Written Answers Nos. 198-213
199. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the estimated investment to date in the Dublin BusConnects initiative; and the estimated final cost; and the expected impact when it is fully in place, in terms of extra passengers, extra buses in the system, and so on. [32343/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Dublin.
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.
200. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if Irish Rail plans to increase the number of carriages from three to four on both the 09.33 and 17.33 Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort trains. [32344/23]
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 deployment of new carriages is a matter in the first instance for Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for the development and delivery of certain public transport infrastructure, including the purchase of rolling stock. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
201. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport who is the regulator for the 15 bus route; how a person can submit an official complaint about this service; and if there is an option to appeal the outcome of the complaint made. [32396/23]
View answerThe National Transport Authority is responsible for managing Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts with a number of Transport Operators that set out standards they are obliged to meet. This includes Dublin Bus who operate the no 15 bus route.
Complaints can be made initially to the relevant transport operator, in this case, Dublin Bus, and also to the NTA via the Contact & Support section on the Transport for Ireland (TFI). Full details on the complaints process can be found at www.transportforireland.ie/support/
202. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport how many three-yearly inspections of ships have taken place under section 5(3) of SI 376/2014 since that Instrument came into force; how many non-compliances were detected; and to provide these inspections and detected non-compliances, by category, in a tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32409/23]
View answerThe requirement under Regulation 5(3) of SI 376/2014 applies to ships less than 500 GT which do not engage in international voyages or those that do not operate between ports in another state. Such vessels are not required to hold statutory Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) certification, although can voluntarily request to be certified in accordance with the Regulations. In the Irish context, the ships which fall within the scope of Regulation 5(3) includes domestic cargo and passenger sea-going ships and domestic sea-going passenger boats. In all such cases as these ships are less than 500 GT and not engaged in international voyages, the crew do not live on-board whilst the vessel is at sea. Therefore, the requirements under the MLC are limited or not applicable for such ships. The Marine Survey Office survey and inspection regime includes surveys of passenger ships on a one-year cycle and passenger boats on a two-year cycle. On this basis such ships are subject to inspection at a greater frequency than once every three years. The number of such inspections would include 80 passenger ships each year and approximately 400 other domestic vessels per annum and each survey or inspection may entail multiple visits. In addition, such ships may also be subject to additional operational inspections, usually during the summer season. The outcome of such inspections may result in a report of inspection issued to the Master and Owner of the vessel detailing deficiencies and the actions to be taken to rectify any identified issues. The use of the term detected non-compliances does not arise in this instance as the vessels in question are not required to be certified under the Convention. As such any issues which are identified during survey and inspections are required to be addressed.
203. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport his views on Ireland's progress towards ratification of the Work in Fishing Convention ILO 188; whether it is intended to make the Marine Survey Office the sole agency for the enforcement of the provisions of the Convention on Foreign Flagged Fishing Vessels in operating in Irish territorial waters or whether the WRC inspectorate is envisaged as having a role as they do on enforcing minimum conditions of work on Irish flagged fishing vessels that employ direct labour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32410/23]
View answerThe ILO Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 was adopted at the 96th session of the International Labour Conference on 14 June 2007. The Convention aims to ensure decent conditions of work in fishing regarding minimum requirements for work on board, conditions of service, accommodation and food, occupational safety and health protection, and medical care and social security.
As this Convention is an international agreement, primary legislation will be required in the first instance to allow us to ratify the Convention. In this regard, officials in my department are working on a general scheme for a planned Merchant Shipping (International Conventions) Bill. This is at the preparatory stages, prior to seeking Government approval for its drafting in due course. It is hoped that such approval will be received in the first half of 2024. The main purpose of the Bill is to provide the required legislative framework for Ireland to become a party to several international maritime conventions. Progress of any such Bill is, of course, subject to pre-legislative scrutiny in the first instance followed by passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is worth noting, in the meantime, that Ireland has transposed EU Directive 2017/159 which implements much of the social partners’ agreement concerning the ILO Work in Fishing Convention.
With regard to the Deputy's query in relation to enforcement of the provisions of the Convention on Foreign Flagged Fishing Vessels, this is a port state control matter and, as such, the WRC would have no role in relation to enforcement of labour standards aboard foreign flagged vessels with regard to ILO Working in Fishing Convention. This responsibility would fall to the jurisdiction of the relevant competent authority of the Flag State under international maritime law.
204. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport when the NTA’s bus stops upgrade programme will be extended to Limerick city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32436/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has agreed responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
Noting their 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.
205. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if he will sanction a cost-of-living increase in the CIÉ pension; when that increase will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32597/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.As of end December 2022, the Balance Sheet deficit for the two defined benefit pension schemes operated by CIÉ, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), was €396.5m. While the funding position improved during 2022, and the 1951 scheme now meets the MFS, the RWS currently doesn't meet the MFS and the funding level is marginal and subject to future market volatility. In relation to RWS, I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July 2022.Regarding the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. This is being considered by the Department in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputy may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months.Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
206. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to detail the number of CHADEMO/CCS charge points which have been removed in both Galway city and county since January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32617/23]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years.
Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
In January this year, I launched the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025, alongside an Implementation Plan. The strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.
ZEVI is developing a number of infrastructure schemes to support the rollout of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Destination Charging will be a strong priority for ZEVI in 2023.
In addition to a general scheme, a number of bespoke schemes are also in advanced stages of development, including
• A shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which is expected to install up to 200 fast chargers
• An EU Just transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers
These circa 300 sites, in addition to those under other destination schemes currently planned will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
A new Residential Neighbourhood Charging Scheme will also be launched by ZEVI to provide EV charging for residents without access off street parking. This EV charging will be designed to mimic home charging and will incentivise off-peak charging in a location convenient to the resident’s home.
In addition to schemes directly launched by ZEVI, there is a strong growth in the provision of private sector charging projects which aim to facilitate charging at all levels, from Destination and residential to ultra-rapid and high-powered charging, such as is required along major routes and for heavy duty vehicles.
With an investment of €10m from the Climate Action Fund and a matching €10m from ESB, ESB ecars are rolling out fast charging hubs and fast charge points across the country. Their program is as follows:
• 50 charging “hubs” throughout Ireland which can charge between 3-8 vehicles simultaneously, 23 of which have been delivered
• Replacing 50 existing standard chargers with fast chargers, 40 of which have been delivered
• Replacement of over 200 other standard to increase reliability of service
In relation to charge points potentially removed in Galway City and County, the Department of Transport and ZEVI do not have oversight of this. Public EV charge points are provided in Ireland by a number of charge point operators mainly on a commercial basis. The Climate Action Fund has funded one ESB eCars project which involves the removal and replacement of charge points, I have directed your correspondence to ESB eCars for attention and direct reply in relation to this scheme. Please contact my office if no reply is received within 10 working days.
207. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a successor agreement between TII and the IFA (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32623/23]
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 planning, design and construction 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.
208. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number and percentage of coaches and double-decker buses within the Bus Éireann fleet that currently have a toilet onboard; and if there are plans to increase these numbers. [32670/23]
View answerAs 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 issue raised by the deputy in relation to the number and percentage of coaches and double-decker buses within the Bus Éireann fleet that currently have a toilet onboard; and if there are plans to increase these numbers is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
209. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if Aer Rianta International, as a subsidiary of the Dublin Airport Authority, currently operates or oversees retail spaces in either Canada or in the United Arab Emirates airports. [32671/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that Aer Rianta International (ARI), daa's international airport retail business, has travel retail operations at Montréal, Winnipeg, Halifax and Québec in Canada. It does not currently operate in the United Arab Emirates.
A full list of all locations ARI currently operates in is available online on its website, www.ari.ie .
210. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the waiting time for tests in each NCT test centre nationwide; to outline the measures he has put in place to reduce waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32697/23]
View answer214. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to provide, in tabular form, the current wait times facing those on ‘priority booking’ (out-of-date NCT certification) waiting lists in each NCT centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32799/23]
View answer215. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to provide, in tabular form, the wait times facing those on ‘priority booking’ (out-of-date NCT certification) waiting lists in each NCT centre between 2018 and 2022. [32800/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 210, 214 and 215 together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the Deputies' queries regarding waiting times information 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.
I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet high demand for tests and the delays which vehicle owners are encountering. My officials continue to meet weekly with the Authority, to monitor ongoing progress in reducing test delays and to ensure all possible actions are being taken to bring the waitlist to an acceptable level in 2023, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.
There has been considerable progress in addressing the long-term staffing issues which have caused this backlog and in increasing capacity at test centres, including the temporary transfer of testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation last year, increased staff overtime and extensive recruitment of new vehicle inspectors. There are currently 633 testers operating or in training, testers are being assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.
The RSA is supporting the service provider to improve the availability of customer booking slots and to return the service to the service level agreements. In the interim, I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992 or by availing of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie . In the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
211. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the details of the investment that is planned by Iarnród Éireann for its network in County Clare during 2023 and 2024; if consideration is being given to the opening of a rail stop at Crusheen, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32698/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) is the framework through which Exchequer investment is made in the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure. This includes the rail line between Limerick and Athenry, which runs through County Clare.
This is the fourth year of the current five-year IMMAC programme from 2020 to 2024. Over the five years of the programme, a total of over €1.3billion in Exchequer funding will be made available to support delivery of protection and renewal works by Iarnród Éireann. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services across the network.
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The opening of stations on the network, including the former station referred to at Crusheen, Co Clare, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of the Infrastructure Manager's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
212. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a driving test and a theory test in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32699/23]
View answer216. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to provide, in tabular form, the current wait times per centre facing those awaiting a test for their full driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32801/23]
View answer217. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to provide, in tabular form, the wait times facing those seeking a test for their full driving licence between 2018 and 2022. [32802/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 212, 216 and 217 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 these questions to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputies to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
213. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of and a breakdown of the categories of reports filed with the Road Safety Authority in respect of e-bike and e-scooters in 2022 and to date 2023; if the RSA is developing an updated advice on the use of e-bikes and e-scooters; if he will provide an update on his work in respect of the insurability of these modes of transport that are not capable of breaching the 25KPH threshold. [32790/23]
View answerUnder the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, there is no change to the legal status of pedal assist e-bikes with a power output up to 250W, where the motor cuts out at 25 km/h and it does not operate without pedalling. These will continue to be classed as pedal cycles (bicycles and tricycles). As with pedal cycles, e-bike owners are not required to hold motor insurance for their vehicle and they will not need to register or tax their e-bikes or hold a driver’s licence. Those who own, or are considering buying, an e-bike below these thresholds can continue to use them on public roads and in cycle and bus lanes.
The 2023 Act also creates a new vehicle category, powered personal transporters or PPTs, which includes e-scooters and future micro-mobility devices as needed. Unlike mechanically propelled vehicles such as cars, trucks and buses, PPTs will not require registration, tax, insurance or licensing.
My Department is preparing regulations for e-scooters, which will set out the rules for their safe use in public places and the technical requirements and safety standards they must meet for legal use on Irish roads. Until these regulations are in place, e-scooters will remain illegal to use in public places and on public roads and An Garda Síochána may seize them. There are no plans to regulate for any other type of PPT at this point.
The Road Safety Authority is preparing a safety focused communications campaign, aimed to coincidence with the signing of the regulations expected in early Quarter 4 of 2023.
