Written Answers Nos. 170-194
170. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date with the construction of offshore renewable energy, ORE, port facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19008/23]
View answer171. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date with the construction of ORE port facilities; if he still agrees with the Government's assessment in October that Ireland will need to develop four to five ORE port facilities, with a capacity to build 500 MW of ORE, and a "number of smaller ports for ORE Operation and Maintenance activities"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19009/23]
View answer172. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date with the construction of ORE port facilities; if the number of smaller ports for ORE operation and maintenance activities has been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19010/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 to 172, inclusive, together.
The Government is committed to ensuring that our national commercial Irish ports are positive contributors to the ORE industry and that Ireland meets the ambitious targets of 7GW of offshore wind (2GW of which is specifically dedicated to green hydrogen) by 2030.
To achieve these ambitions a National Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce was established in 2022 by the Department of Environment, Climate & Communication (DECC) to focus efforts across the system on the delivery of offshore wind energy, it brings together senior representatives from key departments and agencies. Supporting the development of port infrastructure is a core objective and the Department of Transport (DoT) is working very closely within this Task Force in this regard.
In December 2021, the DoT published a policy statement on the facilitation of ORE by Commercial Ports, the rationale for which was to bring clarity in policy terms and encourage all ports to actively engage with potential development opportunities and consider the potential being offered. In addition to the state commercial ports under the remit of the DoT, it is noted that there are also private commercial ports, as well as fishery harbours and local authority port which fall under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) respectively.
This statement also noted that to meet Ireland’s deployment activity of 5GW a minimum of 2 ports will be required with a multiple of smaller ports requirement for O&M. As you are aware, Ireland has increased its ambitions to 7GW of offshore wind by 2030 and as a result, Ireland will potentially need up to 4 or 5 ports depending on the degree to which the respective ports plans match the nature and location of the requirements for marshalling and assembly.
In the development of port infrastructure, ports must progress their plans through a number of phases, this includes consenting and planning both which must be progressed in advance of the construction phase.
MARA is to be established in Q3 2023 and will begin processing applications for Maritime Area Consent (MAC). The first MACs are expected to then be awarded to ORE ports by end of 2023, after which the ports can begin pre-engagement consultation with An Bord Pleanála (ABP) with a view to obtain planning permission for construction of ORE infrastructure.
The Foreshore and MARA Planning Units in DHLGH continue to engage with ports in relation to plans, timelines, requirements, and the consenting phase as appropriate. This engagement will continue with a view to optimally supporting port readiness for MAC applications and ensure that ports can proceed through the consenting phases as efficiently as possible.
In addition, the DoT recognises that a number of smaller ports/harbours will be required for ORE operations and maintenance activities. While I am aware there are plans for developments taking place in smaller ports in relation to O&M, specific questions relation to their activities should be forwarded to the relevant authority in the DAFM or DHLGH, depending on whose remit they fall under.
173. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) regarding State support for port infrastructure; if he has considered the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19011/23]
View answer174. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport what funding structures have been considered for the development of ORE port facilities; and if Connecting Europe Facility funding can still be considered the main mechanism for funding port infrastructure supporting ORE. [19012/23]
View answer175. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if a strategic investment model for the construction of ORE ports has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19013/23]
View answerpropose to take Questions Nos. 173 to 175, inclusive, together.
Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) is integral to achieving Ireland’s Climate Change ambitions with a target of achieving 7GW of offshore energy by 2030 of which 2GW will be dedicated solely to producing green hydrogen. Irish ports will play a critical part in achieving this ambition.
The Department of Transport acknowledges the report sent by Wind Energy Ireland in relation to port funding and the consideration given to various funding mechanisms within that report. Under National Ports Policy our state commercial ports operate as independent commercial bodies and does not provide for direct exchequer funding. This policy has proven very effective in developing a highly competitive and responsive ports sector, where ports have continually proven to be agile in responding to market needs and opportunities. This policy extends to any strategic investment model for the construction of port infrastructure where direct exchequer funding is proposed.
The Irish ports involved in advancing ORE infrastructural projects are at various stages of development. A number of ports are already working with their financial advisors to construct the detailed businesses cases that will determine their investment requirements and how best these requirements can be met. It is only when their respective business cases are completed that a determination of the commercial viability of these projects can be made and any potential financing requirements identified.
EU funding of port infrastructure for ORE is and remains available for ports, or terminals within ports, on the Trans European Network for Transport (TEN-T). Ports on the TEN-T network are eligible to apply for Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding towards their infrastructure developments, with the potential for up to 50% of eligible costs for studies and up to 30% of infrastructure works costs. This remains one potential source of funding, among many. The latest CEF call for funding closed on 18 January 2023 with the results expected in June 2023.
The need to maximise financing opportunities for ports is recognised. To that end, the Department of Transport continues to engage with all industry stakeholders. This includes potential financing partners such as the EU (via Connecting Europe Facility), Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) – looking at viable projects, capable of generating a commercial return.
The Department of Transport has also engaged the services of NewERA to progress an analysis on the ‘Facilitation of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) by Commercial Ports’ and to explore the availability of financing mechanisms to support the delivery of port projects. As part of this analysis, NewERA will be assessing Irish ports’ ORE development plans and capacity to fund these plans.
176. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the current situation regarding funding in 2023 for a roads project in County Cork; the significance of correspondence on this matter to his office from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII; and if a revised allocation is anticipated for this project in 2023. [19016/23]
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 was 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, national road funding for 2023 was allocated 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; and
• Prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and Compact Growth in Ireland’s towns and villages.
I can confirm that €100,000 has been allocated for the Mallow Relief Road scheme in 2023 in order to meet project commitments. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. My Department and TII are in regular communication regarding specific projects and the national roads programme more generally. Overall, Cork County Council have been allocated €60.4 million in 2023 to progress various new national roads projects, including the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom and M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy schemes.
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.
177. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the projected completion date for the Shannon Crossing project between Ballina and Killaloe. [19054/23]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority 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 Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme is one of the limited number of strategic regional and local road improvement schemes being undertaken under the National Development Plan.
Implementation of the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme is the responsibility of Clare County Council. Following the conclusion of the tender process for the main construction contract for the scheme, the contract was awarded in 2022 and the construction programme is underway. My understanding is that the scheme is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
178. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the projected completion date for the south Kerry Greenway. [19055/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. In line with Section 32(2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway projects is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and necessary statutory approvals.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
179. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if measures will be taken by his Department to ensure that there will be an improvement in the problem of flight cancellations occurring frequently at Donegal Airport, Carrickfinn, County Donegal; if he is aware of the problem with flight cancellations; what plans are in place to ensure that all flights are on schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19065/23]
View answerIt was extremely unfortunate that a technical difficulty with the designated aircraft on the Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Donegal/Dublin resulted in 12 cancelled flights between the 4th and 13th of February. 70% of the scheduled services operated during this period and the intermittent disruption was fully addressed on the 15th of February, when a dedicated standby aircraft entered into service on this route. Affected passengers were offered coach transfers to Dublin or accommodation on the next available flight.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that no further cancellations were reported throughout February and March. However, technical difficulties this month resulted in two cancelled flight rotations. In addition, adverse weather conditions experienced in Donegal recently brought about additional safety restrictions to operations and resulted in a further cancelled flight rotation, which was non-attributable to the airline.
Regional connectivity is of critical importance to Government. The current PSO contract in place on this route, which provides twice daily two-way air services, facilitating same day return trips from Donegal, and further international connectivity from Dublin Airport, marks Government's commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to monitor the airline's performance in accordance with the PSO contract for the provision of these services and has been engaging with the airline in relation to the reasons for the technical difficulties.
The airline apologises for any inconvenience caused to customers and has advised the Department that it continues to work relentlessly to restore the reliability of this service.
180. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide information on plans to expand the Athlone town bus service to take in additional routes, given the success of the recently launched electric bus fleet. [19158/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and new Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of new services, including in county Westmeath, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply tho him. Please advise my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.
181. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has plans to create additional bus services between Athlone and other towns in the midlands, given Athlone's status as a regional growth centre (details supplied). [19162/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport but 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 Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to additional bus services between Athlone and other Midlands towns, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
182. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport when the pilot bus service identified in the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study Post-Consultation Report, and scheduled to commence in quarter 1 of 2022 will commence; if the issue around access though the Cabra gate for any such bus has been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19174/23]
View answerAs 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.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities and its engagement with the Office of Public Works (OPW) on this issue, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.
183. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to develop the infrastructure of Irish ports for the future development of offshore wind. [19203/23]
View answerI am committed to ensuring that the national commercial Irish ports are positive contributors to the ORE industry and that Ireland meets the ambitious targets of 7GW of offshore wind (2GW of which is specifically dedicated to green hydrogen) by 2030.
To achieve these ambitions a National Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce was established in 2022 by the Department of Environment, Climate & Communication (DECC) to focus efforts across the system on the delivery of offshore wind energy, it brings together senior representatives from key departments and agencies. Supporting the development of port infrastructure is a core objective and my department is working very closely within this Task Force in this regard.
In December 2021, my Department published a policy statement on the facilitation of ORE by Commercial Ports, the rationale for which was to bring clarity in policy terms and encourage all ports to actively engage with potential development opportunities and consider the potential being offered. In addition to the state commercial ports under the remit of my department, I note that there are also private commercial ports, as well as fishery harbours and local authority port which fall under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) respectively.
In the development of port infrastructure, ports must progress their plans through a number of phases, this includes consenting and planning both which must be progressed in advance of the construction phase.
MARA is to be established in Q3 2023 and will begin processing applications for Maritime Area Consent (MAC). The first MACs are expected to then be awarded to ORE ports by end of 2023, after which the ports can begin pre-engagement consultation with An Bord Pleanála (ABP) with a view to obtain planning permission for construction of ORE infrastructure.
The Foreshore and MARA Planning Units of the DHLGH continue to engage with ports in relation to plans, timelines, requirements, and the consenting phase. This engagement will continue with a view to optimally supporting port readiness for MAC applications and ensure that ports can proceed through the consenting phases as efficiently as possible.
While Irish Ports receive no exchequer funding, EU funding of port infrastructure for ORE is available for ports, or terminals within ports, on the Trans European Network for Transport (TEN-T).
Ports on the TEN-T network are eligible to apply for Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding towards their infrastructure developments, with the potential for up to 50% of eligible costs for studies and up to 30% of infrastructure works costs. The latest CEF call for funding closed on 18 January 2023 with the results expected in June 2023.
Furthermore, my Department continues to proactively engage with the Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), European Investment Bank (EIB) and the EU Commission regarding the availability of funding and financing options for ports in providing the necessary ORE infrastructure.
184. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will advise on plans to introduce a grant scheme for ebikes. [19212/23]
View answerMy Department is continuously exploring ways to encourage the uptake of cycling as a mode of transport and it is evident that the popularity of e-bikes is rising. Our National Sustainable Mobility Policy examines the different behavioural change measures that can be explored to promote modal shift away from private car use and towards zero-emission transport modes such as walking, cycling and e-biking.
The Programme for Government commits to “widening the eligibility of the Bike to Work scheme”. The Deputy will be aware that in Budget 2021, my colleague, the then Minister for Finance, increased the thresholds for the Cycle to Work scheme to enable the purchase of e-bikes and more recently the thresholds were increased again in the most recent Budget to accommodate the purchase of cargo bikes and cargo e-bikes.
To further advance the Programme for Government commitment, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development, introduced a pilot initiative in 2021 for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes and the most marginalised and disadvantaged.
Funding of up approximately €1 million per annum is being provided by my Department over a three-year period through the Community Services Programme, which is managed by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development. Depending on the organisation involved, upcycled bicycles are made available for free or at a lower cost to various groups including those in direct provision or those outside employment. A review of this pilot will be undertaken this year with a view to ascertaining the impact of this Initiative.
My Department will also continue to undertake research into other additional measures which could be introduced to promote modal shift and encourage uptake of electric bikes across all demographics as part of the annual Budgetary process. Potential schemes such as grants for bikes will be considered as part of this research.
185. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the current average length of time that applicants wait for driving tests in each test centre in the country; the number of testers attached to each centre; the plans to increase the number of testers; the locations they will be based from; the extra funding approved by him for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19215/23]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information breakdown requested is held by them. I have therefore referred this 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, increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test and an increase in Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.
The Authority has reviewed capacity of the driver testing service to meet demand and following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department has 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 which have been fully deployed since the 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.
A specific funding allocation for these posts is not required, as the roles are financed by the test fees received by the Authority from customers.
186. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test can be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19216/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of 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.
Prioritised test appointments can be requested through the Authority for those applicants who are critical front-line workers employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services and who need to drive in the course of their duties.
187. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport what plans he has for the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19229/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport, including rail. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, including the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure, including the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line. This is the fourth year of the five-year IMMAC programme, as approved by Government in 2020. Over the five years of the programme in excess of €1.3 billion in Exchequer funding will be made available under the current contract. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, help improve journey times, and ensure continued safety of rail services.
The Deputy may wish to note that in 2022 additional funding of €6.4 million was allocated to Iarnród Éireann for the renewal of 9.5 miles of track on the line, which saw the full length of the Ballybrophy line upgraded to continuous welded rail, bringing journey time improvements for passengers.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matter raised. Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
188. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport when the review of the legislative basis for data sharing by the Road Safety Authority will be complete. [19249/23]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring to the legislative basis for sharing road traffic collision data. As I recently advised the Deputy, these data are compiled by An Garda Síochána and then exchanged with other road safety stakeholder agencies. My Department, the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána are currently engaged in a process to review the legislative basis for this data sharing and to update this if required. This is being done in consultation, where appropriate, with the Data Protection Commissioner. This review is ongoing and I hope to be in a position to update the Deputy on the outcome in the coming weeks.
189. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve the safety of the N24 at Barronstown Cross between Tipperary town and Limerick junction. [19255/23]
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 the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if a reply is not received within 10 working days.
190. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the works he has planned for the main bridge over the River Suir in Cahir as local councillors are warning that it is deteriorating in structure, with some of the protectors missing stones, and some stones underneath having become dislodged and swept away with the current. [19288/23]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority 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 also a matter for the local authority.
Tipperary County Council received an allocation of €231,000 this year under the Specific Improvement Grant programme for the rehabilitation of the Cahir Bridge over the River Suir. The planning and implementation of the scheme is the responsibility of Tipperary County Council.
191. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of extra buses added to the Bus Éireann public service obligation, PSO, fleet in the years of 2021 and 2022, and to-date in 2023; and the number of these buses that were withdrawn from the PSO fleet during same period, in tabular form. [19342/23]
View answerAs 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 procurement of the national PSO bus fleet.
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 a reply is not received within 10 days.
192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the stalled roll out of the bike bunkers scheme by Dublin City Council, that a review of the scheme is now being undertaken despite commitments over the past 18 months to expand the scheme by tendering for 350 bike bunkers citywide; his views on whether the stalled nature of this scheme is in keeping with the Government's Local Authority Climate Action policies; if he will contact the Chief Executive of Dublin City Council in order to ensure the expansion of the scheme is delivered so that Dubliners in areas such as Stoneybatter, the Liberties and the North Strand can benefit from an initiative that has proven popular, and where demand is high; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19356/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel and public transport infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) works directly with local authorities on various walking and cycling infrastructure projects in relation to their selection, funding and delivery.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question on the proposed bike bunkers scheme to that agency for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if a reply is not received within 10 working days.
193. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if he will explain the rationale and reasoning behind issuing a section 24 letter to the TII as part of the roads allocations to County Cork for 2023, which effectively overruled TII’s proposal to fund the Mallow Relief Road to the amount of €1.4 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19406/23]
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 was 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, national road funding for 2023 was allocated 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; and
• Prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and Compact Growth in Ireland’s towns and villages.
I can confirm that €100,000 has been allocated for the Mallow Relief Road scheme in 2023 in order to meet project commitments. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. My Department and TII are in regular communication regarding specific projects and the national roads programme more generally. Overall, Cork County Council have been allocated €60.4 million in 2023 to progress various new national roads projects, including the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom and M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy schemes.
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 a reply is not received within 10 working days.
194. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount claimed in mileage for business journeys by all categories of car, motorcycle and bicycle, broken down by county and Dublin area, over the past five years, in tabular form. [19415/23]
View answerPlease see table below setting out KMs travelled and expenditure on KMs/mileage for business journeys for each of the years 2019 to 2023 (to date).
As agreed, the breakdown requested is not being provided due to the resources required to examine and categorise the significant volume of detail for the period.
|
Year |
Total KMs |
Total Amount |
|
2019 |
739,547 |
€371,498.90 |
|
2020 |
427,195 |
€211,346.09 |
|
2021 |
446,200 |
€217,986.33 |
|
2022 |
721,844 |
€369,371.51 |
|
2023 (To date) |
196,897 |
€121,011.36 |
