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Tuesday, 26 Sep 2023

Written Answers Nos. 135-154

Road Safety

Questions (135)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

135. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the installation of average speed zone cameras on stretches of national, national secondary and regional roads where speeding is more of a routine driver behaviour than the exception; if locations that are treated like 'fly through' localities would be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41096/23]

View answer

Written answers

As 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 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 relation to national roads, TII have an action in the Road Safety Strategy to prepare a technical paper on locations where Average Speed Cameras would be appropriate. This paper is expected to be finalised by year end.

With regard to regional and local roads, average speed cameras would be the responsibility of An Garda Síochana and the Local Authorities.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Bus Services

Questions (136)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

136. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to staffing and hiring issues affecting the current operation of, and the planned extension of, public bus services in the Cork metropolitan area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41101/23]

View answer

Written answers

As 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 such as staff recruitment.

I understand that many operators in the transport sector are experiencing difficulties with staffing difficulties both as a result of COVID-19 and also difficulties in recruiting new drivers. These issues are found across all types of operators both public and private.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has informed me that they are working with operators to try and mitigate the impacts through recruitment campaigns in recent months with significant numbers of additional drivers expected once required training and tests are completed and licenses issued by the RSA. In addition the NTA are engaging with the RSA to try and expediate the testing and licence process for new bus drivers.

Bus Services

Questions (137)

Patrick Costello

Question:

137. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if, when the withdrawal of the 68, 69 and 13 bus routes running through Bluebell, Inchicore, Kilmainham, the South Circular Road and Thomas Street takes place, his Department will ensure that the NTA/Dublin Bus adequately services this route at a frequency the same as, if not more frequent, than the existing services. [41150/23]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. There have been significant developments in relation to bus transport 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.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions in relation to the areas raised to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Bus Services

Questions (138)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

138. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a local link service (details supplied) could be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41224/23]

View answer

Written answers

As 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 TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in county Kerry, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Bus Services

Questions (139)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

139. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport about an issue regarding bus transport for students travelling to MTU Tralee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41313/23]

View answer

Written answers

As 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 TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for new and enhanced public transport services in County Kerry, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Safety

Questions (140)

Robert Troy

Question:

140. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure adequate road maintenance funding is in place in Budget 2024 to ensure the safety of roads for road users. [41323/23]

View answer

Written answers

The 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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.

The regional and local road grant allocations are finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) and take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year. At this current time, the REV has yet to be finalised.

My objective will be to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network and traffic factors into account. The main focus of the grants will continue to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.

With regards to National Roads, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation, management and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. A major priority in the NDP, in line with the Department’s investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing national road network. The NDP foresees an exchequer allocation of circa €2.9 billion for the Protection and Renewal of existing national roads over the 10-year period to 2030, allocated fairly evenly across the decade. I have allocated €254m for Protection and Renewal for 2023 while the budget process for next year is still ongoing.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (141)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

141. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to review correspondence (details supplied); if he will provide clarity regarding the questions that have been asked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41400/23]

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Written answers

The contract for the provision of next generation Coast Guard aviation services was signed with Bristow Ireland Limited on 11 August 2023. The contract provides for the operation of four helicopter bases all on 24/7 duty, with the addition of a Coast Guard Fixed Wing aircraft service for the first time.

The Department and the Irish Coast Guard will facilitate, support, and expects to see, an orderly and seamless transfer of operations between both contractors (CHCI and Bristow Ireland). The transition will be a gradual process, and the new aviation service will be introduced on a phased basis over the next 24 months.

I fully recognise the professionalism and dedication of all personnel engaged in the provision of this essential State service. The specialist expertise of the CHCI personnel is highly valued and the experience gained over many years in providing IRCG SAR and other aviation services will continue to be a valued and sought after resource. The nature of the skills, training and experience required to fulfil Search and Rescue roles is quite specialised and there is a limited pool of suitably qualified personnel in Ireland and internationally available to fill these posts. Ensuring continued safe, efficient, and effective aviation services for the Irish Coast Guard is the overarching priority for all concerned. To that end, it is imperative that existing and future staff be fully appraised of employment and advancement opportunities available under the new service, so as to reduce any uncertainty or distraction.

The new contractor, Bristow Ireland, has given a commitment to my Department that the Company supports the principles of TUPE and that it will fully engage with the recognised Trade Unions – Forsa and Unite- as part of the transition and mobilisation phase of the new contract. The company has stated that it is fully committed to establishing pathways for personnel currently servicing the existing SAR contract to join Bristow Ireland on comparable salary structures and they will actively work to develop a positive and professional relationship with the Trade Unions to ensure that this commitment is fully honoured. Bristow Ireland will also engage directly with the management team of the incumbent contractor, CHCI, in the near future with a view to ensuring a seamless transition to the new IRCG aviation service.

Driver Test

Questions (142)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

142. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a person (details supplied) is waiting on their driving test for over seven months now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41401/23]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Consequently, information on applicants is held by the RSA and neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases.On the broader issue of delays, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. In response to these pressures, the Authority reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200. This recruitment is underway and being managed by the Authority. I have been advised that the first tranche of new recruits have been deployed this month. The additional driver testers are being allocated across the driver testing service with a focus on the geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.

It is expected that once the full complement of additional driver testers are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will begin to decline by the end of October and agreed service levels resuming by mid 2024.

Parking Provision

Questions (143)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

143. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport his views on the number of public car parking spaces, per head of population, in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41422/23]

View answer

Written answers

Under Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, the provision of parking bays on public roads is a sole function of local authorities. My Department does not monitor parking bay numbers and does not have sight of the statistics requested.

The Deputy may wish to bring her query to the direct attention of the local authority sector. The Local Government Management Agency has a dedicated email contact point for enquiries from Oireachtas members - Corporate@lgma.ie.

Fuel Prices

Questions (144)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

144. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if it is the policy to seek increases in fuel excise on petrol and diesel as a demand management strategy to reduce the number of vehicles on the road; if so, how many times he sought Government approval for increases in fuel excise; the number of increases he has sought; from what period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41430/23]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, this Government introduced a package of measures last year to lessen the financial impact of increased fuel prices on individuals and business including a reduction in the rate of excise paid on petrol and diesel - these rates remained in place until May 2023.

In its Tax Strategy Group paper on Climate Action, published in July, the Department of Finance Budget 2023 Quality of Life assessment found the excise rate reduction to be a climate negative measure. Excise on transport fuels is governed by the Energy Tax Directive (ETD) which is currently the subject of a revision by EU Ministers for Finance. Ultimately, any changes to fuel excise will be a matter for Government.

As regards the development of a Demand Management Strategy, the Climate Action Plan 2023 agreed by Government committed to a 20% reduction in vehicle kilometres travelled as part of the overall effort to halve transport emissions by 2030. To ensure the efficiency of the transport system into the future, and with a strong emphasis on co-benefits for health, air quality, road safety and placemaking, an extensive suite of measures, including fiscal measures, are currently being considered as part of a process to develop a new National Demand Management Strategy for transport. The Strategy, which will be high-level in nature, will define the type of measures that may be deployed nationally. The strategy will be the subject of a public consultation early in 2024, subject to approval by Government.

Bus Services

Questions (145)

Patrick Costello

Question:

145. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will liaise with the NTA around the issue of direct bus services from Chapelizod to the city centre, which, up until BusConnects, had six services in total, and currently only has one service (the number 26), and under upcoming plans to implement the S Spine, will have no direct routes to the city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41439/23]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both the policy and funding 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 the BusConnects Dublin programme.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the implementation of the BusConnects programme in the Chapelizod area. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Bus Services

Questions (146)

Bríd Smith

Question:

146. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can clarify what changes are proposed for the bus services in Crumlin, specifically routes 83, 17 and 18, and when they will be implemented; if he can detail the proposed replacement routes that the NTA is currently planning to introduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41446/23]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both the policy and funding 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 the BusConnects Dublin programme.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the implementation of the BusConnects programme in the Crumlin area. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Bus Services

Questions (147)

Robert Troy

Question:

147. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline all of the current services linking Athlone with Tullamore, via Moate, following the withdrawal of a private service on this route earlier in the year. [41456/23]

View answer

Written answers

As 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 TFI Local Link services.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new services, including in Counties Westmeath and Offaly, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Safety

Questions (148)

Emer Higgins

Question:

148. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport his views on the operation of the average speed safety camera system which has been in operation on the M7 in Tipperary for almost 18 months in terms of road safety policy; if it is envisaged that this system will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41509/23]

View answer

Written answers

As 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 national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

The operation of Average Speed Cameras is a matter for An Garda Síochana and the road authorities concerned in the first instance. However, TII have an action in the Road Safety Strategy to prepare a technical paper on the selection of locations where Average Speed Cameras would be appropriate. This paper is expected to be finalised by year end and will inform further work in this area.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Coast Guard Service

Questions (149)

Emer Higgins

Question:

149. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that the new provider for the search-and-rescue helicopter service in Ireland will retain the existing crews, along with their existing terms and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41510/23]

View answer

Written answers

The contract for the provision of next generation Coast Guard aviation services was signed with Bristow Ireland Limited on 11 August 2023. The contract provides for the operation of four helicopter bases all on 24/7 duty, with the addition of a Coast Guard Fixed Wing aircraft service for the first time.

My Department and the Irish Coast Guard will facilitate, support, and expects to see, an orderly and seamless transfer of operations between both contractors (CHCI and Bristow Ireland). The transition will be a gradual process, and the new aviation service will be introduced on a phased basis over the next 24 months.

I fully recognise the professionalism and dedication of all personnel engaged in the provision of this essential State service. The specialist expertise of the CHCI personnel is highly valued and the experience gained over many years in providing IRCG SAR and other aviation services will continue to be a valued and sought after resource. The nature of the skills, training and experience required to fulfil Search and Rescue roles is quite specialised and there is a limited pool of suitably qualified personnel in Ireland and internationally available to fill these posts. Ensuring continued safe, efficient, and effective aviation services for the Irish Coast Guard is the overarching priority for all concerned. To that end, it is imperative that existing and future staff be fully appraised of employment and advancement opportunities available under the new service, so as to reduce any uncertainty or distraction.

The new contractor, Bristow Ireland, has given a commitment to my Department that the Company supports the principles of TUPE and that it will fully engage with the recognised Trade Unions – Forsa and Unite- as part of the transition and mobilisation phase of the new contract. The company has stated that it is fully committed to establishing pathways for personnel currently servicing the existing SAR contract to join Bristow Ireland on comparable salary structures and they will actively work to develop a positive and professional relationship with the Trade Unions to ensure that this commitment is fully honoured. Bristow Ireland will also engage directly with the management team of the incumbent contractor, CHCI, in the near future with a view to ensuring a seamless transition to the new IRCG aviation service.

Military Aircraft

Questions (150)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

150. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 20 September 2023, what time and date an airline (details supplied) submitted the original request; what time and date the airline informed his Department that the US military informed them that the aircraft was not carrying munitions; to clarify whether his Department is aware as to who or what was being transported on this flight; if his is not aware, to request this information from the airline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41539/23]

View answer

Written answers

The application for an exemption to permit the carriage of munitions of war on the flight that landed at Shannon Airport on Wednesday, 6 September, was first received by my Department on Saturday, 2 September at approximately 1600hrs, then revised and resubmitted on Monday, 4 September at approximately 0500hrs. Such revisions are commonplace and arise with changes to times, aircraft, or other operational factors.

At 1507hrs on Tuesday, 5 September, before the flight was to depart the US, the air operator informed that, having contacted its customer, no munitions of war were to be carried on the flight. This update negated the requirement to be granted an exemption.

My officials have engaged again with the air operator who has confirmed that the flight carried military personnel with no weapons.

Haulage Industry

Questions (151)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

151. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport what proposals he is working on to assist the Irish haulage industry to reduce their costs as fuel prices continue to soar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41548/23]

View answer

Written answers

The Government recognises the important role that the haulage sector plays in maintaining Ireland’s strategic supply chains and in supporting Irish businesses and acknowledges the cost pressures on haulage operators, including as a result of high fuel prices in recent years.

Two temporary haulage support schemes were run by the Department of Transport in 2022 and 2023, with a total of €31.2 million in grants paid out to licensed haulage operators across both schemes.

The Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme 2022 was designed as an emergency support measure to assist haulage businesses dealing with a sudden and severe spike in diesel prices following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.

The second half of 2022 saw sustained historic highs in diesel price which were a continued risk to the liquidity of haulage businesses. In recognition of this, the Government again acted and agreed the Licensed Haulage Support Scheme 2023, which was open between 23 March and 31 May 2023.

However, diesel prices have fallen back from the peaks seen in late 2022, and in February the Government agreed to a phased restoration of excise duty between June and October this year.

The Diesel Rebate Scheme (DRS) remains available to hauliers. It has been in place since 2013 for licensed haulage operators in respect of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. At diesel prices over €1.43 (including VAT), the maximum rebate of 7.5 cent per litre is provided. Data from the Revenue Commissioners shows a 93% increase in claimants (both haulage and passenger operators) applying for the DRS in 2022 compared to 2021. However, there is still scope for the haulage sector to make better use of the DRS, as not all operators avail of it, and the Department encourages all businesses to make best use of available Government supports.

Ireland’s Road Haulage Strategy 2022 – 2031 has been designed to address areas of particular challenge for the haulage and road freight sector. These include decarbonisation and the HGV driver shortage. Some of the actions contained in the Haulage Strategy involve direct financial supports, such as the Alternatively Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle Grant Scheme, which bridges some of the price difference between conventional heavy-duty vehicles and more environmentally friendly alternatively fuelled vehicles and the Low Emission Vehicle Toll Incentive or ‘LEVTI’ Scheme, which offers toll discounts for alternatively fuelled vehicles.

Additionally, Eco-Driver training, which trains drivers to operate their vehicles in a safer and more eco-friendly manner, has been proven to lead to a significant reduction in fuel consumption and related carbon emissions. This not only benefits the environment, but also generates cost savings and improved efficiencies for road freight operators and leads improved road safety. My Department is currently working towards establishing a national standard for eco-driving courses and will analyse what incentives and measures could be introduced to increase the number of drivers undertaking available courses.

My Department is also helping the industry by supporting initiatives to encourage new entrants into the commercial driving profession, including via the Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship, which is taught out of Atlantic Technological University Sligo, and the Professional HGV Training Programme, which is run by Education & Training Boards (ETBs) across the country.

Furthermore, the quota for employment permits for HGV drivers from outside the European Union/European Economic Area (EEA) was removed in 2021, and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is currently involved in discussions towards new licence exchange agreements with Argentina, North Macedonia and Georgia, which if successfully concluded would increase the pool of HGV drivers that Irish haulage companies can recruit from.

Finally, I would like to emphasise that the Department of Transport will remain engaged with haulage representative bodies regarding the challenges they face in particular via the Road Freight Forum, which was established to monitor on an ongoing basis the implementation of the Road Haulage Strategy.

Driver Test

Questions (152)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

152. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport what improvements are being undertaken to improve the waiting times for driving test appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41549/23]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. However, I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working closely with the Authority to address the issue of driver testing waiting times, which is affecting many throughout the State.

The service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. In response to these pressures, the Authority reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200. This recruitment is underway and being managed by the Authority. I have been advised that the first tranche of new recruits has been deployed this month. The additional driver testers are being allocated across the driver testing service with a focus on the geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.It is expected that once the full complement of additional driver testers are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will begin to decline by the end of October and agreed service levels resuming by mid 2024.

Rail Network

Questions (153)

James Lawless

Question:

153. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport to examine an issue on the train service from Sallins to Grand Canal Dock (details supplied) whereby the number of carriages has been decreased but there is a need for more carriages to be added due to the number of users of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41563/23]

View answer

Written answers

As 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.

In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that its operational fleet is fully deployed on scheduled services at present, in line with prevailing demand. The current capacity is primarily based on pre-COVID demand levels, when rapid growth in demand resulted in the utilisation of 100% of the operational fleet at peak times.

However, it is the case that additional and/or cascaded fleet will become available over the course of the next 18 months and the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann are considering options for their deployment on the network.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Regulatory and Poverty Impact Assessments

Questions (154)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

154. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the number of Bills prepared by his Department in the 33rd Dáil to date; the number and title of those Bills that included a Regulatory Impact Assessment; the title of the RIAs published by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41600/23]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has prepared four Bills, all of which have been enacted, during my time as Minister for Transport in the 33rd Dáil.

Further information as requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

Bill No.

Bill Title

Regulatory Impact Assessment Conducted?

Title of RIA

Publication Status of RIA

41/2020

Railway Safety (Reporting and Investigation of Serious Accidents, Accidents and Incidents Involving Certain Railways) Bill 2020[now the Railway Safety (Reporting and Investigation of Serious Accidents, Accidents and Incidents Involving Certain Railways) Act 2020]

No regulatory impact arose as the Railway Accident Investigation Unit continued to carry out the exact same functions except under a new statutory basis.

n/a

n/a

72/2020

Air Navigation and Transport Bill 2020(now the Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022)

Yes

'Air Navigation and Transport Bill 2019 - Regulatory Impact Analysis'

Not published

128/2021

Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021(now the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023)

Yes

‘Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) – Road Traffic Bill 2021’

Not published

142/2021

Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) (Amendment) Bill 2021[now the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) (Amendment) Act 2022]

Yes

'Regulatory Impact Analysis – Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) (Amendment) Bill 2021'

RIA Merchant Shipping Bill 2021

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