Latest news with #DepartmentOfTransport
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Irish biofuel sales fall even as demand rises
Sales of Irish-made green transport fuel tumbled last year, despite sharp rises in consumption spurred by a Government scheme, figures show. Suppliers must blend biofuel with diesel and petrol sold to motorists under the Government's Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation, meant to aid the State's efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Figures from Government bod, the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) show that the amount of Irish-made biofuel used here last year tumbled 21 per cent to 46 million litres from 58 million litres, despite overall consumption rising by 20 per cent. Confirming those numbers, the Department of Transport pointed out that the 'volume of biofuels sourced from Ireland has more than doubled in the period 2017 to 2024″. READ MORE A spokeswoman added that this was consistent with the overall growth in biofuel use here over that time. Industry sources say that the profits from the type of biofuel mostly produced here, fatty acid methyl ester (Fame) 'have plummeted' in recent years in the face of competition from other fuels, including hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO). Those sources maintain that the problem is widespread in Europe. They also point out that the fall in sales indicates that the waste, mostly animal fat, used to produce Fame, is not being collected here. The Government is considering the 'need to support and develop Irish production of biofuel and biogas' in its latest renewable transport fuel policy, which runs for the next two years, according to the department's spokeswoman. The policy, published this week, commits the Government to reviewing incentives to promote the use of different types of biofuel, including how that could contribute to the development of Irish products. Irish and European producers have been warning for several years that biofuel imports from different countries, mostly in southeast Asia, are fraudulently labelled as coming from waste. A key concern is that many of them are made from virgin palm oil, which the European Union does not regard as sustainable biofuel as its production requires the destruction of native forest, or other raw materials that do not qualify under European rules. Industry figures point out that the most recent figures show that about a third of the 450 million litres of biofuel used here in 2024 came from countries where the risk of fraud is high, mostly China, Indonesia and Malaysia. Germany is considering banning biofuels made in factories outside the EU where government on-site inspections are not possible. The department's spokeswoman pointed out that the EU Renewable Energy Directive required all biofuel imports to the bloc, including to the Republic, to meet the same strict sustainability standards imposed by the union on its own producers. According to the department, the NORA is responsible for ensuring that biofuel sold here meets sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reductions obligations set out in the directive and the Government's Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation. The Government's latest policy reduces, but does not eliminate, incentives for some classes of renewable fuels said to be most vulnerable to fraud.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
LGBTQ+ inclusivity: Plan for effective removal of rainbow pedestrian crossing leads to official clash
Plans by Wicklow County Council for the effective removal of the State's first rainbow pedestrian crossing have led to a clash between the council and the Department of Transport. Rainbow crossings, which feature rainbow colours painted each side of a pedestrian crossing, are designed to signal inclusivity and respect for diversity, particularly to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Wicklow County Council's Arklow Municipal District was the first local authority in the State to install a permanent rainbow crossing. The rainbow colours were painted on either side of the white lines of a pedestrian crossing on Arklow's Main Street in December 2021. Stakeholders and vulnerable road users such as visually impaired advocacy group the NCBI were consulted on the design. However, in May, members of the municipal council were told the colours would be allowed to wear away. READ MORE The council said it was 'not in a position to refresh the paint, having regard to current legislation'. The council said 'pedestrian crossings are regulatory road markings, and as such, it is not open to Wicklow County Council to ignore the detailed specifications set out'. Asked what specifically has changed in legislation since the rainbow crossing was installed, the council told The Irish Times: 'All road markings are undertaken in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual (updated December 2024). This manual, published by the Department of Transport , constitutes a direction given by the Minister of Transport to Road Authorities under Section 95 (16) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 in relation to the provision of traffic signs.' However, the Department of Transport responded that the only change made to the Traffic Signals Manual since 2021, which updated the manual in 2024, was in relation to the use of orange flashing lights, known as Belisha beacons. The beacons require electricity and more complex installation, making them more expensive than signage. The update said the beacons could be replaced by signage, but was silent on the installation of rainbow crossings. [ A quarter of major US corporate backers pull out of Dublin Pride over Trump fears Opens in new window ] The council also appeared to clash with a response from Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien 's office, which said: 'At present, the department does not intend to revise the guidance in relation to the current layout and road markings for pedestrian crossings, guidance which was in place at the time of first installation of the crossing [in Arklow] in question.' In a Dáil reply to Wicklow Wexford Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, Minister for State at the Department of Transport Sean Canny said rainbow crossings 'are installed at the discretion of the individual local authority'. Arklow based film-maker Dave Thomas, who campaigned for the installation of the rainbow crossing, said the council 'wrongly cited legislation as the reason – yet the Minister for Transport has confirmed the same legislation that permitted the crossing in 2021 still stands today. The NCBI have also clarified they have no issue with such crossings if guidelines are followed.' He said it was 'appalling' and 'deeply hurtful' that Wicklow County Council 'would announce this at the start of Pride Month'.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Select Committee on Public Infrastructure Emphasises the Vital Role of Transportation in the South African Economy
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, emphasised the vitality of the role of transportation in the South African economy when the Department of Transport appeared before the committee yesterday to brief it on the department's strategic plan for the 2025-26 financial year. Mr Badenhorst outlined the ambitious targets of the department for increasing rail freight and commuter services. He acknowledged the financial and structural challenges faced by the department, making more emphasis on the need for efficient and effective transport systems to stimulate economic growth. The department's presentation, detailed the alignment of the strategic plan with the Medium-Term Development Plan. Key targets highlighted included enhancement of economic growth through private sector involvement, reduction of road fatalities by 50% by 2030, the improvement of freight movement, and infrastructure investment. The department told the committee about the necessity of increased investment in transport infrastructure to bolster economic growth and job creation. The committee raised concerns regarding the Driving License Card Account (DLCA), particularly the backlog in card production stemming from machine issues and procurement irregularities. The projected budget for the upcoming financial year indicated a revenue expectation of R321 million against expenses of R379 million. The department shared its insights into the budget allocation, underscoring the importance of infrastructure development. Committee members expressed concern regarding governance within public entities, the department's reliance on consultants, and the challenges of policy implementation amid fiscal constraints. The committee requested a detailed report on the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and the state of the entity's governance. Members of the committee highlighted the negative consequences of governance deficiencies on public entities and proposed the development of a taxi fare index to promote balance within the taxi industry. The regulation of scholar transport, and digital driver licenses were also discussed. On digital drivers' licences, the department confirmed that the current backlog stands at approximately 680,000 cards while efforts are underway to clear it within three months. The complexities of transitioning to a digital identification system were highlighted. Mr Badenhorst reiterated the committee's commitment to oversight and accountability. He said the department serves as a catalyst for economic prosperity. He stressed the importance of collaboration of the department with other key role-players in the transport sector for further enhancement of the transportation system in the country. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
$33 million disappears from Gold Coast road upgrades and improvements list
Millions of dollars in funding for road upgrades across the Gold Coast have disappeared from the state budget, casting doubt over ten transport projects. More than $33 million is no longer listed in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) released by the state government this week. The annual document provides a detailed breakdown of projects to be delivered by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the funding allocations over the coming years. At least ten previously funded Gold Coast projects now appear to have no money budgeted to deliver them in the latest QTRIP covering 2025-26 to 2028-29. Instead, the transport projects are listed as still in the planning phase or have been placed on hold to be delivered at a later date. Gaven MP Meghan Scanlon said she feared the lack of transparency over the funding amounts could mean the projects won't be delivered at all. 'Its been a long-standing tradition from both sides of politics to provide that long-term funding breakdown so Queenslanders can openly see how much money has been allocated,' Ms Scanlon said. 'That's all been swept under the rug, it's kept secret, I suspect because the transport minister made some bold claims that he now can't deliver.' Among the funding amounts that have vanished from QTRIP are: $1.9M to upgrade pedestrian facilities at the Broadbeach Rd and Carrara Rd (Ross St) intersection, Nerang. $1.16M for intersection improvements on Hope Island Rd (Oxley Dr) and Sunbird Ave, Paradise Point. $12.29M for bus infrastructure upgrades on Burleigh Connection Rd and Varsity Lakes Train station. $6M for upgrades on Currumbin Creek Rd and Bienvenue Dr. $1.64M for intersection upgrades on Currumbin Creek Rd and Stewart Rd. $5M for intersection upgrades at Burleigh Rd and Markeri St, Southport. $1.48M intersection improvements at Nerang Rd, Minnie St and Anne St, Southport. $800K for planning on upgrades to Burleigh Rd, Southport. $1.41M for intersection improvements Burleigh Rd and Slayter Ave, Southport. $2.03M for safety improvements on Nerang Rd and Ashmore Rd, Ashmore. Last week the LNP flagged changes to the way QTRIP is published in what Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said would 'restore respect' for taxpayers' money. 'This is about ending the waste and restoring fiscal discipline to make every dollar stretch further for Queenslanders,' Minister Mickelberg said. 'Labor routinely announced project cost allocations before the market had a chance to competitively tender – locking in big prices and locking out better value.' However Ms Scanlon accused the LNP of failing to be 'transparent' about the changes. 'The problem is, if it's now secret, I think the LNP should come out, be open and transparent with Queenslanders about where this money is,' she said. 'They went to the election saying they were going to be transparent, saying they were going to be a government with integrity. We have seen the complete opposite almost every day from the Crisafulli government.' The Bulletin asked the Transport Minister's office why the previous funding commitments for the Gold Coast projects had disappeared and how they would still be delivered by the government. A spokeswoman for the Minister said: 'All projects are either in planning or about to start procurement. Once the contract has been awarded the full project costs will be disclosed within QTRIP with all the other contracted projects.'
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Standing Committee on Appropriations Engages Department of Transport on 2025 Appropriation Bill
The Standing Committee on Appropriations today raised several concerns regarding the Department of Transports' (DOT's) performance and infrastructure priorities during a briefing on the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The DOT has provided spending plans and briefed the committee on identified mega projects that are covered in the 2025 allocation for public infrastructure investments. The Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Mmusi Maimane, expressed alarm over the persistent reliance on acting officials in key leadership roles within the department. "It is deeply concerning that while we are expected to appropriate significant funds that are over a trillion rands, the department has not appointed permanent officials in vital positions. This practice undermines accountability and weakens governance," said Mr Maimane. He said leadership issues in the department need urgent intervention in order to stabilise. Mr Maimane also raised concerns about the Moloto Road project, noting that the road has cost taxpayers approximately R15 billion, notwithstanding the historic spend on the road over the past ten years. "This is quite exorbitant for a 167-kilometre road and nearly three times the cost compared to another country such as China," emphasised Mr Maimane. The committee welcomed progress made at the South African Airways (SAA) and urged the department to do more to restore the airline to its former competitive standing. However, members of the committee voiced concern over revelations that R1.5 billion owed to SAA remains trapped in foreign countries, told the committee that despite several agreements between South Africa and Zimbabwe, little progress has been made. The committee called for diplomatic intervention at the highest level to recover funds which will improve SAA's liquidity. Furthermore, the committee welcomed the suspension of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) Chief Executive Officer and calls for urgent resolution and accountability. The committee also called on the RAF Board to act decisively to root out corrupt practices and to resolve the growing number of unsettled claims. "We are increasingly concerned with executive bonuses and golden handshakes in a department that oversees deteriorating road infrastructure. It is unacceptable that senior officials receive performance incentives when service delivery is clearly lagging," added Mr Maimane. Committee members also raised concerns over the growing number of trucks on the roads and the associated increase in traffic accidents. It also urged the department to explore a shift from road to rail for goods transport, which would reduce congestion and road maintenance costs. In addition, the high costs of toll gates particularly in Mpumalanga were criticised as an undue burden on commuters. The committee also questioned inefficiencies and duplication in transport-related agencies. It noted with concern that entities like the Road Traffic Management Corporation invoice each other billions, which could be avoided if these entities were consolidated under the Department of Transport. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
