Written Answers Nos. 273-280
273. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if he will reinstate funding to the proposed new bypass route, as planned and previously agreed, without delay, on the N52 between the N4 intersection at Kilbeggan to the Tullamore bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33298/24]
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 the N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan project did not receive funding in 2024. However, 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. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
274. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport for an update on progress made on the work plan for 2024 by his Department, in conjunction with other agencies and Departments, to improve road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33447/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030, which was published in December 2021, is currently in Phase 1, which runs to the end of 2024, with close to 200 actions underway or already completed across a range of Government bodies. Stakeholders across the sector are working hard to reverse the current increase in fatalities and restore Ireland’s long-term progress in the area of road safety.
Since the beginning of April, this has included all uniformed members of An Garda Síochána carrying out 30 minutes of high-visibility roads policing per shift and significantly increased spending on public awareness and communications by the Road Safety Authority.
In relation to the Department, the Road Traffic Act 2024 was signed into law on 17 April. This is a piece of priority legislation brought forward by the Department in response to the rising road fatalities and serious injuries. The Act seeks to bring about systemic change to dangerous driver behaviour through safer default speed limits, harsher penalties on those caught committing multiple driving offences, and mandatory drug testing at the scene of a collision. The Act also enabled the introduction of escooter regulations which are now subject to a legal framework and restrictions on their use, operation and capacity.
On 31 May 2024, provisions introducing mandatory drug testing at the scene of a serious collision and giving members of An Garda Síochána an explicit power to detain someone at the roadside while awaiting the results of an intoxicant test came into effect.
A number of high-impact actions have also been prioritised for delivery in the second half of 2024, including the rollout of three new average speed camera zones, development of a national safety camera strategy, commencement of safer default speed limits on rural, local roads, and tackling the multiple learner permit issue.
Work has also commenced on reviewing the driver curriculum, and funding has been allocated to media, education and awareness campaigns. This week, the RSA will officially launch a major new TV ad campaign that addresses the rising number of fatalities on Irish roads. This follows the launch on Thursday 11 July of a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of dangerous behaviours on Irish roads. This audio campaign tackles five dangerous behaviours – speeding, drink driving, distracted driving, not wearing seatbelts and drug driving. The adverts have been developed using feedback from in-depth research and focus groups which took place earlier this year.
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.
In addition to closing out Phase 1 of the strategy in 2024, the Phase 2 Action plan is under development, which will target impactful actions under the safe system approach for the period 2025 - 2027. In order to ensure road user advocates have the opportunity to contribute to the Phase 2 Action Plan, my Department together with the Road Safety Authority are in the process of establishing a new Road User Safety Forum, comprising road users and road safety advocates.
Road safety is a foremost priority for me and this Government. Everyone is entitled to use our roads and, importantly, to be safe on our roads.
275. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the work being done to recruit more bus drivers and mechanics to Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33448/24]
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 in relation to recruitment for bus drivers and mechanics is a 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.
276. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the preparation of tender documents for the N53 project in County Louth; when he expects it to progress to tender stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33449/24]
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.
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.
277. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport if he can request the CEO of an organisation (details supplied) to respond to correspondence of 6 March and 12 March 2024, to which no reply has been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33477/24]
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.
My Department has been in contact with the NTA on this matter and I understand that a response to the Deputy’s outstanding correspondence is being prepared and will issue shortly
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.
278. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport the status of the CIÉ pensions 1951 scheme; if he has considered a recent High Court ruling (details supplied) in respect of this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33480/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom the outset I would like to clarify that I, as Minister for Transport, have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ ,Group and their employees.
Under the Transport Act 1950, CIÉ have initiated the statutory process by submitting an amending scheme to the Minister for Transport for review. The amending scheme is subject to Ministerial approval, and requires a statutory public consultation process, where any representations from interested parties will be considered. I may therefore confirm, modify, or reject an amending scheme in accordance with the process set out under the Transport Act.
CIÉ, in conjunction with their legal advisors, has prepared and submitted draft S.I.s to the Department of Transport to give effect to the labour court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by a ballot of trade union members in May 2021.
These drafts are currently being considered by the Department of Transport and advisors in NewERA. Once the draft S.I.s are finalised, they will be submitted to the Minister for consideration and pending receipt of the Minister’s approval, CIÉ will commence the statutory public consultation process on the draft S.I.s.
Further, the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court in which the Minister for Transport has been joined as a Notice Party.
The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days. While original indications were that a judgement would be expected in the Autumn of 2022, the matter was deferred on multiple occasions, with the judgment being delivered on 19 April 2024. In his judgement, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey found that both CIÉ and the 1951 Scheme members were obliged to provide funding to the pension scheme to resolve any solvency issues. Justice Sanfey instructed both sides to consider what orders should be made on foot of the judgment ahead of a hearing date, which is currently being agreed between the parties.
279. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of all elevators in Irish rail stations; the elevators that are currently not in use; the length of time they have not been in use; and the reasoning thereof, in tabular form. [33511/24]
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 issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
280. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of all elevators at Luas rail stations; the elevators that are currently not in use, the length of time they have not been in use; and the reasoning thereof, in tabular form. [33512/24]
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 issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for Transdev. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Transdev for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
