Written Answers Nos. 216-235
216. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport whether a safety audit has been conducted of the blanket lowering of speed limits across the country, given that lower speeds will in certain areas lead to more overtaking by frustrated drivers; and if an analysis has been conducted of how this measure will affect road safety. [3188/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s Government Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 has the aim of reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% by 2030. International research indicates that speed is a contributory factor in a third of fatal collisions, and that reducing speed significantly reduces road deaths.
Under the Phase 1 action plan for the Strategy , a working group of relevant stakeholders and subject matter experts was convened to review speed limits and to make recommendations to help set consistent and appropriate speed limits across the road network. The working group comprised the Department of Transport, Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the National Transport Authority (NTA), and the County and City Management Association (CCMA).
The Speed Limit Review was presented to Government and published in September 2023. The final report concluded that protecting vulnerable road users must be a key focus when setting speed limits.
In April 2024, the Road Traffic Act 2024 was signed into law and included provisions to amend the default speed limits on rural, local roads, urban roads and national secondary roads. The structure of speed limit law in Ireland is that national legislation sets default speed limits for different classes of roads. Local Authorities may then make changes to the default by setting ‘special speed limits’ for given roads in their areas. Recent legislation establishes a safer baseline for speed limits on affected road classes but has not diminished the important devolved role for Local Authorities to vary speed limits under their jurisdiction, where this is appropriate. The Department of Transport issued new guidelines to Local Authorities in early 2024 to assist them with this process.
On Friday February 7th, the default speed limit on rural local roads will change from 80 kilometres per hour to 60 kilometres per hour. Some rural local roads will retain the 80km/h limit, where the Local Authority has set a ‘special speed limit’ different from the new default speed limit. This will have been carried out through the statutory consultation process, and in accordance with the Road Traffic Acts and the statutory ‘Guidelines for Managing and Setting Speed Limits in Ireland’. As set out in the ‘Guidelines’ – “The setting of speed limits is primarily driven by road safety, the need to reduce collisions and their severity and to gain consistency in the setting of suitable limits to ensure road speeds are appropriate to their environment”.
Countries across Europe including France and the UK have lowered speed limits on certain road types in recent years. Subsequent research has indicated that reducing speed limits contributed to a 10% reduction in road fatalities in France, and contributed to a reduction in insurance costs in the UK.
As with all speed limits, it is an offence to exceed the stated limit and enforcement is a matter for An Garda Síochána. The Department of Transport has been working with An Garda Síochána to ensure they are ready to implement the new limits.
217. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently outsources cleaning services and/or service officer/security officer roles to private companies; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3207/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra218. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently directly employs cleaners and/or service officers; if so, the number of staff employed in each role; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3225/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.
My Department directly employs 7 Service Officers across two locations, the main offices in Leeson Dublin has 5 and 2 are situated in the Department offices in Shannon.
The Department also has a number of services for cleaning and security services contracts across a number of its other locations and the information sought is provided below.
|
Contractors (Cleaners) |
Contract Expiry |
Amount Paid 2024 |
No. of Locations |
|
|
Allpro |
2025 |
€191,930.63 |
6 |
|
|
David Norman |
2025 |
€4,438.90 |
1 |
Blended working location. |
|
Daniel Healy |
2025 |
€38,438.00 |
1 |
Location is manned 24hrs and this contract is for 40hrs a week and includes more than cleaning. Services include cleaning, maintenance, high site remote checks and landscaping services. |
|
Shared Office |
Managed by RSA |
€13,161.03 |
Loughrea - 1 |
RSA manage this location where Dept. staff are based and DOT reimburses the RSA annually, pro rata(28.767%) for a range of service including cleaning, cleaning products, waste management etc. |
|
Contractor (Security) |
Contract Expiry |
Amount Paid 2024 |
No of Locations |
Service Provided |
|
Keyguard |
2026 |
€65,921.44 |
1 |
Opening, closing & Static Guard |
|
Keyguard |
2026 |
€1,291.50 |
3 |
Key-Holding & Alarm Activation Callouts |
|
Top Security |
€335.89 |
1 |
Alarm Activation call outs |
|
|
N/A |
€61.71 |
Loughrea |
Shared building managed by RSA, Dept pays pro rata. for Key Holding |
I have asked the Agencies under my aegis to provide the information directly to the Deputy. If you do not hear back from the Agencies within 10 working days please contact my office.
219. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport if he would consider allocating increased funding under the CIS scheme for rural roads, especially in local authorities with a substantial number of small public roads that rely on this funding to improve access for rural dwellers. [3234/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
In 2018, the Department introduced ring-fenced funding for Community Involvement Schemes (CIS). The purpose of the CIS is to facilitate local community participation in the repair of local roads. The focus of the programme is on the repair of more lightly trafficked public roads which might not be high on the list of a local authority's annual roadwork programme. Under the scheme a local community can contribute in money or in kind, for example by making labour or machinery available.
While community contributions in the range 15% to 30% had been required up to 2021, depending on the mix between works and monies, the contribution rate has now been reduced to a minimum of 10% for monetary contributions and 20% for works contribution. This is more in line with Local Improvement Scheme contribution rates.
In order to allow for sufficient planning and applications for this scheme, local authorities are invited to apply for funding for CIS projects for a two-year programme with the latest round of applications received in 2023 for the 2024/2025 period.
Grant allocations for 2024 were issued in February 2024 with €13m being made available to local authorities under the CIS grant.
The CIS is purely voluntary and does not take away from the statutory responsibilities of each road authority. It is intended to be an extra option, where suitable, for local authorities and communities to address issues on tertiary roads where needed.
It is important to reiterate that the annual programme of works is decided by the local authorities, and the Department has no role in this process.
Grant allocations for 2025 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
220. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport if he would consider ‘match funding’ the local improvement scheme road funding allocation for 2025 from the Department of Rural and Community Development, which has generously funded the schemes over the past five years, given the importance of his Department allocating specific funding for these schemes, which are over-subscribed in many local authority areas. [3235/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Government Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), allowing funding to be provided to local authorities for the construction and improvement of non-public roads which meet certain criteria. It is important to highlight that the maintenance of non-public roads is the responsibility of the relevant landowners; local authorities only have statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of public roads (in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993). Works on these public roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road Grants.
My department has not provided dedicated funding towards the LIS programme since 2012. Between 2013 to 2017, local authorities were permitted discretion to use a proportion of their Discretionary Road Grant for the LIS programme if they chose to do so. In September 2017, the Minister for Rural and Community Development reintroduced a dedicated funding stream for the LIS. Considering the significant funding support being provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the need to direct limited resources into maintaining and renewing public roads, it was decided that Discretionary Grants would no longer support LIS programmes. This remains the position. Maintenance and improvement of public roads is essential to ensure a safe network with a high level of service and social/economic connectivity.
221. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the proposal to remove Balbriggan and Skerries from the short hop zone for train passengers; if he understands that this will cost commuters an additional €450 per annum; how this will help to achieve the Government’s emissions targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3240/25]
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 regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In their capacity as fare regulator, on the 27th of April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, and following this on the 18th of January 2024 they published the first of a series of Fares Determination related to the strategy.
The most significant change in the fare determination was the implementation of a new ‘Dublin Commuter Zone’ (extending from the outer edge of the Dublin City Zone to approximately 50 km from the centre of Dublin), with simplified Leap capping, as well as changes to some Intercity Rail and town bus fares. This represents a more consistent and equitable fares approach, and one that is easier for customers to understand. It is the NTA’s intention to roll out further changes in future determinations during 2025.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
222. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to fact that commuters in north County Dublin have to purchase combined annual tickets, Bus, Train, DART and LUAS, without regard to the their actual needs (some may only use one form of transport); if he can advise if there are any plans to amend this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3241/25]
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 regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
223. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the total value of the annual mileage claims for each Ministers of State assigned to his Department in 2023 and 2024 respectively; to provide a breakdown for each year of the individual claims; the annual cost of overnight allowances related to the civilian drivers of each relevant Minister of State in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3261/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister of State Chambers’ civilian drivers started in my department on 17/01/2023 and finished on 10/02/24, as Garda drivers were allocated to Junior Ministers who attend Cabinet.
This continued until 08/07/2024 when civilian drivers for Minister of State Lawless started with the department.
The total value of annual mileage claims for each Minister of State and overnight allowances for civilian drivers are outlined below:
2023:
€1692.83 Mileage
€3726.70 Overnight allowances
2024:
€12907.25 Mileage
€368 Overnight Allowances
224. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport to list the composition of his private office, inclusive of the grade and increment of each civil servant assigned to the office; whether they are located in the private or constituency office; the value of any allowance paid to those individuals and the purpose of each allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3279/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current composition of my office, inclusive of grade and salary point and allowances are laid out below:
|
Grade |
Salary Point |
Allowances |
|
Private Secretary (Assistant Principal) |
3 |
N/A |
|
Executive Officer |
5 |
N/A |
|
Executive Officer |
3 |
N/A |
|
Clerical Officer |
5 |
N/A |
|
Clerical Officer |
14 |
N/A |
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
N/A |
225. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out a safe route access plan for the pupils of a school (details supplied) for their new daily commute to the new school building in Kishoge; if his Department has engaged with South Dublin County Council on this matter; when the appropriate provisions will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3300/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 167 schools form Round 1 of the SRTS Programme while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme was launched in November 2024. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the Rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently.
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.
226. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport if there are any ongoing issues with the 39A service that are contributing to frequent cancellations (details supplied); and the immediate measures are being taken to address these disruptions and ensure reliable service for commuters. [3335/25]
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 Dublin Bus.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
In light of the NTA and Dublin Bus’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them both for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
227. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the steps that are being taken to improve the reliability of the public transport system and reduce the stress and inconvenience faced by commuters, particularly students, who depend on these services to attend school on time. [3336/25]
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.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
228. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the ongoing delays and frequent service disruptions on the Luas and Irish Rail networks, particularly on the DART route between Connolly and Clontarf; and what measures the Government intends to take to address these issues, improve punctuality, and provide clearer communication to commuters on service disruptions. [3340/25]
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 issues raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Irish Rail and Transdev. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and Transdev for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
229. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a status and timeline on the development of the new bridge in Celbridge. [3444/25]
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.
230. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a commencement date for the extension of DART+ from Maynooth to Kilcock. [3445/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects.
In respect of the potential further extension of the DART to Kilcock, an extension is included as an objective in the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issue raised by the Deputy, 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.
231. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide any relevant information on the extension of the DART+ from Maynooth to Kilcock. [3446/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects.
In respect of the potential further extension of the DART to Kilcock, an extension is included as an objective in the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issue raised by the Deputy, 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.
232. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport if, in light of the commitment in the Programme for Government to review the National Development Plan and consider new public transport projects as part of that review, he will support the extension of the Luas red line to Poolbeg, as cited at page 150 of the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy as part of that review; if he agrees that a joined up approach between the 3FM Dublin Port project that is currently before An Bord Pleanála, and includes a proposed ‘Southern Port Access Route’ which involves the construction of a bridge, and the extension of the Luas red line to Poolbeg has merit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3469/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
The NTA’s Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2024 sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period. As the Deputy may be aware, the development of a Luas red line extension to serve Poolbeg is part of the strategy’s longer-term proposals, for development and delivery within the 2037-2042 timeframe. It is part of a number of proposed Luas network extensions for the period up to 2042. In the planning and design of the extension of the Luas to Poolbeg, existing and future major developments in the Poolbeg area will be considered.
I understand that the 3FM Project is focused on developing additional port capacity on port-owned brown-field lands on the Poolbeg Peninsula, with a planning application to An Bord Pleanála submitted in July 2024. This project covers the major works that need to be delivered in the south port so as to deliver the Masterplan 2040 capacity provision. The 3FM Project includes the construction of a new bridge across the River Liffey as part of the Southern Port Access Route (SPAR), removing heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), port and commercial traffic from existing public roads leading to and from the Tom Clarke Bridge, while giving pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users 7km of cycle and pedestrian routes for active travel across the Poolbeg Peninsula and River Liffey. If granted planning permission, completion of the overall 3FM project is anticipated by 2040. This is in line with the National Development Plan, National Ports Policy and the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy.
The new Programme for Government commits to reviewing and enhancing the National Development Plan (NDP) to deliver on existing strategically important transport infrastructure commitments, and consider the needs of new or accelerated potential projects and programmes. This NDP review may examine the need for further investment in light rail in this context, such as the extension of the Luas to Poolbeg.
233. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ask the NTA to engage at an early stage with a company (details supplied) that has been appointed to design the Sandymount flood defence scheme in a contract fully funded by the Office of Public Works, and administered by Dublin City Council, with a view to adopting a joined-up approach to the scheme which could facilitate active travel measures and connectivity in the provision of coastal cycling infrastructure across Dublin bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3470/25]
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.
234. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to make a decision regarding State investment to develop the runway development at Waterford Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3479/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to advise the Deputy that I am currently being briefed by officials who advise that the Department has concluded its initial assessment of Waterford Airport’s development proposal in line with the requirements under the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework and I am currently considering the next steps in this regard.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to working with all stakeholders to quickly progress the Waterford Airport project to lengthen and widen the runway, building on the previous Government decision of 2019.
235. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with the NTA and TFI local link to reinstate the local link Waterford route 361, which was altered in December 2023 without local input or support, resulting in a new service that is inaccessible to a great many former passengers; if he will instruct relevant agencies under his aegis to engage locally before altering routes in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3480/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in County Waterford, 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.
