Written Answers Nos. 148-165
148. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans on the consolidation of Road Traffic Acts; the proposed date for the consolidated Heads of Bill to be presented to the Dáil in 2024, as agreed at the Ministerial road safety committee meeting in November 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29455/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has long been agreed that the Road Traffic Acts, which date back to 1961 and have been amended on multiple occasions, are overdue for consolidation. For this reason, we committed to addressing this issue as part of the Programme for Government.
On coming into Government, we prioritised the need for urgent road traffic legislation in a number of areas, such as electric scooters, and we have now dealt with this, as well as legislating for urgent measures passed earlier this year in the Road Traffic Act 2024, brought forward in light of the recent rise in road deaths.
Consolidation is not a simple business. It will require careful consideration of the existing legislation, with identification and correction of any flaws. In recent months, my Department has been engaging with the Law Reform Commission (LRC), which has expert knowledge in this area, on how best to approach the project of consolidation. From this engagement, a scoping exercise is now complete and consideration of the resources needed for a projected team are well advanced, and I hope that a project team will be in place and beginning its work in September of this year.
As I have said, this is not a simple project, and it is important that we do it properly. It will not be clear until some way into the work whether there are substantial issues to be addressed, but at a conservative estimate the project would take at least two years.
149. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for the Road Safety Authority to publish the complete data on the number of serious injury road traffic collisions, to include hospital data, for 2023; the reason for delays to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29456/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. As such, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
150. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to report on the success rate of the system used for mutual recognition of disqualified drivers between the UK and Ireland; to provide an update on his Department's review of the system used in Ireland; his intention to adopt the UK 'administrative' system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29457/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe agreement on the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications between Ireland and the United Kingdom is set out in the Road Traffic Act 2016.
Under section 40(10) of the Act, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the competent authority of the State and the central authority of the State for the purposes of the agreement.
Information regarding the operation of the agreement is be held by that agency. I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
It is my Department's intention to review the agreement. However, this will have to be done in conjunction with the UK, as set out in the agreement.
151. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to abolish the current system used by the Road Safety Authority requesting disqualified drivers to surrender their licences by post to an RSA PO box in Cork, resulting in an only 5% compliance rate; his plans to put in place a fit-for-purpose system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29458/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirement for a disqualified driver to surrender their licence is set out in the Road Traffic Act 2002 and the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (SI 537 of 2006). Failure to comply with the requirement to surrender a licence is an offence.
Enforcement of road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána. Since 2014, Gardaí have had the power to arrest those suspected of driving while disqualified. Data is provided by my Department to An Garda Síochána by electronic transfer each week on disqualified drivers. An Garda Síochána use this data to populate their Pulse system. This is an important tool in dealing with drivers who continue to drive while disqualified.
A driver remains disqualified for the period of the disqualification, whether or not they have surrendered their licence. The substantive issue from a road safety perspective is not disqualified drivers failing to return their licences, as this can be detected at the roadside, but the disqualified drivers who choose to continue to drive.
My officials will review the requirement for a disqualified driver to surrender their licence in the context of the upcoming Driving Licence Directive, which proposes the introduction of a standard digital driving licence format, and ongoing development of roadside access to and verification of driver details.
152. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if, following his statement in 2023 announcing that an organisation (details supplied) will be populated with verified driver numbers from mid 2024, he can now confirm that this work has been completed; if it includes all driver numbers; the reason for the delays to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29459/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic and Roads Act (2023) was passed last June. The Act contains significant provisions related to the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) which is operated by the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). A number of sections of the Act have already been commenced.
In order for IMID to be populated with verified driver numbers by insurers and intermediaries acting on their behalf, two further sections of the legislation need to be commenced.
Firstly, Section 14(c) when commenced will allow insurers and intermediaries acting on their behalf to verify driver numbers against the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) held by my Department for their existing 'back book' of driver numbers, for renewals, quotes and new policies.
Our immediate priority is to put in a place a contract and a data sharing agreement, to allow the verification of insurance companies and intermediaries seeking access to the Department’s NVDF. This will enable Driver Number verification. This work is underway and once the contracts and agreements are signed the Commencement Order can follow immediately.
Secondly, my Department will need to commence the remaining parts of Section 5(l), namely in respect of section 56A(1)(d), (7)(a) and (7)(b), and Section 5(o) in respect of section 78A(2)(f) to provide for the capture of Driver Number and Date of Birth by Insurers.
Implementation is not simply a matter of me as Minister signing the Commencement Orders and my Department implementing the necessary ICT changes. It also requires readiness on the part of MIBI and the insurances companies, who we working closely with. The agreed target date for implementation is 1 December 2024.
153. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport following a reply to a PQ raised in March 2023, if the insurance details of the 257,320 fleet and motor trader vehicles have been uploaded to the national fleet database; if the MIBI has shared the insurance details of every vehicle on this database with An Garda Síochána on its mobility device app, to provide An Garda Síochána with a real-time view of the insurance status of a driver at the roadside; if the information supplied has been checked and verified by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29460/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland that information in relation to vehicles uploaded to the National Fleet Database has been provided to An Garda Síochána on a daily basis since 4 June 2024. This is in addition to the details for more than 3 million other vehicles provided daily from the Irish Motor Insurance Database.
Checking and verifying the information supplied is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.
154. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of car sales, by county, from 2020 to date in 2024, distinguishing full-EV, hybrid-EV and fossil fuel combustion engines, in tabular form. [29483/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details requested by the Deputy are provided in the table below. The data reflect the number of vehicles registered on the Department's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) database each year from 2020 to 2023 and as of the 30th of June 2024.
|
Year of Registration on NVDF |
||||||
|
County |
Fuel Type |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
CARLOW |
ELECTRIC |
36 |
91 |
136 |
212 |
92 |
|
CARLOW |
FOSSIL |
1,011 |
873 |
780 |
828 |
636 |
|
CARLOW |
HYBRID |
105 |
273 |
241 |
290 |
195 |
|
CAVAN |
ELECTRIC |
34 |
77 |
125 |
197 |
59 |
|
CAVAN |
FOSSIL |
1,167 |
1,152 |
868 |
935 |
534 |
|
CAVAN |
HYBRID |
170 |
299 |
388 |
368 |
266 |
|
CLARE |
ELECTRIC |
80 |
179 |
283 |
461 |
150 |
|
CLARE |
FOSSIL |
2,002 |
1,777 |
1,467 |
1514 |
930 |
|
CLARE |
HYBRID |
298 |
605 |
591 |
650 |
475 |
|
CORK |
ELECTRIC |
451 |
836 |
1580 |
2355 |
981 |
|
CORK |
FOSSIL |
9,497 |
8,813 |
7,559 |
7353 |
4,357 |
|
CORK |
HYBRID |
1678 |
3602 |
3579 |
3633 |
2717 |
|
DONEGAL |
ELECTRIC |
48 |
108 |
249 |
319 |
142 |
|
DONEGAL |
FOSSIL |
1,986 |
1,889 |
1,633 |
1626 |
990 |
|
DONEGAL |
HYBRID |
321 |
694 |
696 |
742 |
527 |
|
DUBLIN |
ELECTRIC |
1590 |
3479 |
6289 |
9540 |
4847 |
|
DUBLIN |
FOSSIL |
16,350 |
17,188 |
16,788 |
19242 |
15,623 |
|
DUBLIN |
HYBRID |
4489 |
8607 |
9858 |
11287 |
8954 |
|
GALWAY |
ELECTRIC |
151 |
324 |
617 |
833 |
317 |
|
GALWAY |
FOSSIL |
3,378 |
3,306 |
2,636 |
2550 |
1,536 |
|
GALWAY |
HYBRID |
694 |
1299 |
1312 |
1323 |
953 |
|
KERRY |
ELECTRIC |
75 |
137 |
267 |
336 |
148 |
|
KERRY |
FOSSIL |
2,325 |
2,156 |
1,590 |
1586 |
1,026 |
|
KERRY |
HYBRID |
354 |
707 |
572 |
642 |
466 |
|
KILDARE |
ELECTRIC |
286 |
521 |
955 |
1393 |
620 |
|
KILDARE |
FOSSIL |
3,988 |
3,718 |
2,930 |
2933 |
1,789 |
|
KILDARE |
HYBRID |
714 |
1546 |
1510 |
1599 |
1099 |
|
KILKENNY |
ELECTRIC |
63 |
126 |
243 |
310 |
134 |
|
KILKENNY |
FOSSIL |
1,709 |
1,556 |
1,334 |
1239 |
751 |
|
KILKENNY |
HYBRID |
239 |
475 |
512 |
491 |
382 |
|
LAOIS |
ELECTRIC |
46 |
99 |
169 |
238 |
130 |
|
LAOIS |
FOSSIL |
1,273 |
1,163 |
992 |
930 |
616 |
|
LAOIS |
HYBRID |
151 |
366 |
289 |
359 |
233 |
|
LEITRIM |
ELECTRIC |
6 |
24 |
66 |
80 |
32 |
|
LEITRIM |
FOSSIL |
486 |
468 |
373 |
415 |
239 |
|
LEITRIM |
HYBRID |
46 |
122 |
107 |
95 |
87 |
|
LIMERICK |
ELECTRIC |
101 |
213 |
425 |
613 |
249 |
|
LIMERICK |
FOSSIL |
3,270 |
3,005 |
2,335 |
2161 |
1,330 |
|
LIMERICK |
HYBRID |
487 |
1006 |
1011 |
1079 |
782 |
|
LONGFORD |
ELECTRIC |
19 |
40 |
45 |
93 |
37 |
|
LONGFORD |
FOSSIL |
507 |
526 |
411 |
423 |
237 |
|
LONGFORD |
HYBRID |
81 |
164 |
167 |
158 |
134 |
|
LOUTH |
ELECTRIC |
95 |
216 |
297 |
492 |
233 |
|
LOUTH |
FOSSIL |
2,065 |
1,988 |
1,604 |
1551 |
911 |
|
LOUTH |
HYBRID |
315 |
720 |
655 |
645 |
490 |
|
MAYO |
ELECTRIC |
48 |
106 |
223 |
273 |
98 |
|
MAYO |
FOSSIL |
1,863 |
1,779 |
1,370 |
1362 |
809 |
|
MAYO |
HYBRID |
266 |
517 |
519 |
492 |
330 |
|
MEATH |
ELECTRIC |
221 |
378 |
759 |
1162 |
461 |
|
MEATH |
FOSSIL |
2,967 |
2,861 |
2,321 |
2450 |
1,311 |
|
MEATH |
HYBRID |
568 |
1225 |
1229 |
1243 |
902 |
|
MONAGHAN |
ELECTRIC |
19 |
41 |
67 |
113 |
49 |
|
MONAGHAN |
FOSSIL |
932 |
955 |
778 |
824 |
502 |
|
MONAGHAN |
HYBRID |
97 |
198 |
202 |
204 |
129 |
|
OFFALY |
ELECTRIC |
44 |
72 |
132 |
195 |
77 |
|
OFFALY |
FOSSIL |
1,263 |
1,079 |
840 |
917 |
491 |
|
OFFALY |
HYBRID |
176 |
362 |
363 |
340 |
264 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
ELECTRIC |
19 |
51 |
118 |
154 |
73 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
FOSSIL |
1,256 |
1,897 |
1,270 |
2661 |
2,505 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
HYBRID |
145 |
301 |
407 |
732 |
561 |
|
SLIGO |
ELECTRIC |
32 |
86 |
180 |
220 |
98 |
|
SLIGO |
FOSSIL |
953 |
839 |
704 |
705 |
436 |
|
SLIGO |
HYBRID |
168 |
323 |
277 |
268 |
218 |
|
TIPPERARY |
ELECTRIC |
78 |
165 |
329 |
405 |
158 |
|
TIPPERARY |
FOSSIL |
2,606 |
2,405 |
1,945 |
1959 |
1,203 |
|
TIPPERARY |
HYBRID |
362 |
785 |
724 |
792 |
545 |
|
WATERFORD |
ELECTRIC |
70 |
161 |
330 |
447 |
254 |
|
WATERFORD |
FOSSIL |
2,111 |
2,166 |
2,149 |
2909 |
1,094 |
|
WATERFORD |
HYBRID |
252 |
556 |
585 |
639 |
440 |
|
WESTMEATH |
ELECTRIC |
56 |
131 |
258 |
338 |
157 |
|
WESTMEATH |
FOSSIL |
1,403 |
1,327 |
1,051 |
1134 |
709 |
|
WESTMEATH |
HYBRID |
259 |
509 |
457 |
453 |
323 |
|
WEXFORD |
ELECTRIC |
114 |
240 |
415 |
549 |
306 |
|
WEXFORD |
FOSSIL |
2,489 |
2,491 |
2,281 |
2953 |
2,007 |
|
WEXFORD |
HYBRID |
351 |
700 |
712 |
980 |
635 |
|
WICKLOW |
ELECTRIC |
223 |
394 |
682 |
985 |
401 |
|
WICKLOW |
FOSSIL |
2,053 |
1,953 |
1,477 |
1439 |
810 |
|
WICKLOW |
HYBRID |
399 |
718 |
803 |
712 |
495 |
|
Total |
88,098 |
104,304 |
102,491 |
117,128 |
76,287 |
155. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of removing fares for all Dublin Bus journeys; clarifying if this includes recent temporary fare reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29528/24]
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
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.
156. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of removing fares for all Dublin Bus and other public city buses, clarifying if this includes recent temporary fare reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29529/24]
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
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.
157. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide details on the plan to contract out the upgrading of the paying system on bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29530/24]
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 for an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, including bus 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.
158. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will meet with councillors in County Kerry regarding road safety requirements (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29568/24]
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 the status of this junction. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
In relation to the suggested meeting, diary requests can be sent to ministerdiary@transport.gov.ie and will be dealt with in line with all other meeting requests.
159. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if cash will remain as a form of payment for fares on public transport where there are plans to introduce contactless fare payments by bank card and electronic devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29570/24]
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 provision of integrated ticketing and information systems for public transport.
The NTA’s Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) project provides for an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services.
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 and the planned future availability of cash payments on public transport services. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
160. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the reason those seeking to convert valid foreign licenses to Irish ones must submit their documents at the beginning of the process, rendering them unable to drive on the foreign licence for the many months it takes for the process to finish; the reason a case (details supplied) has been delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29623/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSomeone resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU driving licence to drive here. In accordance with the EU Driving Licence Directive, the foreign driving licence must be surrendered to the Road Safety Authority.
The most common reason for delays in the licence exchange process is from verification of the driving licence from the other driving licence authority. At times a response is received very quickly but sometimes there can be considerable delays.
Vigilance is needed when processing a foreign licence for exchange, to ensure a fraudulent document has not been submitted and to ensure a driving test was passed in the country in which the licence was obtained. Road safety and keeping Irish roads safe for all road users remains the priority in this matter.
I have referred the question on the specific case to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in renewing a provisional driver's licence in the case of a person (details supplied) who appears to have applied eight months ago; if all documentation requested has now been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29630/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDriver licensing is handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to and may not intervene in individual applications.
I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
162. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be made available for infrastructure works to the N22, Macroom to Ballincollig section of road in Cork County; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29439/24]
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. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
163. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number and percentage of Dublin Bus fleet that are over ten years old, as of 3 July 2024, in tabular form. [29686/24]
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.
164. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the initiative to establish a rail service between Navan and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29708/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area, including County Meath.
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, which I approved early last year, sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042. The Transport Strategy provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for Counties Meath, Dublin, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow.
The issue of a rail connection between Dublin and Navan was re-examined as part of the development of the Transport Strategy. That re-examination supported the development of a rail line from Dublin to Navan and the final Strategy now includes delivery of the line between 2031 and 2036.
I am pleased that the NTA has allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann (or IÉ) for the establishment of a design team to commence work on the Navan rail line project this year. The work will involve the route option selection, planning and design phases of the project.
IÉ has commenced the procurement process for this preconstruction phase of the project and issued a tender to prequalified consultants at the end of May. It is envisaged that the contract will be awarded in the coming months.
It is anticipated that a route options public consultation for the project will take place by early 2026. I look forward to the Deputy’s support during the public consultation phase. That process will ultimately recommend a defined route and develop a preliminary business case, which will need to be approved by Government before it enters the planning system.
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.
165. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport her engagement to date with the National Transport Authority to expand on the safe routes to school programme to increase the number of schools to be included for mid Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29726/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2021, I launched the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme which will support Active Travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country. The programme aims to support walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools and to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities. This will help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing the necessary infrastructure.
The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and is supported by the Department of Education. An Taisce’s Green-Schools is co-ordinating the programme, while funding will be made available to local authorities which will play a key part in delivering the infrastructure along access routes and at the school gate.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 275 schools are currently actively engaged with the Programme or have had projects completed through Rounds 1 and 2, and Round 3 is due to be announced later this year. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme and will enter it on a rolling basis if not already selected for the early Rounds.
Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently. I have therefore not engaged with the NTA in relation to expanding the Programme to include additional schools in mid-Cork. It should be noted, however, that all Active Travel projects undertaken by the NTA in the vicinity of schools, whether part of the SRTS Programme or not, seek to include that school as part of those projects. Any school seeking new or improved walking or cycling infrastructure should therefore get in contact with their local authority.
