Cormac Devlin
Question:237. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the status of the East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32466/25]
View answerRail Network
Questions (237)
Written answers
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP).
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions 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 (238)
Cormac Devlin
Question:238. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport to examine the case of the relocation of a bus stop (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32468/25]
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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops.
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 options and 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 reply within 10 working days.
Bus Services
Questions (239)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:239. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 424 of 13 May 2025, if he will follow up with the National Transport Authority given that this Deputy has not received a reply from the authority as of 11 June 2025; his views on whether it is acceptable for public passengers to have a time between E2 busses in rush hours of between 20–35 minutes when they were led to believe that a time of eight minutes between busses should be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32515/25]
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.
The NTA's contracts with public transport operators have been strengthened in recent years, to incentivise operators to operate more reliable and punctual services, and they are also investing in a new vehicle location system for the fleet which will improve the reliability of the real time passenger information system.
We are seeing more people using public transport services and we are improving our fleet across the country and I am acutely aware that commuters need certainty around bus services.
With regard to the complaints process involving the NTA, their Customer Charter describes the NTA's commitments to public transport customers. While the NTA's Customer Action plan describes how they deliver the commitments and standards that are set out in the Customer Charter. In the event that someone wishes to raise a complaint with the NTA, they can contact them through any of the following means:
Email: info@transportforireland.ie;
Phone: 01 879 8300;
By Letter: National Transport Authority, Dún Scéine, Iveagh Court, Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2; and
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 (Make A Complaint | Ombudsman.ie | The Office Of The Ombudsman).
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.
Disability Services
Questions (240)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:240. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 284 of 29 May 2025, if pet dogs are permitted to travel without restrictions on Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann services. [32523/25]
View answerWritten answers
As I advised the Deputy in my reply to Question 284 on 29 May 2025, issues regarding support dogs on Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus services are a matter for the individual companies. This also means issues regarding pet dogs are a matter for both companies.
Noting their responsibilities in this regard, I have forwarded the Deputy's Question to both companies for direct reply to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive response within ten working days.
Driver Test
Questions (241)
Niamh Smyth
Question:241. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if the driving test will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32542/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that, 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. In that regard, the operation of the service does not fall under the direct control of my Department.
I have therefore 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.
Irish Language
Questions (242)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:242. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider new projects (details supplied) that include bilingual awareness and promote the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32551/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Transport’s ‘Traffic Signs Manual’ provides details in respect to traffic signs that may be used in Ireland, including their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign may be used and rules for positioning them, together with requirements for the use of Irish on such signs. In this regard, it should be noted that the Official Languages Act and Regulations do not apply to road traffic signs, including speed limit signs, where the ‘Traffic Signs Manual’ sets out requirements. Furthermore, the ‘Traffic Signs Manual’ notes that abbreviations such as ‘m’, ‘km’ and ‘km/h’ are Système International units and, as such, are not in any particular language. To be effective, traffic signs must be readily recognised as such and must have messages that can be quickly read and understood to help ensure road safety for all road users.
Road Network
Questions (243)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:243. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider removing ‘km/hr’ from road speed signs and display numerical speed limits only, in line with the practice in many other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32554/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department published the Traffic Signs Manual which provides guidance to Local Authorities on the implementation of traffic signage and road markings. All signs erected on public roads must be provided in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual, which is available at www.trafficsigns.ie. The Traffic Signs Manual stipulates what traffic signs are to be used on Irish roads, their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign should be used and the rules for positioning them.
It should be noted that the island of Ireland spans two separate jurisdictions which implement speed limits in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland and miles per hour in Northern Ireland. Speed limit signs in the Republic of Ireland are displayed as 'km/h' and those in Northern Ireland display numerical speed limits only. This enables motorists to distinguish whether they are travelling in a jurisdiction which has implemented metric speed limits or imperial miles per hour speed limits. This therefore enhances road safety for all road users, especially those in border areas.
Driver Licences
Questions (244)
Thomas Gould
Question:244. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the options available to learner drivers who do not have family or acquaintances to accompany them in vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32574/25]
View answerWritten answers
Driver testing in Ireland is carried out directly by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to a standard that complies with the EU Directive on Driving Licences and it has been an offence for a learner to drive without appropriate supervision since 2007. This is an important life-saving law.
A learner permit is not a driving licence, but a permit to be on the road for the purpose of learning to drive under the supervision of an appropriately qualified driver. The driving test sets out the minimum level of knowledge, skill, and competency that a learner must demonstrate to become a fully licensed driver. Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision.
I must acknowledge that the current average wait time to sit a driver test is far above what should be expected. At my instruction, the RSA has published its plan to restore the average wait time to 10 weeks by September. Progress is being made, with average wait times having dropped from 27 weeks at the end of April to approximately 20 weeks by the beginning of June. It is important that this positive trend continues and that there is no slippage to the September timeline.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (245)
Joe Cooney
Question:245. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport the names of external auditors that the Department have used to carry out works on behalf of the Department in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [32602/25]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table below:
|
External Auditor Details |
Nature of Audit |
Date(s) of Audit (in 2024 and to date in 2025) |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
Annual Surveillance Audit of ISO Standard 9001:2015 |
19/2/2024 17/4/2025 |
|
Pricewaterhouse Coopers(PWC) |
Review of the Internal Financial Controls Framework |
April 2024 |
|
Bureau Veritas Exploitation |
IRCG Aviation Contract |
Jan 2024 April 2024 July 2024 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
Annual Surveillance Audit of ISO Standard 9001:2015 |
30 & 31 October 2024 10 & 11 March 2025 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
Annual Surveillance Audit of ISO Standard 45001 |
November 2024 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
Annual Audit of: EN ISO 22301:2019, International standard for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS) |
19/2/2024 Not applying for certification in 2025 |
|
BSI Cybersecurity and Resilience (Ire) Limited |
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) |
15/12/2025 |
|
S + W Group Ireland |
Provision of a Certified Financial Statement for an Interim Claim for CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) funding |
January 2024 April 2025 |
|
SGS Ireland Ltd |
ISO 50001, Certification 2024, Surveillance Audit 2025 |
Surveillance May 22nd 2025, Certification Audit, May 29th-31st 2024 |
|
Aems energy management services |
ISO50001 Internal Audit |
February 2025 |
|
Crowleys DFK |
Engaged as resource by Internal Audit to conduct audits in the Department |
Jan 2023-Dec 2025 |
Departmental Contracts
Questions (246)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:246. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the costs incurred by his Department and bodies under its aegis from contracts awarded to communications and PR firms in 2024; the name of the contractor and a description of the work undertaken in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32649/25]
View answerWritten answers
My officials are collating the information requested and will forward it to the deputy once ready. Additionally, I have requested that agencies under my aegis respond to you directly with details under their remit. If you do not receive a response within ten business days, please contact my private office.
Rail Network
Questions (247)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:247. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of WTE staff currently working on the route option selection and preliminary business case stage of the Navan to Dublin Rail line for each year of the necessary work. [32684/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. 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 was approved in early 2023, sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042.
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 any planning application.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.
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 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.
Rail Network
Questions (248)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:248. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of WTE staff who will work on the railway order application stage of the Navan to Dublin Rail line in each year of its work. [32685/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. 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 was approved in early 2023, sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042.
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 any planning application.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.
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 direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Transport Policy
Questions (249)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:249. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has undertaken any analysis of regulation and potential bureaucracy that relates to the delivery of transport infrastructure in Ireland; and the details of that analysis. [32686/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Department has not carried out a general systematic analysis of regulations and administration that relate to the delivery of transport infrastructure. The Department has provided views on how to expedite project delivery, as part of its recent engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
Transport Policy
Questions (250)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:250. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport to detail which transport infrastructure projects are currently late in their delivery and which transport infrastructure projects are currently over budget. [32687/25]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy by my private office within ten working days.
Transport Policy
Questions (251)
Ivana Bacik
Question:251. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport his plans to publish an infrastructure plan for active travel and roads. [32701/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing 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. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.
The National Development Plan contains information on major public investment approved by Government, such as details of major new national road projects, including those at an early stage that are subject to further approvals. The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation are leading the review of the NDP, which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Funding commitments for 2026 and beyond are currently under consideration as part of this review.
For more detailed information on projects and improvements on national roads please see the latest information from TII here: www.tii.ie/en/roads-tolling/projects-and-improvements/
As Minister for Transport, I also have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel and Greenways infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.
It is critical that active travel infrastructure is implemented in a considered manner that has been informed by multi-criteria analyses that consider a range of factors including potential demand, safety, and social benefits. In this regard, three cycling strategies have been developed in recent years that set out a cohesive cycling infrastructure network. The National Cycle Network (NCN) sets out the inter-urban cycling network (approximately 3,500km) around the country linking urban centres, this network will include many existing and planned Greenway routes. Cycle Connects represents the intra-urban cycling network (in all regions excepting the Greater Dublin Area) which sets out routes within urban centres in each county. The Greater Dublin Area (GDA) Cycle Network Plan sets out cycle networks within the GDA. Delivery of these strategies is underway with funding of c. €360M provided in 2025 to fund active travel and greenway infrastructure.
Funding commitments for 2026 and beyond for this investment programme are also currently under consideration as part of the review of the National Development Plan.
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 those roads are funded by Councils’ own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
The primary focus for capital investment for regional and local roads under the existing National Development Plan continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network, which plays a critical role in supporting economic and community links throughout the country. In addition to maintaining the regional and local road network in good repair, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network. In this regard, eight schemes identified for development under the NDP have been completed including the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade which opened in May 2025, the Athy Southern Distributor Road, Sallins Bypass and the Sligo Western Distributor Road along with the Laytown to Bettystown Link Road. A further two projects are at construction stage, namely the Tralee Northern Relief Road and Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road in Limerick City.
Taxi Licences
Questions (252)
William Aird
Question:252. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the number of local area hackney licences currently active in Ireland, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32765/25]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the collection of statistics regarding local area hackney licences, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Driver Test
Questions (253)
Emer Currie
Question:253. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 27 May 2025, if he has received the data requested from the Road Safety Authority on driving test centres where learner drivers failed to turn up for their scheduled driving test appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32806/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that 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. As such, the information requested is held by the Authority.
I have therefore 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.
Driver Test
Questions (254, 255)
Emer Currie
Question:254. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the implementation plans from the Road Safety Authority to close the loophole whereby learner drivers are allowed to renew their permits without sitting the driving test; if he has placed a timeline on the Road Safety Authority to provide him with its plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32807/25]
View answerEmer Currie
Question:255. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for his Department and the Road Safety Authority to close the loophole whereby learners never have to sit a driving test to renew their permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32808/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that my Department is committed to addressing the matter of learner drivers with multiple successive learner permits.
It is intended to restrict eligibility to third or fourth permits, by requiring that the learner has taken a practical test before they can renew their permit, and that no more than four successive permits may be issued before a learner must start the learner driver process again (theory test, learner permit, 12 compulsory lessons, practical test).
The Department is working on legislation to provide for the changes and the RSA, in consultation with my officials, is finalising an implementation plan. I expect to sign regulations shortly and for implementation to begin before the end of this year. This aligns to the commitments given by the RSA to return the driver testing service to the target wait of 10 weeks (or less) by September.
Question No. 255 answered with Question No. 254.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (256)
Emer Currie
Question:256. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner permit holders involved in fatal and serious crashes in 2023 who were on their second, third or subsequent permit at the time they were involved in the collision;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32809/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. The RSA receives both coronial data and collision data from An Garda Síochána for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions 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.