Results 3,561-3,580 of 8,928 for speaker:Hildegarde Naughton

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Coast Guard Service (9 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) is committed to supporting the near 900 dedicated volunteers who help provide the important and life-saving services of the IRCG. In regard to representation within the volunteer cadre of the Coast Guard, the Coastal Unit Advisory Group has been in existence for over 20 years. The Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) is the dedicated body in place, made up of...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Electric Vehicles (9 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The number of state-owned vehicles licensed on 31 August 2021 is 12,413, of which 186 (1.5%) are electric vehicles.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Coast Guard Service (9 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The provision of Irish Coast Guard cliff rescue services in Donegal is currently provided by the Greencastle, Mulroy and Killybegs Coast Guard Units. There is also an ability to transport any of these three units to an island on the Sligo based Coast Guard Rescue helicopter. There are currently 17 strategically placed Coast Guard units around the coast who provide cliff rescue capabilities....

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Haulage Industry (9 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The potential for disruption for hauliers using the GB landbridge is a matter of concern. Dialogue between France and the UK is continuing this week.Ireland supports all efforts to resolve this issue and the Minister for Foreign Affairs is in touch with the French Government, in particular with regard to any impact possible French measures might have on Irish trade across the UK...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Safety Authority (9 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 to 228, inclusive, together. In order to deal with the backlog in driving tests created by Covid, the RSA received approval in 2020 to rehire 36 temporary testers. In addition, the RSA received sanction to hire 40 additional testers on a temporary basis to assist with the backlogs. These new testers have completed their training and are now...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Haulage Industry (9 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Like many other sectors of the economy, road haulage is facing the dual challenges of increased costs and labour shortages. The global oil price has increased substantially in 2021; however, the Minister for Finance has retained the diesel rebate scheme for the present. The scheme, first introduced in 2013, allows licensed haulage and bus operators to apply to Revenue for a rebate on tax...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (9 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The validity period of Initial Basic Training (IBT) certificates is set out in legislation. In 2020, an extension was granted for IBT certificates. In 2021 a further extension was granted as follows - (a) an IBT certificate issued during the period beginning on 01 March 2018 and ending on 30 June 2018 was made valid until 01 October 2021, (b) an IBT certificate issued during the period...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Haulage Industry (9 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The correspondence referred to is addressed to the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Public Expenditure and the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications. It relates in particular to measures announced in Budget 2022, which are primarily a matter for the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure. Like many other sectors of the economy, road haulage is...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Coast Guard Service (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I hear the concerns of the Deputies. We are endeavouring to address these issues. As regards the terms of reference of the coastal advisory group, the purpose of the coastal advisory group is to provide a structured method of consultation and communication between the Irish Coast Guard and volunteer members. It recognises a key role that the volunteers play in delivering search and...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Coast Guard Service (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Deputies for raising this important issue and giving me the opportunity to come before the House. The temporary standing down of Doolin Coast Guard unit operations is a proportionate response having regard to significant ongoing attempts by the Irish Coast Guard to address the unfortunate differences that have existed within the unit and their impact on the unit. Equally, the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Electric Vehicles (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I agree that we must consider targeted measures based on service provision across the country. There will be people who will need a private car. The evidence is there regarding emissions reductions with electric vehicles. In particular where people have no other alternative, we must look at measures in that respect. I will not go into the grants. Deputy Duncan Smith is very well aware...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Cycling Facilities (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I think €287 million or quarter of a billion euro is a significant figure, especially in the context of Covid-19, given that greenways, which are part of this, were not considered essential works during the lockdown. That may have brought the figure down slightly but as the resources are allocated to local authorities in relation to active travel projects, we will see - and we will...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Cycling Facilities (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Absolutely. It is said by people who engage in and spearhead cycle buses that hopefully one day we will not need them and will have safe routes to school and protected infrastructure such that parents feel confident to let their children cycle to school appropriately. What is important about the safe routes to school programme is that the schools are actively involved in these solutions....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Electric Vehicles (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Deputy. Providing a sustainable low-carbon transport system is a key priority for the Department. The programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reductions to 2030. Ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050 and electrification will be key to achieving that in the transport sector. EVs are the most prominent transport mitigation...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Electric Vehicles (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Deputy made some valid points in relation to looking at other areas. Preparations are under way to establish an office of low emissions vehicles. This office will play an important role in our transition to zero-emission vehicles and will co-ordinate measures to support the uptake of EVs and the roll-out of charge point infrastructure. In the context of rural Ireland, we spoke about...

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

Hildegarde Naughton: The Minister for Transport has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015, and in line with the national development plan, NDP, the management and improvement of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, in conjunction with local authorities. A key priority...

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

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Deputy. Ensuring that minimum standards are kept is a matter for local authorities. Local authorities, with TII, identify roads that need to be further maintained. The maintenance, protection and renewal budget was protected, which recognises the importance of road connectivity and safety for all road users. It is critical that we have new road infrastructure built as part of...

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

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank both Deputies. A list of projects is mentioned in the NDP. Projects currently under construction are the M50 traffic control management unit, the N5 from Westport to Turlough, the N56 from Dungloe to Glenties, the N22 from Baile Bhuirne to Macroom, the M8 Dunkettle interchange, and the N5 from Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge. There are other projects earmarked to begin construction...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Cycling Facilities (4 Nov 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: As the Deputy knows, and this is probably the reason he is asking, in the programme for Government, we committed that €360 million in cross-Government funding will be spent on walking and cycling infrastructure per annum over the lifetime of the Government. This investment will help to support the delivery of about 1,000 km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure by...

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

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Deputies. Minister Ryan is attending Cabinet this morning. That is why he cannot be in the Dáil to take questions. However, if there are any further questions Deputy Brady wants answered, I can certainly relay them to him. The Climate Action Plan will be published later today, so that is why he could not attend. In relation to-----