Written Answers Nos. 161-198
161. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the flight paths at the north runway at Dublin Airport were appropriately environmentally assessed, including, but not limited to, the International Civil Aviation Organisation Guidance Material - Environmental Assessment of Proposed Air Traffic Management Operational Changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30981/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to advise the Deputy that the daa is responsible for the operation, planning and development of Dublin Airport. In addition, EU Reg 139/2014 places the responsibility for design & maintenance of flight procedures on the airport operator, and I have therefore directed your question to the daa for direct response.
If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, please contact my Private Office.
162. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to reduce the delays in NCT appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30997/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Car Testing (NCT) Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
There has been considerable progress addressing the long-term staffing issues behind the NCT backlogs. Measures put in place include the temporary secondment of testers in 2022, increased staff overtime and extensive recruitment of new vehicle inspectors throughout 2023, leading to the highest number of testers ever employed at any one time in the service. Testers are being assigned to the test centres with the highest delays.
As a result of these measures, the service was returned to its service level agreement (SLA) waiting period of 12 days in November 2023. However, the annual increase in vehicles due for NCT in Q1 and Q2 2024, reflecting consumer trends to purchase vehicles at the beginning of the calendar year (as test dates are based on the anniversary of registration), means that the average waiting time for appointments will fluctuate from the SLA in this period.
The current national average waiting time is just over 17 days, but is expected to drop again in the coming weeks and average 12 days for the third quarter.
163. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the actions his Department is taking to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on bus routes, in particular the 65 bus route (details supplied). [31105/24]
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 safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff is of the utmost importance, and arrangements to deal with issues such as anti-social behaviour on public transport are matters which first and foremost must be managed by each public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.
My Department has been engaging directly with the NTA and the PSO operators on the issue of anti-social behaviour and ensuring the safety of passengers and staff. Operators continuously stress their strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána in relation to these issues.
As such, the issue raised by the Deputy in relation to safety on the 65 bus route is a matter for Irish Dublin Bus. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
164. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if, in relation to the National Driver Licence Service requirement that people applying for a driver’s permit for the first time should have an eye test dated within the last month, he will consider extending this time period, given that eyesight does not deteriorate that quickly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31107/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra175. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport the reason the requirement for an eyesight test for first-time driver applicants needs to be dated within one month before applying for the permit; if his Department has considered extending the time as it is a burden for some applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31278/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 175 together.
The requirement for an eyesight report to be dated not more than one month prior to the date of application is set out in section 41(3) of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006.
It is clear that some time limit is required as it cannot be open ended in nature. The one month period is well advertised and therefore should not be causing undue burden. However, my officials will be reviewing the legislation relating to eyesight reports in the coming period in conjunction with the RSA, and I will consider any proposals arising.
165. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a driving test; and the number of persons waiting for a theory test in Cork city and county, by test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31119/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the information requested relating to Driving Test centres in Cork is held by that organisation. I have therefore referred those specific questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days. The Road Safety 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. This information can be accessed at the following link: data.cso.ie/product/rsadts.
166. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time for a driving test in Ballincollig and Sarsfield Road test centres in Cork; and the number of persons waiting to sit a test in both. [31120/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the information requested relating to Driving Test centres in Ballincollig and Sarsfield Road is held by that organisation. I have therefore referred those specific questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days. The Road Safety 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.
167. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the current position of the independent expert contract in place to review additional documents released by TII at the Metrolink hearings. [31153/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new rail 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. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30.
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 Bord Pleanála commenced an Oral Hearing in relation to Metrolink on February 19th, which finished on March 28th. An Bord Pleanála recently informed TII of the requirement to publish additional information following the Oral Hearing for MetroLink. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, and no successful legal challenge, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.
Another significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared this June when the appointment of Sean Sweeney as the MetroLink Project Director was announced.
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, including MetroLink, in conjunction with TII.
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.
168. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers boarding Dublin Bus at stop 115 Ballymun Church and stop 37 Ballymun DCU for the past two years. [31154/24]
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 day-to-day operations of public transport services. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.
Therefore, I have forwarded 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.
169. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a local link service which has gone to tender (details supplied); if he will provide a date for its implementation in Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31194/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in Counties Cavan and Meath, 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.
170. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons that have died on the roads in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024. [31242/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra171. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers who have died on the roads in each of the past ten years; and the number of whom were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of collision, in tabular form. [31243/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. The RSA receives collisions data from An Garda Síochána for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Question No. 171 answered with Question No. 170.
172. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by his Department on road safety advertising in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024. [31244/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has incurred no direct expenditure relating to road safety advertising within the timeframe stipulated by the Deputy. Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness, advertising, and the dissemination of road safety information.
173. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport if his Department records the number of incidents of broken station elevators, a failure to supply a ramp, or other incidents hindering access to public transport by persons with disabilities; and if so, the number of such incidents in each of the years 2017 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [31274/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Irish Rail, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
In light of Irish Rail's responsibilities for train station facilities and rail services, I have forwarded your question to the company for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
174. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport when the review of the legislative basis for data sharing by the Road Safety Authority will be complete. [31277/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCollision data are compiled initially by An Garda Síochána. The review of the legislative basis for the receipt and onward sharing of collision data by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has been completed. In June of this year a Ministerial Order was issued under Section 8 of the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, allowing for the sharing of collision data to the RSA from An Garda Síochána.
Furthermore, Cabinet has now approved the drafting of a Roads Bill 2024, which will allow local authorities, acting in their capacity as road authorities, to request collision data from both the RSA and Gardaí. My Department has worked extensively with the Data Protection Commission on this issue, ensuring that the provisions in the Bill will guarantee that data exchange and use are compliant with GDPR rules.
When enacted, this Bill will strengthen our multi-faceted response to the ongoing trend of rising road fatalities, by facilitating local authorities to target areas where collisions frequently occur with investment and infrastructure.
It is important to note that the key tenets of this data are already being shared onto local authorities by my Department, in a summary fashion, in order that local engineers can better identify “accident blackspots” and this is fully operational.
176. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the progress on additional bridges for north Kildare, for example, Clane, regarding increased traffic and population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31293/24]
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. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the existing network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.Any new road and bridge projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
According to my Department's records, an application was not received from Kildare County Council in regards to works on additional bridges in the North Kildare area.
177. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the investment in the regional programme since 2020; his plans for future projects at regional airports, including Ireland West Airport Knock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31305/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in line with National Aviation Policy, regional airports are supported under a Regional Airports Programme. This Programme supports Ireland’s smallest airports, those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than one million passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). Eligible airports in 2024 are Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal. In addition to targeting funding at safety and security related activities and operations, the Programme also supports projects with a sustainability focus, encouraging airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience. Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services between Donegal and Dublin are also supported under this Programme.
Since 2020, nearly €125m in Exchequer funding has been provided to regional airports by my Department. This funding included over €70m under the Regional Airports Programme. In addition, and in recognition of the very difficult circumstances faced by Irish airports during COVID-19 and taking account of the recommendations of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, a further unprecedented €19m was allocated to regional airports in 2021 under an EU approved COVID-19 Supplementary Support Scheme for Irish Airports. This funding compensated the smaller regional airports at Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal for the damage caused to them by COVID-19. Funding provided to Shannon and Cork regional State airports provided them with the flexibility to roll out route incentives and charge rebates, in consultation with airlines. A further €28m was provided to Cork and Shannon regional State airports under a one-year COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme in 2021. Additional emergency capital supports totalling €6.78m were also provided to Shannon Airport, to support vital Embankments works as well as the completion of a Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) project. In addition, exceptional emergency funding of €375K was provided to Waterford Airport in 2020 to allow time for airport management to consider future options for the airport.
This level of targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to our regional airports. 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 June again 9% higher when compared to the same period last year.
This connectivity will be further supported this year. In April, €5.6m was allocated under the Regional Airports Programme to support 32 capital investment projects across Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports. Almost €3.7m of this allocation will support 14 projects at Ireland West Airport alone. A further €4m is available for allocation to these three airports later this year to support up to 100% of eligible non-economic payroll and operational costs in the areas of safety, security and air traffic control (ATC).
With regard to future planning, a mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme was undertaken by my Department in 2023. While the primary focus of this 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.
The review found that the Programme is delivering on its objectives and is in line with Ireland’s National Aviation Policy. The review acknowledges, however, that further consideration could be given to how the Programme could better support connectivity and regional development. In line with the recommendations made under the review, I was pleased to announce the high-level outcomes of the review last week.
In relation to Ireland West Airport, there are four key initiatives which I have announced, which will be of particular interest to the airport, as follows:
• The scope of sustainability projects supported under the Regional Airports Programme has been expanded to include projects relating to the production of electricity from renewable sources such as Solar PV farms.
• To continue to support airports, such as Ireland West, who forecast passenger growth beyond the one million passenger eligibility threshold under any future programme, consideration will be given to the extension of supports, on a temporary phased step-down basis, to avoid a ‘cliff edge’ in supports.
• Further still, a detailed analysis will be undertaken in relation to the broadening of the scope of Programme eligibility to allow for the inclusion of airports, with greater than one million passengers in the next Regional Airports Programme.
• A consultation process will be undertaken with relevant stakeholders to consider the potential for the development of a Start-up Aid Scheme for airlines to support strategic route development to and from the regions.
I trust that these initiatives, which have been designed to support National Aviation Policy to create an environment that encourages the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity and to maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development, will be welcomed by the Deputy.
178. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is taking to implement bus shelters throughout the rural areas of Cavan and Monaghan, similar to those in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31311/24]
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, including the provision of bus stops and shelters.
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.
179. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the status of the N17 Collooney-to-Knock scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31313/24]
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 on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €900,000 was provided in 2024 for the N17 Knock to Collooney project. 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 updating you as to the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
180. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the status of the all-Ireland strategic rail review and the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31314/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe All-Island Strategic Rail Review was 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.
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.
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.
The Final Report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, was approved by Government on 16th July 2024. It is envisaged that the Final Report will be published before the end of Summer, in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
It is important to note that 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.
181. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the status of the online upgrade of the R332 Kilmaine-to-Foxhall road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31315/24]
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. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
Mayo County Council received an allocation of €500,000 this year under the Strategic Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for the R332 Kilmaine to Foxhall Road project. It is my understanding that the the scheme is currently at design and land acquisition stage, with site clearance and boundary wall construction to commence later in the year and the main construction works to proceed in 2025.
Planning and implementation of the R332 Kilmaine to Foxhall Road project is the responsibility of Mayo County Council.
182. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport to support an application to activate funds to determine the design phase of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31316/24]
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
183. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of taxi drivers with convictions for sexual offences who have been disqualified and-or had their SPSV driver licence revoked by the National Transport Authority in the past ten years. [31333/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra184. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if SPSV driver licences can be suspended by the National Transport Authority while a taxi driver is charged with a serious offence and awaiting trial. [31335/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra185. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if all taxi drivers are vetted annually; and if not, if it is only for their first SPSV driver licence application. [31336/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 183, 184 and 185 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including the licensing of vehicles to operate in that sector, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Under section 6(2) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, An Garda Síochána (AGS) is the driver licensing authority for SPSVs. AGS is responsible for vetting applicants to assess their suitability; administering applications received and, where appropriate, granting and renewing SPSV driver licences. AGS also has the power to revoke or suspend SPSV driver licences. The NTA is not involved in this process.
186. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of legal cases taken by his Department, or by State agencies or bodies under his Department’s aegis, against another Department, Government agency or State body in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31374/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that officials in my Department are not aware of any instances where my Department has taken a case against another Government Department, Agency or State Body in the past five years.
However, as this question also relates to agencies under the remit of the Department of Transport, I have referred the Deputy's question to these agencies to reply to him directly. If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, please contact my Private Office.
187. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport the pass rates for driver testing in each test centre in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31394/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the Driver Testing Service. As such, I have referred the Deputy's questions 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.
188. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport if retraining of existing driver testers took place in order to clear the backlog of tests which had built up during the Covid-19 pandemic; the number of existing testers that received training; if an external company or internal trainers carried out the training; if criteria or the stringency of testing have changed during or following retraining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31395/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the information requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
189. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on introducing a requirement that drivers who have been disqualified from driving for a period retake their driving test again prior to returning to the road after that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31396/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. There is a requirement that drivers who have been disqualified from driving for 10 years or more must restart as a learner driver to obtain a driving licence.
While there are no proposals to amend this currently, the Deputy may be interested to note that reviewing the driver testing curriculum has been established as a Ministerial priority for the RSA in 2024. The review will seek to ensure that the service is fit for purpose, future proofed and can cope with changes in vehicle technology. International best practice and research will be considered in order to produce recommendations on improving driver education in Ireland. Among other things, this review will consider the appropriate testing regime for drivers who have been disqualified.
Along with all the above, I am currently examining alternative and complementary strategies in this area. Amongst items under consideration are a graduated approach to penalty points with more severe points being attracted by significant infringements, along with the possibility of compulsory re-education, driver awareness, courses for repeat offenders.
190. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will allocate additional revenue to local authorities in Budget 2025 to put towards road safety signage and road safety markings, given the large increase in road traffic fatalities to date this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31399/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for a number of targeted programmes, including the Safety Improvement Programme. Applications are sought each year from local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. Works funded under this programme include road markings and signage.
In 2024, €658 million was allocated to Regional and Local Road Grants, 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 2024, over €10.5 million was allocated under the Safety Improvement Grant Programme to regional and local roads for 261 schemes across the State.
The 2025 regional and local road grant allocations will be finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume and will take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year. Within the budget available, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
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 operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
Approximately €411m in capital exchequer funding was allocated to local authorities through TII for the purposes of national roads in 2024. This includes funding for new roads projects, as well as for the protection and renewal of the existing network, including safety improvements. An additional €32.85 million in current funding was provided to local authorities for the regular maintenance of the network.
The allocation of exchequer funding for national roads is an annual process and the allocations for 2025 have not yet been finalised.
191. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport for an update and-or the progress made in the preparatory work to bring the DART services as far as Sallins and Newbridge. [31434/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and implementation of the DART+ South West project.
The DART+ programme comprises five related projects in the Greater Dublin Area and eastern region, including:
• DART+ Fleet: a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric fleet;
• DART+ West: extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth;
• DART+ South West: extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge;
• DART+ Coastal North: extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to Drogheda;
• DART+ Coastal South: works to enable an improvement to current DART services from Dublin city centre to Greystones.
In December 2021 the Government approved the Preliminary Business Case for the DART+ Programme and a fleet framework agreement between Irish Rail and Alstom. This framework allows for the purchase of up to 750 electric/battery-electric train carriages for the Irish Rail system over a 10-year period. This approval permitted the purchase of 95 new DART carriages, which are expected to enter service by 2026. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement, which will see 90 new battery-electric multiple units arrive in 2026.
Following the submission of a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022, an Oral Hearing for DART+ West was held in September/October 2023. A Railway Order for DART+ South West was lodged with An Bord Pleanála in March 2023 and a Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North was lodged with An Bord Pleanála in July 2024.
Subject to DART+ South West’s receiving planning approval, and there being no successful legal challenge to this decision, procurement documents will be prepared for the project, which will require Ministerial approval at Approval Gate 2 of the Infrastructure Guidelines. If approval is granted at this stage, the project will proceed through a procurement process. A Final Business Case, which will take account of the outcome of the procurement process, will be prepared and the project will be submitted for Government Consent at Approval Gate 3 under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
192. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he, the National Transport Authority or Transport Infrastructure Ireland has engaged with Kildare Innovation Hub in respect of proposals for a new active travel bridge and-or pathways finder project (details supplied). [31435/24]
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.
193. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided to Kildare County Council for traffic calming measures for 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the amount of that funding actually applied to traffic calming measures by Kildare County Council, in tabular form. [31447/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
Details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
The Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for a number of targeted programmes, including the Safety Improvement Programme. Applications are sought each year from local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. In this context funding can be sought for traffic calming measures.
Regarding national roads, 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 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.
194. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the reasons for the delay in the roll-out of the of the short-hop commuter zone/Dublin commuter zone to stations in Kildare south; and the confirmed date for the roll-out to commence. [31450/24]
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 Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
195. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he has had any engagement with car manufacturing companies to discuss the modifications they could implement to assist with road safety that is, if mobile phones would disable in a car once the ignition is turned on. [31468/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish State does not normally mandate retrofitting of specific vehicle after-market technology, beyond the requirements of EU vehicle type-approval, and cannot promote the use of specific commercial products, as this may distort competition. While I welcome developments in road safety in private vehicles, any proposal to mandate retrofitted technology would need to be evidence-based and based on expert advice. It is my view that such developments are best progressed at EU level.
The Deputy may also wish to note that certain handsets already provide similar functionality and can be locked or placed into “driving mode” in a way which is triggered by the vehicle ignition being turned on. Whilst this and other similar advances can enhance road safety, it is equally the case that personal responsibility must also feature, particularly in the light of the increasing distractions which technology and devices can pose to modern drivers.
196. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting on a driving test for a car, by test centre, in tabular form. [31489/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for Driver Testing Service. 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.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the RSA has 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. This information is available at the following link: data.cso.ie/product/RSADTS.
197. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of the 2023 capital budget allocation for the Irish Coast Guard that was actually spent; and if any of the unspent capital funding was automatically transferred to be included in the 2024 capital budget allocation. [31598/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2023, the Irish Coast Guard Capital allocated was €8.0m with an expenditure of just over €2.0m or 25% by the end of year. The unspent funding was transferred to the 2024 allocation.
198. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the introduction of a planned town bus service in Newbridge, County Kildare (details supplied); when work on this project commenced; the completed work to date; the proposed timeline for implementation of the town bus service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31611/24]
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 Kildare, 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.
