Written Answers Nos. 201-224
201. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the types of buses entering the Bus Éireann PSO fleet in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the types of buses withdrawn from Bus Éireann PSO fleet during same period, in tabular form. [31631/24]
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 Bus Éireann. 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.
202. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if work can be undertaken with the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council, DCC, to source a location in Dublin city or the greater Dublin area for a 24-hour coach park, given that the current coach park at the docklands has restricted operational hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. due to DCC planning conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31670/24]
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, nor do I have a role in the sourcing of a location for coach parking.
In Dublin City, the provision of coach parking would be a matter for Dublin City Council (DCC). The National Transport Authority operates one coach park in the Dublin Docklands between 7am and 7pm, with the operating hours of this facility restricted by a DCC planning condition.
Queries related to locations for a coach park in Dublin City is a matter for DCC.
203. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of extending the 20% reduction in public transport fares until 31 December 2025. [31682/24]
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.
204. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the cost in 2023 of providing funding nationwide for the safe routes to school programme. [31683/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority's Active Travel Infrastructure Programme and An Taisce's Green Schools Team is responsible for its co-ordination.
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. While 275 schools have been selected for Rounds 1 and 2 of the Programme, all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted, and, if not selected in the first two Rounds, will be selected for forthcoming Rounds.
Noting the role of the NTA in the funding of the Programme, I have referred your specific question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
205. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport when he last met the chief executive officer of Bus Eireann; the issues discussed; and when he is next scheduled to meet the CEO. [31684/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI last met with the CEO and Board of Bus Éireann on the 17th of April 2024, alongside Minister for Education Norma Foley to discuss the School Transport Scheme.
I meet with the Chairpersons and CEOs of CIÉ and its subsidiaries on a regular basis, or as the need arises. In addition to these meetings, my Department has regular engagement with the company at all levels, including at CEO level, in relation to, inter alia, governance, financial, investment, safety and service related issues, and I am of course briefed by my Department on any relevant issues which arise during the course of such normal administrative and corporate governance related contact between my Department and the companies in question.
206. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of wheelchair accessible taxis operating in each city and county, in tabular form. [31711/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the collection and publication of statistics relating to the wheelchair accessible taxis, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
207. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport for an update on Kishoge train station; when it will be in operation; the total cost of works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31712/24]
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 works at Kishoge train station.
My understanding is that Kishoge train station will open this year. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
208. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will personally review the fee being charged for a public service vehicle licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31739/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSV licensing, 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.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for attention. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
209. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to outline how a person can obtain an SPSV licence; if persons with a criminal conviction are able to obtain an SPSV licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31795/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
Two licences are required to operate in the SPSV industry in Ireland. These are: an SPSV driver licence, which is obtainable from An Garda Síochána (AGS), and a vehicle licence, which is granted by the NTA. As the SPSV licensing authority, the NTA grants licences allowing taxis, hackneys, local area hackneys and limousines to operate in Ireland, after having met conditions set down by the NTA.
Under section 6(2) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, 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.
210. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of section 15 nomination forms for taxi licences that have been lodged with the National Transport Authority for each of the past five years; and if he aware that section 15 nomination forms are being sold for up to €60,000 and are being openly advertised for sale on websites (details supplied). [31798/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSV licensing, 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.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
211. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the review of the age for driving buses under the school transport scheme and to have the upper age limit of 70 years increased upwards. [31867/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised by the Deputy concerns a commercial decision by the company concerned and it is one in which I have no direct role. However, officials from my Department, the Road Safety Authority and the company in question have been in discussions on this topic in recent days. A further update may be available in a number of weeks time.
212. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent on capital works and ticketing operations at a station (details supplied) from 2020 to 2024, in tabular form. [31903/24]
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 and provision of bus stops.
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.
213. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with his counterpart in the US Administration regarding flights landing at Shannon Airport that are engaged in any type of military engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31908/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll foreign military aircraft wishing to enter Irish sovereign territory are required to obtain diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. This clearance is only granted where all relevant conditions are met, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition, or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that it does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
The US military also charters civil aircraft to move its personnel to locations around the globe. Some of these aircraft stop briefly at Shannon Airport before continuing their journey, for refuelling, crew rest, crew change, etc.
When such civil aircraft seek to enter Irish sovereign territory and the US military personnel onboard are travelling with their personal issued weapons, then the provisions of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 are applicable.
Under these orders, the carriage of munitions of war is prohibited on any civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory, unless an exemption to do so is granted by the Minister for Transport.
The application for an exemption is made by the operator of the civil aircraft and, should it be granted, is issued to that operator. Exemptions permitting the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft are not granted to States or to State authorities.
This control on the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft is an international requirement originating in Article 35 of the Chicago Convention 1944, with States maintaining their own domestic procedures and policies.
The procedure to apply for exemptions in Ireland is both long-standing and robust, and it includes consultations with other government departments and the Irish Aviation Authority when necessary. US civil air operators are fully informed of our procedure and regularly make applications and are granted exemptions.
This process does not require any engagement with the US Department of Transportation or any other US State body. Should any contact with the US administration be required, on matters related to military engagement, it would be undertaken through diplomatic channels by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
214. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools nominated for rounds one and two of the safe routes to school programme funded by his Department where works have been completed as of June 2024; the number of schools in those rounds where works have not been completed; when the remaining works will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31965/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
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. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme with 1 school subsequently withdrawing, while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Rounds 1 and 2 will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
Of the 275 schools currently active in Rounds 1 and 2, latest figures show that 66 projects have been completed as of end June 2024. Noting the role of the NTA in the programme, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer in relation to timeline for completion of outstanding school projects. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
215. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of new bus drivers recruited by Dublin Bus to date in 2024, in tabular form. [31988/24]
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.
216. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the total funding provided to Galway County Council for roads, broken down per municipal area in each year since 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32033/24]
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.
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. Decisions regarding allocations to individual Municipal Districts are a matter for each local authority, taking into account the funding available to it from local and State sources as well as its particular priorities.
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 Road Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design, construction, 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.
217. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to allow persons who fail the driver theory test to access their results, including the questions that they answered incorrectly; if he has had any contact with the Road Safety Authority and a company (details supplied) regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32037/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, which includes the operation of the Driver Theory Test. I have therefore referred the 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.
218. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 68 of 21 March 2024, the status of the Mallow relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32083/24]
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 €300,000 has been allocated for the Mallow Relief Road project in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
219. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the roll-out of electric car chargers nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32217/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. The number of publicly available charge points in Ireland has increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to 2,400. To achieve Ireland’s EU targets under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally by 2025. The EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 sets out the Government’s ambition regarding the delivery of this network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Arising from this strategy, the National EV Charging Network Plan, published in May 2024, will see chargers installed every 60km on major roads. Also published in May was the draft Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on neighbourhood and destination charging locations and will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors. The finalised Universal Design Guidelines for EV Charging Infrastructure were published in May 2024 and outline the key considerations when designing, installing, and operating EV charging stations. A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging, including:• A motorway infrastructure scheme, administered by TII, that will deliver banks of high powered chargers every 60km across the motorway network by 2025.• A second high powered scheme, to be administered by TII, to provide banks of high powered chargers along the primary and secondary national road network.• A Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers in sports clubs on the island of Ireland• An EU Just Transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers in the Just Transition area in the midlands• Local Authority pilot schemes, funding the roll out of EV charging in Local Authorities who have already developed local EV network plans, while supporting the development of local EV Network plans in other areas These new sites, in addition to those under other destination schemes currently planned will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
220. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons on waiting lists for driving tests in counties Cavan and Monaghan and nationwide to date; the length of time they have been waiting; the stage they are at in their application process, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32218/24]
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.
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
221. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the number and location of EV charge points in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32219/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Transport, through Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) are investing €100m between now and 2025, in the delivery of EV infrastructure, as part of the EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy. The number of publicly available charge points in Ireland has increased from approximately 1,700 in September 2022 to over 2,400 in 2024. The Department of Transport does not currently maintain information on available publicly accessible EV charging stations because they are owned and operated by commercial charge point operators, who are not currently obliged to share this information. Any data available at present is sourced from market operators who provide EV information services to charge point operators to facilitate drivers in locating charge points. This is operational data and cannot be considered as either complete or verified.However, ZEVI are at present developing a Data Strategy in line with the provisions of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) which, when implemented, will give the Department better visibility on the number, location and status of EV charge points across the network via a shared and open data system, and depending on information provided by charge-point operators. The system will collect the near-real-time data provided by charge-point operators regarding the charge-points. The obligation on charge-point operators and owners to share this data via API, at no cost, to all data users, is legislated for within AFIR. This should facilitate data users, including the Department, to build a fuller data set. This data system is expected to be in place by April 2025.
222. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers who have used Bus Éireann route 109X in each direction from 2021 to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32220/24]
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 Bus Éireann. 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.
223. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers who have used Bus Éireann route 170 in each direction from its inception to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32221/24]
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 Bus Éireann. 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.
224. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers who have used Bus Éireann route 32 in each direction from 2021 to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32222/24]
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 Bus Éireann. 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.
