmes and projects referred to within the final Review Report will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
42. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the projected date for the beginning and completion of construction of the N2 Clontibret-to-the-Border road scheme; and the timeframe for commencement of the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney road scheme. [28526/24]
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 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.
I can confirm that the N2 Clontibret to the Border scheme is receiving an allocation of €1.6 million in 2024, with funding also being provided through the EU Connecting Europe Facility. While it was not possible to provide an allocation the the N2 Ardee to South of Castleblayney bypass road scheme, it remains part of the NDP, and as with all NDP projects will be considered for funding in future years.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the projects on the N2. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
43. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the Intra-City railway stations that are planned in Limerick; when work is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28557/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) was prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann.
Proposals for investment in rail under LSMATS include:
• A new rail station at Moyross;
• The reopening of the Limerick-Shannon Foynes line for freight services;
• A new station at Ballysimon, along with park and ride facilities;
• Increasing the frequency of services on the Ballybrophy line to two trains hourly;
• Increasing the frequency of services on the Ennis line to three trains hourly;
• Dual tracking of the line from Limerick Junction to Colbert Station;
Noting the NTA's role in the development of the strategy, 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.
44. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to ensure “increased ambition for public transport capital investment”, as recommended by the Climate Change Advisory Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28464/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Government is committed to reducing transport emissions and improving our public transport offerings is critical to achieving this. Since the formation of Government in 2020, a number of new public transport projects have significantly progressed in line with the National Development Plan 2021-2030.
Under the National Development Plan 2021-2030, BusConnects programmes are to be substantially delivered in all of Ireland’s five cities by the end of the decade. Not only will these programmes significantly enhance the quality of public transport in our cities, where feasible, they also include the parallel development of high-quality cycle lanes, providing safe, accessible, and efficient transport, while reducing traffic congestion as well as noise and air pollution.
In Dublin, the planning applications for all Core Bus Corridor schemes were submitted by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to An Bord Pleanála. Six schemes have been approved by An Bord Pleanála so far – the Clongriffin, Liffey Valley, Ballymun/Finglas, Belfield/Blackrock, Blanchardstown, and Swords schemes. Legal proceedings are ongoing in relation to the Clongriffin and Belfield/Blackrock schemes. The first five phases of the Network Redesign have rolled out across Dublin since 2021 and will continue to roll out in the coming years subject to funding and craftworker availability.
The new bus networks for Cork, Galway and Limerick have been progressed. A public consultation on the proposed new bus network for Cork is expected to launch in the coming months.
The DART+ programme will modernise and improve existing rail services in the Greater Dublin Area by electrifying the lines and purchasing new rolling stock among other work. The expansion will create a connected and electrified rail network for the Greater Dublin Area, increasing the network from circa 50km to 150km and doubling city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours.
Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) have lodged Railway Order applications in respect of DART+ West and SouthWest. It is expected that CIÉ will lodge a Railway Order application for DART+ Coastal North to An Bord Pleanála in the coming weeks.
MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. MetroLink will serve multiple residential communities such as Swords, Ballymun and Glasnevin, as well as the City Centre, Dublin Airport, major employment zones, education, transport and other facilities. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.
An Bord Pleanála commenced an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink on February 19th, which concluded on March 28th. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.
A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared this June when the appointment of the MetroLink Project Director was announced.
The Cork Area Commuter Rail programme is a key element of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy and seeks the transformational enhancement of the rail system in Cork to improve the attractiveness of rail, support compact urban growth, encourage and enable modal shift to public transport, and reduce congestion and emissions.
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 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.
The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is a major 5 year public transport initiative developed by the NTA to increase connectivity outside our major cities and towns. Over 100 new or additional bus routes have been introduced since the commencement of the plan in 2022, connecting over 190 towns and villages to the public transport network.
46. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the transport plan for Ballyfermot will lead to a series of issues (details supplied); how this is compatible with being a sustainable local travel model for the area.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28145/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of of BusConnects comprises Core Bus Corridor schemes. These Corridors aim to provide over 200 km of enhanced walking, cycling, and bus route infrastructure in the Dublin region. An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to six of the Corridors - the Clongriffin, Liffey Valley, Ballymun/Finglas, Belfield/Blackrock, Swords, and Blanchardstown schemes.
New bus services in Dublin have already been delivered, with the first five phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. The Network Redesign for the entire network will continue in the coming years.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
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.
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.
47. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the all island strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28554/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken by my Department, in co-operation with the Department 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 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, or SEA, public consultation in July of last year.
The draft Report makes 30 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system across the island up to 2050. Implementation of these recommendations would result in substantial improvements in the capacity, speed, frequency and reach of the rail system. Journey times by rail would be much reduced, and frequency would increase to at least hourly between cities and every two hours on rural and regional routes. The network would be decarbonised, with the intercity routes electrified.
The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
It is expected that a final Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government shortly and that the final Review will be published by the end of the Summer.
48. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on plans to extend the LUAS to Bray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28573/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 funding allocations for public transport projects under the National Development Plan, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. An extension of the Luas to Bray is part of the strategy’s medium-term proposals for development and delivery within 2031-2036 and is part of a number of proposed expansions to the Luas network over the lifetime of the strategy.
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.
49. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will allocate additional funding to Monaghan County Council to repair and maintain local roads to an acceptable condition. [28525/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will establish a taskforce to examine all transportation options, both current and future, to and from Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28276/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for their question and note the importance of Shannon Airport in supporting Ireland’s overall connectivity. Our ability as a country to attract, and to retain, foreign direct investment is dependent on this international connectivity. Such connectivity also facilitates trade and is a significant enabler of our tourism industry, with an estimated 90% of our tourists arriving by air.
Shannon Airport has had a very strong recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Passenger numbers at the airport in 2023 were at their highest since 2009, and this strong performance has continued to date in 2024.
While my Department does not have any current plans to establish a taskforce in line with what the Deputy has described, I wish to assure the Deputy that work is ongoing to improve transport links around Shannon Airport, with further planning underway for possible improvements into the future.
Public Transport
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.
The National Transport Authority (NTA), in partnership with Bus Éireann and TFI Local Link Limerick Clare, is proposing to improve Route 343, which would bring improvements in access to Shannon Airport. This enhancement is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
The purpose of the amendment is to:
• Improve the public transport service between Limerick, Shannon and Ennis, as well as other intermediate places such as Sixmilebridge, Quin and Kilmurry.
• Make services more frequent, more reliable, and easier to understand and use.
• Improve access to Shannon Airport, with a new 24/7 service between the Airport, Shannon Town and Limerick.
• The NTA intends to implement these revised routes and services by the end of this year.
The NTA intends to re-shape the current Route 343 by splitting it into four separate routes as follows:
• New Route 343 will run between Limerick and Shannon (Town, Free Zone & Shannon Airport) and will be operated by Bus Éireann.
• New Route 330 will run between Ennis and Shannon (Town, industrial zones & Shannon Airport) and will be operated by Bus Éireann.
• New Route 316 will run between Sixmilebridge and Shannon (Town, industrial zones & Shannon Airport) and will be operated by Bus Éireann.
• New Route 317 will run between the Jetland Shopping Centre (Limerick) and Ennis via Sixmilebridge and will be operated by TFI Local Link Limerick Clare.
The revised network will result in a higher frequency between Shannon and Limerick; a high-frequency, simple common bus corridor between Shannon Town, its industrial areas, and Shannon airport; and more departures to Ennis, Sixmilebridge, Kilmurry, Cratloe and Quin.
The consultation, which closed on 9 May 2024, ran for 3 weeks.
Roads
The N19 Shannon Airport Access Road Improvement Scheme is funded under TII’s Minors Programme. The scheme aims to improve the road between Drumgeely Roundabout and Knockbeagh Point Roundabout on the approach to the airport, including improved provision for public transport and active travel. €500,000 was allocated for this scheme in 2024, with work continuing on Design and Environmental Evaluation.
In 2024, Clare County Council received an initial allocation of €43,594,200 for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads. 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. Of this funding, Clare County Council received an additional Supplementary RI allocation of €1,296,500.
Future Development
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken by my Department, in co-operation with the Department 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 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, or SEA, public consultation in July of last year.
The draft Report makes 30 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system across the island up to 2050, including recommendations around improving the rail connectivity of Shannon Airport with its surrounding area, and other airports on the island of Ireland.
The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is expected that a Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government shortly and that the final Review will be published by the end of the Summer.
Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy
The Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, which includes plans to improve transport links with Shannon Airport, was prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann.
Noting the NTA's role in the development of the strategy, and in the management and operation of TFI Local Link Services and Connecting Ireland, 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.
51. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has plans for further regional airport development after 2024; if it is likely that Shannon will receive further funding in this or similar schemes from 2025 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28517/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs an island nation, aviation plays a crucial role in our economy and society. The National Aviation Policy (“NAP”) published in August 2015, established a policy framework for the development of the aviation sector. The NAP was designed to create an environment that would encourage the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity, to foster the growth of aviation enterprise and to maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development.
In line with the action points under the NAP on regional airports, regional airports are supported under a Regional Airports Programme. The current Programme for the period 2021-2025 continues to support Ireland’s smallest airports, those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than one million passengers per annum. In addition to targeting funding at safety and security projects and activities, the scope of the Programme was expanded to encourage airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience. A PSO air service between Donegal and Dublin is also supported under the Programme providing vital connectivity to the people and businesses in the North-West region.
I am pleased to see that Ireland has established good connectivity via our regional airports with the UK, Europe and America. The targeted Exchequer funding to this sector has supported this connectivity, with overall passenger traffic across Irish regional airports in 2023 9% above 2019 levels (the last comparable period prior to COVID-19). I am also encouraged by the strong growth experienced to date this year, with passenger traffic to end May again 9% higher when compared to the same period last year.
That said, 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, a mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme was undertaken in 2023. My Department carried out a public consultation last year to inform this review, which was finalised in late December.
In relation to Shannon Airport, both Shannon and Cork regional State airports are expected to operate on a commercial basis without recourse to Exchequer funding. However, given that these regional State airports were supported under a one-year COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme in 2021, and temporarily became eligible for supports under the Regional Airports Programme due to supressed passenger numbers during the pandemic (until 2023 for Shannon) the mid-term review also gave consideration to expanding the scope of the Programme to regional airports that handle greater than one million passengers per annum.
While the primary focus of the review was on the performance of the Programme to date, recommendations and proposed actions on foot of this review may contribute to the development of policy on future appropriate and cost-effective support measures for regional airports in Ireland, including the development of any future Programme beyond 2025.
Although having just recently taken up my role at the Department, I can assure the Deputy that I anticipate reaching a conclusion on this review very shortly.
52. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progression of the Cork city northern distributor road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28279/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
In December of 2023, the National Transport Authority (NTA) approved a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the project. The approval of the SAR authorised Cork City Council to proceed with the next stage of the project, namely the route selection stage.
Cork City Council are currently working on undertaking a comprehensive route assessment process and identifying an Emerging Preferred Route which would be brought to public consultation. I understand that this route options report is progressing well and that a public consultation on the emerging preferred option could take place later this year.
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 in our cities, the Cork Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Route.
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.
53. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a direct bus route from Dublin 15 to the airport. [28117/24]
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.
54. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to increase road safety and reduce road fatalities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28197/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030, which was published in December 2021, has the target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% this decade and achieving Vision Zero by 2050. Vision Zero has been adopted across the EU and aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
The strategy is currently in Phase 1, which runs to the end of 2024, with close to 200 actions underway or already completed. Notable deliverables to date include the publication of the Speed Limit Review in September 2023, which was also a commitment in the current Programme for Government, and the publication of an updated National Cycle Manual. Work is currently underway to implement the first set of new default speed limits—of 60km/h on rural, local roads—before the end of the year.
A range of targeted measures have been put in place in recent months to help reverse the current increase in fatalities such as the enactment of the Road Traffic Act 2024 in April, commencement of 30 minutes high-visibility roads policing per shift for all uniformed members of An Garda Síochána, and significantly increased spending on public awareness campaigns by the RSA. The Road Traffic Act introduces mandatory drug testing at the scene of serious traffic collisions and reforms the penalty points system so motorists receive multiple sets of penalty points where multiple offences are committed.
A number of high-impact actions have also been prioritised for delivery in the second half of 2024, including the rollout of three new average speed camera zones, publication of a national safety camera strategy, commencement of safer default speed limits on rural, local roads, and tackling the multiple learner permit issue. Work has also commenced on reviewing the driver curriculum, and funding has been allocated to media, education and awareness campaigns.
In addition to closing out Phase 1 of the strategy in 2024, the Phase 2 Action plan is under development, which will target impactful actions under the safe system approach for the period 2025 - 2027.
In order to ensure road user advocates have the opportunity to contribute to the Phase 2 Action Plan, my Department together with the Road Safety Authority are in the process of establishing a new Road User Safety Forum, comprising road users and road safety advocates.
Whilst I appreciate it is of little comfort to those whom have lost loved ones on the roads, the trend in the year to date has been downwards, with an average of just under 20 fatalities per month in the first quarter of 2024 followed by a monthly average of 11 in the second quarter of this year. Notwithstanding recent tragic accidents, the reduction does coincide with the measures outlined above.
Road safety is a foremost priority for me and this Government. Everyone is entitled to use our roads and, importantly, to be safe on our roads.
55. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the delivery of the MetroLink. [28451/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, MetroLink is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. 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 via Dublin Airport.
A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Minister for Transport secured approval for the project from the Cabinet under Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code. This decision enabled the project to move to the planning application stage, and on 30th September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (or TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The statutory planning consultation for the project closed on 16th January 2023.
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 over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.
Another key milestone for the project was reached on June 25th 2024 when the appointment of the MetroLink Project Director was announced, following a search for the most suitable candidate.
MetroLink will improve the quality of the urban environment and people’s lives, as well as enable the development of more well-connected homes in our capital city. It will contribute to a shift from the private car to more sustainable travel, helping to decarbonize the transport sector, in line with Government policy.
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in conjunction with TII, MetroLink.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to NTA for a more detailed response on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
56. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the current status of a town bus service for Mullingar. [28287/24]
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new services, including in County Westmeath, 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.
57. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the application from the City of Derry Airport to have Government support for the Derry to Dublin air link reinstated. [28118/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his continued interest in this matter.
In the context of supporting greater connectivity on the island of Ireland, and as part of its commitments under New Decade New Approach, the Government agreed ‘to take forward a review of the potential for Government support to renewed viable air routes from Cork to Belfast and Dublin to Derry, working with the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to deliver improved connections as a priority’.
The Department has progressed a desk-based review to inform this review, which is still being considered in consultation with Government colleagues. I wish to assure the Deputy that as part of this consideration, the material provided by City of Derry Airport has been noted.
58. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the formula, if any, used by his Department to allocate funding to local authorities for annual regional and local roads funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27428/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
Within the budget available to the Department, State grant funding is allocated on as fair and equitable a basis as possible to ensure that all local authorities are in receipt of funds to maintain the network. The allocation of the three biggest exchequer grant types (restoration maintenance, restoration improvement, and discretionary grants) are based on the length of regional and local roads within a local authority’s area, with additional weighting based on contributing traffic factors in specific areas.
This approach also means that, while central Government is supplying significant funding, we are acknowledging that local authorities themselves are best placed to make determinations in their own areas for maximum delivery of results. Indeed, the initial selection and prioritisation of maintenance and renewal works is a matter for each local authority. There is flexibility within the State grant programme for Councils to direct resources to address particular problems identified on their networks as they see fit.
59. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to sanction urgent infrastructure changes to junctions on the N22 Macroom to Ballincollig road to ensure safety for road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28396/24]
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. 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. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport in the context of the electrification and extension of the DART to Maynooth and beyond, the full extent of these proposals at present with particular reference to the extension of the service to Kilcock and beyond thereby providing service to a much wider catchment area without excessive expenditure and greatly facilitating rail transport effectiveness and efficiency as the demand grows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28586/24]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects.
As part of the DART+ Programme, the DART+ West project will provide an electrified and more frequent rail service to passengers between Maynooth, M3 Parkway, and Dublin city centre. A Railway Order application for the project was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022 and an oral hearing held in the second half of 2023. A planning decision from An Bord Pleanála is currently awaited.
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.
