Thursday, 26 Jun 2025

Written Answers Nos. 192-211

• Debates
• Find a debate
  • Dáil debates
  • Seanad debates
  • Committee debates
• Find a vote
  • Dáil votes
  • Seanad votes
  • Committee votes
• Parliamentary questions
  • Written questions
  • Oral questions
• Search tips
• Utterances having an adverse effect

European Union

Questions (192)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

192. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the High Representative of the European Union on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy was speaking on behalf of the Government when she spoke about Irish neutrality and history in the European Parliament on 19 June 2025; if the Government consented to this position being articulated by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union through a Council decision in line with the Treaty on European Union; if he will write to the High Representative seeking a correction of the assertion that Ireland did not suffer atrocities or the suppression of its culture and language in the context of the Ballymurphy massacre, Bloody Sunday, the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, the shooting of innocent civilians by the British state, internment without trial, widespread discrimination in housing and employment, long-standing official opposition to Irish-language rights in the North, the civil rights movements in the North and in the Gaeltacht in the post-World War II period to fight against suppression, and the ongoing barriers to the implementation of full equal status for the use of Irish as an official language within the European Union institutions themselves; and if he will invite the High Representative to meet with campaigners, victims, and families affected by legacy issues as a result of atrocities and the suppression of culture and language in Ireland. [35010/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The role of the High Representative of the European Union on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is set out in Articles 18 and 24 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). They establish that the High Representative shall conduct the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and represent the Union for matters relating to CFSP. The High Representative, who is also Vice President of the Commission, presides over the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and ensures consistency of the Union’s external action. Article 27 of the TEU designates the High Representative as the Union’s representative for CFSP matters, who has responsibility for ensuring implementation of the relevant decisions adopted by the European Council and the Council. Accordingly, while the High Representative is tasked with representing the Union with respect to CFSP matters, this does not equate with speaking on behalf of the Government in all instances.

As you will be aware, Ireland’s policy of military neutrality has long been an important strand of our independent foreign policy. The policy means that Ireland does not participate in military alliances or mutual defence arrangements. There are no plans to alter this policy of military neutrality.

Ireland, like all people and societies, has been shaped and moulded by its difficult history. This history is well documented and there is no doubt that the Famine, the War of Independence, and the Troubles are central to this shared and difficult history. We are committed and willing to share the lessons of our past, such as the peace process and Good Friday Agreement, which marked the end of almost thirty years of violence, in the hope they may support and inspire peace, understanding and reconciliation elsewhere.

Passport Services

Questions (193)

Conor D McGuinness

Question:

193. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department could assist in resolving an issue regarding a complex passport application where a four-year-old girl has been waiting for her first passport for two years and has been unable to see her extended family living abroad since her birth (details supplied). [35019/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

With regard to the passport application to which the Deputy is referring, the Passport Service has made contact with the applicant.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (194)

Barry Ward

Question:

194. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 18 June 2025, the position regarding any engagement he or his Department’s officials have had with their counterparts in India and Pakistan in relation to concerns about any breaches of the Indus Water Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35026/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Officials in my Department, including our bilateral Embassies in the region, are continuing to monitor closely ongoing developments in relations between India and Pakistan, alongside our EU and like-minded international partners in New Delhi and Islamabad.

As I've reiterated previously, the Government is committed to enhanced political engagement with both countries over the coming years and will use every opportunity to support efforts towards peace and reconciliation. I very much hope that political dialogue between the two nations will start in order to ensure further de-escalation of tensions and a long term political resolution.

The Government is fully aware of the strong concerns regarding the potential implications for existing cooperation between the two countries arising from India's decision to suspend the Treaty in response to recent events.

Ireland, through our Embassies in the region, and through our membership of the EU, will continue to work with all parties to further de-escalate the situation and to urge both states to engage in dialogue and live up to their obligations under international law.

Waste Management

Questions (195)

Louis O'Hara

Question:

195. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of bin collection companies not providing brown bin collection services in certain parts of the country despite being mandated to under the Household Food Waste and Bio-waste Regulations 2023 from January 2024 (details supplied); the actions his Department is undertaking to compel bin collection companies to adhere to the regulations; the penalties there are for bin collection companies which fail to oblige by the regulations; if any penalties have been applied to bin collection companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35018/25]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

The European Union (Household Food Waste and Bio-waste) Regulations 2023, which came into force on the 1 January 2024, oblige waste collectors to provide a bio-waste (brown) bin to all their customers regardless of where in the country they live. Enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the relevant local authority.

The expansion of the brown bin is being supported by a comprehensive education and awareness campaign to advise households of their entitlement to this service while also offering advice on how to properly segregate their food and other organic waste, further information is available on MyWaste.ie.

Effective enforcement of the household and commercial waste sectors to encourage increased segregation and recycling of municipal waste has been identified as one of the principal objectives of the National Waste Enforcement Priorities for the period 2025 to 2027. In this regard, I am advised that local authority waste enforcement efforts will continue to be targeted towards ensuring that waste collectors are providing the service as required. My Department does not collate information on enforcement actions taken by individual local authorities.

If a customer is having difficulty in securing a brown bin as part of their household waste collection service I would advise them to contact the Environment Section of their relevant local authority who may be in a position to assist. The Environment section of Galway County Council may be contacted at [e-mail].

Environmental Schemes

Questions (196)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

196. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of households, since 2022, that have availed of the solar PV grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35029/25]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government on 21 December 2021, to support Ireland’s ambitious targets for micro-generation installations, under the Climate Action Plan. The MSS provides supports to both domestic and non-domestic applicants, in the form of grants for Solar PV installations, up to a maximum of €1,800 in 2025 for household installations. These grants are available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since 2022 the MSS has gone strength to strength supporting more and more homes install solar PV. Since its launch in 2022 when over 10,000 homes received support, the Domestic Solar PV grant scheme has grown each year exceeding expectations with 22, 214 and 28,000 homes receiving grant support in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

From 2022 to end of May 2025, 72,919 homes have received grants totalling €164.6m, resulting in over 396 MW installed and 83.2kt CO2 saved. The scheme supports households to reduce their energy use and in turn make savings on their energy bills. This high level of demand indicates that the scheme is working well and that not only have citizens recognised the significant benefits of investing in Solar PV, but that the solar pv industry and supply chain have adapted to the demands of our citizens.

Sustainable Development Goals

Questions (197, 198)

Ciarán Ahern

Question:

197. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps his Department has taken to support the development of Ireland’s next Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) National Implementation Plan; and how stakeholders, particularly civil society organisations, are being engaged in its formulation. [35094/25]

Ciarán Ahern

Question:

198. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the means by which his Department is ensuring that the next SDG National Implementation Plan will reflect an integrated, whole-of-Government approach; and the mechanisms in place to coordinate actions across Departments, especially on cross-cutting goals. [35095/25]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.

The Programme for Government commits to accelerating Ireland’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and to adopting a coordinated approach to drive impactful action both at home and abroad. A whole-of-Government approach is being taken to deliver the SDGs in Ireland. My Department has overall responsibility for promoting the SDGs and overseeing delivery of the National Implementation Plan across Government. Other relevant Ministers have responsibility for achieving individual SDG targets related to their Ministerial functions.

Achieving the SDGs by 2030 is a collective task that cannot be accomplished without partnership. The third National Implementation Plan for the SDGs is in the early stages of development. A collaborative and participatory approach is being taken to develop the plan, which will involve multiple stakeholders, including Government, Local Authorities, non-governmental organisations, civil society, and various sectoral areas, such as business and academia, youth and marginalised groups. The consultation process will include a number of phases and different strands of consultation, both online and in-person, to reach this wide range of stakeholders.

To support a whole-of-Government approach, my Department will be engaging, through the relevant Senior Officials Group, the SDG Interdepartmental Working Group (IDWG) and other working groups, with officials from across Government Departments on the new Plan.

Ireland’s current participation in the multi-country OECD Project on Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development “Building Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) across national and local government in Ireland” is also helping to inform the new Plan. Workshops on PCSD with participants from across Government Departments and Civil Society took place in March. A capacity building workshop on localisation with the SDG Localisation working group took place in April, with a further workshop taking place this week with Local Authorities.

The SDG National Stakeholder Forum due to take place in September, will also be based around the new National Implementation Plan, and will form a further part of the public consultation.

The draft Implementation Plan, once developed and prior to Government approval and publication, will also be open for consultation for a final round of feedback.

Question No. 198 answered with Question No. 197.

Departmental Funding

Questions (199)

Pa Daly

Question:

199. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the funding provided to sustainable energy communities in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the amount of money drawn down in each of those years, in tabular form. [35114/25]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The Programme supports the low carbon energy transition by developing skills and capacity, at a community level, in determining how to use less energy; adopting lower carbon options for transport and heating; shifting energy use to off-peak times; or investing in smart technologies.

The SEAI provides 100% funding to communities to undertake energy master plans. These plans allow a community to assess and understand it’s current and future energy needs (in electricity, heat and transport) in order for the community to make informed decisions and prioritise actions. It helps communities to identify opportunities so they can become more energy efficient, use renewable energy where possible, and use smart energy technology if appropriate.

The SEC Programme is funded through the Community Activation Fund. Details of the capital funding allocation and capital funding expenditure for the SEC Programme/Community Activation Fund for the years 2022 to 2025 are set out in the table below.

Years	Programme	Allocation	Total Programme Expenditure
2025	Community Activation Fund	€3.9m	€1.34m (to May 2025)
2024	Community Activation Fund	€3.9m	€2.56m
2023	Community Activation Fund	€5.33m	€2.02m
2022	Community Activation Fund	€8m	€2.22m

I have directed the SEAI to reply directly to the Deputy with the data sought for the years 2020 to 2021, in so far as it is available, as soon as possible.

Electricity Generation

Questions (200, 201)

John Connolly

Question:

200. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the sources of energy used to fuel the production of electricity at the State’s electricity power stations, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35115/25]

John Connolly

Question:

201. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount of the electricity used by the State that is produced indigenously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35116/25]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.

According to figures from SEAI's interim 2024 national energy balance report, 86% of electricity consumed in Ireland was produced indigenously in 2024 with imports accounting for 100% of its oil, 79.5% of its gas, and 14.0% of its electricity through interconnectors. In 2024, the majority of electricity generation was from natural gas at 42%, closely followed by renewables at 39.6%, and electricity imports at 14% making up the majority of the remaining generation.

Ireland's energy related emissions in 2024 were down 1.3% on 2023 and are at their lowest level in over 30 years. Energy-related emissions have fallen each year for the last 3 years and are down 11% on 2021-levels. SEAI estimates that electricity sector emissions in 2024 were down 7.5% on 2023.

The full dataset is publicly available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland at the following link www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-statistics/key-publications/national-energy-balance. The five largest sources of electricity are provided in tabular form below:

Source	2024 %
Gas	42.1%
Wind	31.7%
Interconnection net imports	14.0%
Solar	3.0%
Hydro	2.2%

It should be highlighted that as of the 20 June 2025, Ireland successfully phased out coal for power generation. Ireland’s last coal fired generation plant, Moneypoint, will now be running as a generator of last resort on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), to be dispatched only on instruction of EirGrid in order to help to ensure security of electricity supply.

In addition, the 2025 All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment, published by EirGrid in March 2025, contains a detailed overview of registered capacity of dispatchable generation and interconnectors in Ireland in 2025, including name, fuel type, generator type, and MW capacity. This information can be found in Appendix 3 of the assessment, which can be downloaded at www.eirgrid.ie/news/new-eirgrid-analysis-examines-balance-between-electricity-demand-and-supply-ireland-over-10.

Question No. 201 answered with Question No. 200.

Regional Assemblies

Questions (202)

Brendan Smith

Question:

202. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will give detailed consideration to a recent briefing note of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly: Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region, June 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35166/25]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

I welcome the briefing note provided by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. Delivering electricity infrastructure is a key priority for this Government and we are seeking to accelerate that delivery through a number of initiatives, including the Future Grid Working Group which was established under the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce.

This Group is chaired by officials in my Department and consists of key grid delivery staff from ESB Networks, EirGrid and the CRU. The Group is tasked with accelerating delivery of the grid, identifying issues which are impeding grid delivery and potential solutions to same, along with identifying priority grid projects. Work in this area is ongoing.

It is noted that the projects identified in the briefing note are ones underway by EirGrid with quarterly updates provided publicly as part of the Network Delivery Portfolio. My Department is working to accelerate delivery of all projects and that includes the projects identified. I welcome the continued support of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly in delivering these critical projects, including the North South Interconnector.

I understand the CRU will shortly publish a public consultation on their draft decision on Price Review 6 (PR6). PR6 will see CRU approve the investment and revenue framework for the electricity grid for the period 2026-2030. PR6 will see major investment in the onshore electricity grid and represents a step change in grid development and investment. The large-scale investment envisaged will assist Ireland in maintaining a reliable and resilient electricity network to meet the needs of customers and society.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (203)

James Geoghegan

Question:

203. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his plans to increase the ease with which someone can receive a road opening licence to excavate a pavement for the purpose of installing safe electric vehicle charging points in high density areas where the cable for the charger needs to be routed under a pavement to reach the vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35156/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The ‘Guidelines for Managing Openings in Public Roads’, published by the Department of Transport in April 2017, sets out a summary of the legal framework relating to powers of road authorities, various statutory bodies and private individuals in opening or forming openings in public roads in Ireland. The document prescribes standards in respect of the work of forming openings, backfilling and the reinstatement of road surfaces and the associated materials to be used on all roads other than National Roads.

The ‘Roads Act, 1993,’ sets out the statutory powers of road authorities in respect of road openings. In order to carry out an excavation in a public road, a person or body must have the consent of the road authority or must be acting under other specific enabling legislation such as applies to statutory and licensed undertakers. In accordance with the Roads Act 1993, a local authority can issue directions in writing to persons carrying out road works in its functional area. Section 13 (6) of the Roads Act, 1993 provides powers whereby a local authority may allow a person or group of persons to carry out maintenance on a local road. This work could also entail opening and backfilling of trenches. Section 13 (10) of the Act prohibits a person from excavating a public road without lawful authority or consent of the road authority. Section 13(10)(b) of the Roads Act, 1993 provides powers whereby a road authority may consent to allow works to be carried out on a road; such permission constitutes a ‘road opening licence’. The road authority may attach restrictions and/or conditions to a road opening licence as it deems appropriate. Failure to comply with such restrictions and/or conditions constitutes an offence. It is important to note that in addition to the above all local authorities are empowered to issue binding directions on a range of matters to any person, including statutory undertakers, carrying out roadworks in an authorities’ functional areas under Section 101D of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 (as inserted therein by Section 9 of the Dublin Transport Authority (Dissolution) Act, 1987).

On the basis of the foregoing, it is the road authorities (local authorities) that are responsible for matters concerning road opening licences, including the particulars and conditions included therein.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (204)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Question:

204. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if his Department would examine the matter of bringing CIÉ 1951 pension scheme entitlements onto a more stable footing that would allow for an unfreeze on pension increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35017/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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.

That being said, 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.

On Thursday 15 May 2025, I was notified by CIÉ and the Trade Union Group that they have reached a negotiated position on a proposal relating to the issues associated with pension security for current employees at the CIÉ Group of Companies. The proposal also includes provision for long overdue pension in payment increases for ex-employees of the CIÉ Group.

I am advised a consultative process with all stakeholders will be conducted over the coming weeks, followed by ballot on the settlement proposal, which will be undertaken by the Trade Union Group.

I welcome the constructive engagement between unions and CIÉ management on this issue. It’s a strong example of proactive and inclusive dialogue that prioritises long-term outcomes for employees and pensioners alike. I acknowledge the work of all parties involved for their positive engagements.

My Department will continue to engage 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.

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (205)

Robert O'Donoghue

Question:

205. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently address the growing public safety concerns surrounding the widespread and largely unregulated use of electric scooters; if he is aware of the increasing number of serious accidents, including a recent hit and run incident involving an elderly woman in Dublin, and many similar cases across the country, resulting in serious injuries and, in some cases, fatalities; the regulations currently in place or planned to ensure the safe operation of these vehicles; if measures such as mandatory insurance, age limits, safety training or restricted zones will be introduced; if he accepts that, rather than providing benefit, the current unregulated use of e scooters has caused significant harm and distress to individuals and communities and that urgent action is required to restore safety on roads and footpaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35067/25]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I am all too aware of recent fatal collisions on Irish roads involving e-scooters.

I am happy to clarify that an extensive suite of regulations governing the legal use of e-scooters on public roads was introduced by my Department in May 2024. These regulations include provisions for a minimum age limit of 16, prohibition from use on footpaths and pedestrian areas, and strict statutory limits on the power, weight and speed of an e-scooter.

Enforcement of the regulations is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána, and a non-compliant e-scooter user risks incurring a Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) to the value of €50. The Deputy may also be aware of recent media reports regarding the roll-out by An Garda Síochána of dynameters. These devices allow An Garda Síochána to check the technical specifications of e-scooters and to confiscate e-scooters that do not conform to these specifications. E-scooters may also be confiscated where the user does not conform to usage standards for public roads.

I further note the Deputy's proposal regarding the mandatory insuring of e-scooters. As e-scooters are defined in law as powered personal transporters (PPTs), they belong to a category of vehicle that is beneath the exemption threshold in the Motor Insurance Directive (Directive 2021/2118) and they do not require insurance. My Department has no plans to introduce mandatory insurance for PPTs at this time.

The Deputy may wish to refer to further information the extensive information available on current e-scooter regulations, both technical and usage, which can be found on the gov.ie website, linked here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/publications/e-scooters/.

Bus Éireann

Questions (206)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

206. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the precautions Bus Éireann has in place to deal with anti-social behaviour towards its employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35076/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Anti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue, to which public transport is unfortunately not immune, and it is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.

Bus Éireann has invested in extensive CCTV coverage throughout its fleet for the protection of passengers and staff and driver security screens are fitted to the entire low-floor, single-deck, and double-deck bus fleet. All hubs are also monitored by CCTV.

I am also advised that Bus Éireann has anti-assault screens fitted on city and town buses. In addition, they are currently engaging with manufacturers to create appropriately sized anti-assault screens for the coach vehicles not yet fully fitted with anti-assault screens due to the dimensions required.

Emergency support for Bus Éireann's drivers is provided through 24-hour control centres and any incidents of antisocial behaviour are fully investigated and followed up with An Garda Síochána as required. Security personnel are employed in the larger bus stations and extensive CCTV is also in operation throughout all stations to ensure the security of all Bus Éireann staff, customers, and property.

Bus Éireann also use private security patrol personnel to assist where they have encountered localised issues on particular bus routes. Recent increased security measures in Busáras include moving core departures from operating outside the building into the departure gates within the station as well as reducing access points into Busáras to one main entrance.

As you may be aware there is also 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. I can assure you that I am taking forward this commitment as a priority, and work is ongoing in my Department, in conjunction with the NTA, around identifying the most appropriate organisational structure to progress it.

In the interim my Department will continue to engage with all operators and unions on the matter, and will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe and sustainable public transport.

Departmental Funding

Questions (207)

Alan Kelly

Question:

207. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider allocating extra funding for road maintenance to Tipperary County Council this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35113/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 2025 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, Tipperary County Council received an allocation of €42,053,390 which is an increase of €6,280,445 on their 2024 allocation.

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.

Cycling Facilities

Questions (208)

John Connolly

Question:

208. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the reason the current plans proposed for the development of enhanced cycling infrastructure on the Western Distributor Road in Galway did not include specific bus priority measures along the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35117/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.

Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.

Road Projects

Questions (209)

Michael Cahill

Question:

209. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if priority can be given to carrying out major upgrades and improvement works to the R571 road from Tuosist, County Kerry to Castletownbere in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35130/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.

Any road improvement projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

According to my Department's records, an application was not received from Kerry or Cork County Council for funding for improvement works on the R571 road from Tuosist, County Kerry to Castletownbere in County Cork.

Coast Guard Service

Questions (210)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

210. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport to confirm that a company (details supplied), the provider of the Irish Coast Guard’s search and rescue aviation service are actively recruiting in Ireland for positions in this service. [35151/25]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I have responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard and the SAR Aviation Contract.

Coast Guard Helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) services are provided under contract, which is currently transitioning from the incumbent contractor, CHCI, to Bristow Ireland Limited (BIL).

As with the existing CHCI contract, recruitment is solely managed by the contracted service provider. While I have no role in the recruitment of staff by the contractor, I understand that Bristow Ireland has been engaging with the three trade unions associated with Coast Guard SAR operations ever since it was awarded the contract in 2023. Bristow Ireland has also actively engaged directly with the cohort of CHCI staff and has measures in place to enable them transfer seamlessly to Bristow Ireland, in parallel with the transition of each individual SAR base.

Bristow Ireland is contracted to operate four bases at Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin (Weston) thus providing a spread of regional employment opportunities for suitably qualified personnel across the various disciplines of the business.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (211)

James Geoghegan

Question:

211. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport if he will instruct Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland to consider, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, how a scheme for safe electric vehicle charging points might work where the charging cable needs to be routed under a pavement in high density areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35160/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

The Government’s aim is to create an optimum environment to keep up with demand for EV charging and make it possible for anyone who wants an EV to have one. We regularly review EV incentives and grant schemes to ensure that they are delivering value for money and supporting delivery of EV targets.

It should be noted that the use of a home charger across a public footpath is currently not legally permissible due to "private wires" legislation. This matter is currently under consideration by officials in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE).

• Written Answers Nos. 182-191
• Written Answers Nos. 212-231