Written Answers Nos. 142-161
142. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if the current weight limits for buses will be reviewed given the additional weight of batteries in new electric vehicles which will limit capacity. [46238/24]
View answerThe current EU Weights and Dimension Directive 96/53/EC sets out the maximum authorised weights and dimensions for heavy-duty goods or passenger vehicles (HDVs) on EU roads. This Directive is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as amended.
The European Commission has proposed a revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive 96/53/EC and negotiations are ongoing. The current draft includes provisions for higher weight limits for electric vehicles, including buses.
My Department has no plans to amend the current national weight limits until the negotiations are completed and a new Directive is adopted, which is expected in the coming months.
143. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure the availability of small electric buses to meet policy goals. [46239/24]
View answerZero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) leads on the delivery of Ireland’s ambitious targets under the Climate Action Plan to have an expected 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
There is a suite of incentives in place from ZEVI, and where applicable with support from the Department of Finance, to support the continued transition to electric vehicles and for the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure including:
•A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
•A Home Charger purchase grant scheme;
•VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
•eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV, including wheelchair accessible vehicles;
•ZEHDV grant scheme – grant to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
•Low rate of annual motor tax.
The ZEHDV scheme awards grants to assist companies and enterprises who wish to buy zero-emission heavy duty vehicles which are supported by the scheme instead of buying the diesel equivalent.
These and related infrastructure supports will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.
For questions pertaining to Local Link or other public service obligation bus services, the National Transport Authority or Transport for Ireland can be contacted for details.
144. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider additional financial support for costs related to electric vehicle conversions especially in the case of community and voluntary groups. [46240/24]
View answerProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of the Department. Within the Climate Action Plan (CAP), fleet electrification is one of the biggest mitigation actions for domestic sectors and will provide the greatest share of transport emissions abatement to 2030.
There are a number of financial supports from Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, and where applicable with support from the Department of Finance, which support the transition to electric vehicles including: an EV purchase grant scheme; a home charger grant scheme; eSPSV, a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to EVs; and ZEHDV, a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle.
These and related infrastructure supports will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand. We are committed to regularly reviewing these measures and grants to ensure they support our decarbonisation objectives.
The Department is aware of initiatives to retrofit internal combustion engine cars to electric vehicles. Innovations that provide reliable solutions for people willing to transition to electric vehicles are to be welcomed, particularly if they provide options for people who might be unable to purchase a new vehicle. It is expected that training for this type of conversion will increase in the coming years as research and technology develop further.
145. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport to consider and review the current grant scheme for electric vehicle purchases to determine if they are sufficient to cover rising costs, including conversions and tax liabilities. [46241/24]
View answerProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of the Department.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) incentivises vehicle uptake through both direct funding interventions and by creating an advantageous policy ecosystem for manufacturers, importers and dealers, as well as for complimentary sectors such as the lease/hire sector, the eSPSV and fleets sector and for participants in the second-hand market.
Current financial supports from ZEVI for the transition to electric vehicles and for the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:
• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme;
• An apartment charger scheme;
• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
• Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief of up to €5000 for BEVs;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV;
• ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
• Low rate of annual motor tax.
These and related infrastructure supports will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand. We are committed to regularly reviewing these measures and grants to ensure they support our decarbonisation objectives.
146. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing specific concessions or subsidies for rural transport groups transitioning to electric vehicles. [46242/24]
View answerProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of the Department. Public transport will play a large role in reaching climate targets; however, fleet electrification is one of the biggest mitigation actions for domestic sectors and will provide the greatest share of transport emissions abatement to 2030. EVs will also support decarbonisation of transport in rural or underserved areas lacking public transport provision or other travel alternatives.
The Department of Transport is aware of the need to consider varied and local challenges to EV uptake, including those living in rural areas. Current financial supports from Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland for the transition to electric vehicles and for the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:
• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme;
• An apartment charger scheme;
• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
• Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief of up to €5000 for BEVs;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV;
• ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
• Low rate of annual motor tax.
These and related infrastructure supports will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand. We are committed to regularly reviewing these measures and grants to ensure they support our decarbonisation objectives.
147. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport to outline any consultation his Department has had with conversion specialists (details supplied) to address challenges in retrofitting electric vehicles; and if he plans to have any in the future. [46243/24]
View answerIreland has committed to transitioning to a low carbon economy by 2050 and the transport sector has a significant role to play. There is a current target under the Climate Action Plan to have 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030. Fleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector.
The Department has previously engaged with companies offering EV conversion options and while the Department is not in current engagement with conversion specialists, innovations which provide reliable solutions for people willing to transition to electric vehicles are welcomed and particularly if they provide options for people who might be unable to purchase a new vehicle.
My Department will continue to monitor the still emerging EV sector for innovations such as vehicle conversion and will engage as appropriate with industry to consider potential future uptake incentives and programmes.
The Government is committed to making electric vehicles accessible to all. Current financial supports from Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, and where applicable with support from the Department of Finance, for the transition to electric vehicles and for the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:
• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) of up to €3,500;
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €300;
• VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles and chargers;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to EVs, including wheelchair accessible EVs;
• ZEHDV grant scheme – for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
• Low rate of annual motor tax.
These and related infrastructure supports will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and accessible rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.
148. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport to provide a timeline for the completion of the Castlemartyr bypass; and if additional resources will be allocated to accelerate this critical project. [46246/24]
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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €450,000 was allocated in 2024 for the N25 Midleton to Youghal scheme, which includes bypasses of the village of Castlemartyr. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. The allocations for 2025 will be announced in the coming months.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
149. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if plans are being developed for a train line between Youghal and Midleton; and if so, when construction will commence. [46247/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may know, the National Transport Authority (NTA) published the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) in 2020, which was developed in consultation with Cork City and Cork County Councils and with input from other key stakeholders, including Iarnród Éireann. As part of this process, the route from Midleton to Youghal was earmarked for development as a greenway.
CMATS will be reviewed and updated every six years and, as part of this process, the optimal transport provision in the area, including between Midleton and Youghal, can be considered again.
In addition, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published on the 31st of July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.
A proposal to develop a line between Midleton and Waterford along the South Coast was examined as part of the Review, but ultimately this route was not included in the recommendations in the Final Review Report.
The Final Review Report will inform the development of rail on the island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, and it may be reviewed/updated every decade.
150. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider introducing a shuttle bus service between Youghal and the Midleton train station to improve connectivity. [46248/24]
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 the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
151. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to expand and improve bus services in east Cork, particularly in under-served areas such as Youghal. [46249/24]
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 the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
152. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport to outline the plans to assess and improve the safety of walking routes to schools in rural areas such as Youghal. [46251/24]
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.
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 including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects 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 (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
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. 167 schools form Round 1 of the SRTS Programme while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme was launched in November 2024. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the Rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
Given the number of schools currently registered with the Programme, there is currently no plans to open up the Programme for additional applications. It should be noted, however, that funding for Active Travel infrastructure for schools is not confined to the Safe Routes to Schools Programme alone. In some cases, schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your 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.
153. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address east Cork's infrastructure needs, such as roads and public transport, in the coming years. [46252/24]
View answer154. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to developing a comprehensive transport strategy for east Cork, integrating road upgrades, train lines, and bus services. [46253/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
The Cork County Development Plan 2022 to 2028 provides for the development of the county over the coming years and has been developed by the local authority in accordance with all relevant statutory and policy frameworks. The Plan sets out a comprehensive framework for the development of the county's transport network across all modes, including bus, rail and road.
The Deputy will also be aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has developed the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork County Council. The strategy sets out a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the Cork Metropolitan Area up to 2040.
Noting the NTA's role in the development of the CMATS, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
155. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing a grant to incentivise people to purchase second-hand electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46259/24]
View answerIn line with our Climate Action Plan targets and EU regulatory requirements we are moving Exchequer supports for fleet electrification towards building out EV charging infrastructure. This change also aligns with similar polices in European nations, where countries including Norway, Germany and France have begun to taper vehicle subsidies and shift government investment towards infrastructure.
However, the Department hopes to provide certainty for both the motor sector and for consumers by maintaining a reasonable level of incentivisation for vehicle uptake through both direct funding interventions and by creating an advantageous policy ecosystem.
There is a suite of incentives in place from Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, and where applicable with support from taxation incentives through the Department of Finance, to support the continued transition to electric vehicles and for the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure including:
•A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
•A Home Charger purchase grant scheme;
•VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
•eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV, including wheelchair accessible vehicles;
•ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
•Low rate of annual motor tax.
EV incentives and grants are reviewed regularly to ensure that they are delivering value for money and supporting delivery of EV targets.
While the second-hand EV market is still in the early stages, as we are seeing the transition from early EV adopters to the mainstream car market this should bolster the availability of second-hand vehicles, this change is critical to ensuring we make the shift to lower carbon private vehicles as available to as many people as possible.
156. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport to detail and break down the latest projected costs made by the NTA for the construction of the Navan to Dublin rail line. [46262/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area, including County Meath.
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, which I approved in early 2023, sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042. The Transport Strategy provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for counties Meath, Dublin, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow.
The issue of a rail connection between Dublin and Navan was re-examined as part of the development of the Transport Strategy. That re-examination supported the development of a rail line from Dublin to Navan and the final Strategy now includes delivery of the line between 2031 and 2036, subject to planning and funding approvals.
I am pleased to confirm that in 2024 the NTA allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) for the establishment of a design team to commence work on the Navan rail line project. This work involves route option selection, planning and design phases of the project.
IÉ commenced the procurement process for this pre-construction phase of the project, and issued a tender to prequalified consultants at the end of May 2024. In November 2024, multi-disciplinary consultants were appointed by IÉ for the duration of the project to work with the rail company’s in-house project team.
It is anticipated that a public consultation on the route options for the project will take place by early 2026. That process will ultimately recommend a defined route and develop a preliminary business case, which will need to be approved by Government before it enters the planning system.
The Navan Rail Line is being delivered by IÉ on behalf of the NTA, with funding for the project being provided by my Department through the NTA. As the project is still in the preliminary stages of development, a detailed breakdown of the final construction cost has not yet been received from the NTA by my Department.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
157. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding provided for train capital projects since 2021 through the Connecting Europe Facility, in tabular form. [46297/24]
View answerFollowing support from the Government for its applications, Iarnród Éireann has received the below funding through the Connecting Europe Facility from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency.
For the projects in the below table, funding is received into the Exchequer as the Government is listed as project beneficiary. Therefore, I can provide the exact figures, rounded to the nearest euro, to you, as per the table.
|
Project |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
City Centre Re-signalling Project |
€0 |
€0 |
€2,187,320 |
€0 |
|
TEN-T Upgrade DART+ South West - Engineering Design |
€0 |
€1,006,320 |
€580,366 |
€589,709 |
In addition to the above Iarnród Éireann is in receipt of further funding from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency for the below projects:
• Rail Freight System for Ireland (RIGHT);
• Programme Implementation Plan for enhanced Passenger Rail Connectivity (CONNECT); and
• Four-tracking of North Coastal Line (FOURNORTH).
Iarnród Éireann is listed as project beneficiary for the above and therefore receives the funding directly. Due to this direct receipt of funding, my Department cannot supply you with the exact figures of funding issued through the Connecting Europe Facility.
In view of the Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
158. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA will provide a new Dublin Bus PSO route (details supplied). [46298/24]
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 the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
159. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of expenditure in maritime transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46316/24]
View answerAs an Island nation, over 90% of Ireland's international trade in volume terms and around 10% of passengers are transported by sea. The core objective of National Ports Policy is to facilitate a competitive and effective market for maritime transport services. In line with this Policy and NDP objectives, the commercial State ports of Dublin, Cork, Shannon Foynes and Waterford, as well as Rosslare Europort, are advancing projects under their port Masterplans to provide increased capacity for the trading needs of Ireland.
Commercial State ports receive no exchequer funding, in line with National Ports Policy, and must fund their developments through their own revenues, borrowings, EU grant funding or private sector involvement. In the most recent allocation in July 2024 two Irish port projects were selected to receive more than €112m in funding from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Transport fund.
Dublin Port Company, Ireland’s largest port handling over 50% of national port tonnage will receive a total of €73.8m CEF funding towards key components of its 'MP2' Project which will increase berth capacity to handle projected future demand for Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) freight. This project, as part of the port's Masterplan strategy, will meet the needs of economic growth, Ireland’s rising population, and operator demand for new RoRo services and larger vessels on direct services to Europe.
The Port of Cork Company, the second largest port in the State will receive a total of €38.4m CEF funding for the construction of two quay berths at the Port of Cork’s Ringaskiddy deep water port. This project will see enhanced safe and reliable maritime access while providing essential infrastructure to meet the needs of the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) industry.
In addition, it was announced on 1 October 2024 that a financing agreement had been reached between the Port of Cork Company and the Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF). The investment commitment of €88.5 million by ISIF will enable Port of Cork to move ahead with the development of port infrastructure at Ringaskiddy to meet the specific requirements of the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) sector.
In terms of shipping, Ireland's connectivity is served by national and international shipping companies that have established strong positions and demonstrated an ability and appetite to invest in and develop their services, to meet the needs of the Irish economy. These companies are all independent commercial operators, and no exchequer funding is provided to the sector.
The strength of the current competitive model has been demonstrated over the last number of years throughout enormous challenges to the sector with COVID-19, Brexit and the current Ukrainian conflict. The agility of the sector was further demonstrated recently when the ferry companies rapidly redeployed their vessels to other ports to facilitate trade and passengers between Ireland and the United Kingdom following the temporary closure of Holyhead port in North Wales in early December 2024.
While the following scheme is not under the remit of the Department of Transport, the Islands Programme of the Department of Rural and Community Development supports island communities by providing subsidised domestic ferry, cargo and air services between the islands and the mainland to ensure the continued viability of these communities. Details can found at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/808e5-subsidised-transport-services-for-offshore-islands/
160. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the NTA to reconsider a decision in relation to a bus route given the negative impacts for people in an area (details supplied). [46323/24]
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 the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Further, the NTA's Customer Charter describes the Authority's commitments to public transport customers (Customer charter - National Transport). While the Authority's Customer Action plan describes how they deliver the commitments and standards that are set out in the Customer Charter (NTA Customer Action Plan). In the event that someone wishes to raise a complaint with the NTA, they can contact the Authority through any of the following means:
• Visit the Support Page at; www.transportforireland.ie/support/
• Email: info@transportforireland.ie;
• Phone: 01 879 8300;
• Letter: National Transport Authority, Haymarket House, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 CF98
• Twitter: @TFIupdates
The NTA will acknowledge all customer complaints received, and they aim to issue a full response in a timely manner. The NTA also use independent market research providers to audit and offer suggested improvements to their services. As such, the NTA remain the body best placed to assist with any queries or concerns in relation to public transport services.
In the event that a complaint submitted to the NTA has not been responded to/resolved, the matter can ultimately be escalated to the Office of the Ombudsman at www.ombudsman.ie/making-a-complaint/make-a-complaint/
161. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if the RSA plans to relocate the driving test centre in Galway city away from the existing location at the Westside Shopping Centre to an alternative location; and if so, if information in relation to the location of the new centre will be provided. [46329/24]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for Driver Testing Service and the provision of test centres. As such, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
