Malcolm Byrne
Question:164. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14668/25]
View answerCybersecurity Policy
Questions (164)
Written answers
In 2020, my Department migrated its core IT infrastructure to the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the 'Build to Share Managed Desktop' shared service.
My Department working with the OGCIO implements a multi layered defence-in-depth security strategy which is achieved through the effective combination of People, Processes, and Technology to support the implementation of appropriate security measures and provisions. This defence-in-depth security strategy includes the implementation of an extensive Information Security Management System (ISMS) comprising of many security policies and controls, which is aligned and certified to the industry security standard ISO 27001:2022 to address risks from cyber security attacks. These security controls ensure that a consistent and effective approach is adhered to in the management of cyber security threats and incidents.
For operational and security reasons, my Department has been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise the Department's cybersecurity efforts. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose any information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in cybersecurity arrangements in my Department or the bodies under its aegis. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the particular information requested by the Deputy on spend or any information in relation to cyber security tools and services or operational security matters.
Rights of Way
Questions (165)
John Connolly
Question:165. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to seek the reopening of a pedestrian walkway for public access in a location adjacent to the grounds of Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa military barracks at Renmore, Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14884/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Department has engaged extensively and positively with Galway City Council on proposals for a permeability route which seeks access to part of the roadway which travels along the northeast of Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa Barracks before crossing the bridge immediately in front of the barracks entrance.
The proposals for the development of this permeability route are being considered by the Defence Forces in the context of pedestrian safety, continued access to the defence facilities and the security of the barracks. A meeting has been arranged with Galway City Council to progress matters and I will be briefed further by my officials in this regard.
Wind Energy Generation
Questions (166)
Noel McCarthy
Question:166. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport to outline his Department's plans for facilities at a location (details supplied) to service the erection of offshore wind turbines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14790/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Government recognises that the west coast of Ireland holds significant potential for the development of floating offshore wind energy, with its vast wind resources and deep waters. Ireland has set ambitious targets to achieve 5GW of offshore renewable energy generation by 2030 with a further target of 20GW by 2040 and 37GW by 2050 as set out in the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy Policy Statement 2024. The development of floating offshore wind is crucial for Ireland to meet its 2040 and 2050 climate targets.
To deliver our offshore wind energy ambitions, the Government is implementing a plan-led approach which is being overseen by a cross-Government Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce. My Department established the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Ports Facilitation Division in 2024 to facilitate development of enabling ORE port infrastructure particularly at commercial State ports. This division represents the Department of Transport on the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce.
Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) is a commercial State port that is strategically positioned to play a pivotal role in Ireland's renewable energy transition. With its deep-water facilities and proximity to the Atlantic wind resource, SFPC is progressing plans to develop infrastructure to support offshore wind projects. The Foynes Island development, part of SFPC’s Vision 2041 masterplan, aims to serve as an integration and pre-commissioning base for offshore wind turbines, as well as a multi-purpose terminal, supporting general cargo operations from the inner port at Foynes. This proposed expansion aligns with SFPC's goal to become a global hub for floating offshore wind and renewable energy logistics while also enabling the growth of SFPC’s existing operations to help to alleviate the national constraint on 'lift-on-lift-off' (LoLo) cargo capacity that is expected to arise in the future.
The proposed development will consist of an 800m long terminal, 400m of which will facilitate marshalling and assembly of offshore wind components with the additional 400m acting as a multi-purpose terminal. The proposed quay will be complemented by a 25 hectare hard-standing area. My Department will continue to engage with the port in relation to consenting issues and assisting in the identification of financing options for the development of this key piece of infrastructure. In this regard the Port has received initial funding from the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport funding towards a feasibility study for the new deep-water berth at Foynes Island.
The work of my Department to facilitate offshore renewable energy enabling port infrastructure can be further evidenced by the signing of an agreement in 2024 with the European Investment Bank (EIB), whereby the EIB will provide advisory support for the development of ORE port projects in Ireland.
Public Sector Pensions
Questions (167)
Denise Mitchell
Question:167. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that CIÉ pensioners have had no increase in their pensions since 2008; if he intends to engage with CIÉ or the CIÉ active retirement group on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14664/25]
View answerWritten answers
From the outset I would like to clarify that I, as Minister for Transport, have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ, Group and their employees. As a commercial semi-state body CIÉ are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees, this is consistent with the pension arrangements of semi-state bodies.
I am acutely aware of concerns raised by the members of both CIÉ pension schemes, regarding the lack of pension increases since 2008, especially given the higher cost of living that many are facing. However, decisions regarding pension increases are ultimately a matter for the CIÉ Board as informed by actuarial advice and is subject to requirements imposed by statute and scheme rules.
My Department is engaged with financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority, and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the matter of bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members.
Accordingly, I have referred the aspect of Deputy's question related to an increase in pension payments for members to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Cybersecurity Policy
Questions (168)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:168. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin of those attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14701/25]
View answerWritten answers
For operational and national security reasons, I cannot disclose details about the number or origin of cyber-attacks on my Department. Releasing this information, even for past years, could compromise my Department's security posture and harm our security efforts. Protecting public services remains a priority of my Department.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (169)
Emer Currie
Question:169. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing a vehicle scrappage scheme to support the transition from petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles and electric bikes; if his Department has conducted any analysis on the feasibility or potential impact of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14716/25]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland 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 Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) group report (2021) includes a recommendation on scrappage schemes, and notes the importance that such schemes are targeted specifically to promote the adoption of EVs.
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 rollout 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.
It should be noted that the eSPSV grant scheme - which has seen an unprecedented level of interest this year - includes a scrappage component for those scrapping older, more polluting, or high mileage vehicles are eligible for double the normal grant if they make the switch to electric.
Government will continue to support the transition to EVs. The EV grant system remains under regular review and, as addressed within the Programme for Government 2025, will consider the inclusion of additional incentives with a view to increasing uptake and replacing older, polluting vehicles.
Cybersecurity Policy
Questions (170)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:170. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14683/25]
View answerWritten answers
Cybersecurity and protecting public services is a key priority for my Department. Our investments in cybersecurity are fully integrated within our overall ICT operations and it would not be possible to accurately separate out costs. Furthermore, for security reasons, we do not disclose granular cybersecurity details. Releasing this information, even for prior years, could compromise my Department's security posture and harm our security efforts.
Driver Licences
Questions (171)
Niamh Smyth
Question:171. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to review case regarding a licence exchange (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14758/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service, including includes licence application matters. My Department does not have access to individual driving licence exchange applications and may not intervene in that process. Accordingly, I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Please note that the time taken to process driving licence exchange applications can vary. The licence for exchange must be verified by the jurisdiction that issued it and completion of the process is dependent on the response time from the corresponding licensing authority.
The issuing of a temporary licence would still require verification of the original licence. Therefore, the time frame for issuing a new licence would not shortened.
Road Projects
Questions (172)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:172. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Mallow relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14764/25]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 the N72 Mallow Relief Road project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Safety Authority
Questions (173)
Niamh Smyth
Question:173. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to review the case of a person (details supplied) [14777/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the recruitment and employment of its staff, within the sanction given the Department of Transport. The Department has no direct role in recruitment. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the question to the Authority for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Driver Test
Questions (174)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:174. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will receive received confirmation of his driving test date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14785/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Questions (175)
Michael Cahill
Question:175. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to resurface a short section of the N70 Ring of Kerry road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14803/25]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 operation and management 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 regarding the N70.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Driver Test
Questions (176)
Michael Cahill
Question:176. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to address the long waiting lists for driving tests in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14867/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service.
I acknowledge that current waiting times are far in excess of what is acceptable and I would like to assure the Deputy that measures have been taken to address the issue.
To support the RSA in increasing testing capacity and improving service delivery, in September 2024 my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022.
As a condition of sanction, the RSA was required to put a plan in place to restore the 10-week waiting time target as soon as possible. I understand that the recruitment process is well underway, with the first tranche of new testers having commenced training this month. As additional testers enter the system, testing capacity will increase and I expect that we will begin to see progress on reducing waiting times in the months ahead.
Driver Test
Questions (177)
John Connolly
Question:177. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the efforts of the RSA to relocate the driving test centre in Galway city away from the existing location at the Westside Shopping Centre to an alternative location; if information in relation to the location of the new centre will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14882/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the provision of test centres and their locations.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Safety
Questions (178)
John Connolly
Question:178. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department can provide emergency funding to local authorities for road-safety measures to create road-safety infrastructure where dangerous situations exist for pedestrians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14885/25]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on these roads are funded from Councils’ own resources and supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for a number of targeted programmes, including the Safety Improvement Works Grant Programme. Applications are sought each year from eligible local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. In this context funding can be sought for traffic calming measures and other safety improvement works. The schemes for inclusion in the application are decided by the local authorities.
This year, funding of €13 million has been allocated under the Safety Improvement Works Grant Programme to regional and local roads for 339 schemes across the State. This is an increase of 22.8% on the 2024 allocation. A further €12.3 million of the Specific Improvement Grant Programme was allocated to road improvement schemes related to road safety.
Investment in Active Travel infrastructure, including footpaths, has increased significantly in recent years, with around €290 million allocated to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for such projects this year alone. While the majority of this funding is dedicated to the development and construction of new walking and cycling Active Travel infrastructure, just under €40 million is earmarked this year for protection and renewal of existing Active Travel footpaths and cycle lanes. The 2025 allocations to each local authority can be found on the NTA website.
Bus Services
Questions (179)
John Clendennen
Question:179. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport to provide a timeline for the delivery of a new local link bus service route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14946/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to increasing Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities.
Under Budget 2025, the Department of Transport secured €658.442 million of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects and Connecting Ireland.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new and enhanced services, including in County Offaly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Questions (180)
John Clendennen
Question:180. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport if there is a timeline for the introduction of the Leap card services for all public transport services in Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14947/25]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 responsibility for the provision of integrated ticketing and information systems for public transport, including the Leap card.
Given the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Public Transport
Questions (181)
John Clendennen
Question:181. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport for a breakdown of Leap card sale through the existing respective sales channels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14948/25]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 responsibility for the provision of integrated ticketing and information systems for public transport, including the Leap Card.
Given the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (182)
John Clendennen
Question:182. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport if he is committed to providing a funding allocation this year for the development of a greater number of bus stops in every county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14949/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and shelters nationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Road Projects
Questions (183)
Brendan Smith
Question:183. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that additional funding will be made available this year for the non-national road network in counties Cavan and Monaghan in view of the urgent need to carry out essential repairs and upgrade the road network taking into account the considerable damage caused to roads by increased rainfall and poor weather in recent years, the increase in traffic volumes due to more economic activity and population increase, and the substantial additional costs in construction products over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14969/25]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority and Exchequer funding is intended to supplement local authorities’ own resources.
On 14th February I announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year.
Within the budget available for the regional and local road grant programme, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
In 2025, Cavan County Council received an allocation of €19,193,150 which is an increase of €1,752,840 on their 2024 allocation and Monaghan County Council received an allocation of €18,008,350 which is an increase of €1,751,255.
Full details of the 2025 regional and local grant allocations are available at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/df86e-ministers-announce-713-million-for-regional-and-local-roads/.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.