Written Answers Nos. 401-420
402. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport the number of contracts currently held by his Department with a company (details supplied); the details of contracts currently held by the Department with the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19355/25]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the Department of Transport does not currently hold any contracts with the supplier Accenture.
403. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport whether the Road Safety Authority has provided clarity on its recommendations for the division of its operations into two groups; and specifically, what the role and objectives of the 'Advocacy' group are in promoting road safety in the country. [19372/25]
View answerIn January 2024 the Department commissioned an independent, external review of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). On 5 November 2024, the Government approved publication of the Review and noted the proposal of the Minister for Transport to reform the RSA.
This reform will be carried out on a phased and planned basis. In the short-term, a Departmental Group led by the Department and comprising relevant stakeholders, is tasked with developing a comprehensive implementation plan, including required legislation, to ensure the reform delivers road safety improvements. In line with the November 2024 Government decision, this implementation plan, once drafted, will require future Government approval. As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports I will be reviewing the independent report and the options for reform to be presented by the Department of Transport and the Departmental Group.
The Department will also take full ownership of the formulation of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, starting with the Phase 2 Action plan for 2025-2027. To support this work, the Department of Transport and Road Safety Authority established a new Road User Safety Forum, comprising road users and road safety advocates representing a range of interests and perspectives, to serve as a consultative body for the emerging Phase 2 Action Plan, which will be adopted and published shortly.
404. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport if the Government is considering or has implemented a system for enhanced data sharing between road safety agencies, local authorities, and other stakeholders, and how this might improve decision-making and road safety outcomes. [19373/25]
View answerThe Government approved the formal drafting of the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025 on 15 April. As set out in the Programme for Government, this Bill will provide the necessary legislative basis to facilitate the flow of information so that local authorities, in their role as road authorities, may request, receive and process road collision data from both the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána. This data will enable road authorities to target areas where collisions are more prone to occur with investment and infrastructure. Investing in safer roads is aligned with the government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 and broader EU Safe Systems approach to road safety.
Pending the passage of this legislation, collision analysis by the Department of Transport on behalf of local authorities is continuing using data sets received from the RSA. Locations of interest are notified to each local authority and the Department invites applications for low-cost safety schemes toward the end of each year for targeted funding and implementation in the following year.
405. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport whether the RSA has explored the use of near-miss technology to improve road safety; and the steps being taken to integrate this technology into current road safety strategies or pilot programs. [19374/25]
View answerThe Government has a dedicated Road Safety Strategy for the period from 2021 to 2030, which is aligned with the EU Vision Zero aspiration for 2050 and includes the interim target of halving fatalities and serious injuries on our roads by 2030. The Strategy is delivered in partnership by key road safety agencies, including my Department, the Department of Justice, the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána.
My Department and our road safety partners are currently collaborating on the development of the Phase 2 Action Plan under the Road Safety Strategy, which will run to the end of 2027. The Action Plan will focus on delivering high-impact actions and interventions on road safety outcomes in the coming years following the safe systems approach. I expect the Action Plan to be adopted and published in the coming months.
As part of the Action Plan, and building upon earlier work in this area, a national Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Strategy is being developed considering the use of new and emerging technologies. Road safety is a key consideration in the deployment of any such technologies. As part of this my Department is working with the TII, Local Authorities and the RSA on the testing of such technologies in Ireland to support their introduction on the road network.
406. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the number of road safety experts, engineers, or technical professionals within the organisation. [19375/25]
View answerMy department has 7 technical roads engineering professionals with various areas of specialty including road safety.
407. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport an update on the ongoing roadworks on the N65 to Portumna, County Galway; the issues that are preventing their completion; and the expected completion date of the works. [19407/25]
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 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the N65. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
408. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the work undertaken by his Department regarding the introduction of a dedicated transport police service as proposed in the Programme for Government; when he expects the necessary legislation underpinning the establishment of a dedicated transport police service to be published; if he anticipates that the transport police will have powers of arrest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19412/25]
View answer409. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the details of any engagement he has had with trade unions or other transport worker representative organisations with respect to the proposed introduction of a transport police service,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19413/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 409 together.
There is a strong commitment under the Programme for Government to create a Transport Security Force under the NTA, which would operate and have similar powers to Airport Police and Customs Officers. It is important to note that neither the Airport Police, nor Customs Officers, have the powers provided to An Garda Síochána.
While the last few years have seen significant progress on investment in safety measures, antisocial behaviour remains a serious issue, and it is those who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents on the network.
The establishment of the Transport Security Force will play a central role in helping to tackle this important issue. Work in my Department is ongoing around identifying the necessary legislative proposals to progress the Transport Security Force commitment, in conjunction with the NTA.
The decisions regarding the appropriate model for the Transport Security Force are currently being examined and in the preliminary stages of the deliberative process, and it is important to note that the introduction of such a force will require the development of legislation which can have a significant lead time.
Nonetheless, the Government commitment to delivering a safe and secure public transport network, and the ongoing interim work on public transport safety, will continue, as will the continued support and funding for operator measures – such as the recent extension of the Dublin Bus Security Pilot Scheme.
We will continue to engage with operators and unions on the matter, and will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable public transport.
410. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider establishing a dedicated funding scheme to support the purchase of bicycles, e-bikes, and related safety equipment for pensioners, with the aim of promoting active travel and positive ageing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19421/25]
View answerMy Department is continuously exploring ways to encourage the uptake of cycling as a mode of transport. Our National Sustainable Mobility Policy examines the different behavioural change measures that can be explored to promote modal shift away from private car use and towards zero-emission transport modes such as walking, cycling and e-biking.
While I welcome the introduction of an increase in the Cycle-to-Work scheme thresholds in recent Budgets, I recognise that such an incentive does target a specific cohort of the population and is not universally available. While the Cycle-to-Work scheme falls under the remit of the Department of Finance, Department of Transport officials liaise with their counterparts in that Department in relation to the introduction of various transport related tax measures, particularly in the period preceding the annual Budget.
My Department will continue to undertake research into potential additional measures which could be introduced to promote modal shift and encourage uptake of cycling across all demographics going forward.
411. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to initiate an independent feasibility study into continuing the MetroLink from the city to south-west Dublin, including details of any provisional discussions or issues that may be causing delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19459/25]
View answerAs 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 development of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 is the statutory transport strategy for the region and sets out a range of proposals for delivery over the period to 2042. In relation to metro, and as outlined in the Strategy, the analysis conducted concluded that a metro line from Swords to Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport would be the key area of focus for metro delivery out to 2042.
There were a number of studies and reports that informed the development of Dublin's integrated transport system, as set out in the Strategy, including feasibility studies for a metro to Knocklyon and a metro to Sandyford. While the Strategy states that the south west Dublin area is best served by bus rapid transit (such as BusConnects) and light rail (such as Luas) for the foreseeable future, it notes that the MetroLink terminus at Charlemont can facilitate any potential future metro extension to serve the south west or south east of the Dublin area should sufficient demand develop.
The Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.
The NTA reviews and updates the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area every six years, and the process to update the current strategy is likely to commence next year. Therefore the consideration of a southwestern extension of MetroLink may be examined as part of or related to this update.
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.
412. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Transport to provide details on the provisional costings for the MetroLink from the city to south-west Dublin, including details of available funding for the project and estimated costs of the line for St. Stephen’s Green to Charlemont; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19460/25]
View answerAs 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 development of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 is the statutory transport strategy for the region and sets out a range of proposals for delivery over the period to 2042. In relation to metro, and as outlined in the Strategy, the analysis conducted concluded that MetroLink from Swords to Charlemont via Stephen's Green would be the key area of focus for metro delivery out to 2042.
The Preliminary Business Case for MetroLink included a range of potential capital costs from €7.16bn to €12.25bn in 2021 prices, excluding VAT. An updated and more definite cost estimate for MetroLink will be known after the planning and procurement stages, and will be brought to Government for consideration at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
There were a number of studies and reports that informed the development of Dublin's integrated transport system, as set out in the Strategy, including feasibility studies for a metro to Knocklyon and a metro to Sandyford. While the Strategy states that the south west Dublin area is best served by bus rapid transit (such as BusConnects) and light rail (such as Luas) for the foreseeable future, it notes that the MetroLink terminus at Charlemont can facilitate any potential future metro extension to serve the south west or south east of the Dublin area should sufficient demand develop.
The Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.
The NTA reviews and updates the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area every six years, and the process to update the current strategy is likely to commence next year. Therefore the consideration of a southwestern extension of MetroLink may be examined as part of or related to this update.
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.
413. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Transport to confirm if the route for the MetroLink from the city to south-west Dublin has been confirmed, or if this decision will be opened for public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19461/25]
View answerAs 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 development of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 is the statutory transport strategy for the region and sets out a range of proposals for delivery over the period to 2042. In relation to metro, and as outlined in the Strategy, the analysis conducted concluded that a metro line from Swords to Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport would be the key area of focus for metro delivery out to 2042.
There were a number of studies and reports that informed the development of Dublin's integrated transport system, as set out in the Strategy, including feasibility studies for a metro to Knocklyon and a metro to Sandyford. While the Strategy states that the south west Dublin area is best served by bus rapid transit (such as BusConnects) and light rail (such as Luas) for the foreseeable future, it notes that the MetroLink terminus at Charlemont can facilitate any potential future metro extension to serve the south west or south east of the Dublin area should sufficient demand develop.
The Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.
The NTA reviews and updates the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area every six years, and the process to update the current strategy is likely to commence next year. Therefore the consideration of a southwestern extension of MetroLink may be examined as part of or related to this update.
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.
414. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent on level crossings (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19537/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and level crossings on the network including the level crossings referred to, 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 direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
415. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if weekend services between Grand Canal Dock and Adamstown can be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19554/25]
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.
416. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the status of the installation of the next generation automatic vehicle location system on existing bus services in Dublin west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19654/25]
View answerAs 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 development of technology systems.
The NTA awarded a contract to implement and support a national Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system for all Public Service Obligation (PSO) buses to Trapeze in December 2023. This upgrade will improve the quality of bus service operations and the timeliness and the quality of real-time bus service information.
This will enable the NTA to consolidate several existing bus AVL systems into one central system to be used by all PSO bus operators in Ireland and has expansion capacity to meet the growing demand for public transport in Ireland. The migration to this upgraded system is expected to take place across the coming years.
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.
417. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the status of the installation of the next generation automatic vehicle location system on bus services nationally in Dublin west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19655/25]
View answerAs 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 development of technology systems.
The NTA awarded a contract to implement and support a national Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system for all Public Service Obligation (PSO) buses to Trapeze in December 2023. This upgrade will improve the quality of bus service operations and the timeliness and the quality of real-time bus service information.
This will enable the NTA to consolidate several existing bus AVL systems into one central system to be used by all PSO bus operators in Ireland and has expansion capacity to meet the growing demand for public transport in Ireland. The migration to this upgraded system is expected to take place across the coming years.
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.
418. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the electrification of bus depots required to support the operational readiness for the rollout of the BusConnects B-Spine in Quarter 2 of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19656/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the electrification of public transport.
The Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.
Electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will help provide cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers.
Charging points in bus depots and electric buses have started rolling out in recent years. There are over 100 double-deck electric buses in service in Dublin. Further electric buses will continue to roll out on an incremental basis over the coming years.
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first six phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. Most recently, the E-Spine connecting Ballymun to Bray and L routes in Wicklow rolled out in January.
The redesign of the entire network, including the B Spine, connecting Blanchardstown to Belfield via the City Centre, will continue on an incremental basis subject to funding and driver availability.
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.
419. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of bus depots in Dublin; to provide an update on the electrification of bus depots in Dublin; to list the depots that have been fully electrified, those currently undergoing electrification and those where electrification has yet to commence; the expected timeline for the completion of electrification at each depot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19657/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the electrification of public transport.
The Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.
Electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will help provide cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers.
Charging points in bus depots and electric buses have started rolling out in recent years. There are over 100 double-deck electric buses in service in Dublin. Further electric buses will continue to roll out on an incremental basis over the coming years.
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.
420. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for the original timelines given on the electrification of bus depots in Dublin and all reasons for the delay in meeting those original timelines [19658/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the electrification of public transport.
The Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.
Electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will help provide cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers.
Charging points in bus depots and electric buses have started rolling out in recent years. There are over 100 double-deck electric buses in service in Dublin. Further electric buses will continue to roll out on an incremental basis over the coming years.
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.
