Written Answers Nos. 79-98
79. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the national heat policy statement, which was due to be published at the end of 2023; when he expects it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37886/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Heat Study, published by the SEAI, contains detailed analysis that is being used to inform the development of options, policies and measures to decarbonise Ireland’s heating and cooling sectors to 2050, including the drafting of a Heat Policy Statement. The Heat Policy Statement will set out Ireland's overarching approach to decarbonising the heat sector. A draft Statement, informed by the findings of the National Heat Study, has been prepared and has undergone extensive consultation with Government departments and agencies.
The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive requires that certain plans and programmes, including policy statements, which are likely to have a significant impact on the environment, be subject to the SEA process. A screening assessment confirmed that the draft Heat Policy Statement was a plan or programme for the purposes of the SEA Directive and has potential for significant effects on the environment. It was therefore necessary to undertake a full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to ensure a formal, systematic evaluation of the likely environmental effects of implementing the Policy.
An SEA Environmental Report was recently completed, and a public consultation on the SEA Environmental Report and the draft Heat Policy Statement is now being prepared. Following completion of the consultation process, the draft Heat Policy Statement will be submitted to Government for approval and publication.
80. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number of freedom of information requests submitted to his Department in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37591/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total number of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests submitted to my Department in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 to date and the total number of requests refused in their entirety are set out in the table below:
|
2022 |
2023 |
2024 to date (18th September) |
|
|
Number of FOI requests submitted to my Department |
131 |
161* |
117 |
|
Number of FOI requests refused in their entirety |
40 |
50 |
23 |
*161 requests were submitted and 163 requests were dealt with as two requests were sub-divided.
Requests were refused where no records existed, requests were invalid, requests pre-dated the legislation or an exemption applied under the FOI Act. In line with FOI legislation, the Department actively engages with requesters to assist with the processing of FOI requests.
81. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the projects and programmes with his Department which have been allocated funding under the EU's Recovery and Resilience Programme; the funds drawn down to date in each instance; the profiled drawdown in each of the forthcoming years of the programme; the steps he is taking to ensure that projects and programmes are completed within the specified timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37782/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Defence has not been allocated funding under the EU Recovery & Resilience Programme.
82. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a list of lands in his Department’s ownership in County Longford, by the location, folio, acreage and current use. [37810/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials that my Department no longer has ownership of any lands in County Longford.
My Department sold a RDF property in Longford Town in June 2014 and a second property, Connolly Barracks, in 2017.
83. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a progress report on the establishment of an office of veteran affairs (details supplied); if he will commit to providing better resources for veterans of the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37866/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of an Office of Veterans Affairs, under new Defence Forces structures, was one of the recommendations included in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces published on 9 February 2022. A detailed implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations was subsequently published on 21 November 2023. The plan envisages the establishment of the Office of Veterans Affairs in Q4 2025. In the meantime, comparative research is being undertaken to establish the supports offered to veterans in other jurisdictions. This research will inform the establishment of the Office of Veterans Affairs. The purpose and responsibilities of the Office will then be developed.
My Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations. These Veterans Associations, which represent all former personnel, are Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). My officials and I meet regularly with these recognised Veterans Associations to discuss matters of concern to their members.
My Department has entered into Service Level Agreements with ONE and IUNVA, under which an annual grant is paid to both organisations in order to assist with their administrative overheads. ONE is paid €130,000 and IUNVA is paid €30,000. These grants were increased substantially in 2022.
As a further means of assistance, since 2021 my Department has also secured total funding of €900,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects.
Over the past number of years the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have assisted ONE in its plans to establish a network of Veterans Support Centres (VSCs) around the country through a leasing arrangement. ONE has established a total of 15 VSCs. The VSCs help to prevent homelessness through early intervention and to address loneliness. VSCs are available to ALL veterans to seek support and advice, not just ONE members. ONE’s VSCs are located in Dundalk, Limerick, Athlone, Galway, Kilkenny, Curragh Camp, Athy, Cavan, Dublin (Baldonnel, McKee and Cathal Brugha Barracks), Cobh, Cork, Finner Camp and Wexford. Eleven VSCs are located in military installations – all except Athy, Cavan, Cobh and Limerick. ONE plans to establish more Veteran Support Centres in Drogheda, Longford and Nenagh. These Veteran Support Centres are run by ONE volunteers. There are no plans for the Office of Veteran Affairs to co-ordinate and manage this network and no request from ONE for the Office to do so. My Department and I will continue to work with and support ONE and IUNVA to support veterans.
84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the reason a bus stop was removed from the top of the Old Bog Road, Kilcock, County Kildare, (L50572), with particular reference to the growing population in the area and reliance of the local population on the stop; if the stop can be reinstated as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37276/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, 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 provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
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.
85. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport when work will commence on the Ardee bypass; the timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37285/24]
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 €240,000 has been allocated for the N52 Ardee Bypass scheme 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.
86. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport when approval will be granted for works (detailed supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37295/24]
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.
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, such as pavement renewal. The allocations announced by TII earlier this year are an indication of the progress that TII believes is possible on each national roads project during the year. However, if the progression of any national roads project, programme or operation is impeded or priorities change, the funding will be redistributed by TII, in accordance with its statutory remit, to other national roads or greenways projects, programmes, or operations.
Several new national road projects are facing funding pressures in 2024 due to reasons including an increased pace of delivery and land acquisition costs, as well as inflation and increased cost of materials which are higher than when the original estimates were calculated. These new national road projects include the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project, which is under construction, and the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy and Limerick to Foynes (including Adare Bypass) projects which are approaching construction. A number of projects at an earlier stage in the development lifecycle are also affected. These important projects are in line with the commitment of Government to invest in new national road infrastructure to ensure that all parts of Ireland are connected to each other. They will also assist in removing traffic from our towns and villages, creating more liveable communities.
In order to ensure the continued delivery of these important projects, earlier this year TII proposed to postpone some asset renewal works on the existing network, including work to renew pavement, until 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. In addition, some Greenways funding will be used to advance active travel infrastructure on the national road network, which would otherwise be funded from the roads budget. This will allow funding to be directed to new national road projects. It is important to point out that Safety Improvement Schemes will not be affected by these measures. No funding has been withdrawn by my Department from TII this year.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the works referred to. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
87. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the specific steps that have been taken by the National Transport Authority to address taxi licensing issues, such as cars with tinted rear windows, and the provision of vehicles by hotels driven by unlicensed persons. [37309/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including responsibility for regulating (licensing and enforcement) the SPSV industry, 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, An Garda Síochána (AGS) is the driver licensing authority for SPSVs, while the NTA licence suitable vehicles to operate as SPSVs in the fleet. Section 10 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 sets out the provisions in which AGS can grant a licence to a suitable person. When granting a SPSV driver licence, AGS must have regard to: whether the applicant if of good character; any concerns raised by the NTA or Garda Commissioner or other members of AGS regarding the applicant's suitability to hold a licence and any convictions for offences committed by the applicant.
In relation to SPSV vehicle windows, NTA vehicle standards require that clear glass must be adjacent to every seat to enable passengers to see who is in the vehicle, front and rear, and this enables enforcement agencies and the public to see what is happening inside the vehicle whilst passengers are on board.
Compliance with SPSV regulations is monitored and enforced by NTA’s dedicated compliance team together with An Garda Síochána. NTA’s compliance team works closely with An Garda Síochána and undertakes joint operations with them.
I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
88. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided for a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37314/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your 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.
89. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to the creation of a Bus Éireann intra-city route that will service Glasgow Park Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37335/24]
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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Limerick.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the NTA. 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.
90. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if ahead of the upcoming Budget, money will be allocated for noise mitigation/sound barriers to mitigate the impact of major motorway construction projects on local residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37337/24]
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 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.
Noise mitigation measures for new National Roads projects are funded through the overall allocation for the road project in question. As such, the need for a separate fund does not arise.
With regard to existing National Roads, the amended European Communities (Environmental Noise Regulations) 2018 (S.I. No. 549) deal with the requirements to prepare noise actions plans to be developed for the purpose of managing environmental noise issues and their effects, including noise reduction, if necessary.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the national authority for overseeing the implementation of these Regulations. Local authorities, in their role as designated Action Planning Authorities, are responsible for making and approving noise actions plans.
The finalised action plan is the responsibility of the respective local authority. While TII have a role in the preparation of noise maps, funding cannot be provided to TII from the Department as they have no role in the implementation of such plans under the Regulations. Therefore, all Environmental Noise related issues are a matter for each respective local authority.
91. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if funding can be allocated to Galway County Council to investigate the possibility of speed control, speed reduction and hard engineering works (similar to works on the N83 at Knockdoe, County Galway) to reduce the ongoing threat to users in the settlement centre of Rosscahill (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37352/24]
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.
92. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of reports received by Bus Éireann regarding driver safety and working conditions in Cork, in each of the past 12 months respectively, by reason for complaint, in tabular form. [37387/24]
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.
93. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of times drivers have submitted complaints regarding the condition of the buses for the direct award urban contracts in Cork, in each of the past 12 months, in tabular form. [37388/24]
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 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 this case Bus Éireann.
In light of Bus Eireann’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
94. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that nearly 5,000 people did not turn up for their driving test to date in 2024; if this is a record number; and if he intends continues to permit the Road Safety Authority to renew learner permits for people who did not show for their test. [37494/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that changes to the online booking system for appointments has significantly reduced the percentage of appointments where candidates do not attend for their driving test. However, under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and, as the information requested is held by that agency, I have referred the question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days. However,
The Deputy may be interested to note that the RSA 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.
My Department and the Authority have agreed an approach to addressing the issue of ongoing renewal of learner permits without sitting a driving test. It is intended that there will be a requirement to take a driving test before renewing a second learner permit and that there will be a limit to the number of renewals that can be made before a learner must start the learner driver process again. The intention is to proceed with the planned approach when the driver testing backlog is resolved.
95. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the number of fatal road traffic collisions involving learner drivers each year from 2016 to date in 2024; the number of fatalities in each of the fatal crashes, by year; the number of fatal crashes involving an unaccompanied learner driver; the number of fatalities in each of those crashes; the number of learner drivers involved who had never sat a driving test; the timeframe for the Road Safety Authority to publish data on fatal and serious crashes involving learner drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37504/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the number of serious road traffic collisions involving learner drivers each year from 2016 to date in 2024; the number of people who suffered serious injuries in those crashes each year; the number of unaccompanied learner drivers involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37505/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 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 collision data from An Garda Síochána for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions.Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, 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.
97. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport for details of his agreed approach with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to prevent learner permit renewals without sitting a driving test, under action 27 of the Road Safety Strategy; the details of the RSA implementation plan; the proposed date to implement the plan in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37506/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the Road Safety Authority have agreed an approach to addressing the issue of ongoing renewal of learner permits without sitting a driving test. It is intended that there will be a requirement to take a driving test before renewing a second learner permit and that there will be a limit to the number of renewals that can be made before a learner must start the learner driver process again.
Discussions on the details of implementation are ongoing between the Department and the Authority and the RSA is working on an implementation plan. Phased implementation will be required, to provide for the development of IT systems, increased testing capacity and revision of driver training and the test curriculum. The intention is to proceed when the driver testing backlog is resolved.
98. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the proposals in place to update the N84 from Galway to Headford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37535/24]
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 regarding the N84. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
