Written Answers Nos. 238-253
238. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update in respect of retrofitting and restoration of Bray train station; the proposed use of the area being worked on at present; the plans to establish retail and hospitality outlets on the site; and if the public toilets in the station will be retrofitted to modern standards in line with building regulations and accessibility. [22828/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Irish Rail, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
In light of Irish Rail's responsibilities for works at Bray train station I have forwarded your question to the company for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
239. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on any progress the RSA has made since it closed the temporary driving test centre in Drogheda on the identification of a site for a new temporary centre and/or a site for a permanent centre in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22844/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test service, including test centre locations. I am informed that there are very real challenges to locating a suitable driving test centre site in Drogheda town. The RSA are continuing to work with the Office of Public Works (OPW) on finding a suitable site. I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
240. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport what future plans he has with respect to the use of contactless payments by the NTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22936/23]
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 ticketing technology.
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 you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
241. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if there is a timeframe of an assessment on increasing capacity as per the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042 states in section 12.4.11 regional and intercity services that the NTA, in conjunction with Irish Rail, will undertake an assessment of the need for further infrastructural enhancements on the northern and south east lines to facilitate the combination of intercity and commuter services”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22977/23]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the development and implementation of the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
242. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the Wexford-Waterford rail line will be in operation in time for Fleadh Cheoil 2024 to give passengers from Waterford, Cork, Limerick, and Galway a direct sustainable transport option to attend the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22978/23]
View answer244. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a timeline for repair and when the bridge will be operational again for the Barrow Bridge on the Wexford-Waterford railway, the costings related to the repair of the bridge, as the Barrow Bridge on the Wexford-Waterford railway line has been out of service since 2022 due to a bridge strike while awaiting repair pending the outcome of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22980/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 244 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The maintenance of the rail network, including closed lines such as the Wexford to Waterford line, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In relation to the Barrow Bridge, officials in my Department have engaged with Iarnród Éireann in relation to the bridge strike at Barrow Bridge, short-term remedial actions to ensure safety, and the longer-term repair works required.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in the matter in the first instance, I have referred the Deputy's questions to IÉ for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
243. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport what plans there are to implement the improvements stated in the Rail Alternative Assessment Report prepared by a company (details supplied) as part of the N24 Waterford to Cahir and N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction project, which states that minor upgrades to the Limerick-Waterford railway line can deliver an end to end journey time of 1 hour 50 minutes, while full route modernisation delivers a Waterford-Limerick journey time of 1 hour 30 minutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22979/23]
View answer245. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the amount invested in the Waterford to Limerick rail line for improvement and safety works, including the laying of continuous welded rail since 2010; the lack of a speedier service and increased frequency since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22981/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 245 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The results of the Review will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, including on railway line between Waterford and Limerick. Work on the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is now at an advanced stage. Before it is finalised, it is expected that it will be issued for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment public consultation in July, with a final version to be published in the Autumn.
As the Deputy may also be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the exchequer funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure, including the Waterford to Limerick rail line. This is the fourth year of the five-year IMMAC programme, as approved by Government in 2020, and over the five years of the programme in excess of €1.3 billion in exchequer funding will be made available to support delivery. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services.
In addition, a feasibility study is currently being undertaken on a proposed capacity enhancement for the rail line between Limerick and Limerick Junction, which may also assist Limerick-Waterford services in future.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's (IÉ) 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 you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
246. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport when adequate funding will be made available for structural repair works and a pedestrian bridge adjacent to Ardfinnan Bridge, County Tipperary, to allow traffic to resume on a two-way system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22983/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
In relation to proposed Active Travel infrastructure works in Ardfinnan, I understand that the NTA are actively engaging with Tipperary County Council in relation to the potential scope of the project. It is important that any project funded by my Department through the NTA's Active Travel Programme is aligned with Government policy priorities as outlined in the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland, the Climate Action Plan 2023 and the National Sustainable Mobility Policy.
If and when agreement is reached in regards to the potential works in Ardfinnan, the NTA will include the project in its Active Travel Programme for receipt of funding to progress same.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
247. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he, in conjunction with TII, will address safety concerns at a junction (details supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22997/23]
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 management 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 regarding this junction.
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.
248. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm whether 2015 vehicles are to be included under the extension on age limit for vehicles used as taxis, in view of the current global shortages of new vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23011/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Since August, a series of global circumstances has, in the NTA’s view, considerably worsened the capability of taxi and hackney licence holders to secure new vehicles, with lead times of one year not uncommon already. Therefore, the NTA proposed to temporarily extend the maximum permissible age for taxis and hackneys so that no current vehicle licence holder is forced out of the industry because a replacement vehicle cannot be purchased.
The NTA introduced new Regulations on 18 November last, permitting an extension to the final operation date of vehicles due to reach their final date of operation/maximum permissible age between 13 March 2020 and 31 December 2024. The purpose of these Regulations is to amend Regulation 31 (Maximum Permissible Age Requirements) of the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015. This amendment is made as an exceptional provision and contingency measure, as a result of current vehicle supply issues. The NTA contacted SPSV licence holders to confirm the new final operation date of their current licensed vehicle.
249. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of social media posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in Irish between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023, inclusive; the percentage of same that feature bilingual translations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23040/23]
View answerSocial Media Channels for the Department of Transport & Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI - an office within the Department of Transport)
Reporting Period: 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023
|
Platform |
Total posts |
Irish posts |
Bilingual posts |
|
Department of Transport Twitter |
449 |
23 |
3 |
|
Department of Transport LinkedIn |
286 |
6 |
11 |
|
Department of Transport YouTube |
9 |
0 |
3 |
|
ZEVI Twitter |
92 |
1 |
0 |
|
ZEVI Facebook |
45 |
0 |
0 |
|
ZEVI LinkedIn |
67 |
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
948 |
31 |
17 |
Percentage Total from 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023
|
% Irish Posts on social media |
3.3% |
|
% Bilingual Posts on social media |
1.8% |
250. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport how his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit meet their obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [23058/23]
View answerUnder the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 employers are required to take reasonable steps to accommodate the needs of current and prospective employees with disabilities. As an equal opportunities employer, my Department is conscious of its statutory obligations and is continually working to ensure that it meets all commitments in this regard. In order to meet its obligations my Department works with the Public Appointments Service to ensure that prospective recruits are provided with reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.
Employees who have disclosed disabilities have been provided with assistive technology to allow them to carry out their roles. Ergonomic and risk assessments are available to all staff and specialised furniture has been made available to those who require it. Evacuation chair training has been completed to ensure the safety of those with mobility issues during an emergency and the Health and Safety officer reviews the accessibility of the Department’s offices on an ongoing basis.
Blended working and other flexible working arrangements are available to staff, and requests for accommodations in the nature of reduced on-site attendance are reviewed by my Department on a case-by-case basis. My Department facilitates special arrangements to accommodate disability requirements as necessary, including the changing of roles to enable staff to avail of accommodations required.
My Department has a dedicated Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) who assists employees with their disabilities and accessing reasonable accommodations. The Disability Liaison Officer is also part of a wider network of DLOs across the Civil/Public Service which meets regularly to exchange ideas on how the workplace for people with disabilities and/or those that require reasonable accommodations can be improved. My Department continues to work with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service, both of whom provide guidance on the provision of reasonable accommodation for employees.
I have asked the aegis bodies to respond directly to you on this matter and if you do not hear from them within 10 days you should contact my office.
251. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will work to implement a hierarchy of users-based approach to road safety and legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23083/23]
View answerMy Department's focus in this area is on the implementation of the Government's Road Safety Strategy (RSS) 2021-2030. This Strategy prescribes 50 high-impact actions and 136 support actions, which aim to help reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% in 2030.
The matter to which the Deputy refers is Action 114 of the RSS relating to the ‘Examination of the potential for presumed liability for mechanically propelled vehicles (MPV) drivers in cases of collisions with vulnerable road user's and make recommendations’. At present we do not have immediate plans to legislate for the hierarchy of a users-based approach, but this will be considered for inclusion as part of the consolidation of road traffic legislation.
252. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if Iarnród Éireann will organise public meetings to discuss its plans regarding the DART+ Coastal North project. [23088/23]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects, which includes DART+ Coastal North and the associated public consultation that is currently underway.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
253. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the cost of electric cars in the State makes them accessible to lower and middle-income families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23101/23]
View answerI am acutely aware that the cost of electric vehicles remains an issue for many consumers and that supply chain issues globally have also proven difficult. These have been exacerbated by international events.
€110m has been allocated in 2023 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
Current financial supports from ZEVI, and where applicable with support from the Department of Finance, for the transition to electric vehicles and for the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:
- A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
- A Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €600;
- VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
- Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
- eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV;
- AFHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle;
- Low rate of annual motor tax; and
- Tolling reductions of 50% for battery electric vehicles and 25% for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Ireland is at the beginning of its transition to private electric transport. Within a few years I anticipate there will be a viable second hand market that will provide a more affordable pathway to the purchase of an EV. In addition, the motor industry is planning to bring more affordable electric vehicles onto the market. Notwithstanding this, I am taking steps to accelerate the establishment of a second hand EV market in Ireland.
My Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. This Group considered a variety of regulatory, financial, and taxation policies to accelerate EV adoption. The Group also examined the issue of price parity between EVs and ICE vehicles and found that parity in respect of the Total Cost of Ownership is likely to be achieved later on this decade, driven by falling battery prices and savings due to economies of scale.
Additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentivise fossil fuelled vehicles will also be necessary. Cost-effective, targeted policy supports should continue to be developed and strengthened over the coming years.
