Tuesday, 23 Jul 2024

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (225)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

225. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport for an update on plans to reopen the Navan rail line; the stage works are at; if, as part of these plans, Kingscourt rail line can be kept in mind as part of the greater overall project to connect rural Ireland to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32223/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As 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 pre-construction 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. 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 and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Tax Collection

Ceisteanna (226)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

226. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the motor tax fees collected by his Department, by county and month, from 2021 to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32224/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy James Lawless)

The tables below show the amount of motor tax collected by my Department via the motortax.ie website and through the Motor Tax offices. Figures are presented for each year 2021-2023 and for 1 January to 30 June for 2024, broken down by County and Month.

2021	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total
Carlow	140,066	250,327	199,508	171,848	168,061	174,175	221,101	237,760	224,217	198,835	183,111	195,055	2,364,064
Cavan	194,466	157,842	221,645	206,997	178,080	195,758	131,210	323,757	260,497	250,865	218,947	202,049	2,542,113
Clare	273,844	295,972	320,417	256,674	270,362	342,916	358,811	374,682	399,121	335,920	330,722	344,494	3,903,935
Cork	1,133,341	1,143,335	1,112,741	1,027,897	968,319	1,105,484	1,220,977	1,336,380	1,224,935	1,013,649	1,037,146	1,164,419	13,488,623
Donegal	418,251	397,327	459,207	366,892	354,676	404,323	451,344	431,429	535,860	466,471	505,565	456,559	5,247,904
Dublin	1,009,226	1,276,668	1,637,756	1,672,809	1,913,892	2,456,218	2,485,022	1,976,114	2,646,322	2,019,348	1,711,972	1,273,229	22,078,576
Galway	508,215	559,433	602,670	531,765	504,872	595,884	615,698	670,066	775,149	682,122	676,325	643,681	7,365,880
Kerry	353,221	385,383	395,028	368,491	297,772	477,870	417,387	368,707	493,158	443,846	437,252	408,300	4,846,415
Kildare	394,121	362,733	395,158	359,545	361,867	361,807	429,899	476,122	458,911	404,759	392,189	382,074	4,779,185
Kilkenny	259,491	251,440	276,749	257,501	268,379	262,007	309,630	288,344	320,634	279,537	266,178	287,090	3,326,980
Laois	154,249	213,025	197,569	163,139	159,770	190,013	260,336	278,363	264,954	243,166	233,716	251,190	2,609,490
Leitrim	92,953	85,442	112,773	100,897	93,059	108,342	100,929	121,477	129,558	110,286	115,267	87,923	1,258,906
Limerick	406,356	398,965	394,842	383,006	370,576	432,451	444,626	553,841	613,974	534,940	478,414	557,133	5,569,124
Longford	143,914	120,715	119,118	108,558	96,292	115,721	140,208	167,548	161,328	152,512	135,626	126,859	1,588,399
Louth	179,289	177,008	189,110	152,802	151,362	219,222	212,382	346,702	325,337	298,312	271,287	224,435	2,747,248
Mayo	328,113	360,386	368,114	309,226	316,714	405,320	423,148	567,378	518,991	452,117	439,780	399,171	4,888,458
Meath	279,245	335,452	319,403	274,639	305,796	287,643	320,500	582,061	473,211	364,348	346,198	341,095	4,229,591
Monaghan	231,259	215,844	203,662	180,043	186,574	228,445	243,526	266,753	258,768	229,233	238,006	207,323	2,689,436
Offaly	217,322	205,622	217,851	186,343	204,289	203,911	220,289	262,347	276,235	252,997	252,274	234,200	2,733,680
Roscommon	220,983	209,838	258,154	215,512	266,333	296,008	445,921	258,246	305,748	247,319	277,039	253,274	3,254,375
Sligo	223,369	203,153	222,688	214,608	196,444	221,746	274,814	223,296	280,870	220,111	197,744	194,593	2,673,436
Tipperary	443,413	439,144	464,775	436,377	404,660	479,316	511,395	540,568	555,086	544,441	504,957	502,145	5,826,277
Waterford	264,768	233,491	257,355	247,270	236,459	285,811	303,832	397,294	378,151	318,102	306,600	365,235	3,594,368
Westmeath	302,672	238,505	288,325	221,816	213,556	222,762	246,390	366,803	367,723	332,629	285,838	349,254	3,436,273
Wexford	442,277	425,774	474,678	399,664	401,409	454,373	600,747	562,306	527,667	473,841	443,739	408,158	5,614,633
Wicklow	280,827	258,538	267,727	242,937	263,167	293,459	306,176	373,998	366,288	297,270	298,114	304,904	3,553,405
Online	75,705,582	69,674,567	78,040,423	67,551,720	65,087,314	73,010,915	70,422,171	65,003,573	62,268,573	55,533,385	48,416,024	51,158,037	781,872,284
Total	84,600,833	78,875,929	88,017,446	76,608,976	74,240,054	83,831,900	82,118,469	77,355,915	75,411,266	66,700,361	59,000,030	61,321,879	908,083,058

2022	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total
Carlow	295,239	269,640	273,988	270,069	233,340	250,545	293,741	281,992	266,910	234,013	220,725	200,335	3,090,537
Cavan	277,096	266,048	264,790	245,905	252,252	265,667	258,328	284,504	282,771	235,360	218,033	197,147	3,047,901
Clare	475,810	400,484	444,372	390,224	430,042	430,713	427,507	426,789	420,965	358,990	350,186	337,362	4,893,444
Cork	1,540,843	1,329,595	1,350,762	1,062,565	1,322,843	1,358,473	1,127,762	1,322,622	1,140,143	966,190	948,382	1,002,127	14,472,307
Donegal	592,056	607,226	693,009	582,586	617,511	660,319	600,114	642,535	655,253	531,393	531,315	454,188	7,167,505
Dublin	1,691,852	2,023,470	2,208,937	1,743,794	2,125,020	2,207,852	2,135,520	1,656,601	2,175,903	2,151,277	1,562,640	1,197,543	22,880,409
Galway	847,202	855,403	918,332	830,165	806,765	870,361	860,237	899,081	894,740	745,555	711,974	636,010	9,875,825
Kerry	477,896	430,986	487,711	525,726	487,624	490,986	463,892	459,663	461,641	424,280	385,582	374,263	5,470,250
Kildare	509,893	501,315	479,904	435,739	450,965	512,992	491,233	520,231	467,899	432,008	417,609	348,260	5,568,048
Kilkenny	397,973	355,807	380,019	325,123	381,335	386,409	361,798	336,874	355,210	289,148	279,974	286,295	4,135,965
Laois	316,762	297,181	326,246	305,514	283,266	306,435	334,275	338,203	295,004	268,122	267,414	251,941	3,590,363
Leitrim	156,811	126,955	150,164	131,880	141,380	140,100	118,005	150,215	132,711	116,898	139,329	78,918	1,583,366
Limerick	723,668	656,486	712,727	624,640	667,379	732,307	702,717	724,141	673,579	578,879	585,602	538,383	7,920,508
Longford	199,097	169,067	176,694	174,295	178,427	166,529	185,393	195,112	192,712	151,114	150,445	110,770	2,049,655
Louth	419,513	390,372	384,401	353,437	360,109	414,010	403,298	398,407	366,791	323,797	340,741	250,502	4,405,378
Mayo	556,824	518,907	563,241	512,625	530,714	579,484	574,134	603,799	594,082	468,827	483,640	388,285	6,374,562
Meath	444,585	484,653	470,744	403,377	475,357	476,563	461,829	469,953	438,564	376,314	389,600	308,765	5,200,304
Monaghan	335,138	343,011	290,056	286,407	298,230	310,216	296,114	267,243	297,615	260,362	248,682	175,053	3,408,127
Offaly	320,682	313,923	317,997	302,039	298,699	299,592	318,411	309,928	283,068	245,699	259,321	233,937	3,503,296
Roscommon	334,718	294,083	469,450	355,975	339,577	406,814	335,992	319,079	330,963	263,414	292,173	223,749	3,965,987
Sligo	300,147	259,707	304,929	278,141	270,430	330,276	296,840	292,648	297,170	241,255	233,550	214,116	3,319,209
Tipperary	668,954	629,854	660,356	618,823	602,418	672,295	630,500	633,361	600,739	553,215	519,783	476,427	7,266,725
Waterford	445,133	378,952	411,269	380,205	405,960	451,425	436,328	423,407	407,513	343,507	354,764	354,822	4,793,285
Westmeath	465,008	400,048	459,420	365,011	382,912	408,471	398,884	399,983	417,787	338,647	340,048	336,694	4,712,913
Wexford	640,943	620,215	657,206	566,383	599,052	599,006	639,487	620,551	583,438	494,768	486,966	387,677	6,895,692
Wicklow	394,824	390,302	428,412	358,987	421,558	381,004	403,371	413,378	391,135	324,655	335,226	273,066	4,515,918
Online	74,285,868	56,378,186	73,667,825	61,362,355	65,689,076	67,731,881	65,740,724	67,527,667	60,563,799	53,299,557	53,794,538	50,450,879	750,492,355
Total	88,114,535	69,691,876	87,952,961	73,791,990	79,052,241	81,840,725	79,296,434	80,917,967	73,988,105	65,017,244	64,848,242	60,087,514	904,599,834

2023	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total
Carlow	296,224	241,274	282,966	259,053	259,432	272,160	262,787	281,065	243,784	242,026	204,700	198,194	3,043,665
Cavan	294,742	257,818	245,424	230,210	257,840	272,898	268,244	275,113	264,150	247,391	234,385	174,419	3,022,634
Clare	472,497	421,627	471,132	406,694	453,759	452,981	433,959	440,642	428,149	355,501	364,168	359,621	5,060,730
Cork	1,358,886	1,149,231	1,298,934	1,067,107	1,210,068	1,225,321	1,122,364	1,224,373	1,010,842	962,993	917,596	922,654	13,470,369
Donegal	646,710	596,623	654,101	596,402	631,991	684,542	576,849	715,000	566,205	578,254	549,484	421,966	7,218,127
Dublin	1,643,240	1,615,863	1,790,187	1,306,547	1,902,110	1,769,399	1,566,040	1,651,347	1,951,342	1,652,366	1,558,725	1,094,555	19,501,720
Galway	920,621	869,265	984,946	806,020	907,816	826,977	833,613	860,072	818,013	727,181	755,032	589,638	9,899,194
Kerry	483,051	425,528	500,596	434,344	442,631	487,030	493,075	448,169	458,383	422,020	356,576	359,110	5,310,513
Kildare	592,037	496,637	505,656	445,225	505,420	493,561	511,415	531,235	491,235	442,320	394,528	349,190	5,758,459
Kilkenny	398,544	380,032	425,798	354,082	365,258	400,749	329,256	368,569	318,203	320,744	298,060	262,210	4,221,505
Laois	348,313	296,966	353,123	280,281	325,503	316,781	330,197	342,963	276,183	287,184	261,169	230,975	3,649,638
Leitrim	131,300	132,668	144,975	109,853	136,891	135,796	126,015	143,262	122,707	104,691	116,234	86,292	1,490,684
Limerick	805,352	658,503	723,198	654,987	688,185	764,593	721,607	705,982	657,183	582,366	546,949	564,736	8,073,641
Longford	210,117	182,976	182,473	168,400	177,198	181,898	172,636	186,730	177,557	148,570	161,913	117,690	2,068,158
Louth	453,339	406,860	411,333	358,734	383,108	396,389	399,306	400,914	368,063	343,416	344,798	232,002	4,498,262
Mayo	538,808	510,879	554,291	470,349	572,304	599,837	534,941	541,121	494,886	501,531	459,428	405,407	6,183,782
Meath	512,670	439,695	486,013	378,189	555,295	408,774	523,557	449,290	396,971	402,428	384,166	262,285	5,199,333
Monaghan	320,114	290,212	309,144	288,972	304,401	298,936	288,117	297,584	254,483	270,123	227,628	196,929	3,346,643
Offaly	325,365	299,548	325,760	275,577	295,471	294,610	279,390	313,003	261,171	253,925	243,381	230,667	3,397,868
Roscommon	389,067	340,934	536,616	344,146	406,581	442,448	407,615	321,543	294,894	262,446	242,681	247,309	4,236,280
Sligo	302,091	268,604	318,538	261,809	293,554	306,270	273,527	277,411	270,887	230,360	248,812	200,422	3,252,285
Tipperary	678,801	597,726	667,969	591,739	611,207	639,758	606,124	618,105	567,061	542,536	497,908	488,676	7,107,610
Waterford	471,667	428,519	445,258	366,701	462,135	438,834	441,303	399,122	371,820	328,083	306,482	353,579	4,813,503
Westmeath	445,326	418,958	410,955	380,308	414,135	446,751	409,255	435,601	435,556	344,051	363,375	301,612	4,805,883
Wexford	688,610	588,547	809,465	561,938	647,745	608,767	642,608	565,187	522,211	475,179	438,281	393,652	6,942,190
Wicklow	449,597	362,577	414,897	337,777	399,946	413,964	385,425	400,607	344,798	340,733	327,185	274,938	4,452,444
Online	75,538,214	65,417,577	69,400,426	61,612,002	68,993,442	68,915,643	68,456,533	65,309,239	58,101,117	59,549,113	49,270,055	50,191,594	760,754,955
Total	89,715,303	78,095,647	83,654,174	73,347,446	82,603,426	82,495,667	81,395,758	78,503,249	70,467,854	70,917,531	60,073,699	59,510,322	910,780,075

2024	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Total
Carlow	310,609	276,151	248,281	272,145	292,386	202,565	1,602,137
Cavan	310,195	283,871	235,893	254,388	322,911	223,931	1,631,189
Clare	470,550	436,824	428,159	437,387	478,021	370,646	2,621,587
Cork	1,351,258	1,179,211	1,011,479	1,229,342	1,352,121	1,118,275	7,241,686
Donegal	614,152	684,043	594,869	664,219	656,660	582,277	3,796,220
Dublin	1,759,195	1,700,847	1,839,494	2,226,528	2,593,970	1,748,824	11,868,858
Galway	905,678	885,248	773,474	866,127	932,459	718,309	5,081,295
Kerry	492,790	435,647	438,748	499,924	567,808	419,701	2,854,618
Kildare	592,971	489,509	438,035	520,487	541,087	452,278	3,034,367
Kilkenny	407,620	358,426	365,578	406,686	426,183	312,131	2,276,624
Laois	368,667	332,362	279,787	330,588	413,507	270,983	1,995,894
Leitrim	137,779	122,749	133,965	141,229	167,873	114,135	817,730
Limerick	770,925	701,254	634,432	722,516	861,058	656,836	4,347,021
Longford	177,922	190,867	163,196	181,646	203,179	145,707	1,062,517
Louth	495,623	411,106	375,173	424,528	482,402	369,239	2,558,071
Mayo	599,920	562,917	511,271	590,101	718,494	501,729	3,484,432
Meath	526,999	452,505	428,370	455,990	653,903	383,686	2,901,453
Monaghan	320,386	333,307	277,670	306,443	471,187	258,113	1,967,106
Offaly	352,754	307,099	283,705	311,970	368,684	252,883	1,877,095
Roscommon	397,543	417,222	437,009	575,611	534,879	394,809	2,757,073
Sligo	271,512	280,542	274,484	276,568	375,092	271,415	1,749,613
Tipperary	648,714	609,995	591,415	600,641	708,304	548,811	3,707,880
Waterford	462,681	416,561	383,497	468,951	561,085	416,445	2,709,220
Westmeath	485,786	418,492	402,939	420,852	549,461	386,141	2,663,671
Wexford	702,423	599,735	682,160	713,368	781,592	495,558	3,974,836
Wicklow	421,601	404,411	373,385	424,166	483,347	358,901	2,465,811
Online	77,005,955	67,652,030	62,739,797	76,564,622	69,333,803	63,772,838	417,069,045
Total	91,362,208	80,942,931	75,346,265	90,887,022	85,831,456	75,747,166	500,117,048

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (227)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

227. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the light rail system; if he can provide an update on the route selection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32256/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Cork Light Rail project.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Light Rail project seeks to provide a high-capacity public transport corridor connecting Ballincollig to Mahon Point via the city centre. A public consultation for this project will launch later this year.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has agreed responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in Cork, including the Cork Light Rail project.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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Bus Éireann

Ceisteanna (228)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

228. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for the implementation of a bus stop and timetable for the 170 Bus Éireann route in Shercock, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32262/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the implementation of a bus stop and timetable for the 170 Bus Éireann route in Shercock in County Cavan, and can best advise you on the timeframe.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Bus Éireann

Ceisteanna (229)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

229. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for the implementation of a bus stop and timetable for the 170 Bus Éireann route in Bailieborough, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32263/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the implementation of a bus stop and timetable for the 170 Bus Éireann route in Bailieborough in County Cavan.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (230)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

230. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the extremely long waiting times for a driving test in Donegal town despite assurances that the situation would improve (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32269/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy James Lawless)

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my department have the power to intervene in individual cases. As such, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply in relation to testing wait times in Donegal.

To assist with reducing waiting times, in October last year a change was made to the booking system to allow any unused test slots to be made available for candidates to take up at short notice. If a driving test is cancelled at short notice, the RSA now make this appointment available to the general public on the MyRoadSafety portal.

The 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

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (231)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

231. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide additional funding specifically for the advancement of capital National Transport Authority projects. [32421/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Department's capital allocations are fixed in line with the National Development Plan's (NDP) overall parameters for public investment, as well as this year's announcement by Government of an additional capital allocation being made available in 2025 and 2026. Next year therefore the Department's overall capital envelope will be €2.850bn, an increase of €186m on the original envelope as set in the NDP in 2021. The Department's overall allocation will support the National Transport Authority in the delivery of their extensive programme.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (232)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

232. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will secure additional funding in budget 2025 to fund town link services. [32468/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services, the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan as well as developing new and enhanced Town bus services.

As with all plans, any additional funding for town bus services will be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (233)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

233. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is currently considering providing a light rail link on the Athlone-Mullingar rail line in the interest of connectivity. [32469/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

No, my Department is not currently considering providing a light rail link between Athlone and Mullingar.

However, as the Deputy may be aware, the potential for a rail connection between Mullingar and Athlone was examined as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.

The Review is being undertaken by my Department, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions.

Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft Report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment, or SEA, public consultation in July of last year.

The draft Report makes 30 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system across the island up to 2050. A reinstated single-track line between Mullingar and Athlone is included in the recommendations. Implementation of these recommendations would result in substantial improvements in the capacity, speed, frequency and reach of the rail system.

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 Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, recently received Government of Ireland approval and the final Review will be published very shortly, subject to formal approval by the Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (234)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

234. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the reopening of Killucan railway station. [32470/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the former station at Killucan, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

In 2023, my Department made funding available to Iarnród Éireann to allow it to undertake a ‘Killucan-Rathwire and Kinnegad Area Transport Environs Study’. The wide geographic scope of the environs study will help ensure that the optimal location for any future potential train station in the area is identified with respect to population, transport demand and proximity to the existing network.

Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the Iarnród Éireann for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (235)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

235. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport to provide funding in 2025 to finalise the Mullingar town bus service. [32471/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services, the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan as well as developing new and enhanced Town bus services.

As with all plans, any funding for town bus services will be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (236)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

236. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the long-term contracts for rural transport companies through the National Transport Authority. [32472/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for securing the provision of public transport services, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (237)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

237. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to reduce the cost of owning and operating EV vehicles. [32490/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

Over €115m has been allocated in 2024 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles (EVs) which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making EVs accessible to all.

Supports available from the Department of Transport, and where applicable with support from the Department of Finance, for the transition to electric vehicles, include:

• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) of up to €3,500;

• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €300;

• VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;

• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;

• eSPSV grant scheme – a generous grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to EVs (and wheelchair accessible EVs)

• ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant scheme for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and

• Low rate of annual motor tax;

The Department of Transport is acutely aware that the cost of electric vehicles remains an issue for many consumers. To this end, EV policy is kept under continuous review with a view to making low-emission vehicles affordable.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (238)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

238. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the total allocation this year to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for the maintenance and upgrade of national roads; whether it is intended to increase this allocation during the year in view of the need for upgrades and maintenance on these roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32491/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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 maintenance 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 as such, it is not intended to change the overall level of funding over the remainder of 2024.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (239)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

239. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to address the concerns of a commuter (details supplied). [32518/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Fuel Prices

Ceisteanna (240)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

240. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the grants available for island communities to set up a fuel service to meet the islanders' fuel needs following the changes made to the International Maritime Carriage of Dangerous Goods code, which affects how the fuel can be accessed on Inis Meáin. [32520/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy James Lawless)

My Department does not provide any funding for domestic ferry services to the islands.

While it is not under the remit of the Department of Transport, it is an objective of this Government to provide the necessary supports for our off-shore islands so that those communities can continue to live, and thrive, on the islands. The Islands Programme of the Department of Rural and Community Development supports island communities by providing subsidised ferry, cargo and air services between the islands and the mainland to ensure the continued viability of these communities.

My understanding is that all service contracts are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the best outcomes for islanders and the Deputy may wish to pursue the matter directly with that Department.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (241)

John Brady

Ceist:

241. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the plans for the roll-out of EV charging points across County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32551/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years.

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2024 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.

While home charging will be the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners given the Irish landscape, there is also a need for a seamless charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.

The number of publicly available charge points has increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to 2,400, and a significant number of charge points are scheduled to be delivered over the next year.

The National Strategy for the Development of EV Charging Infrastructure was launched in 2023 and sets out the ambition to deliver a public EV charging network.

Arising from this strategy, the National Road EV Charging Network Plan, published in May 2024, provides a roadmap for the deployment of charging on the en-route, Motorway and Primary and Secondary Roads.

The second part of the National EV Charging Network Plan is the draft Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan which was published for public consultation in May 2024. This plan provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of regional and local networks of public EV charging infrastructure in cities, towns and villages across Ireland with the focus on neighbourhood and destination charging.

ZEVI are currently engaging with Local Authorities to develop their EV Infrastructure Strategies which will identify areas without off street charging capabilities and identify solutions to be included in Implementation Plans which may include off street neighbourhood chargers, Shared Charging facilities, and/or use of local Rapid Destination Chargers or Hubs.

Following Strategy development Local Authorities will identify suitable sites and locations to install the EV charging Infrastructure to meet user needs.

It is envisaged that Local Authorities will work in partnership together and with the private sector using appropriate contractual arrangements to install and operate this infrastructure up to 2030 to facilitate the transition to EVs, and beyond 2030 that the private market will be robust enough to install any future infrastructure based on user demand and need.

Officers in my Department have been engaging with Wicklow County Council and other Local Authorities in the development of these plans.

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. 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.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (242)

John Brady

Ceist:

242. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the number of new electrical vehicles registered in the State, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32552/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy James Lawless)

The details requested by the Deputy are provided in the table below. The data reflect the number of new electric vehicles registered on the NVDF (National Vehicle and Driver Database) in 2024 up to 22 July 2024.

County	ELECTRIC	PLUG-IN HYBRID	Total
CARLOW	112	73	185
CAVAN	78	66	144
CLARE	204	164	368
CORK	1,245	992	2,237
DONEGAL	178	190	368
DUBLIN	6,531	4,137	10,668
GALWAY	397	297	694
KERRY	201	182	383
KILDARE	804	381	1,185
KILKENNY	176	122	298
LAOIS	148	79	227
LEITRIM	35	23	58
LIMERICK	355	246	601
LONGFORD	49	22	71
LOUTH	286	159	445
MAYO	130	87	217
MEATH	596	297	893
MONAGHAN	69	57	126
OFFALY	102	78	180
ROSCOMMON	89	68	157
SLIGO	115	78	193
TIPPERARY	204	160	364
WATERFORD	324	220	544
WESTMEATH	195	116	311
WEXFORD	364	222	586
WICKLOW	502	166	668
Total	13,489	8,682	22,171

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (243)

John Brady

Ceist:

243. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he intends on progressing the N81 Tallaght to Hollywood cross road improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32556/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (244)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

244. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) is accepting cash payments in light of recent legislation introduced by the Minister for Finance in respect of such payments; whether he intends instructing the NDLS to accept cash payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32602/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy James Lawless)

The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) facilitates cash payments for issuing and renewing driving licences through the use of Payzone vouchers. Payzone vouchers may be purchased with cash from over 3,500 outlets in towns and villages nationwide, including post offices.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (245)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

245. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the public consultation for a bus route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32673/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (246)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

246. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport the waiting times, and the number of people on the waiting list for driving tests, in counties Louth and Meath, respectively, in tabular form. [32679/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy James Lawless)

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the Driver Testing Service and the information requested is held by that agency. As such, I have referred the 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

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

National Car Test

Ceisteanna (247)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

247. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport the waiting times, and the number of people on the waiting list for NCT tests, in counties Louth and Meath. [32680/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy James Lawless)

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing Service. The information requested is held by the agency. As such, I have referred the question 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (248)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

248. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 11 June 2024, the total cost of agreements reached between Transport Infrastructure Ireland and third parties in respect of the Metrolink railway order application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32774/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. Further to the planning application for MetroLink, the Oral Hearing began on 19th February and ran until 28th March. This process allowed planning authorities, prescribed bodies, elected representatives and observers to share their views on the project. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) engaged constructively with all parties as part of the Oral Hearing. Where possible, following engagement, TII has provided An Bord Pleanála with conditions agreed by both parties aimed at addressing their specific concerns. As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (249)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

249. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the number of public transport services established from 2020 to 2024 to date in County Galway; the funding required to enable delivery of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32784/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (250)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

250. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the provision of the Bandon relief road; the estimated cost of the project; and when it is expected to undergo works. [32804/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (251)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

251. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he would consider an update of the road entering Castletownbere port due to the level of activity in the port. [32823/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

In 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.

Cork County Council received an allocation of €50,000 this year under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme for the R572 Realignment project.

Planning and implementation of the R572 Realignment project is the responsibility of Cork County Council.