Alan Kelly
Ceist:42. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the bilateral meetings he had during his recent visit to New York for the UN General Assembly. [40134/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficial Engagements
Ceisteanna (42)
Freagraí scríofa
I attended the United Nations General Assembly week in New York from Saturday 21 September to Friday 27 September this year. As part of a programme of conferences and meetings on climate change, climate action and adaptation, I engaged in a number of bilateral meetings with Ministers from other countries, the COP President and leaders of international organisations, which are detailed below.
Sunday 22 September
Bilateral meeting with COP29 President, Mr. Mukhtar Babayev.
Monday 23 September
Bilateral meeting with Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organisation, Ms. Celeste Saulo.
Tuesday 24 September
Bilateral meeting with Minister of Health, Wellness & The Environment, Minister of Health, Wellness & The Environment, Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph,
Bilateral meeting with the Special Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, Ms Rabab Fatima.
Wednesday 25 September
Bilateral meeting with COP28 President, Dr. Sultan Al Jabar.
Thursday 25 September
Bilateral Meeting with Republic of Colombia Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Ms. María Susana Muhamad González.
Friday 30 September
Bilateral meeting with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary, Mr. Simon Stiell.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (43)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:43. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the amount expended by his Department on consultancies in 2023 and to date in 2024; the company engaged; and the nature of the work conducted by the consultancy on his Department’s behalf, in tabular form. [40212/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is currently being compiled by my Department, and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
Please see attached, as requested the composite list of consultancies across the Department for 2023 and to date in 2024.
Waterways Issues
Ceisteanna (44)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which ongoing restocking of lakes, rivers and waterways throughout the country takes place on a regular basis; the species involved; the extent to which efforts are made to ensure that such waterways are free from pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40298/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issues raised by the Deputy regarding the ongoing restocking of lakes, rivers and waterways throughout the country is an operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I, nor my Department have any function.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.
Water quality matters come within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (45)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:45. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the safety and well-being of Defence Forces personnel in Lebanon given the ongoing situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40302/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset I want to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to support all of the Defence Force personnel who are serving in Lebanon during these very volatile times.
The situation in Lebanon is still tense and unpredictable. I too am deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon and the launch of Israeli ground incursions. I am particularly concerned with the breaches of the Blue Line by Israel in a number of locations, one which is close to where we have Irish personnel in an outpost known as 2-45.
All our troops remain well, despite the circumstances and I want to assure you that the safety and security of our personnel is of the utmost priority for both me and for Government.
I will continue to monitor the situation closely, along with our partners in the UN and the wider international community. I am in regular contact with the UN and with the Chief of Staff. The Department of Defence is also regularly kept apprised of all developments in the area on an ongoing basis.
All Defence Forces’ personnel continue to maintain an elevated level of vigilance and monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas. They are complying with UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as and when appropriate.
There is no doubt that our troops are operating in a particularly challenging environment, but there are robust force protection measures in place to support the safety and security of all personnel, and these measures are continually reviewed and enhanced to address any emerging threats.
It is important to remember also that all our people are highly trained, well equipped, professional, and have undergone rigorous preparation to effectively manage the challenges that come with peacekeeping in this volatile region.
Contrary to some media reports I can confirm that there is sufficient food and water in Camp Shamrock and in the Irish outpost, 2-45. There are contingency supply chain arrangements in place to continue to re-supply all of the UNIFIL mission.
Personnel in Camp Shamrock and in 2-45 are able to contact home and are encouraged to do so. In addition the Defence Forces have been in contact with families of personnel over the last few days to reassure them that the soldiers are well and in good spirits despite the difficult circumstances they are operating in. Further supports are in place for the families and for the soldiers serving in Lebanon, there is support available through the Defence Forces Personnel Services.
The families of all our soldiers and the Irish people can be rightly proud of the outstanding commitment and performance of our troops in South Lebanon. Their courage, dedication and their strength inspires us all.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (46)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:46. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service personnel, by rank that are needed to fully crew both LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait. [39692/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Awaiting reply from Department.
Official Travel
Ceisteanna (47)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:47. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the up-to-date position regarding the replacement of the Government jet. [39693/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Awaiting reply from Department.
Illegal Dumping
Ceisteanna (48)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:48. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount that was spent on clearing up waste from illegal dumping on the Curragh plains in each of the years 2016 to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39750/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy could not be compiled in the time frame provided. My officials are currently collating the relevant information and a response to the Deputy will be provided in the near future.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51:
I refer to the above mentioned Parliamentary Question from 8th October 2024 which was deferred: “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount that was spent on clearing up waste from illegal dumping on the Curragh plains in each of the years 2016 to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
While it was not possible to provide the requested information to you within the given timeframe, I am now in a position to provide information on this matter.
Illegal dumping and fly-tipping on the Curragh Plains has quite often resulted in significant expenses for the Department of Defence. The table shown below indicates the amount spent on illegal dumping and other related matters since 2016.
In earlier years waste contractors also carried out other works of necessary maintenance on the Plains such as remedial work following storms, cutting of trees, harrowing cut-up ground and repairing of sheep pens. Those services are now generally contracted to individual contractors with a separate main contract is for waste collection and disposal only.
In the last several years, costs have been very high owing to a preponderance of illegal encampments on the Curragh. While it has been necessary to remedy issues of occasional fly-tipping, the majority of services rendered related to the aftermath of illegal encampments which can include large amounts of human and household waste and landscaping or garden waste. This waste is harmful to livestock legitimately grazing on the Curragh and also affects recreational users of the Curragh Plains.
Naturally, the Department of Defence does not condone nor permit any of this illegal activity and has always engaged with An Garda Síochána and the local authority (Kildare County Council) in an effort to eliminate any such anti-social behaviour.
Maintenance and Waste Removal Costs of Illegally dumped items from Curragh Plains 2016 to October 2024:
|
Year |
Cost including VAT € |
Notes |
|
2016 |
237,226.12 |
These costs include Waste collection |
|
2017 |
231,911.79 |
from the Curragh and Disposal to a |
|
2018 |
214,706.57 |
licensed Waste Management Facility |
|
2019 |
180,277.05 |
plus miscellaneous Maintenance Eg |
|
2020 |
77,270.80 |
Harrowing ground, tree cutting etc, |
|
2021 |
58,279.61 |
when required. |
|
2022 |
159,336.25 |
|
|
2023 |
125,305.14 |
|
|
2024 |
185,944.94 |
To 10 October 2024 |
I trust this is of assistance to you.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (49)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:49. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the steps that can be taken for members of the Defence Forces in Lebanon (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40085/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset I want to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to support all of the Defence Force personnel who are serving in Lebanon during these very volatile times.
The situation in Lebanon is still tense and unpredictable. I too am deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon and the launch of Israeli ground incursions. Israel has in the past week breached the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon in a number of locations including one close to an Irish outpost, 2-45.
Our troops are well despite the challenging circumstances, and I want to assure you that the safety and security of our personnel is of the utmost priority for both me and for Government.
I will continue to monitor the situation closely, along with our partners in the UN and the wider international community. I am in regular contact with the UN and with the Chief of Staff. The Department of Defence is also regularly kept apprised of all developments in the area on an ongoing basis.
All Defence Forces’ personnel continue to maintain an elevated level of vigilance and monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas. They are complying with UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as and when appropriate.
There is no doubt that our troops are operating in a particularly challenging environment, but there are robust force protection measures in place to support the safety and security of all personnel, and these measures are continually reviewed and enhanced to address any emerging threats.
It is important to remember also that all our people are highly trained, well equipped, professional, and have undergone rigorous preparation to effectively manage the challenges that come with peacekeeping in this volatile region.
Contrary to some media reports I can confirm that there are sufficient food and water in Camp Shamrock. There are contingency supply chain arrangements in place to continue to re-supply all of the UNIFIL mission.
Personnel in Camp Shamrock and in 2-45 are able to contact home and are encouraged to do so. In addition the Defence Forces have been in contact with families of personnel over the last few days to reassure them that the soldiers are well and in good spirits despite the difficult circumstances they are operating in.
Further support for families is available through the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service, which can be contacted at pss@defenceforces.ie and through Unit Liaison Officers which can be contacted through their local Barracks.
The families of all our soldiers and the Irish people can be rightly proud of the outstanding commitment and performance of our troops in South Lebanon. Their courage, dedication and their strength inspires us all.
For personnel serving in Lebanon there is support available through the Defence Forces Personnel Services.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (50)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:50. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the last time the stables at Defence Forces School of Equitation were refurbished. [40122/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the following works were carried out at the Equitation School and Stables at McKee Barracks in recent years:
|
Year |
Project |
Cost incl. VAT (including design team) |
|
2018 |
Refurbishment of Stable Block (Phase 2) |
€754,411.76 |
|
2017 |
Re-roofing Stables (Phase 1) |
€562,833.45 |
|
2017 |
Equitation School re-surfacing |
€427,958.80 |
The Deputy may also wish to note that my Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This year the devolved budget of €11 million was assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (51)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:51. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are plans to replace the LÉ Róisín during 2025. [40123/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The service life of an Irish Naval Service ship is determined by the level of operational activity. It is normal practice in a ship’s life to carry out a Mid-Life Extension Programme so as to extend the useful life of a ship to thirty or more years. This programme is underway in respect of the P50 class vessels in service, LÉ Niamh and LÉ Róisín. Work on LÉ Niamh is ongoing and is scheduled to be substantially completed later this year. The refit programme for LÉ Róisín, which has been in service since 1999, has been completed and that vessel is currently in operational reserve. The Mid Life Extension Programme will see their service life extended to at least 2029 (LÉ Róisín) and 2031 (LÉ Niamh) based on a life extension to thirty years.
There are no plans to replace LÉ Róisín during 2025.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (52)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:52. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will implement the working time directive in respect to the Defence Forces; if he will improve the post-2013 pension arrangements; if he will enhance supports for instructors to drive recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40200/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy, pension arrangements are a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, not for individual departments.
Regarding instructors, I am currently reviewing the number of instructors and also considering incentivising measures for qualified Officer instructors who upskill to meet modern training standards.
In terms of the working time directive in respect to the Defence Forces, earlier this year, I approved a management position on the implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces, including protections for military activities, deemed outside the scope of the Directive, due to their nature.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are working to develop the appropriate legislative mechanism to bring the Defence Forces within the scope of the Act as soon as possible, and are also engaging with the Office of the Attorney General on this matter.
This is a priority for Government.
A decision has been made by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to amend primary legislation by way of Regulations under the European Communities Act 1972 and I would hope that a Statutory Instrument can be finalised by the end of the year to remove the blanket exclusion of the Defence Forces from the Working Time Directive.
As I have previously stated, this piece of work is hugely important for each member of our Defence Forces. The implementation of the Working Time Directive is correctly seen as an important retention measure, and will ensure that health and safety protections, as prescribed in the Directive, are afforded to serving personnel.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (53)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:53. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a breakdown of the amount expended by his Department on consultancies in 2023 and to date in 2024; the company engaged; and the nature of the work conducted by the consultancy on his Department’s behalf, in tabular form. [40209/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The table below provides details of consultancy services engaged by my Department in 2023 and 2024 to date; the reason for each consultancy, the name of the provider of the consultancy service and the cost incurred.
|
Year |
Company |
Nature of work carried out |
Cost (€) |
|
2024 |
SEA TRAINING INTERNATIONAL LTD |
Review of Civil Defence Ireland Boat Operations |
€29,546 |
|
2024 |
CROWE ADVISORY IRELAND LTD |
Review of the Civil Defence College Structure and Operations |
€30,668 |
|
2024 |
WORKWEAR SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL LTD |
Independent Garment/Textile Consultancy Services to Assist Civil Defence in the Procurement of Workwear |
€22,254 |
|
2024 |
DERILINX |
Data Governance |
€0 |
|
2024 |
QUADRA CONSULTANCY |
• Carry out online Video Ergonomic assessments for all new staff when the join the Department. • Carry out Health and Safety Risk assessments on all our buildings |
€5,166 |
|
2024 |
MAGNUM OPUS |
Specialist IT Consultant |
€80,368 |
|
2024 |
SINEAD GAYNOR TRAINING |
Information Management Training |
€7,200 |
|
2024 |
REIDY BROPHY |
Crisis Management Training |
€3,000 |
|
2024 |
TOBIN |
Planning Advice Consultancy |
€72,852 |
|
2024 |
ARUP |
Consultancy fees for Cathal Brugha Barrack Feasibility Project |
€7,011 |
|
2024 |
EGIS |
Consultancy for Airside Master Plan |
€261,675 |
|
2024 |
GRANT THORNTON |
Review of the medical services provided to the Defence Forces |
€206,886 |
|
2023 |
MARMAN & ASSOCAITES LTD |
Watercraft Safety Consultancy in relation to Passenger Boat Licences for Civil Defence Units in various Local Authorities across the country. |
€5,040 |
|
2023 |
WORKWEAR SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL LTD |
Independent Garment/Textile Consultancy Services to Assist Civil Defence in the Procurement of Workwear |
€98,854 |
|
2023 |
SEA TRAINING INTERNATIONAL LTD |
Review of Civil Defence Ireland Boat Operations |
€10,109 |
|
2023 |
ERNST & YOUNG |
Consultancy support for development of Detailed Implementation Plan for the CoDF |
€85,485 |
|
2023 |
ERNST & YOUNG |
Consultancy support for development of Detailed Implementation Plan for the CoDF |
€90,503 |
|
2023 |
QUADRA CONSULTANCY |
• Carry out online Video Ergonomic assessments for all new staff when the join the Department. • Carry out Health and Safety Risk assessments on all our buildings |
€7,749 |
|
2023 |
CARBON CARE LTD |
Solar PV Feasibility Study |
€5,830 |
|
2023 |
MAGNUM OPUS |
Specialist IT Consultant |
€106,210 |
|
2023 |
CARR COMMUNICATIONS |
Media Training |
€13,750 |
|
2023 |
SINEAD GAYNOR TRAINING |
Information Management Training |
€11,450 |
|
2023 |
REIDY BROPHY |
Crisis Management Training |
€4,705 |
|
2023 |
TOBIN |
Planning Advice Consultancy |
€67,140 |
|
2023 |
ARUP |
Consultancy fees for Cathal Brugha Barrack Feasibility Project |
€289,339 |
|
2023 |
CPL SOLUTIONS LTD |
Validation and Opportunities Report: Irish Naval Services |
€25,276 |
|
2023 |
TOBIN |
Planning Advice Consultancy |
€67,140 |
Coast Guard Service
Ceisteanna (54)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:54. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if she will provide an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40301/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Coast Guard, a Division within the Department of Transport, has 44 Volunteer Units based around the coast of Ireland. The Coast Guard building programme, which includes the provision of new or upgraded facilities for volunteers, is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of the Department of Transport.
The OPW provides advice and assistance on the design of projects, site feasibility studies, acquisition of sites, planning and detail design, contractor procurement and manages the delivery in line with the requirements of the Department of Transport and Coast Guard Service.
The new Coast Guard Station in Westport includes construction of a two storey accommodation block and a single storey boathouse and vehicle store. Proposed external finishes comprise Irish stone cladding, smooth render, sedum blanket roofing, asphalt roofing and metal framed windows. The development will also include a new access road to the north west of the site and a new vehicular access point to the north east corner of the site, three number flag poles, one number radio aerial mast and entrance signage, provision of 12 no. car parking spaces on hard landscaping and associated site works and planting.
The Contract for works was placed with MVS Construction Ltd. on 29 January 2024. The Contract price was €4,691,817.66 ex. VAT. The total project cost including all fees, % for Art and VAT is expected to be €6.879m.
The project is expected to be completed in September 2025.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (55)
James O'Connor
Ceist:55. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the total funding allocated to all road infrastructure and maintenance since 2020; and the breakdown of funding for roads, by local authority, since 2020, in tabular form. [39628/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Full details of national roads allocations for 2024 are available on the TII website: www.tii.ie/media/vllac0mr/tii_local-authorities_2024-grant-allocations_final.pdf
National roads allocations for previous years are available at: www.tii.ie/en/tii-library/reports-accounts/
In relation to Regional and Local Roads, within the budget available to the Department, State grant funding is allocated on as fair and equitable a basis as possible to ensure that all local authorities are in receipt of funds to maintain the network. The allocation of the three biggest exchequer grant types (restoration maintenance, restoration improvement, and discretionary grants) are based on the length of regional and local roads within a local authority’s area, with additional weighting based on contributing traffic factors in specific areas.
As regards the funding provided for regional and local roads since June 2020, a detailed breakdown of funding for each local authority per grant type (of which there are currently 17 types) is outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
Renewable Energy Generation
Ceisteanna (56)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:56. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 19 September 2024, the criteria to be used by the European Investment Bank (EIB) in the assessing of the ports identified to them; if a geographical balance has been achieved with the five ports identified, given that his Department has asked the EIB to ‘assess capacity, demand and financing strategies required for the development of offshore renewable energy’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39633/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, in March of this year my Department signed an advisory agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The assignment will assess capacity, demand and financing strategies required for the development of offshore renewable energy (ORE) port infrastructure, which is crucial for the deployment, construction, and long-term operation and maintenance of offshore wind projects in Irish waters.
Ireland aims to achieve 80% of its electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030, with 5 gigawatts attributable to offshore wind, and this advisory assignment represents a crucial step towards facilitating these targets. Currently, no Irish ports have developed the appropriate port infrastructure to facilitate the construction of the forthcoming ORE projects. The Government is cognisant of the important role Irish ports will play in enabling the delivery of its climate targets, through the facilitation of the deployment, construction and long-term operation of offshore wind projects and it is for this reason my Department signed the advisory agreement with the EIB.
The selection of the five ports for inclusion in the Advisory work was entirely the responsibility of the EIB, and my Department had no role in the selection process. However, the ports selected for the case studies are intended to be representative of the varying characteristics and ownership structures of ports in Ireland. The geographical location of these ports was also a consideration in their selection. It is important to note however, those considered for the assignment all had project proposals for the large scale infrastructure development in their ports to allow for the deployment of ORE projects in Irish waters.
Due to commercial sensitivities, the identity of these five individual ports will not be publicised by my Department or the EIB. However, as per the advisory agreement, the Department will receive an overarching report detailing key takeaways from the bilateral analyses, without identifying information about each of the ports.
The advisory assignment will be critical in developing the evidence base for my Department with regard to potential demand and capacity of the ORE market and the financial viability of ORE port infrastructure projects.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (57)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:57. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a licence can be exchanged (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39636/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service, which handles all driving licence enquiries. My Department does not have access to individual driving licence applications and may not intervene in the licence application process.
I have referred this matter 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.
I would note that Ireland has Driving Licence Exchange agreements with most Canadian provinces. These agreements facilitate exchanges for licence holders but only when the agreed conditions are met.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (58)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:58. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of reports in relation to consistent issues of overcrowding with the 15B bus; if he will improve this bus service, making it more frequent and reliable for commuters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39641/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (59)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:59. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase funding for the National Transport Authority and Bus Éireann to enable them to increase the capacity of overprescribed bus routes such as the 109x Dublin to Cavan bus route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39643/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Under Budget 2024, a funding package of c. €613.463m was secured for PSO and Local Link services. This included funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services, and the 90-minute fare until the end of the year. Funding was also secured to support new and enhanced bus and rail services. More recently, under Budget 2025 funding has been secured to support fare initiatives and for the continued roll-out of new services next year, including the continuation of the BusConnects and Connecting Ireland programmes, the planned introduction of further new town services.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (60, 62)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:60. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of signalling faults recorded at Connolly Station in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [39699/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Murphy
Ceist:62. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by Irish Rail in respect of signalling and associated supporting IT systems at Connolly Station in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [39701/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 62 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, and corporate governance of transport operators including Irish Rail.The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to signalling and supporting IT systems 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (61)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:61. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV charger points at each Irish Rail car park as of 30 September 2024. [39700/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, and corporate governance of transport operators including Irish Rail.The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to electric vehicle charger points in Irish Rail car parks 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 60.
Córas Iompair Éireann
Ceisteanna (63, 64)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:63. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of emails he and his secretary general have received 2 September 2024 from active members of the CIÉ 1951 pension scheme, expressing their total opposition to any new statutory instrument that would change and reduce their pension benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39731/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDarren O'Rourke
Ceist:64. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the reason he and or his Secretary General failed to respond to emails from the membership of the CIÉ 1951 pension scheme with a unique Department of Transport reference number, same sent since 2 September 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39732/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 64 together.
I can confirm that I received 663 correspondences from members of the CIÉ 1951 Pension Scheme between the 2nd of September 2024 and the 7th of October 2024. The Secretary General of the Department of Transport has been copied on 537 of those correspondences. This large volume of correspondence in relation to the Scheme is currently being considered by my Department.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 63.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (65)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:65. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the proposed connecting Ireland route (details supplied); the actions he will take to ensure this is prioritised for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39753/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of new services, including in County Wicklow, 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 (66)
Chris Andrews
Ceist:66. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if grants are available for approved housing bodies that wish to install electric charging points on their grounds for their tenants. [39756/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated office which oversees and accelerates Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2024 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
Available grants, administered by SEAI and funded by ZEVI, include the Home Charger Grant Scheme – up to €300 – for homeowners, and the Apartment Charger Grant which assists residents and owners of apartments and multi-unit developments install an EV charger.
Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) are eligible to apply for the apartment scheme with access of up to 90% funding.
If the residences within an AHB location meet the terms and conditions of the home charger grant scheme, they are also eligible to apply. This includes if the AHB has received funding through apartment scheme for infrastructure.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (67)
John Brady
Ceist:67. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons with vehicles from Ukraine that have had their driving licences exchanged from Ukrainian to Irish licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39762/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
European Union Regulation (EU) 2022/1280, which came into force on 27 July 2022, allows Ukrainians residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive to drive here on their current national driving licences.
Prior to the introduction of Regulation 2022/1280, between 22 April and 27 July 2022 Ukrainians admitted here under temporary protection could exchange their Ukrainian driving licences for an Irish licence (car only) for a period of 12 months. This exchange was provided under the Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences) (Ukraine) Order 2022.
There is no requirement to link exchanged driving licences to vehicles. Therefore, details of vehicles owned or driven by those individuals were not captured during the licence exchange process.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (68)
David Stanton
Ceist:68. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his plans to electrify any of the rail systems in the State; how soon he expects such systems to be approved and in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39770/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the DART system is currently the only electrified part of the Irish rail network. The DART+ programme will modernise and improve existing rail services in the Greater Dublin Area, tripling the electrified network from circa 50km to 150km when complete.
The Preliminary Business Case for the DART+ programme was approved by Cabinet at Decision Gate 1 in December 2021, along with the purchase of additional DART fleet at Decision Gate 3. The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which are comprised of battery-electric units and electric units, are due to start arriving later this year and are expected to enter service in 2026. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of DART fleet under the framework agreement with Alstom, which should see 90 new battery-electric carriages arrive in 2026.
The infrastructure components of DART+ are at various stages of the planning process. Planning approval for DART+ West was granted by An Bord Pleanála in July 2024, subject to certain conditions, notably that the proposed depot west of Maynooth not be constructed due to concerns about flood risk. Railway Orders for DART+ South-West and DART+ Coastal North were submitted to An Bord Pleanála in March 2023 and July 2024 respectively.
The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which will provide the largest investment in the Cork rail network in the history of the state, will be delivered on a phased basis. Phase 1 of the Programme, ‘Enable future electrification of Cork Commuter Rail’, was included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan as submitted to the European Commission in 2021. All works associated with Phase 1, which includes the construction of a new platform at Kent Station, a signalling and communications upgrade and double-tracking between Glounthaune to Midleton. Phase 1 works are scheduled to be completed by Quarter 3 2026 as required by the European Commission.
In May 2024, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract to TYPSA and Roughan O’Donovan, appointing them as multidisciplinary consultants for the design of Phase 2 of the Programme, which includes potential electrification of the network. Subject to securing funding and achieving the relevant approvals, Phase 2 of the Programme will progress after Phase 1 works have been completed.
As the Deputy may also be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review 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. The Review’s Final Report was published on the 31st of July 2024.
The Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions.
The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes. The Review notes that overhead line electrification is considered the leading option for decarbonising intercity routes, while alternatives, such as battery electric trains or hydrogen, could be considered on rural or regional lines.
It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the Review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.
Assisted by the EIB Advisory Services, my Department and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations for the years ahead. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade and the development of an All-Island Decarbonisation Strategy. Decisions on publication timing of this work have not yet been made. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (69)
David Stanton
Ceist:69. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Topical Issue No. 2 of 10 July 2024, the action, if any, he has taken on the proposal to carry out a feasibility study on a suggested rapid bus transit system between Midleton and Youghal in east Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39772/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of new services, including in County Cork, 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.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (70)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:70. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to an issue (details supplied) regarding insurance premiums for electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39800/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to supporting the move to low-emission vehicles. Over €115m has been allocated in 2024 to ensure the continued transition to EVs which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s desire to make electric vehicles accessible to all.Electric vehicle policy is kept under continuous review with a view to making low-emission vehicles affordable.
Motor insurance and policies are a matter for the companies concerned, rather than the Department of Transport.The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) advise on types of motor insurance and questions for insurers. As per CCPC website, it is also possible, following unsatisfactory complaint response from insurance company, to contact the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.Central Bank of Ireland can also be of assistance as the Insurance Supervision Directorate is responsible for the prudential supervision of insurance and reinsurance undertakings authorised in Ireland.