Written Answers Nos. 207-222
207. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the average carriage capacity on services operating on the Maynooth train line, per day, in each of the years from 2019 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33779/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
208. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the supports currently available to individuals who have literacy difficulties, including those who cannot read or write, when undertaking the driver theory test and the practical driving test; if alternative formats such as oral or assisted theory tests are available; the extent to which reasonable accommodations are provided during the practical driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33800/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test Service. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, I am informed that the Driver Theory Test provider offers various options to accommodate candidates who may require special assistance to take their test. Additional supports include a voiceover option whereby the questions and answers are read out to the candidate over headphones. Additional time may also be allowed for a candidate to take the test. In addition, there is also a reader recorder service available whereby a staff member will read the questions and answer options to the candidate and record their answers on screen. Other services offered include dyslexia support, professional and Irish Sign Language (ISL) video clips, or ISL interpreters.
Further information about the types of support available during the theory test can be found at the following link: https://theorytest.ie/general-information/test-day-assistance-support/.
The RSA assures my Department that they continuously seek to review its services to ensure customers are supported and welcomes the feedback of customers and their advocates.
209. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all capital projects including road, public transport, and active travel infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under its aegis (including the NTA, TII, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann), which have been completed on time and within budget in Dublin in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33822/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I hold overall policy responsibility for transport projects across the sector, however the actual delivery of those projects is generally managed by the relevant agency directly. Additionally, capital projects can vary in scale, consisting of multiple small deliverables across several regions, in addition to the major single-deliverable projects such as Metrolink or a major bypass for example.
As a result, to provide the information requested by the Deputy I must both refer the deputy to the Government's coordinated Project 2040 tracker for major regional projects, as well as refer the deputy's question to the agencies responsible for delivery in the Dublin region.
The Project 2040 tracker is publicly available via gov.ie/2040 and provides both a searchable map and annual reports on progress across the entire NDP and Project 2040 programmes.
For deliverables which are not specifically captured within the reporting on Project 2040, I will refer the Deputies question to TII, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann for consideration and answer. Please contact my private office if you do not receive contact within 10 working days.
210. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of State public transport services (details supplied) that hedges its fuel purchases; the amount it spends on fuel to operate the entire fleet per annum in 2019 and 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33842/26]
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.
I understand that the CIÉ Group (inclusive of Iarnród Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath, and Bus Éireann) take part in the hedging of their fuel purchases, and therefore, I am referring the 'ground' transport aspect of the Deputy's question to CIÉ Holding Company for direct reply on behalf of the Group.
For other “ground” PSO public transport services, ‘TFI, NTA, PSO fleet’, I refer the Deputy’s question to the NTA for further information.
In Relation to the “air” transport aspect, the Regional Airports Programme provides for a Public Service Obligation (PSO) Air Services Scheme in compliance with EU Regulation 1008/2008 on the common rules for the operation of air services in the Community.
Currently one PSO air service is supported under this Scheme, connecting Donegal and Dublin airports. Following a public procurement process, services are operated under a services concession contract between the Minister and the successful carrier. Given this, fuel hedging is a commercial matter for the airline carrier.
PSO Island ferries or the “sea” transport aspect of your question would be a matter for the Minister of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
211. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport to respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); if his Department is aware of these concerns; the engagement his Department has had with the Road Safety Authority in respect of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33885/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test Service. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
The Deputy may wish to note that the RSA provide an online facility whereby a person may register a complaint in respect of a service provided by an Approved Driving Instructor at the following link: www.rsa.ie/help-support/online-support-centre/details/contact-us/make-a-complaint/i-wish-to-make-a-complaint-about-an-approved-driving-instructor-(adi).
Essential Driver Training (EDT) is a structured training programme for learner drivers consisting of 12 mandatory driving sessions with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). Completing EDT is a necessary requirement to become a competent and safe driver.
212. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric buses in the Cork depot; the number of chargers associated with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33918/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
213. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will add an organisation (details supplied) to the list of blue light operators to allow them to operate drones without clearance in emergency situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33919/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of "Blue Lights" by specific emergency services is regulated by road traffic legislation. The relevant regulations outline the specific emergency services vehicles that are permitted to fit blue emergency lights and sirens and specifies their use. The legislation does not provide for any special conditions for the operation of drones by emergency services.
From an aviation safety perspective emergency services liaise with the relevant air traffic control to advise them that they are operating an aircraft or drone in an area and in some circumstances to get clearance to launch. This allows air traffic control to ensure that emergency services have absolute priority in terms of the use of airspace, and for all non-emergency drone activity to be paused immediately to ensure safe access for emergency services to the airspace.
If an organisation is tasked by An Garda Síochána to assist in an emergency by launching a drone, An Garda Síochána will liaise with air traffic control to inform them.
214. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to account for the membership of the IAA working group on UAS Geographical Zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33920/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of the National Working Group on Geographical Zones is one of the actions under the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The implementation of the Policy Framework is underway and the National UAS Policy Framework Monitoring Group held its first meeting in February. The purpose of the Monitoring Group is to support and monitor the overall progress of the implementation of the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Implementation of the Policy Framework will be tracked and reported on through a series of annual action plans and progress reports. In the period following its meeting, the Monitoring Group agreed the Implementation Action Plan for 2026 which sets out actions and corresponding timelines, including the establishment of working groups set out in the Policy Framework. The Action Plan is available on the Government's website.
The Implementation PLan states that the National Working Group on Geographical Zones will be established by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) in the current quarter of 2026 and work is underway by the IAA to review the designation of current UAS Geographical Zones ahead of the establishment of the Working Group.
215. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all capital projects including road, public transport, and active travel infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under his aegis (including the NTA, TII, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann), which have been completed on time and within budget in the Wicklow Wexford constituency in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33935/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I hold overall policy responsibility for transport projects across the sector, however the actual delivery of those projects is generally managed by the relevant agency directly. Additionally, capital projects can vary in scale, consisting of multiple small deliverables across several regions, in addition to the major single-deliverable projects such as Metrolink or a major bypass for example.
As a result, to provide the information requested by the Deputy I must both refer the deputy to the Government's coordinated Project 2040 tracker for major regional projects, as well as refer the deputy's question to the agencies responsible for delivery in the Wicklow and Wexford regions.
The Project 2040 tracker is publicly available via gov.ie/2040 and provides both a searchable map and annual reports on progress across the entire NDP and Project 2040 programmes. Please note however that the map provides information by Eircode or by County, however not strictly by electoral constituency.
For deliverables which are not specifically captured within the reporting on Project 2040, I will refer the Deputies question to TII, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann for consideration and answer. Please contact my private office if you do not receive contact within 10 working days.
216. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including road, public transport, and active travel infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Departments, and bodies under their aegis (including the NTA, TII, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann), which have been completed on time and within budget in Dublin West in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33940/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I hold overall policy responsibility for transport projects across the sector, however the actual delivery of those projects is generally managed by the relevant agency directly. Additionally, capital projects can vary in scale, consisting of multiple small deliverables across several regions, in addition to the major single-deliverable projects such as Metrolink or a major bypass for example.
As a result, to provide the information requested by the Deputy I must both refer the deputy to the Government's coordinated Project 2040 tracker for major regional projects, as well as refer the deputy's question to the agencies responsible for delivery in the Dublin West region.
The Project 2040 tracker is publicly available via gov.ie/2040 and provides both a searchable map and annual reports on progress across the entire NDP and Project 2040 programmes.
For deliverables which are not specifically captured within the reporting on Project 2040, I will refer the Deputies question to TII, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann for consideration and answer. Please contact my private office if you do not receive contact within 10 working days.
217. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including road, public transport, and active travel infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Departments, and bodies under their aegis (including the NTA, TII, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann), which have been completed on time and within budget in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33941/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I hold overall policy responsibility for transport projects across the sector, however the actual delivery of those projects is generally managed by the relevant agency directly. Additionally, capital projects can vary in scale, consisting of multiple small deliverables across several regions, in addition to the major single-deliverable projects such as Metrolink or a major bypass for example.
As a result, to provide the information requested by the Deputy I must both refer the deputy to the Government's coordinated Project 2040 tracker for major regional projects, as well as refer the deputy's question to the agencies responsible for delivery in the Louth region.
The Project 2040 tracker is publicly available via gov.ie/2040 and provides both a searchable map and annual reports on progress across the entire NDP and Project 2040 programmes.
For deliverables which are not specifically captured within the reporting on Project 2040, I will refer the Deputies question to TII, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann for consideration and answer. Please contact my private office if you do not receive contact within 10 working days.
218. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport to respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); if he or his Department have considered reviewing the exam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33942/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test Service, including the Theory Test. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the Deputy may wish to note that Action 7A of the Phase 2 Action Plan of the Government's Road Safety Strategy, states that the RSA will lead to 'enhance the learning to drive programme based on evidence from international best practice, in tandem with improvements in the driving test'.
The objective of this work is to ensure the learning to drive programme is fit for purpose, future-proofed, and capable of adapting to advancements in vehicle technology while considering international best practice. The RSA is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the driver testing curriculum, in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology with a view to bringing forward recommendations in the coming months.
219. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil and public servants employed by his Department in each of the past ten years, in tabular form. [33960/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease find the staff numbers employed by my department in each of the last 10 years in tabular form below:
|
Year |
Staff Number |
|
2016 |
486 |
|
2017 |
515 |
|
2018 |
557 |
|
2019 |
608 |
|
2020 |
557 |
|
2021 |
566 |
|
2022 |
596 |
|
2023 |
643 |
|
2024 |
692 |
|
2025 |
743 |
220. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans for the abandoned theatre (details supplied) in Busáras; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34200/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. The property affairs of CIÉ are matters for the CIÉ Board in accordance with the provisions of the Transport Acts 1950 and 1964.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
221. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including road, public transport, and active travel infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under his aegis (including the NTA, TII, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann), which have been completed on time and within budget in Carlow in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34359/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I hold overall policy responsibility for transport projects across the sector, however the actual delivery of those projects is generally managed by the relevant agency directly. Additionally, capital projects can vary in scale, consisting of multiple small deliverables across several regions, in addition to the major single-deliverable projects such as Metrolink or a major bypass for example.
As a result, to provide the information requested by the Deputy I must both refer the deputy to the Government's coordinated Project 2040 tracker for major regional projects, as well as refer the deputy's question to the agencies responsible for delivery in the Carlow region.
The Project 2040 tracker is publicly available via gov.ie/2040 and provides both a searchable map and annual reports on progress across the entire NDP and Project 2040 programmes.
For deliverables which are not specifically captured within the reporting on Project 2040, I will refer the Deputies question to TII, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann for consideration and answer. Please contact my private office if you do not receive contact within 10 working days.
222. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including road, public transport, and active travel infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under his aegis (including the NTA, TII, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann), which have been completed on time and within budget in Kilkenny in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34360/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I hold overall policy responsibility for transport projects across the sector, however the actual delivery of those projects is generally managed by the relevant agency directly. Additionally, capital projects can vary in scale, consisting of multiple small deliverables across several regions, in addition to the major single-deliverable projects such as Metrolink or a major bypass for example.
As a result, to provide the information requested by the Deputy I must both refer the deputy to the Government's coordinated Project 2040 tracker for major regional projects, as well as refer the deputy's question to the agencies responsible for delivery in the Kilkenny region.
The Project 2040 tracker is publicly available via gov.ie/2040 and provides both a searchable map and annual reports on progress across the entire NDP and Project 2040 programmes.
For deliverables which are not specifically captured within the reporting on Project 2040, I will refer the Deputies question to TII, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann for consideration and answer. Please contact my private office if you do not receive contact within 10 working days.
