Written Answers Nos. 160-176
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which traffic management proposals for Celbridge, County Kildare are being activated in a manner which meets with the satisfaction of the local authority and councillors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18896/23]
View answer161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if dialogue continues to exist between his Department and the local authority for Naas in the context of the traffic management proposals with a view to reaching agreement on the proposals supported by the local authority members and the residents most likely to be affected by the proposed changes; if he has been in recent contact with the local authority regarding these matters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18897/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the policy and overall funding in relation to transport measures. 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.
€290 million was allocated to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2023 to fund walking and cycling around the country, including just under €10 million to Kildare County Council. The NTA works with the local authorities to determine funding for specific projects and oversees their development.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed reply in relation to the queries you have raised concerning Naas and Celbridge. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
162. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport when a driving licence will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18630/23]
View answerAll enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority under the relevant legislation. My department does not have access to individual applications.
163. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a driving test; and the number of persons waiting for a theory test in County Cork, by test centre, in tabular form. [18647/23]
View answer164. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time for a driving test in Ballincollig and Sarsfield Road test centres in Cork; and the number of persons waiting for less than 3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-18, 18-24 and for over 24 months, in tabular form. [18648/23]
View answer165. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time for a theory test in test centres in Cork; and the number of persons waiting for less than 3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-18, 18-24 and for over 24 months, in tabular form. [18649/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 163 to 165, inclusive, together.
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred the Deputy's Questions to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
166. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of all the locations on the N24 under the management of Tipperary County Council where Transport Infrastructure Ireland have found safety issues and asked Tipperary County Council in the past five years to do feasibility and options reports for road safety and improvement works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18655/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. 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.
167. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) estimated week of invitation to apply for their driving test not until 10 September 2023; the reason for the delay in driving tests; his plans to reduce the lengthy wait-times experienced by those seeking to sit their driving test; when the wait-time can be expected to return to normal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18656/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases. I have therefore referred the specific part of the Deputy's Question 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.
On the broader issue of driver testing delays, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand which is up 28% on 2021 figures. This increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include, an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic; and an increase in Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.
The Authority has reviewed the demand and capacity of the driver testing service and, following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department has now given approval for the recruitment of up to 75 driver testers. This is in addition to the 30 testers who were previously sanctioned in July 2022 and have been fully deployed since end of March 2023. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
It is expected that once these additional 75 driver testers are recruited, trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will be actively managed such that it will start to reduce from October 2023 and agreed service levels should resume by early to mid 2024.
168. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if vintage cars will have to be modified in order to run on E10 fuel; and if not, if they will be exempt and continue to be allowed to use E5 fuel as in the North and UK (details supplied). [18666/23]
View answerThe move to E10 as the standard grade of petrol in Ireland was signalled in November 2021 when I published the Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement 2021-2023 (www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/168c6-renewable-fuels-for-transport-policy-statement/). Following a 28 day statutory consultation period on the draft Regulations (www.gov.ie/en/consultation/14f33-consultation-on-draft-regulations-to-be-made-under-part-5a-of-the-national-oil-reserves-agency-act/) and consideration of responses and stakeholder feedback, I made these Regulations (www.gov.ie/en/press-release/cb037-minister-ryan-signs-off-on-renewable-transport-fuel-regulations-supporting-the-transition-to-cleaner-forms-of-fuel-mixes/) on 1 April. The regulations will be kept under review within the context of the development and implementation of the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy.
All vehicles can operate on an E10 petrol blend and it is safe to do so. In some older, pre-2011, vehicles (predominantly pre-2003) sustained use may result in more frequent maintenance, for example of engine seals and hoses, but it does not mean that they cannot use E10. This has been borne out by the experience from those jurisdictions where E10 and higher ethanol blends have been used widely for a prolonged period of time. All vehicle owners and operators are required to maintain their vehicles to operating and roadworthy standards. Further Information concerning individual vehicle types can be obtained in operating manuals, information on vehicle’s manufacturer websites, or inside the fuel cap (on newer vehicles).
The annual decline of petrol cars along with the increased uptake of zero-emission vehicles (e.g., EVs) is likely to reduce the number of affected vehicles even further over the next decade. At this point in time, Ireland’s vehicle fleet is predominantly diesel (c.63% at end 2022) and of the c.1million petrol vehicles, there is a very low level of older vehicles (c.2.4% including vintage and less than 1% vintage/classic) that are pre-2011 (predominantly pre-2003/pre EURO V standard).
Consultation with industry indicated that the vast majority of suppliers do not have the storage or distribution systems to supply both an E5 and an E10 petrol grade or a higher octane petrol at forecourts in Ireland. However, specialist supply of E5 can still be offered in the market if sufficient demand exists. After 1 July when the regulations are to be operational, E5 will not however be eligible for RTFO certificates under the new regulations.
To ensure public awareness of the change, my Department is continuing to run an E10 public information campaign, through advertising at forecourts, print, radio, digital and social platforms. The gov.ie/E10 website (www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/933b3-e10-drive-to-zero/) is the main point of reference for further information and will continue to be in advance of the move to E10.
E10 petrol as standard is one of several transport measures to achieve a 50% reduction in transport emissions by 2030 - a projected 1.08 MtCO2eq abatement in greenhouse gas emissions through increasing biofuel blending to E10 (10% Ethanol) and B20 (20% Biodiesel) equivalent as set out in Climate Action Plan 2023, with an interim target of E10/B12 equivalent by 2025. In 2022, approximately 307m litres (9.6 PJ) of biofuel was placed on the market.
Moving to E10 will bring an immediate climate-change mitigation measure using the existing vehicle fleet. Since 2009, E10 petrol as standard has been rolled out across 15 European countries as well as the US and Australia. The new regulations also ensure Ireland’s petrol supply will now align with the standard petrol supplied in Northern Ireland since last year, and in Great Britain since 2021.
169. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the current average wait time for driving tests category B, in each test centre in the State. [18711/23]
View answer170. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if there is a process of geographical prioritisation for persons waiting for driving tests in category B, for example, those resident in the county where they are seeking a test versus those resident in another county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18712/23]
View answer171. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will furnish a list of driving test centres which have opened in the State in each of the past ten years; and if he will provide a list of those which have closed within the same period. [18713/23]
View answer172. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the current longest length of time anyone has been left waiting for a driving test category B, in each test centre in the country, in tabular form. [18714/23]
View answer173. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) can expect to sit their driving test, which they applied for in February; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18715/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 169 to 173, inclusive, together.
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred the Deputy's Questions to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
174. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the details of each time his Department, or public bodies under the aegis of his Department, enlisted the services of consultants in 2022; the purpose and value of each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18742/23]
View answerDeputy, please see below details of each time that my Department enlisted the services of Consultants in 2022 with the purpose and value of each contract attached.
|
Consultant Name |
Purpose |
Value of Contract (incl VAT) |
|
Aerossurance Ltd |
Aviation consultancy to Search And Rescue aviation procurement process |
€185,149.17 |
|
Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services |
Provision of consultancy services to assist DECC in the application, enhancement and broadening of its Strategic Delivery Framework, and to provide project management support to the DoT in identifying and delivering the critical implementation path for the Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan. |
€1,931,332.47 |
|
Ove, Arup and Partners Ireland Limited |
On site surveys and monitoring of Greenway usage. |
€138,006 |
|
McCann Fitzgerald |
Legal advice in relation to Greenway delivery |
€2,462 |
|
Aecom |
Work on the development and environmental screening of the National Cycling plan. |
€439,480 |
|
Jacobs Engineering |
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland. |
€10,049.10 |
|
Thomas J Hazlett |
Professional Fees in respect of Legal Drafting Services |
€7,150 |
|
Deloitte |
Review of Dept of Transport Draft Technology Strategy and Governance Arrangements. |
€25,000 |
|
ABL Group |
Health and Safety assessment on the wreck “MV Alta” in order to identify any current issues or risks to the health and safety of the public; and to assess the stability and potential for further deterioration of the structure of the wreck and any associated issues or risks thereof. |
€36,285. |
|
Ove Arup & Partners Ireland Ltd. |
To undertake the All Island Strategic Rail Review. |
€1,168,071.39 |
|
Smith & Williamson |
Audit of Interim Report |
€6,226.35 |
|
Crowleys DFK |
Audit of Interim Claim |
€19,958.50 |
|
Declan J Hayes |
Consultancy for RSA Oversight of AV testing |
€6,800 |
|
Crowleys Dfk Unlimited Company |
Provision of internal audit services |
€77,244.00 |
|
Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services |
Provision of internal audit services |
€17,435.25 |
|
Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services |
Tax Advisory Services |
€18,450 |
|
Element Energy |
Research for EV infrastructure strategy |
€6,150 |
|
KPMG |
Public and stakeholder consultation for EV infrastructure strategy |
€87,160.875 |
|
Systra |
Market Research and Surveys Consultancy Services for EV infrastructure strategy |
€55,669.80 |
|
Teiku Ltd |
Strategic Advisory services for ZEVI |
€9,029.43 |
|
Ove, Arup and Partners Ireland Limited |
To undertake a review of submissions received in the context of the Department of Transport’s development of a ten-year strategy for the road haulage sector, in line with the Programme for Government |
€30,750 |
|
Grant Thornton Consulting Limited |
To undertake a review of the Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence programme |
€71,955 |
|
Michael Joyce Consulting Limited |
Provided specific Subject Matter Expertise input to the training manual for the Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence examination |
€2,952 |
|
Michael Dolan |
Provided separate and specific Subject Matter Expertise input to the training manual for the Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence examination |
€1,950 |
|
WorkMatters Ltd |
- developing and implementing a strategic communications plan to support the current pilot blending working scheme; - proposing and delivering solutions for a blended workforce that will enable our leaders and provide our managers and staff with the tools and skills to successfully deliver priorities and tackle challenges; - assisting in shaping our organisational values, culture and climate to deliver outcomes which are prudently sound and in the best interest of the people we serve; - developing measurement metrics and delivering mid-term and end of pilot evaluations to inform future iterations of a blended working policy for the department
|
€29,520 |
With regard to services of consultants used by agencies under the aegis of my Department, this is a matter for the agencies themselves and I have forwarded your question to the Agencies for direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply within ten working days please contact my private office.
175. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to address a safety concern in respect of an N4 junction (details supplied); and if he will engage with the relevant State body on the matter. [18778/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. 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.
176. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the reasons the 2023 grant allocated to Tipperary County Council for the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction road project, at €1 million, is far below the sum of €3,250,000 requested; if there is an intention to address this shortfall in funding; his views on the impact this will have on the ability of the project to progress on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18811/23]
View answerThe Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key National Strategic Outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others.
As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year. As a result of this, a prioritisation exercise was necessary. In line with the NDP and Government policy, the Minister for Transport has allocated national road funding for 2023 in a manner which seeks to achieve the following key outcomes:
• Protection and renewal of the existing national road network
• Progressing major projects in or near construction
• Progressing major projects which are pre-construction but well advanced in the development pipeline
• Prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and Compact Growth in Ireland’s towns and villages.
Many of the national roads projects in the NDP will be progressed this year, including the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction project, which includes a bypass of Tipperary Town.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for an update as to progress on this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
