Written Answers Nos. 182-201
182. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to progress plans in the Green Party's transport policy to regulate advertisements that glamourise unsustainable modes of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13727/24]
View answer183. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport what action he has taken, including by liaising with his Cabinet colleagues as appropriate, to restrict advertisements that are misleading with regard to the impact of motoring on the environment, on urban congestion and on road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13728/24]
View answer184. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will support a ban on advertising of new fossil-fuelled cars, in order to reduce the demand for unsustainable modes of transport in line with transport and climate policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13729/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 182 to 184, inclusive, together.
Achieving our emissions abatement targets in transport will require transformational systemic and behavioural change with improved communication and engagement actions identified as a key pillar of our decarbonisation pathway. Under the Climate Action and Sustainable Mobility Public Engagement Strategy (due to be published shortly), the key objective is to strengthen the social contract between the public and the State for sustainable transport action through an inclusive programme of communication and engagement at national, regional and community level. The importance of communication and consumer awareness campaigns has also been highlighted as a key pillar under the National Demand Management Strategy - "Moving Together – A Strategic Approach to the Improved Efficiency of the Transport System in Ireland" – approved by Government for public consultation on 27th of March.
The regulation of car advertising was recognised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its sixth assessment report as a policy that can have a major influence on mitigative capacity. In its 2022 report, Redesigning Ireland’s Transport for Net-Zero, the OECD also highlighted the need to enhance communication efforts to address car-centric mindsets, and that industry car advertising ‘may undermine the effectiveness of the Irish Government’s communications strategy in favour of sustainable transport systems.’
In line with these recommendations, a commitment to conduct a review of car advertising and labelling has been included in the Transport chapter of the draft Climate Action Plan 2024 as well as in the Draft Implementation Plan of the Moving Together strategy. My department is expediting this work through on-going consultation with experts and key stakeholders in this field, where potential action on car advertising is being actively considered alongside a suite of supporting public engagement and communications’ measures.
185. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he supports a ban on private jets using Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13730/24]
View answer227. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has any plans to introduce a levy on private jets using Irish airspace or landing at Irish airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14680/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 227 together.
The term "private jet" is not defined in national, European, or international law and the nature of ownership does not arise as a specific categorisation.
There has been no proposal to ban such aircraft from Dublin Airport, but, as in the wider aviation sector, any proposals to regulate access more stringently would require that the negative environmental effects of such operations be assessed in the context of their economic impacts, particularly in the context of attracting FDI. Further, it is generally acknowledged that the business and general aviation sector will likely play an important role as a testbed for new aircraft technologies including electric and hydrogen before development/deployment for larger aircraft and at scale.
However, it has been recognised that a more concrete and definitive contribution to the decarbonisation effort could be made by this segment of the aviation sector. Preferably any such measure would be introduced on a European wide basis. However absent a forthcoming proposal, I have asked my officials to examine this matter.
186. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a test, per test centre; if a breakdown can be provided on the length of time waiting and the number of driving testers for each test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13774/24]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the information requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days. Regarding the driver testing service more generally, in order to meet unprecedented demand and address testing delays, last year 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 205 in 2023, which is more than double the 100 sanctioned testing posts in June 2022. By the end of 2023 there was an increase of 41 driver testers allocated across the driver testing service with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests. Sanction remains in place for the Authority to increase the number of testers employed. The national average waiting time for invitation to test has been decreasing since last September, when the first tranche of new recruits were deployed. Average wait times peaked in August last year at 30.4 weeks, compared to 16.9 weeks at the end of September. My Department is continuing to work closely with the Authority to monitor demand and capacity requirements of the driver testing service to ensure it meets the agreed service level of average wait times of 10 weeks, which the Authority expects to achieve by mid-2024.
187. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Mullingar train stop does not have any Leap card infrastructure, especially considering the station is used largely by students travelling to college in Maynooth; if he has any intention of introducing Leap card infrastructure at the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13775/24]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to Leap Card infrastructure in Maynooth is a matter for the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
188. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by his Department on travel and accommodation costs associated with ministerial visits abroad to date in 2024, in tabular form. [13816/24]
View answerGiven my dual role as both the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Environment, Climate & Communications, my expenses undergo processing through the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications.
189. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of properties either owned or leased by his Department that are currently vacant; the length of time the properties have been vacant for; and the location of the properties, in tabular form. [13834/24]
View answerAll office and other accommodation occupied by the Department of Transport is provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) as the responsible body for the procurement of office and other accommodation required by Government Departments.
My Department currently owns one vacant property, the Dun Laoghaire rocket house, which is registered as being owned by the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG). It is a small stone built structure in Dun Laoghaire Harbour area accessed via an adjacent property. Judged not to be fit for habitation, the building was condemned in 2012. IRCG is seeking advice regarding disposal of this site.
190. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s capital underspend, if any, in 2023; his Department’s projected spend for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13888/24]
View answerThe Department’s total capital budget for 2023 was €2,622.254m. The actual expenditure for 2023 was €2,473.792m, €140.920m (5.4%) was deferred to spend in 2024 and the return to the Exchequer, €7.542m (0.20%).
The Department's capital budget for 2024 is €2,679.450m plus deferred surrender of €140.920m. In addition, funding of €56m has been agreed from the RePowerEU fund for charging infrastructure at Drogheda train station, and €1.5m from the Shared Island fund for the Carlingford Greenway. These funds will be added to the Revised Estimates during the course of 2024. The Department expects to invest its entire capital allocation for 2024.
191. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport what the grant allocation of €150,000 for the Tralee to An Daingean route N86 in 2024 will be utilised for (details supplied). [13906/24]
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 on this project.
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.
192. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress being made to improve a dangerous and busy junction on the outskirts of Thurles, County Tipperary, where Turtulla Cross on the N62 has been the site of a number of serious and fatal crashes over the years; what safety works and junction redesign can be carried out at this junction on the N62 to improve safety for all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13917/24]
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.
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.
193. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the National Transport Authority following the decision by Aircoach to withdraw the Athlone service, to ensure connectivity is maintained in this growth centre. [14006/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the NTA’s public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. As a commercial operator, any decisions taken by Aircoach regarding routes scheduling and timetabling are a matter for the company, the NTA has no powers to refuse an application from an operator to reduce or withdraw services on a commercial route.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, such as Aircoach route 706/706X, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
194. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport what planning he has carried out to ensure there will not be an increase in road fatalities and injuries as a result of the forthcoming proposed changes to alcohol licensing hours; if he will publish the evidence on which any such plans are based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14007/24]
View answerThe forthcoming changes to alcohol licensing hours being brought forward by the Department of Justice may entail a need to consider enforcement arrangements such as Garda deployment. These are, however, a matter for the Garda Commissioner. If there are any implications in terms of Garda resourcing, this would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice. My Department's role is to ensure that there are appropriate rules in the Road Traffic legislation for Gardaí to enforce. Strict rules will encourage and ensure the safe use of the road for all users. In this regard the necessary legislation against intoxicated driving is already in place.
195. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will liaise with Dublin City Council on funding options for the expansion of the highly successful now Dublin bikes scheme. [14049/24]
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, including the public bike schemes.
Matters regarding the management or expansion of public bike schemes are therefore to be considered, in the first instance, by relevant local authorities in conjunction with the NTA.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
196. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport whether weapons bound for Israel are transiting through Shannon Airport; if he will immediately stop the use of Shannon as a transit hub for an active enabler of the genocidal violence happening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14052/24]
View answerThe carriage of munitions of war is prohibited on any civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory unless an exemption to do so is granted by the Minister for Transport, as implemented in the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989.
In 2023 and to date in 2024, no applications have been received or exemptions granted, to permit the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft flying to a point in Israel.
Operations by state aircraft, including military aircraft, are the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
197. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of agreements that have been reached between Transport Infrastructure Ireland and organisations that previously expressed concerns about the MetroLink project since the beginning of the railway order application oral hearing (details supplied); the details of these agreements; if any are non-disclosure agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14063/24]
View answerMetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30.
Further to the planning application for MetroLink, the Oral Hearing began on 19th February and is scheduled to run until 28th March. This process will allow planning authorities, prescribed bodies, elected representatives and observers to share their views on the project.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) continues to engage constructively with all parties as part of the Oral Hearing. Where possible, following engagement, TII has provided An Bord Pleanála with conditions agreed by both parties aimed at addressing their specific concerns.
As 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 MetroLink in conjunction with TII.
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.
198. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport when the additional capacity will be in service on the Sligo to Dublin rail line. [14065/24]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to when additional capacity will be in service on the Sligo to Dublin rail line is a matter for Irish Rail in conjunction with the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
199. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the supports his Department is giving to Irish Rail to provide ample car parking in Carlow town at the Carlow train station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14105/24]
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 car parking facilities is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
200. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the capital and current funding allocated to the safe routes to school programmes in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14120/24]
View answer201. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the proportion of the funding allocated to the safe routes to school programme that has been expended for the purposes of years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024. [14121/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority's Active Travel Infrastructure Programme and An Taisce's Green Schools Team is responsible for its co-ordination.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. While 275 schools have been selected for Rounds 1 and 2 of the Programme, all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted, and, if not selected in the first two Rounds, will be selected for forthcoming Rounds. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme is expected to be announced later this year.
Noting the role of the NTA in the funding of the Programme, I have referred your specific 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.
