Réada Cronin
Ceist:17. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies, by rank in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45600/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces
Ceisteanna (17)
Freagraí scríofa
The military authorities have advised that as at 30 September 2024, the latest date for which such data is available, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,477 personnel. The requested information concerning the number of vacancies by rank is provided in the attached table.
I have acknowledged in the past the recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces. To address these I have introduced a number of measures. These include an increase in recruitment age to 39 years for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 years for Direct Entry Specialists. The mandatory retirement age has been increased to 62. Private secondary healthcare has been extended to all PDF members. The Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea has been doubled after ten days at sea in a calendar year and the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years. There has also been significant progress on pay in recent years.
On my instruction, the military authorities increased their recruitment targets beyond those originally projected for 2024, and as of 30 September 2024, 494 personnel have been inducted. This represents a significant increase on the total number of inductions for last year while the latest advice from the military authorities indicates that there will be in the region of 250 further inductions in 2024. There have been 443 discharges as of 31 August, 35 fewer than at the same time last year.
Interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to rise as evidenced by the total of 10,387 applications received across all competitions as of 30 September. This is more than the total number received for all of 2023.
Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million. In relation to specific recruitment targets, this allocation provides for the recruitment of at least a net additional 400 personnel per annum.
Whilst there are still undoubtedly challenges, significant progress has been made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector is illustrative of my intent in this regard.
|
Strength vs Establishment by Rank (30 September 2024) * Rank |
Strength in Excess of Establishment |
Strength Under Establishment (Vacancies) |
|
Lt Gen |
At Establishment Strength |
- |
|
Maj Gen |
At Establishment Strength |
- |
|
Brig Gen |
+1 |
- |
|
Col |
+1 |
- |
|
Lt Col |
- |
-14 |
|
Comdt |
At Establishment Strength |
- |
|
Capt |
- |
-103 |
|
Lt |
+67 |
|
|
Sgt Maj |
|
-7 |
|
BQMS |
|
-3 |
|
CS |
|
-40 |
|
CQMS |
|
-32 |
|
Sgt |
|
-465 |
|
Cpl |
|
-539 |
|
Private |
|
-1,045 |
|
Cadet |
+56 |
*Latest date such figures are available for. |
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (18)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:18. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport whether arrangements could be made for the Naas-Blanchardstown bus service to extend to facilitating day patients at Blanchardstown Hospital by way of bus stops in or near campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46020/24]
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.
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.
Air Services
Ceisteanna (19)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:19. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has assessed whether travel arrangements to major sporting events can be protected within the context of a cap on Dublin Airport flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45434/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, it is a longstanding objective in Ireland’s National Aviation Policy to develop Dublin Airport as a secondary hub airport with the necessary capacity to connect key existing and emerging global markets.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has the responsibility for allocating slots to airlines at Dublin Airport under EU law. In taking into account the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, the IAA set a passenger seat limit at the airport for the Winter 2024 season and for the Summer 2025 season.
I am aware that on Monday, November 4th, the High Court granted a partial stay on the IAA’s Summer 2025 slot decision, pending the full judicial review proceedings. While this means that passenger seat capacity will not be reduced at Dublin Airport for the Summer 2025 season, the availability of slots for ad hoc flights, including charter flights for events such as sports, will still be limited at Dublin Airport over the Winter period.
In light of the current constraints at Dublin I have just concluded an extensive round of negotiations with key stakeholders as part of a process to understand the concerns of all involved .My objective is to ensure that connectivity to and from Ireland can continue to grow and that the impact of the constraints at Dublin Airport can be mitigated where possible. It is important to note that there are no capacity constraints at Ireland’s other State Airports, Shannon, and Cork and those organising charter flights are encouraged to explore these options as an alternative to Dublin Airport while capacity at Dublin is constrained for the Winter 2024 season.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (20)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:20. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on the increase in the sale of diesel-powered cars; the policies the Government will pursue to reduce the number of diesel-powered cars on the road in order to achieve its emission reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45506/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Climate Action Plan sets out a decarbonisation pathway to achieve a 50% reduction in transport emissions by 2030, in a manner that is consistent with our sectoral emissions ceiling. Ireland has ambitious targets under the Climate Action Plan to shift 30% of the private vehicle fleet to electric, reduce the total vehicle kilometres travelled (from all vehicle types including diesel vehicles) by 20%, and reduce daily car journeys by 25% by 2030 under the Avoid-Shift-Improve Framework. The Government’s approach to reducing the number of diesel-powered cars will also be assisted through actions to provide sustainable travel alternatives to car journeys more generally under the National Sustainable Mobility Policy.
However, the most distinct support for reducing diesel vehicles in the fleet over time will be through electrification. Almost €116m has been made available in 2024 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles. This figure includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This level of funding underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all. As of the end of September 2024, there were 142,545 electric vehicles on Irish roads.
Existing financial supports, including Government grants and tax relief measures, available for consumers to transition to electric vehicles include:
• a purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
• a Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €300;
• VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of battery electric vehicles;
• BIK relief for employees driving commercial battery electric vehicles;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV;
• ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
• low rate of annual motor tax.
• As part of the Budget 2025, several extended and new taxation measures to support the transition to zero and low emission vehicles were announced including:
• extension of Benefit in Kind (BIK) relief on company vehicles;
• BIK exemption for provision of EV chargers at the home of an employee; and
• reduced VRT rate of €200 for electric commercial vehicles (from 2025).
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (21)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:21. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of kilometres of new rail track laid since 2020; the funding provided by his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45523/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including track relaying, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
The Infrastructure Managers Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides a multi-annual investment programme to protect our national railway system by funding maintenance and safety projects needed to maintain safety and services levels in railway operations. Approximately €1.3bn in Exchequer funding has been provided towards the protection and renewal of the national rail network through the IMMAC which runs from 2020 to 2024.
Funding has been provided to progress a number of rail projects across the network including the Foynes Line Rehabilitation Project and the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.
The Foynes Line Reinstatement Project encompasses necessary rehabilitation works on 42km of the currently disused, Limerick to Foynes railway line, to safely reinstate the line for operational rail freight transport. Construction for this project is underway and it is anticipated the line will reopen to freight traffic in 2026.
The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme will see circa €164m of EU funds invested in Cork’s rail infrastructure, which will facilitate the longer-term electrification of the network through construction of a new ‘through’ platform at Kent Station, re-signalling of the network, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. These works are on schedule to be completed in 2026.
In addition to these projects, funding has also been provided to advance the elements of the DART+ Programme through the planning and approvals process.
In this regard a Railway Order application for DART+ West, which provides for an extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth, was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022. A Railway Order 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. Iarnród Éireann are currently exploring other options for the construction of a depot in collaboration with the NTA to progress the project into the procurement process. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are also considering responses to legal challenges to the projects planning decision.
Railway Orders have also been submitted for DART+ South-West in March 2023 and for DART+ Coastal North in July 2024.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter I am referring your letter for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (22, 26, 37, 38, 39)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:22. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times for driving tests in Galway and nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45543/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRéada Cronin
Ceist:26. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons awaiting a driver test for zero to six, six to nine, nine to twelve and more than twelve months, respectively, in each testing centre nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45596/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Seán Crowe
Ceist:37. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the total service volume of the driving test centres, by centre, in tabular form. [45762/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:38. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the number of people waiting on driving tests in all driving test centres, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45978/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPearse Doherty
Ceist:39. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting on driving tests in all driving test centres, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45989/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 26, 37, 38 and 39 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten days.
Pending a response, the Deputy may wish to note that the RSA 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.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (23)
Réada Cronin
Ceist:23. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the second bridge and southern relief route for Newbridge, County Kildare; the recent progress; his plans to bring the project to fruition; the target date for opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45579/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed 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.
Kildare County Council submitted a preliminary appraisal application in late 2023 with an approximate cost estimate of €12.5m. It was noted to the Council that the project would require a business case to be developed in order for the Council to substantiate the need for the scheme that addresses the transport issues or opportunities and provides value for money. The Department understands that the Council are currently investigating the preparation of a business case for the remaining section of the Newbridge Southern Outer Orbital Route.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (24)
Réada Cronin
Ceist:24. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport regarding the train stations in County Kildare, if they have a shelter; if they have an enclosed waiting room; if they have a lift or disability access; if they have toilet facilities; if these facilities are open for use; the number of working parking spaces available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45586/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, facilities in train stations in County Kildare.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question 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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (25)
Réada Cronin
Ceist:25. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reopen the Curragh train station on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45587/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the reopening of any train stations.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question 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.
Question No. 26 answered with Question No. 22.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (27)
Réada Cronin
Ceist:27. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made in relation to DART+; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45597/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
The Preliminary Business Case for the whole DART+ programme was approved by Cabinet at Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code in December 2021. The Decision also permitted the purchase of additional DART fleet. The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromises 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started to arrive for testing prior to entry into service in 2026. The battery-electric carriages are planned to enter service on the northern line to Drogheda. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement with Alstom, which will see 90 new battery-electric carriages arrive around 2026.
A Railway Order application for DART+ West, which provides for an extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth, was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022. A Railway Order 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. Iarnród Éireann are currently exploring other options for the construction of a depot in collaboration with the NTA to progress the project into the procurement process. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are also considering responses to legal challenges to the projects planning decision.
A Railway Order application for DART+ South-West was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in March 2023. This commenced the formal planning process for the Kildare line.
A Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North was lodged in July 2024. The project will significantly increase the peak hourly capacity and frequency on the Northern route between Dublin city and Malahide, Howth and Drogheda, with the section between Malahide and Drogheda (as part of the service between Dublin city and Drogheda) increasing in capacity from circa 4,800 to 8,800 passengers at peak hour/direction upon project completion.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question 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.
Coast Guard Service
Ceisteanna (28)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:28. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date regarding the development of a permanent Irish Coastguard base in west Connemara, County Galway, particularly the progress made with site selection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45624/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Transport oversees the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) building programme, which ensures that Coast Guard stations along the coast are fit for purpose. This programme is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), covering planning, design, construction, and ongoing maintenance.
As previously communicated, the Cleggan Unit is a priority within the IRCG Building Programme. Currently, a review of the initial feasibility study is underway. In this process, the OPW has identified an alternative, less restrictive location within the proposed Airstrip site that may be suitable for the Coast Guard Station. Discussions with the landowner regarding the acquisition of this alternative site have recommenced.
Additionally, the Cleggan building project is part of a larger project pipeline that involves ongoing high-level collaboration between my department and the OPW. This collaboration aims to continue building on the significant progress achieved to date and to ensure a strategic approach to the advancement of the Building Programme.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (29)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:29. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of new train drivers recruited by Irish Rail in 2023 and to date in 2024; and the number of train drivers that left Irish Rail during the same period, in tabular form. [45639/24]
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 issues raised by the Deputy are a matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions 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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (30)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:30. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 51 of 17 October 2024, the total funding allocated specifically to Local Link in 2024, in tabular form. [45688/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is strongly committed to improving public transport services in rural areas and to piloting new transport initiatives for people of all ages and abilities living there.
The key objectives for Local Link include continuing to address rural social exclusion and the integration of Local Link with other public transport services. I am pleased to say that this Government has invested significantly in these services over its lifetime. There has been a substantial increase in funding allocated for Local Link services, going from €21m in 2019 to €57m this year, broken down as follows:
|
2024 |
|
|
€32m |
TFI Local Link Rural Regular services – funded under PSO |
|
€18.246m |
Local Link DRT services |
|
€1.25m |
Rural Transport Programme Capital (includes ticketing systems management) |
|
€4m |
Ukrainian Emergency Transport |
|
€1.88m |
EU Just Transition Fund |
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (31)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:31. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 51 of 17 October 2024, the total funding allocated specifically to Local Link in 2025, in tabular form. [45689/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is strongly committed to improving public transport services in rural areas and to piloting new transport initiatives for people of all ages and abilities living there.
My Department are supporting this by providing increased funding for enhancing TFI Local Link services, for both regular "timetabled" services, and "door-to-door" demand responsive services. There has been a substantial increase in funding allocated for Local Link services, going from €12 million in 2016 to €57m in 2024.
A total funding package of €652m has been provided for PSO and Local Link Services under Budget 2025 for public transport, including funds for the continued roll-out of new services next year under the Connecting Ireland programme, and the roll-out of new town services. The specific allocation for Local Link from this package will be finalised as part of the 2025 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) process. The 2025 REV will be published in the coming months.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (32)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:32. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the status of the N22 Macroom to Ballincollig project; if the new road will be prioritised as a project of regional importance; if the high road fatality figures on this road will be taken into consideration in the context of future planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45707/24]
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 operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (33)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:33. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the spend to date on BusConnects Cork. [45730/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects will be transformative for all five of our cities, including Cork. The third round of public consultation on the 11 sustainable transport corridors in Cork concluded last December. There was positive stakeholder engagement in relation to these proposals.
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 BusConnects Cork.
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 Services
Ceisteanna (34)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:34. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the solutions he has offered for the crisis in Cork’s bus network. [45731/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, despite Bus Éireann’s extensive efforts to address the challenge of driver recruitment, including holding 18 open days in Cork so far this year, there remains a shortage of drivers in the city. Further, congestion issues and driver compliance with parking and bus lane regulations also continue to negatively impact services in Cork.
In order to mitigate the impact on passengers, and to help improve punctuality and service delivery on the routes, Bus Éireann have implemented temporary revised timetables from 20th October 2024. As driver headcount increases, service frequency will return to current levels on the aforementioned routes as quickly as possible.
I can confirm that I have met with both Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority in recent weeks to discuss these issues, and my officials are in regular contact with both entities in relation to this matter. I also met Cork City Councillors and executives on the 21st of October to discuss the temporary timetable changes and other possible mitigation measures that could potentially help ease the congestion issues in Cork.
Full implementation of BusConnects Cork will deliver over 90kms of priority bus lanes which will significantly tackle the issue of congestion, however in the interim Bus Éireann will continue to take mitigation measures and engage with the relevant authorities to deliver a more reliable service to the people of Cork. Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy will deliver an accessible, integrated transport network that enables the sustainable growth of the Cork Metropolitan Area, both now and for the decades to come. We have already made good progress in delivering key projects within the transport strategy, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.
In addition to the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy recommends the rollout of BusConnects in Cork and the delivery of a light rail system in the city. Delivery of a proposed light rail system for Cork as in the Strategy will provide a high-capacity, high-frequency public transport link to support growth of population and provide access to employment, health and educational amenities. A public consultation on the proposed Cork Light Rail project will launch in the coming months.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (35)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:35. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers he believes will be needed in Cork in the next 12 months to run the bus service properly. [45732/24]
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, in this case Bus Éireann.
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 of their 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 their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA and Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (36)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:36. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints received by the NTA and Bus Éireann on Cork’s bus service. [45733/24]
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, in this case Bus Éireann.
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 of their 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 their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA and Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.