Jen Cummins
Question:262. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport his plans to install an EV charger in Chapelizod. [15683/25]
View answerElectric Vehicles
Questions (262)
Written answers
Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) continues to work directly with Local Authorities on the delivery of EV charging infrastructure.
Home charging is and will remain the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it is convenient, cheaper for the consumer and assists in the overall management of the national grid by reducing the impact of reliance on higher powered and peak-time charging. However, for those unable to do so a growing network of neighbourhood and destination charging will provide a reliable alternative.
The draft Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of destination and neighbourhood charging. The delivery of this plan will be led by local authorities, working together to develop regional and local strategies to promote a unified and efficient rollout of charging infrastructure and to facilitate the equitable transition to EVs.
Local Authorities are funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to develop these local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process aims to identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers which will serve residents without access to private off-street parking.
Dublin City has been identified as part of Region 3 under the network plan and will be working with counties Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin, and regional lead Fingal as well as with relevant support organisations and stakeholders to identify the charging needs for their region through a local charging strategy.
Some authorities have already completed their strategies, while others are in progress. It is anticipated that most of these plans will be finalised in 2025. While strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is funding pilot infrastructure projects in a number of Local Authorities, so as not to delay rollout.
The Dublin Local Authorities, led by Fingal County Council, have awarded a contract to deliver 200 charge points at 50 locations across Dublin. The majority of the chargers will be located in Local Authority public car parks and will be 100 kilowatt (kW) DC rapid chargers. The charge points will be delivered over the next two years and will increase charging capacity to support EV charging requirements of EV users in their areas.
ZEVI will continue to work with local authorities as they develop their strategies and will provide other supports and resources as necessary.
Military Aircraft
Questions (263)
Sinéad Gibney
Question:263. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the examination of the legal and policy implications of the provisions of the Air Navigation and Transport (Arms Embargo) Bill 2024; if appropriate mechanisms for routine inspections have been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14985/25]
View answerWritten answers
The examination by my officials of the legislation governing the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft is ongoing. The existing legislation does not provide for the implementation of a system of routine inspections, therefore, mechanisms in support of these have not been established.
I expect to be briefed by my officials on these matters in due course.
Driver Licences
Questions (264)
Aidan Farrelly
Question:264. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner permit holders disqualified in 2024 and to date in 2025, by county; the number that surrendered their learner permit to the Road Safety Authority, by county in 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14990/25]
View answerWritten answers
The table below details the number of court, drink driving fixed charge and penalty point disqualifications notified to the Department in 2024 and to the 28 February 2025 and the details of those licences that were surrendered, both for Learner Permit licence holders.
It should be noted that for disqualifications issued in 2025, the licence holder is given 14 days in which to surrender the licence/permit from commencement of the disqualification. The numbers reflected in these tables are disqualifications/surrenders notified as of 28/02/2025 and should be considered as highly provisional at this point in time.
A notification of disqualification is issued by the Courts Service for drivers convicted of a court disqualification, the notification includes the requirement to surrender the driving licence or learner permit to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) within 14 days of commencement of disqualification.
A notification of disqualification on penalty points and a fixed penalty drink driving disqualification is issued by the Department of Transport and includes the requirement to surrender the driving licence or learner permit to the RSA within 14 days of commencement of disqualification.
It is important to note that, while the non-surrender of licences is of concern, the more important issue from a road safety perspective is that the disqualification from driving is observed. The individuals in question are fully aware that the disqualification from driving is in effect regardless of whether their licence is surrendered.
An Garda Síochána have access to data on the National Vehicle Driver File (NVDF) as part of their Mobility Strategy and therefore can detect and prosecute a driver who continues to drive while disqualified. This is the case whether or not a licence has been surrendered.
Disqualifications and Surrenders of Learner Permits
Driver Licences
Questions (265)
Aidan Farrelly
Question:265. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport the drivers disqualified in 2024 and to date in 2025, by county; the number that surrendered their licence, by county in 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14991/25]
View answerWritten answers
The table below details the number of court, drink driving fixed charge and penalty point disqualifications notified to the Department in 2024 and to the 28 February 2025 and the details of those licences that were surrendered.
It should be noted that for disqualifications issued in 2025, the licence holder is given 14 days in which to surrender the licence/permit from commencement of the disqualification. The numbers reflected in these tables are disqualifications/surrenders notified as of 28/02/2025 and should be considered as highly provisional at this point in time.
A notification of disqualification is issued by the Courts Service for drivers convicted of a court disqualification, the notification includes the requirement to surrender the driving licence or learner permit to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) within 14 days of commencement of disqualification.
A notification of disqualification on penalty points and a fixed penalty drink driving disqualification is issued by the Department of Transport and includes the requirement to surrender the driving licence or learner permit to the RSA within 14 days of commencement of disqualification.
It is important to note that, while the non-surrender of licences is of concern, the more important issue from a road safety perspective is that the disqualification from driving is observed. The individuals in question are fully aware that the disqualification from driving is in effect regardless of whether their licence is surrendered.
An Garda Síochána have access to data on the National Vehicle Driver File (NVDF) as part of their Mobility Strategy and therefore can detect and prosecute a driver who continues to drive while disqualified. This is the case whether or not a licence has been surrendered.
Disqualifications and Surrenders of Driver's Licenses
Military Aircraft
Questions (266, 267)
Sinéad Gibney
Question:266. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport the number of exemptions granted under Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 to allow for the transport of munitions or weapons of war through Irish sovereign airspace for February 2025, in tabular form, broken down by the applications granted, refused, and cancelled, and category of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14994/25]
View answerSinéad Gibney
Question:267. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport whether there is a set date on any given month by which the previous months statistics on exemptions granted for the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft are published by his Department as part of its monthly publication of these statistics; if he will provide this schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14995/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
My Department regularly publishes statistics on exemptions granted for the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft. These statistics are presented by month, are published on the gov.ie website, and they can be accessed via the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/15da60-the-carriage-of-munitions-of-war-on-civil-aircraft/#statistics
There is no formal publication schedule or set dates for these statistics, rather they are published as soon as my officials have carried out the necessary data verification.
There is often a delay on the publication of statistics for the months of February and September, as officials are processing seasonal schedules in advance of the Summer and Winter seasons which commence at the end of the months of March and October respectively.
Statistics for February will be published in April as soon as the data has been verified.
Question No. 267 answered with Question No. 266.
Driver Licences
Questions (268)
Sinéad Gibney
Question:268. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport whether he is aware of any policy change in the issuing of drivers’ licences which has resulted in licence holders whose place of birth was previously recorded as Northern Ireland now being recorded as the United Kingdom upon renewal of their driver’s licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14999/25]
View answerWritten answers
I have been informed by the Road Safety Authority that if a person makes an online application to renew their driving licence or learner permit, their place of birth is recorded as it is on their Public Service Identity.
These fields cannot be edited by the applicant. However, if they make an application in person in an NDLS office and bring supporting documentation, their place of birth will be recorded as they request. They also have the option of having it changed on their PSI data by contacting the Department of Social Protection. There is advice n the online application on those options. Once the information is changed in the PSI data, they can then make their application online.
Rail Network
Questions (269)
Carol Nolan
Question:269. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will support the provision of capital funding to enable the development of a second platform at Clara train station in County Offaly (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15007/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including for Clara train station, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a more direct reply. Please contact 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 Projects
Questions (270, 271, 272, 273)
Michael Cahill
Question:270. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated, per kilometre, to each national primary road in the country during the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15016/25]
View answerMichael Cahill
Question:271. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the annual maintenance funding allocated, per kilometre, to each national primary road in the country during the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15017/25]
View answerMichael Cahill
Question:272. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated, per kilometre, to each national secondary road in the country during the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15018/25]
View answerMichael Cahill
Question:273. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the annual maintenance funding allocated, per kilometre, to each national secondary road in the country during the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15019/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 270, 271, 272 and 273 together.
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 funding allocated per kilometre.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 271 answered with Question No. 270.
Question No. 272 answered with Question No. 270.
Question No. 273 answered with Question No. 270.
Public Sector Pensions
Questions (274)
Johnny Guirke
Question:274. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport the current position on the decision of the CIÉ executive board in 2009 not to grant further increases to CIÉ pensioners, in the absence of a Statutory Instrument, bearing in mind that this decision did not have the signature of the Minister for Transport and it would appear that there was no input from his Department at that time or since; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15040/25]
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.
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.
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. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question relating 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
School Transport
Questions (275)
Brian Stanley
Question:275. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 214 of 5 February 2025, if he has engaged with the Minister of Education and Bus Éireann on the Programme for Government commitment regarding removing the exclusion of driver aged over 70 years from the school transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15044/25]
View answerWritten answers
In line with the Programme for Government commitment to 'enhance and support the delivery of a skilled workforce to maintain and operate public transport vehicles', my Department has established a Public Transport Workforce Taskforce to identify options to assist with resolving these issues.
My Department chairs the taskforce, which includes representatives from the school transport section in the Department of Education, relevant transport operators and agencies - including Bus Éireann - and training bodies.
The Taskforce will work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues, and put forward recommendations and measures to create a steady supply of workers which will help address these issues.
The first meeting of the group took place in early March. The group aims to meet on a monthly basis until it produces its recommendations and fulfils the Programme for Government commitment.
Common Travel Area
Questions (276)
Cathy Bennett
Question:276. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport further to paragraph 8 of the Memorandum of Understanding between the British and Irish Governments concerning the Common Travel Area and associated reciprocal rights and privileges of May 2019, if he intends to facilitate mutual recognition of drivers' certificates of professional competence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15059/25]
View answerWritten answers
The driver certificate of professional competence (CPC) process operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the criteria for professional driving with which all Member States must comply. A CPC must be held to drive heavy duty vehicles professionally.
The requirements for obtaining a CPC are set out in European Union Directive 2022/2561, on the initial qualifications and periodic training of drivers of vehicles carrying goods or passengers. The Directive was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (SI 359 of 2008), as amended.
UK drivers who relocate to live in Ireland must exchange their UK driving licence for an Irish licence. I am advised by the RSA that, as Ireland can no longer recognise the UK CPC card, UK heavy duty vehicle drivers resident in Ireland are required to complete five days of training in Ireland (or six if maintaining both bus and truck categories) to obtain an Irish CPC card.
UK drivers who continue to live in the UK but work for an undertaking established in Ireland can keep their UK licence. However, their UK CPC card can no longer be recognised. The drivers must provide documentation from their employer regarding their situation (living in UK, working in Ireland). They are required to complete CPC training, as above, to obtain their Irish CPC card.
Road Projects
Questions (277)
Mattie McGrath
Question:277. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if emergency funding will be provided to Tipperary County Council to carry out urgent road repairs, ensuring that an important sporting venture goes ahead (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15073/25]
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. Of this, Tipperary County Council received an allocation of €42,053,390 which is an increase of €6,280,445 on their 2024 allocation.
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.
Tipperary County Council is responsible for deciding its annual programme for road maintenance and the Department has no role in that process.
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.
Bus Services
Questions (278)
John Clendennen
Question:278. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport when the results of the recent BusConnects consultation will be completed; when the outcomes will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15115/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State.
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 BusConnects.
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 reply within 10 days.
Bus Services
Questions (279)
John Clendennen
Question:279. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport if any bus routes were ceased by the NTA in 2023, and 2024; the details of any ceased routes; their duration of operation by commercial operators; and whether the NTA proposes to offer compensation for the cessation of these routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15116/25]
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 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.
Bus Services
Questions (280)
John Clendennen
Question:280. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the likely impact of the cessation of commercial bus routes on passengers and the commercial bus industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15117/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the NTA’s public service obligation programme (PSO), there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. As such, any decisions taken by commercial operators regarding routes scheduling and timetabling are a matter for the individual commercial company, the NTA has no powers to refuse an application from an operator to reduce or withdraw services on a commercial route.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for direct reply. 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 (281)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:281. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the challenges faced by persons with debilitating conditions who are wheelchair users and who are reliant on public transport to get to appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15125/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and funding in relation to 'open' public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible, especially for disabled people, persons with disabilities and older people.
However, 'closed' transport services, for example dedicated disability transport supports, are outside of my 'open' public transport remit. This means that I have no funding for the disability transport service referred to by the Deputy in the 'Details Supplied' section of her Question.
Responsibility for policy and funding for disability transport services, including the specific service referred to by the Deputy, lies with the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability.
As a commitment in the Programme for Government, the Department of An Taoiseach is establishing a unit within its Department which will focus on disability, reflecting a commitment to a step change in supports and services required by people with disabilities. In my role as Minister for Transport I will be engaging with that unit with an emphasis on addressing the wider issues such as ensuring that all public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers.