Written Answers Nos. 184-207
186. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of Solar PV's completed under the SEAI scheme; and the total per post-conversion rating, per scheme in 2022 and in Q1 2023, in tabular form. [20019/23]
View answerSolar PV Q1 2023 BER Ratings
|
SPV Q1 2023 RATINGS |
Total |
|
Not Available |
34 |
|
A1 |
234 |
|
A2 |
230 |
|
A3 |
398 |
|
B1 |
660 |
|
B2 |
770 |
|
B3 |
602 |
|
C1 |
365 |
|
C2 |
255 |
|
C3 |
146 |
|
D1 |
115 |
|
D2 |
84 |
|
E1 |
36 |
|
E2 |
29 |
|
F |
14 |
|
G |
13 |
|
Grand Total |
3,985 |
|
SPV Q1 2023 RATINGS |
Total SPV Q1 2023 RATINGS |
Total |
|
Not Available |
34 Not Available |
34 |
|
A1 |
234 A1 |
234 |
|
A2 |
230 A2 |
230 |
|
A3 |
398 A3 |
398 |
|
B1 |
660 B1 |
660 |
|
B2 |
770 B2 |
770 |
|
B3 |
602 B3 |
602 |
|
C1 |
365 C1 |
365 |
|
C2 |
255 C2 |
255 |
|
C3 |
146 C3 |
146 |
|
D1 |
115 D1 |
115 |
|
D2 |
84 D2 |
84 |
|
E1 |
36 E1 |
36 |
|
E2 |
29 E2 |
29 |
|
F |
14 F |
14 |
|
G |
13 G |
13 |
|
Grand Total |
3,985 Grand Total |
3,985 |
|
SPV 2022 Rating |
Total |
|
Not Available |
78 |
|
A1 |
390 |
|
A2 |
446 |
|
A3 |
957 |
|
B1 |
1,727 |
|
B2 |
1,965 |
|
B3 |
1,634 |
|
C1 |
993 |
|
C2 |
676 |
|
C3 |
594 |
|
D1 |
219 |
|
D2 |
163 |
|
E1 |
65 |
|
E2 |
47 |
|
F |
40 |
|
G |
23 |
|
Grand Total |
10,017 |
|
One Stop Shop (with SPV as Selected Measure) Q1 2023 BER Ratings |
|
|
Rating_post BER |
Total |
|
A1 |
17 |
|
A2 |
25 |
|
A3 |
4 |
|
B1 |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
47 |
|
One Stop Shop (with SPV as Selected Measure) Q1 2023 BER Ratings |
|
|
Rating_post BER |
Total |
|
A1 |
17 |
|
A2 |
25 |
|
A3 |
4 |
|
B1 |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
47 |
|
OSS (with SPV as Selected Measure) 2022 BER Ratings |
|
|
Rating_postBER |
Total |
|
A1 |
16 |
|
A2 |
6 |
|
A3 |
1 |
|
B2 |
2 |
|
Grand Total |
25 |
It should be noted that a small number of Solar PV property upgrades do not have post BER ratings available due to BERs not being published or revoked after publication (<1%). In addition, the total count of B2 or better post BER ratings for Solar PV is not directly comparable to the count of B2s achieved by the programme as displayed on the SEAI website for reporting to national targets as they only count B2s once for a property in cases where homeowners have availed of upgrades across more than one programme and are using the same post BER rating.
188. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of fines issued for dog-fouling in each local authority area in the past ten years and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20085/23]
View answerUnder the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
My Department does not collate statistics on the number of fines issued by Local Authorities in relation to specific litter offences, such as dog fouling offences. Questions in relation to the number of litter fines issued in each county should be directed to the relevant local authority.
189. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of fines issued for littering in each local authority area in the past ten years and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20086/23]
View answerUnder the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
My Department does not collate statistics on the number of fines issued by Local Authorities in relation to specific litter offences. Questions in relation to the number of litter fines issued in each county should be directed to the relevant local authority.
190. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details on the work that has been carried out on studies regarding the extra weight of electric vehicles in car parks (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20123/23]
View answerI have no function in this matter. Carparks which are housed in structures are designed to the Eurocodes (European standards). These standards set the minimum loading requirements for design of such structures therefore the study as suggested by the Deputy is best examined and co-ordinated by the national standards authority NSAI.
191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the ongoing steps to support remote working through the roll-out of high-speed fibre broadband internet connections, with particular reference to blackspot-prone rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20160/23]
View answer194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which broadband provision is proceeding evenly throughout the country in respect of both primary and secondary areas; the extent to which the two are merging for likely to so do in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20163/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 194 together.
The Government of Ireland’s National Digital Strategy (NDS), Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework, is helping to drive the digital transition across the economy and society. Its ambition is to make connectivity available to everyone, including through the National Broadband Plan, Remote Working Hubs and Broadband Connection Points, with a target of having all Irish households and businesses covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028 and all populated areas covered by 5G no later than 2030.
The latest Quarterly Key Data Report (QKDR) published by ComReg on 8 March 2023 shows that fixed broadband subscriptions increased to 1.61 million, a 2.2% increase year on year. Of these 57.1% have download speeds greater than 100Mbps. FTTH subscriptions are at 500,801 which is a 34.7% increase year on year
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) state led intervention is being delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract, which came into effect in January 2020. The contract provides for the roll out of a high speed and future-proofed broadband network within the intervention area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 14 April 2023 over 147,600 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 26 counties, with over 135,500 premises passed and available for immediate connection. Over 37,300 premises are connected to the NBP Gigabit network.
Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high-speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 14 April 2023, 895 SCP sites (283 Broadband Connection Points, which are publicly accessible sites, and 612 schools) have been installed and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/
Eir is rolling out fibre to some 1.9 million premises. SIRO has passed more than 470,000 premises with gigabit services and has recently announced plans to extend its network to an additional 300,000 premises. Virgin Media plans to bring gigabit broadband upgrades to 1 million premises. The network operators and telecom service providers across the State also continue to invest in their networks.
192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which his Department continues to explore electricity generation from non-fossil fuels by way of wind, wave or solar; the full extent of the investment to date in each element of the sector; the degree to which he expects such investment to materialise in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20161/23]
View answerIreland has made considerable progress in decarbonising our electricity sector over the last decade, with a major reason for this being the construction of renewable generation sources and their successful integration onto the electricity grid. Ireland is in the top five globally for installed wind power capacity per capita and is a world leader in the integration of variable renewable electricity onto the grid.
The recent Climate Action Plan Update, CAP 23, commits Ireland to achieving 80% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030 and to reach between 22 GW and 24 GW of installed renewable electricity generation capacity by 2030.
This will require hitherto unseen levels of investment in renewable electricity generation development and in the infrastructure required to expand and strengthen our electricity grid.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the main Government policies to deliver this renewable generation capacity, which led to 2022 being a record year for renewable sources being connected to the grid. The second RESS auction is expected to deliver an increase of nearly 20% in Ireland’s renewable electricity generation by 2025. The third RESS auction and first Offshore RESS auction are being held this year, with further auctions to be held in line with the RESS auction calendar.
The Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) allows domestic and non-domestic applicants to receive funding to produce and consume their own electricity. Since 2018 the SEAI has supported the installation of domestic Solar PV systems for close to 19,000 homes. Over 10,000 applications were received in 2022 and close to 4,000 applications have been received in 2023 already (to end March).
The Small-Scale Generation Scheme (SSGS) is in development and is expected to be launched later this year, with the aim of supporting renewable electricity generators who are too large for the MSS but too small for the RESS. The SSGS will also provide a simpler route to market for community projects.
EirGrid are currently updating ‘Shaping Our Electricity Future’, their roadmap to delivering the renewable electricity projects required to meet our 2030 targets. Significant investment is expected during this transition, with €4 billion capital investment allocated for the period 2021-2025.
193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the national waste management plan continues to address the relevant issues, with particular reference to reduction, reuse and recycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20162/23]
View answerLocal Authorities are statutorily responsible for the preparation of waste management plans. The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices are currently preparing a new National Waste Management Plan (NWMP), informed by, inter alia, the National Planning Framework. The Plan will set out the required actions at local and regional levels to deliver on the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE) and support Ireland's circular economy transition.
The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 strengthened provisions in relation to waste management plans, by requiring waste management plans to include indicators and targets relating to the use of products and materials that have been re-used, re-manufactured or repaired. The new NWMP will contain targets for reuse, repair, resource consumption and recycling, and address measures such as:
• the enhanced use of civic amenity sites as circular economy hubs;
• supporting the development of indigenous waste treatment capacity to reduce reliance on export.
My Department understands that the public consultation phase on the draft National Waste Management Plan is expected to commence in May 2023.
195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which mobile telephone services remain good when compared with other European Union or adjoining countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20164/23]
View answerIreland’s Digital Connectivity Strategy aligns with EU priorities, under the Digital Decade 2030.
Ireland’s level of connectivity to support digital activity has improved significantly in recent years. The Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) is a composite index summarising relevant indicators on Europe’s digital performance. Ireland ranked 5th in 2021 among EU countries, compared with 11th in 2019. The continued investment by commercial operators and by the State through the NBP will ensure that Ireland is set to become the EU leader in connectivity by the second half of this decade.
Providing telecommunication services is a matter for the relevant service providers, operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg) as independent Regulator. Mobile coverage obligations are set out in licences granted by ComReg, to mobile operators who advise that the current minimum coverage obligations are being exceeded by all operators. Capital investment by telecommunications operators over the 2017-2022 period came to approximately €3.3 billion for both fixed and mobile services covering both voice and data, throughout Ireland.
ComReg completed a Multi-band Spectrum Award in January 2023 to assign long term rights of use in four spectrum bands to enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. This award will represent a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland and will include significant coverage obligations for operators.
ComReg has also developed an online national outdoor coverage map and app to provide clear information on where operators have good coverage. The map will continue to be updated quarterly.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce is a driving force for improving access to telecommunications services nationwide to alleviate mobile and fixed connectivity barriers. The current work programme focuses on Planning and Licensing, Improving Information and Access to Assets and Infrastructure, and Improving Consumer Information, Advice and Experience.
My Department worked with EU Member States to develop the EU Connectivity Toolbox, a collection of best practices which Member States can implement at national level to lower the cost of deploying very high-speed networks in order to foster better connectivity across the EU, which is being implemented via the work programme of the Taskforce. The best practices include streamlining administrative and permitting granting procedures, and improving access to State assets.
196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which emission reductions are likely to be achieved by way of alternative methods of electricity generation in the future; how this is likely to impact on achieving the target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20165/23]
View answerIreland has made considerable progress in decarbonising our electricity sector over the last decade, with a major reason for this being the construction of renewable generation sources and their successful integration onto the electricity grid. The recently published Climate Action Plan 2023 includes the following targets:
- Target 6 GW of onshore wind and up to 5GW of solar by 2025;
- 80% of electricity demand to come from renewable sources by 2030;
- Target 9 GW onshore wind, 8 GW solar, and at least 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030 (and an additional 2 GW offshore wind for green hydrogen production);
- Support at least 500 MW of local community-based renewable energy projects and increased levels of new micro-generation and small-scale generation.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the major Government policies to help deliver renewable electricity generation. RESS 1 led to 2022 being a record year for renewable grid connections. RESS 2 is expected to deliver an increase of nearly 20% in Ireland’s renewable electricity generation by 2025. RESS 3 will be held this year.
A Small-Scale Generation Scheme (SSGS) is also in development and is expected to become available later this year.
Ireland has considerable, but as of yet undeveloped, offshore renewable energy potential. The first Offshore Renewable Energy Auction (ORESS) is currently underway, and expected to procure approximately 2.5GW of capacity. Final results of this auction process are expected by end-June.
198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which Ireland's emissions have been reduced in the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20167/23]
View answerThe final 1990-2021 inventory data, updated by the Environmental Protection Agency this month, indicates that between 2011 and 2021, Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions increased by 5.5%, from 58.85 Mt CO2eq. to 62.11 Mt CO2eq. While emissions in 2021 were lower than the peak years of 2016 - 2018, they did show an increase from 2020.
It is clear that we must redouble our efforts to reduce emissions in line with the Government's agreed Sectoral Emissions Ceilings. Climate Action Plan 2023, and the associated Annex of Actions, set out a roadmap for meeting our emissions targets.
To reverse the current trajectory of emissions and meet our targets, Climate Action Plan 2023 considers how we can accelerate the measures and actions that will not only reduce our emissions but will also support new ways of conducting business and encouraging innovation, by putting climate solutions at the centre of Ireland’s social and economic development.
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can ensure that measures to address carbon emissions do not damage the productive agricultural and manufacturing sectors here; if best practice in other jurisdictions to meet such requirements can be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20168/23]
View answerThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050, and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Following the process set out in the Act, a carbon budget programme proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council was adopted by the Oireachtas on 6 April 2022. On 28 July 2022, the Government approved Sectoral Emission Ceilings for both the first and second carbon budget periods, (i.e. 2021-2025 and 2026-2030), with the exception the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, which will be determined later.
There is target for a 25% emissions reduction for our agriculture sector by 2030. The Climate Action Plan 2023, published in December 2022, outlined how emission reductions would be achieved in this sector in the coming years, which involves offering farmers the means to reduce carbon emissions at farm level by becoming more carbon efficient, while also diversifying toward the production of energy and less carbon intensive practices such as organic farming.
In the meantime, my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine continue to collaborate on reducing our carbon emissions, while also ensuring the security and sustainability of our food production. This is a key opportunity for Ireland to become a world leader in long-term sustainable food production. I remain confident that our family farms will fully exploit the opportunities of this transition without compromising on sustainable food production.
To address emissions in manufacturing my Department has engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the sectoral emissions ceiling for industry. This included further reviews of measures set by Climate Action Plan 2023 to ensure that they can deliver the emissions reductions required by the sectoral emissions ceilings and meet other requirements, such as technical feasibility and cost effectiveness in terms of their wider economic impacts. We are also working with our State Agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices to provide advisory and financial supports for low-carbon technologies.
200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures being taken to ensure that the ESB and other energy providers pass any reduction in price inflation to the consumer as quickly as possible and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20169/23]
View answerHigh energy prices are a very serious concern to Government which is why a range of measures have been implemented, most recently the €1.2 billion package, announced in February, which extended the VAT reduction on electricity and gas until the end of October. This is in addition to the measures announced in Budget 2023 which introduced €2.5 billion of once of cost of living supports to protect households from high energy costs. This included three €200 (VAT inclusive) Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payments, bringing the total support given under the two Electricity Benefit Schemes to over 2.1 million domestic electricity accounts to €1.5 billion in 2022. This was alongside the €400 lump sum payment to Fuel Allowance recipients, bringing the total payment for the 2022/3 winter to 1,324.
Wholesale energy prices reached peak levels in August of last year, when wholesale gas prices were 706% higher than January 2021, while wholesale electricity prices increased by 463%. Due to high gas storage levels, warmer than normal winter conditions and efforts to reduce natural gas demand across Europe, wholesale gas prices have fallen dramatically and are currently well below the peak values of last year. However, wholesale gas prices are still trading at twice their pre-pandemic levels.
Based upon an estimated annual bill retail gas and electricity prices , were 138% higher for gas and 98% for electricity in January 2023 vs January 2021. The difference in the level and speed of fluctuation in the wholesale market vs. that of retail prices demonstrates the importance of supplier hedging strategies and the extent to which these strategies shield consumers against the full extent of this utterly unprecedented international energy market volatility. Retail prices are likely to remain at current levels for some time. This will vary from supplier to supplier, based on their current hedging and retail price positions.
However, the retail electricity and gas markets are commercial and price setting is a matter for individual suppliers. Responsibility for the regulation of the retail gas and electricity markets was assigned to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation. CRU is accountable to the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister. CRU has a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members to contact them at: oireachtas@cru.ie.
201. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a list of contracts his Department currently has with a company (details supplied); and the estimated value of those contracts. [20183/23]
View answerMy Department does not currently hold a contract with the company referred to in the Question.
202. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will carry out a survey on the current condition of the Military Barracks at Summerhill, Nenagh, following confirmation that it is now his Department that owns the property. [20054/23]
View answer203. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason his Department will not carry out a survey on the current condition of the Military Barracks at Summerhill in Nenagh following a request to do same; and the reason this will not be facilitated. [19938/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.
My Department has not received any formal request to carry out a survey on the condition of the military barracks in Nenagh. As I have previously stated, officials from my Department wrote to Tipperary County Council offering to transfer the property in question for a nominal sum, having regard to its central location in Nenagh and its historical ties to the town. However, the Council declined the offer.
My officials are available to discuss the matter further with Tipperary County Council as the initial offer to transfer the property to them still stands.
204. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of contracts his Department currently has with a company (details supplied); and the estimated value of those contracts. [20180/23]
View answerMy Department has not engaged or awarded any contracts to the company referred to by the Deputy.
205. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to incentivise the use of EV vehicles and bicycles across the public service sector in support of the Climate Action Plan towards a more sustainable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19944/23]
View answerProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. The transport sector, which accounts for about 20% of Ireland’s overall carbon emissions, must play a central role in the national decarbonisation effort. The national car and van (LGV) fleet accounts for almost 60% of all land transport emissions, and so a transition to low emissions vehicles, including EVs, is a necessary step-change to effect a substantial reduction in transport emissions.
Electric vehicles are an important transport mitigation measure in the 2021 Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 945,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years.
The Climate Action Plan and the Programme for Government commits to developing and implementing a sustainable public procurement policy, to ensure that what are we buying and building is consistent with our climate ambition.
The Office of Government Procurement has drawn up fixed price procurement frameworks for the supply of long and medium range battery electric passenger cars and vans to public sector bodies. Full details on how to use the framework as well as pricing and supplier contact details can be found on the www.ogp.gov.ie website. These Frameworks will greatly assist Government departments and bodies to purchase electric cars and vans. As battery and recharging technologies develop and a greater range of vehicles become commercially available I expect an increasing number of public bodies to transition to EVs.
The use of EVs within public sector vehicle fleets and the installation of associated EV infrastructure is an important exemplar and market driver, providing the necessary public leadership and raising consumer awareness of EVs.
My Department is continuously exploring ways to encourage the uptake of cycling as a mode of transport across all demographics including the public service sector and it is evident that the popularity of e-bikes is rising.
The Programme for Government commits to “widening the eligibility of the Bike to Work scheme”. 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 e-cargo bikes.
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 as part of the annual Budgetary process. Potential schemes such as grants for bikes will be considered as part of this research.
206. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide his response to the motion he received from Cork County Council (details supplied) concerning Transport Infrastructure Ireland's grant allocations to the council, including the reduction in funding to the community involvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19956/23]
View answerI can confirm that my Office has received the motion referred to by the Deputy.
A letter to Cork County Council is currently being finalised and will issue in the near future.
207. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of enterprise services on the Irish Rail northern line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20048/23]
View answerAs the 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 issues raised by the Deputy in relation to the Dublin-Belfast Enterprise train service are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. The issue of the frequency of trains and services in general along the line is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Irish Rail. Therefore, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question in this regard to the Authority for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive responses within ten working days.
