Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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204. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the main policy achievements of his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61660/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, my department is responsible for the implementation of 54 specific commitments in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future.

Significant progress has been made in all policy areas of my department since 27 June 2020 and I believe that we are well on track to deliver on the Programme for Government commitments in all areas. I am especially pleased that we have been able to make such good progress while dealing with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit and the war in Ukraine.

I would highlight the following key policy achievements over this period:

Climate Action Plan

- The new National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) was published in April 2022, and aims to deliver at least 500,000 additional daily active travel and public transport journeys and a 10% reduction in kilometres driven by fossil-fuelled cars by 2030.

- To oversee delivery of the Sustainable Mobility Policy, officials in the department established a Leadership Group. Under this Group, a Delivery Team identified 35 exemplar ‘pathfinder’ projects and initiatives to be delivered by 2025 that will champion sustainable mobility projects across the county.

- A broad variety of projects were selected ranging from national game-changing proposals like making College Green in Dublin car-free or locating a brand-new integrated public and active travel hub, with a new bridge across the Suir River in Waterford City, to smaller, creative and equally effective projects like a Bus-it-2-school project in Co. Meath or a pilot programme in Co. Leitrim to integrate local link with a hackney and community e-bike scheme.

- The Pathfinder Programme is focused on reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector, by enabling the shift to cleaner transport choices. The Pathfinder Programme will bring increased momentum to the delivery of projects at a local level, providing templates for replication and scaling up elsewhere and with a strong emphasis on experimental and innovative approaches.

- The Renewable Fuel for Transport Policy Statement 2021 (published in November 2021) sets out the pathway to the achievement of Climate Action Plan targets and European obligations concerning renewable transport fuel. This is implemented through the renewable transport fuel blending obligation on fuel suppliers, as set out under Part 5A of the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007. Among the aims of the renewable transport fuel policy is to ensure sustainability and greenhouse gases reduction criteria are met, and to incentivise advanced and development renewable fuels supply in the transport sector. An assessment concerning the future availability and sustainability of biofuels and renewable fuels was also published in October this year (addressing Climate Action Plan 21 - Action 288).

Cycling and Walking

- The Programme for Government committed to cross-Government spending of around €360 million per annum for active travel measures throughout the lifetime of the Government. The majority of this funding comes from my department and will contribute to the development of almost 1,000km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure across the country by 2025.

- In 2022, €289 million has been made available to local authorities around the country through the National Transport Authority (NTA) to progress the delivery of approximately 1,200 walking and cycling projects across Ireland. This funding constitutes a significant increase on investment levels even a few years ago, with funding of €45 million invested in Active Travel in 2019. In addition to the significant investment in Active Travel, €60 million is being invested in our Greenway network this year through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), an increase of over €40 million based on 2019 funding levels. The number of Greenways in development in Ireland has increased from 13 in 2019, to approximately 40 projects currently underway.

- The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published in December 2021.

- The Tralee/Fenit and Listowel/Limerick County Boundary greenways were completed in Q3 2022. The Limerick Greenway officially opened in July 2022 after months of extensive refurbishment. The Royal Canal Greenway was completed between Maynooth in Co. Kildare and Clondara in Co. Longford in 2020. Work is ongoing on the greenway bridge in Athlone (part of Galway to Dublin Greenway) which is due for completion in Q1 2023. The preferred route on the section from Athlone to Galway has been identified and is now at planning and design stage. A Design and Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is expected to be completed in Q2 2024.

- TII launched a public consultation on the development of a new National Cycle Network which was completed in Q2 2022.

- A draft Cycle Network Plan for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) has been published on the National Transport Authority (NTA) website. An updated version is due for publication shortly. Cycle plans for the remaining counties were published for consultation as part of the NTA’s CycleConnects Plan. The finalised CycleConnects Plan will be published in 2023.

- Active Travel teams have been established in all 31 local authorities, with those fully utilised on Active Travel increasing from 57 in January 2021 to 219 on 1 October 2022.

- The Safe Routes to Schools Initiative was established during 2021, with the first phase of 170 schools selected in June 2021. As of 30 September 2022, projects at 17 schools have been completed with all remaining schools at various stages of progress through the Programme. 108 schools were selected for inclusion in Round 2 of the Programme and were announced by Minister of State Naughton on 12 December 2022.

- My department funds the delivery of CycleRighttraining through Cycling Ireland. The 2022 target of 28,000 pupils has been exceeded with over 30,000 students receiving training under the CycleRight Programme this year.

Transport Infrastructure

- MetroLink: A significant milestone in the progression of the project was cleared in July 2022, when the I secured Decision Gate 1 approval (under the Public Spending Code) from Cabinet for MetroLink. This decision enabled the project to move to planning application stage and on 30 September Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála (ABP).

- BusConnects Dublin: The programme preliminary business case and detailed project brief for next-generation ticketing were approved by Government in March 2022, at Public Spending Code Decision Gates 1 and 2 respectively. Planning applications have been submitted to ABP for six of the Core Bus Corridors. Following the launch of the first two phases of the Bus Network Redesign in 2021, phase 3 (Northern Orbital Routes– N4 Blanchardstown to Point Village and N6 Finglas to Howth Junction) and phase 4 (G-Spine and Route 60 (Ballyfermot/Liffey Valley/Red Cow to the Docklands via city centre)) were launched in May and October respectively of this year.

- BusConnects Galway: Construction on the Salmon Weir Bridge has commenced and planning permission for the Cross City Link was sought in September 2022.

- BusConnects Cork:The project is at Decision Gate 0. Following an extensive public consultation process, the new network was finalised and published in June of this year. The first round of public consultation in relation to the proposals closed on 3 October 2022.

- DART Expansion: Government approved the Preliminary Business Case for the overall DART+ Programme in December 2021 allowing progression of DART+ West (at Decision Gate1) and DART+ Fleet (at Decision Gate 3).

- DART+ West: A Railway Order application for DART+ West was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on 29 July, with statutory public consultation closing on 28 October.

- DART+Fleet: Following Government approval for DART+ Fleet, an initial order was placed with Alstom in December 2021 for 95 new carriages, consisting of 30 battery-electric and 65 battery-electric carriages, with the fleet entering service in 2025. In November 2022 the Government approved an order for a further 90 new battery-electric train carriages from Alstom, to be placed before Christmas this year, for delivery in 2026.

- Light Rail: The Cork Light Rail Strategic Assessment Report was prepared and submitted to my department in 2021. Galway Light Rail will be considered in the context of a review of the Galway Transport Strategy in 2022. Other GDA light rail proposals are being examined as part of the revised GDA Strategy.

- Major national road projects under construction include the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom project, the new Dunkettle Interchange, the N5 Westport to Turlough, and the N59 Bypass. In 2022, funding was provided to TII for the progression of 26 major projects specified in the NDP.

- In 2022, €607 million was invested in the regional and local road network, with about 90% directed to road maintenance and renewal and the balance for targeted road improvement schemes.

Public Transport

- The Young Adult Card was launched on Public Service Obligation (PSO) services on the 9 May enabling those aged between 19 and 23 to avail of an average 50% discount in their public transport fares. The Scheme was extended to participating commercial bus operators (CBOs) on 4 September. Further, in October, the Scheme was widened to include third level students aged 16 to 18.

- Average fare reduction of 20% on Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport services was introduced.

- Funding has been provided under Budget 2023 for the continuation of the Young Adult Card on both PSO and CBO services, and for the continuation of the 20% average fare discount on PSO services.

- The BusConnects G-Spine, serving areas such as Ballyfermot, Liffey Valley, Clondalkin and Islandbridge, was launched in October 2022. This follows the introduction of the H Spine in June 2021, running from Howth and Malahide to the city, the C Spine in November 2021, from Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, and Lucan, through the city to Ringsend and Sandymount, and the northern orbital routes which were introduced in May 2022.

- A consultation report regarding the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan was published on 3 May 2022.

- Currently, routes identified through the Connecting Ireland consultation process are being prioritised to provide emergency public transport services to people fleeing the war in Ukraine and housed in rural or isolated locations to ensure better access to our local communities. This will be achieved through an acceleration of network improvements, including additional stops, route modifications, and more services with the aim to increase connectivity.

- On 19 July 2022, the NTA announced the Connecting Ireland Programme - Phase 1 2022 Implementation Plan. It is also available on the NTA’s website containing details on individual services: www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Connecting-Ireland-Report-2022.pdf

- Throughout 2022, Phase 1 of the Plan has delivered a number of new and enhanced bus services. The revisions were implemented on routes and service serving areas in counties Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Clare, Sligo, Kildare, Offaly, Mayo and Wexford.

Buses

- Ongoing work including commencement of preliminary design work for Core Bus Corridors in Cork and enhanced bus signal priority at signalised junctions is included in all plans for the BusConnects Dublin Core Bus Corridors and in the other cities. Procurement of the Next Generation Automatic Vehicle Location system has commenced.

- No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for the PSO bus fleet since 2019. By the end of 2023, it is expected that there will be 454 low or zero-emission buses in the national bus fleet, out of a total fleet of 1,765 buses.

Decarbonisation of Road Transport

- Electric vehicles (EVs) are a prominent mitigation measure in Ireland’s 2021 Climate Action Plan and we have set an ambitious target of nearly one million EVs on our roads by 2030. As of September 2022, there were over 70,000 EVs on our roads. In addition, a national ambition has been firmly established that by 2030 all new cars and vans sold in Ireland will be zero-emission capable. Ireland is already a signatory to a non-paper to the European Commission requesting a phase-out date for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the EU in line with the objective of climate neutrality by 2050 as well as the introduction of a legal framework that allows Member States to move ahead by taking action at national level to incentivise early phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars and vans.

- On 14 July 2021, as part of the EU’s “Fit for 55” package, the Commission presented a legislative proposal for a revision of the Regulation setting CO2 emission performance standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (vans), setting more ambitious 2030 targets for reducing the CO2 emissions of new cars and vans and allows only zero-emission vehicles from 2035. The Council of Ministers adopted its general approach on 29 June 2022, meaning negotiations can commence with the European Parliament on this important legislative proposal over the coming weeks.

- Separately, on Transport Day at COP26 last November, I signed a sponsored declaration to accelerate the transition to 100% zero emission cars and vans. The declaration is an important signal of ambition at a global level.

- An Implementation Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Report of the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group and consider further potential measures and barriers to the adoption of the EVs. A key recommendation of the Report was that an office be established “to co-ordinate, manage and deliver on key policy pathway actions”. Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) launched on 21 July 2022 to act as a one-stop-shop for members of the public interested in purchasing or using an EV. The office will provide independent, non-sales advice and information on EVs, and support test driving experiences as well as commissioning research and assisting in policy development.

- A range of grants and incentives continue to be available to drivers making the switch to an EV, both privately and commercially. New incentives established since 2020 include:

- The Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme – launched in 2021 to promote the decarbonisation of the heavy-duty sector, and to assist road transport companies to transition from fossil fuels. The Scheme supports the purchase of new large vans, trucks, buses and coaches.

- The EV Commercial Fleet Trial - launched 21 July 2022 to afford businesses the opportunity to test an EV free of charge for a minimum period of 3 months. Its purpose is to show, through real world evidence, the benefits, savings and the suitability and viability of EVs in a commercial setting.

- The apartment charger grant - assists residents and owners of apartments and other multi-unit developments who want to install a home charger for their Electric Vehicle (EV).

- A draft EV Infrastructure Strategy was published for public consultation earlier this year. My department is currently evaluating the results of the consultation; and it is anticipated that the final strategy will be published next month.

- The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 will legislate for e-scooters and e-bikes. The Bill passed Dáil Éireann in September 2022 and is now before the Seanad. This Bill also addresses a Programme for Government commitment to address anti-social use of scramblers.

- At the recent COP27 in Egypt, Ireland became a signatory to the Global Memorandum of Understanding on Zero Emission Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, which targets a new sales share of 30 percent for zero emission trucks and buses that are 3.5 tonnes or over by 2030.

- The 10-Year Road Haulage Strategy sets out the strategic and policy direction for the haulage and heavy goods road freight sector for the next decade. In November, a draft text of the Strategy was published for consultation and the final strategy is expected to be published before the end of 2022.

Rail

- Phase 1 of Cork Commuter Rail Programme included in National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) is due to be completed by 2026. Relocation of Plunkett Station in Waterford is being funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage) as part of the regeneration plans for Waterford City. Other rail projects e.g., upgrade of Ceannt Station and Oranmore Station included in NDP.

- An All-Island Strategic Rail Review has commenced and will consider inter-regional and inter-urban connectivity on the rail network including potential for high-/higher speed rail and rail freight.

- Bike storage at stations is being considered on an ongoing basis between Iarnród Éireann and the NTA. DART+ Fleet will allow for increased bike-carrying capacity on commuter fleet into the future.

Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs)/Taxis

- The greening of the taxi fleet continues to be prioritised with 1,243 vehicles grant aided since the scheme’s inception.

- The eSPSV infrastructure scheme was designed to encourage more taxi drivers to convert to electric vehicles. The project involves installing taxi dedicated electric vehicle chargers at major transport hubs nationwide. Chargers have been installed in Dublin (Heuston), Cork and Limerick (Colbert) train stations as well as Dublin and Cork airports. Additional funds have been allocated to this project with further charge points to be installed at designated Irish Rail stations next year.

- Regarding a pilot ride-sharing scheme in rural areas, the NTA received advice from the Advisory Committee on SPSVs which was not in favour of any further consideration of such a scheme. It was found that there is no motivation to provide a rural ride hailing service due to lack of heavy urban area penetration. Ride sharing and demand responsive transport (DRT) continue to be investigated in conjunction with Connecting Ireland and the NTA rural transport teams. The NTA was asked to design three pilots in that space, into which SPSVs will feed as required.

- In relation to the local area hackney subsidised pilot scheme, location designation is well underway with Connecting Ireland and the NTA rural transport teams. Good progress is being made on this scheme.

Road Safety

- Implementation of a new 10-year Road Safety Strategy has begun with all relevant agencies participating, led by my department.

- My department will address the consolidation of the Road Traffic Acts following passage of the Road Traffic & Roads Bill 2021. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill passed Dáil Éireann in September 2021 and is now before the Seanad. On the level of secondary legislation, in 2022 my department consolidated the Fixed Charge Offences Regulations and the Local Authorities Fixed Charge Offences Regulations. Work has also begun on the consolidation of the Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations and the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations. The revised regulations are due to be published in early 2023.

Demand Management

- Work is progressing to bring forward a national demand management strategy.

- The aim is to achieve emissions reduction, air quality improvements and public realm benefits through roadspace re-allocation, and further demand management measures.

Ports

- In line with National Ports Policy (NPP) and the National Development Plan, the ports of Dublin, Cork, Shannon Foynes and Rosslare are all progressing major infrastructure projects to increase capacity for the trading needs for Ireland.

- A policy statement was published by my department in December 2021 on the facilitation of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) by Commercial Ports in Ireland. A number of ports and entities within ports are progressing plans for the delivery of port infrastructure to meet the requirements of the ORE sector in line with the policy.

- Following an analysis of a ports capacity study, which will be finalised shortly, it is intended to commence a review of National Ports Policy and publish an Issues Paper early in 2023.

- During COVID and in preparation for Brexit, significant work was undertaken and continues to safeguard and increase maritime supply lines into and out of Ireland, to ensure maximum maritime connectivity. A significant number of additional routes and capacity to the Continent were introduced in the aftermath of Brexit. This followed an extensive renewed communications ‘ACT’ campaign led by the department and the Irish Maritime Development Office and other Departments/agencies for importers and exporters to assess routes, communicate needs to shipping companies and trial alternative routes to mainland Europe so that any disruption to the landbridge would not preclude Irish business accessing foreign markets. The number of weekly sailings to mainland European ports rose from 30 sailings per week to more than 60 since 2020. On the 14 November Iarnród Éireann announced the commencement of works which will facilitate the reopening of the 42km stretch of railway between Limerick and Foynes which will assist Shannon Foynes Port Company in its development of a freight distribution hub as well as port infrastructure for ORE.

- My department has reviewed the services and facilities available to accommodate foot and cycle passengers at our seaports and on ferry services out of Ireland. My department is also engaging with the passenger ports, Dublin, Rosslare and Cork, on their plans for ensuring continued access to ferry services for foot passengers and working with the ferry companies in this regard. In November 2022, Brittany Ferries introduced a new vessel, the Salamanca, on the Rosslare- Bilbao route. This has enabled foot and cycle passengers to access sailings to Spain for the first time. Also in November, France and Ireland committed to working together to put in place a new sail-rail route between the two countries in 2023. A working group has been established with officials from both countries to progress this work.

Aviation

- €160m was provided to Irish aviation in 2021 in recognition of the damage caused by COVID-19. This year, Government has provided €46m to eligible airports and PSO air services under the Regional Airports Programme.

- The new North Runway at Dublin Airport, which is a strategically important project for Ireland, officially opened on the 24 August 2022. The overall runway programme which cost approximately €320m was completed within budget.

- My department continues to support aviation sustainability measures at EU and global level including in relation to the aviation specific ‘Fit for 55’ proposals.

- My department continues to oversee Ireland’s participation in CORSIA, and as part of this will submit to ICAO the 2021 emissions of Irish registered aircraft operators by 31 July 2022.

COVID-19

- Covid-19 had an immediate and profound impact on Ireland’s international connectivity and on internal transport systems due to restrictions put in place in Ireland and globally to protect citizens. During this time the Department of Transport worked closely with our agencies, other government departments, with the European Commission and with our transport operators to protect our supply chains and minimise the impact of the pandemic on transport operations and on transport passengers. Maintaining transport connectivity by air, sea and through our international hauliers was critical in supporting the movement of goods into and out of Ireland over the period of the pandemic.

Brexit

The Department of Transport worked closely with OPW and other State agencies to ensure that facilities for managing the new border controls at Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort were in place in advance of Brexit. Further enhancements to the State facilities in Dublin Port have been completed since then. Planning for the permanent facilities at Rosslare Europort was granted in October 2021 and are now at the public procurement phase. Construction is expected to commence in 2023 and OPW continues to work in close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders on developing these facilities, including the Department of Transport.

Fuel Costs – Licensed Road Haulage Operators

Following a decision by Government in March 2022, the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme was set up and administered by the department. The scheme provided over €15.6 million in direct financial aid to more than 3,080 licensed licensed road haulage operators in 2022 to help to ease cost pressures arising from high fuel prices, in particular since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine.

Accessibility

While all new public transport infrastructure is accessible from the design stage, there are many older, legacy facilities that are not accessible, for example Victorian era train stations. The Department funds the Accessibility Retrofit programme to retrofit such older facilities and services. The level of funding has progressively increased to over €15m in 2022.

The Travel Assist Scheme provide free assistance for disabled people, persons with disabilities, reduced mobility and older people, to use public transport in the Greater Dublin Area. In Q3 2022 the Scheme was rolled out to Cork.

In rural areas over 95% of TFI Local Link services are now accessible with new services also now accessible form the start of services. Previously there was a two year lead-in period.

In June 2021, the phased rollout of the enhanced Local Link network for County Leitrim commenced as part of a pilot scheme between NTA/Local Link and the HSE. Developed in close collaboration with the HSE, the revised network is designed to meet the needs of mainstream public transport users as well as the transport needs of passengers with disabilities, and those accessing (non-emergency) health care services in the county. Passenger numbers have grown considerably since the introduction of the new services.

Safe travel

A key priority for the Department of Transport is ensuring the safest possible travel experience for users of public transport services and infrastructure.

In April, I launched the National Sustainable Mobility Policy which sets out a strategic framework for active travel and public transport to 2030. The policy recognises that sustainable mobility needs to be safe and accessible for all users. Well designed, well-maintained, appropriately lit, continuous and better integrated infrastructure can help people feel safe and encourage them to choose sustainable mobility options over the private car.