Results 4,101-4,120 of 9,442 for speaker:Hildegarde Naughton

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Rail Network (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Deputy for his question and the opportunity to discuss the issue of increased capacity and the frequency on our rail lines, specifically the Dublin-Rosslare rail line. The Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan, has responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport, however, neither he nor my Department have a role in the day-to-day provision, operation, or...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Rail Network (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Iarnród Éireann, supported by the NTA, is at an advanced stage in the tender process to order the largest and greenest fleet in Irish public transport history, for up to 750 electric and battery-electric powered carriages over a ten-year timescale. As well as increasing the Dublin area capacity, it will also see intercity carriages in use on commuter services allocated to intercity...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Transport Policy (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Minister, Deputy Ryan, aims to publish the sustainable mobility policy framework before the end of this year. It will set out a strategic framework to 2030 for walking, cycling and public transport to support Ireland's overall requirement to achieve a 51% reduction in carbon emissions by the end of the decade. The framework will primarily focus on measures to promote and facilitate...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Transport Policy (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Deputy is entirely correct that this will require an approach across a number of areas, such as the safe routes to school initiative. However, it is not just about children in primary and secondary school having safe access; it is about local accessibility in towns and villages. It is not just an urban programme but one that will also work for rural areas. It is about enabling schools...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Transport Policy (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Deputy is right to mention Connecting Ireland. When we talk about public transport, there is the issue that people have a vision focusing on urban Ireland and our cities. Connecting Ireland is about delivering public transport in rural towns and villages throughout the country. That is key if we want to ensure people in rural Ireland have connectivity. However, we also need to be...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Traffic Offences (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: As Minister of State in the Department of Transport, I have no role in regard to the installation of cameras. Road traffic legislation sets out the standards for the use of such cameras and their effect in terms of road traffic law. Under section 81 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, electronic apparatus, including cameras, may be used to provide evidence in regard to offences under a number of...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I share the Deputy's concerns in regard to ensuring supports are in place. We introduced a grant scheme for alternatively fuelled HGVs and the uptake was extraordinary, which shows there is demand for this, although we need to do more. Technological advances will be required for the sector. I take the Deputy's point that we need HGV drivers. We can consider other matters through the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: -----that is fair and-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: -----whereby we are leading the way-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I heard the Deputy's point clearly-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: -----and I am responding to him. I hear these concerns every day. I have met the Irish Road Haulage Association, IRHA, and the Freight Transport Association of Ireland, FTAI, and I know their concerns-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: We want to reduce our emissions-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: -----while ensuring we have a fit-for-purpose logistics and supply chain sector.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I appreciate this issue is of great concern, which is why it has been raised in the House. I am very aware of increased prices at petrol and diesel pumps over recent weeks. This is an international trend. Wholesale energy prices have increased significantly following rises in international oil and gas prices and a post-lockdown surge in energy demand. While the trajectory of the global...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I take the point the HGV sector is reliant on fossil fuels and I am acutely aware of that. As part of this transition, we are trying to ensure we put in place supports such as the diesel rebate scheme. I mentioned the alternatively fuelled heavy duty vehicle grant, which had a significant uptake from the sector, showing the interest. We are also co-funding three research projects with...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I will continue to engage, as I have done since I came into this role, with the sector to ensure we protect it. I will also work with my Government colleagues, given this is not just a transport issue. For example, the Minister for Finance sets policy in respect of tax and excise duties on fuel and the only increase this year was the planned carbon tax increase. I will engage with them in...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Public Transport (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: It is important to note that An Garda Síochána engages extensively with transport operators and that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to address incidents and issues that have arisen at specific locations. There is ongoing communication between An Garda Síochána and the respective control centres and access to good-quality CCTV can assist...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Public Transport (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: To add to my earlier response, An Garda Síochána established regional quick-response hubs at Portlaoise and Thurles to support our intercity services in order to address incidents of antisocial behaviour on board our services, and this has had a significant impact in reducing antisocial behaviour and increasing compliance. The Minister, Deputy Humphreys, while standing in for the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Public Transport (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I will come back to the Deputy on that.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Haulage Industry (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. My response to Deputy O'Rourke's question earlier outlines the position in relation to the driver shortage and increasing fuel costs for the haulage sector. I will focus in this response on the overall position as regards the road haulage sector and supply chain issues. The programme for Government includes a commitment to publish and...