Maeve O'Connell
Question:33. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport when his Department will finalise the rail investment implementation strategy; and when the strategy will be published. [36422/25]
View answerRail Network
Questions (33, 34)
Maeve O'Connell
Question:34. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport to report on his Department’s progress in developing a project prioritisation strategy for rail investment; and when this will be published. [36423/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication later this year.
This work will additionally inform my Department's engagement on the review of the current National Development Plan, which is ongoing. It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the Rail Review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals.
Question No. 34 answered with Question No. 33.
Public Transport
Questions (35)
Maeve O'Connell
Question:35. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport to report on the work of officials within his Department in assessing public transport capital funding needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36424/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure.
The Programme for Government commits to reviewing and enhancing the National Development Plan (NDP) to deliver on existing strategically important transport infrastructure commitments and to consider the needs of new or accelerated potential projects and programmes. Having worked closely with the NTA in considering such needs, the Department of Transport is engaged in the ongoing NDP Review with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. This will inform the level of Exchequer funds available for public transport capital investment. The outcome of this work is expected to be known within the coming months.
State Bodies
Questions (36, 49)
Maeve O'Connell
Question:36. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport to update on the CIÉ governance review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36425/25]
View answer
Grace Boland
Question:49. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the proposed timeline for aligning all relevant entities under the CIÉ governance model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36534/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 49 together.
In 2022, my Department requested NewERA to complete a Phase I review of existing governance arrangements within the CIÉ group, entailing an assessment of the legislation underpinning CIÉ. Subsequently in late 2023, my Department re-engaged NewERA to develop a further Phase II Review into CIÉ Governance Structures, with the aim of making recommendations on ways in which the governance arrangements of the Group could be improved.
The Governance Review of the CIÉ Group includes Iarnród Eireann, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus (together the operating companies), and CIÉ Holding Company. I brought a Memorandum for Information to Government on the 25th June 2025, outlining the review’s conclusions and summarising the next steps currently underway.
The objectives of the Review were to:
• examine in detail the current governance structure of the CIÉ Group;
• assess whether there is a strong case for change to the governance of CIÉ Group; and
• identify, assess, and recommend any preferred, option(s) to enhance the governance of CIÉ Group.
Out of 7 options identified in the Review Process, Option 2 was assessed and recommended as the preferred option – to Align Legislation &/or Shareholder Governance to Existing CIÉ Role.
The Review was completed in May 2024, and the implementation of four key recommendations are currently underway:
My Department will shortly issue a revised CIÉ Shareholder Letter of Recommendation that incorporates the Review's recommendations, in collaboration with NewERA.
My Department has initiated quarterly corporate governance meetings with the operating companies.
Each operating company is required to submit unaudited interim financial statements for review by NewERA on an annual basis from 2025 onward.
The facilitation of increased Director representation through dual appointments on both the parent CIÉ and operating company boards.
The Review includes further recommendations that may be considered over the next five years, depending on the success and outcomes of the four key initiatives commenced in 2025.
Dublin Bus
Questions (37)
Maeve O'Connell
Question:37. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent extension of the Dublin Bus pilot security scheme, and the routes under this scheme in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36426/25]
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. Therefore the allocation of the Dublin Bus pilot security scheme and the choice of routes operating on it are a matter for Dublin Bus.
That being said, I am acutely aware that 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.
In October 2024, Dublin Bus successfully launched its 20-week pilot programme of the Safer Journeys Team, a mobile unit dedicated to enhancing safety on-board their fleet. In January 2025, this programme was extended, with the two initial teams expanded to three, covering North Dublin, South Dublin, and Central Dublin.
As you may be aware there is also a strong commitment under the Programme for Government to create a Transport Security Force under the National Transport Authority (NTA), which would operate and have similar powers to Airport Police and Customs Officers, and I can assure you 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.
I am fully supportive of all of this ongoing positive work towards creating a safer public transport network for all passengers and staff.
In light of the Dublin Bus's responsibility in relation to the extension and operation of their pilot security scheme, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Safety
Questions (38)
Maeve O'Connell
Question:38. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing universal speed limits of 10 km/h on shared spaces and active travel greenways. [36427/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Speed Limit Review 2023 fulfilled a Programme for Government commitment, and an action included in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. I have been advised by my officials that this report made several recommendations principally relating to recommending the lowering of default speed limits on urban, local and national secondary roads. A reference to a speed limit of 20km/h applying in pedestrian zones and shared space/ zones was included in the review as well as a recommendation that a speed limit of 30km/h should be considered for Cycleways and Greenways, which are mixed in use.
In support of this review, an implementation task force, led by the Department of Transport was established to oversee the delivery of the recommendations in this report. The initial focus of this group was to progress a reduction of the default speed limits on rural local roads from 80km/h to 60km/h, this was implemented in February 2025. Other recommendations within the report remain under review.
The proposed speed limit change concerning the introduction of a 30km/h speed limit in urban areas (including the introduction of 20km/h speed limits in pedestrian zones and shared spaces/ zones where appropriate) is proposed to be implemented by way of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’, rather than a change in the ‘default speed limit’. Accordingly, in respect of those roads in urban areas where local authorities propose to change existing speed limits to 30km/h, it will be necessary for each local authority to undertake a statutory public consultation process and consider representations, in accordance with the requirements of the ‘Road Traffic Act 2004’, as amended. It is anticipated that the process whereby local authorities can commence the process of reviewing existing speed limits in urban areas in their respective administrative areas will be initiated from late 2025.
I have been advised that some local authorities have developed code of conducts with signage displayed at regular intervals along some Greenways to promote positive behaviours including that the pathway is a shared space and persons should be respectful of other users.
Active Travel
Questions (39)
Maeve O'Connell
Question:39. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider providing funding for a dedicated project manager at Local Authority level to ensure local authority active travel projects connect properly with national projects such as BusConnects. [36428/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions 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. The NTA work with local authorities in identifying projects on an annual basis in the context of future funding allocations.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department, through the NTA, already funds dedicated resources in every local authority to help deliver the active travel programme. Active Travel teams are now in place in all 31 local authorities, with around 240 staff are in place across the 31 local authorities who are dedicated to the delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure projects around the country.
Public Transport
Questions (40)
Maeve O'Connell
Question:40. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if pets are allowed on public transport services; and if so, to list the services. [36429/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Active Travel
Questions (41)
Maeve O'Connell
Question:41. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s policy in regard to the permeability of active travel projects when being connected through private residences. [36430/25]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Departmental Staff
Questions (42)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:42. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the number of vacancies by job title currently within the railway investigation unit of his Department as of 25 June 2025; the expected timeframe for filling each of those vacancies, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36467/25]
View answerWritten answers
There is currently one vacancy in the Railway Investigation Unit of my department as of 25 June 2025. The details of the role and the expected timeframe for filling it are below.
Work has commenced on the recruitment process and it is expected that an appointment will be made before the end of 2025.
|
Unit |
Job Title |
Expected Timeframe |
|
Railway Investigation Unit |
Deputy Chief Investigator |
December 2025 |
Rail Network
Questions (43)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:43. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the estimated costs of providing a double rail track between Greystones and Rosslare Europort stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36468/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.
The Review considered interventions to enable faster and more frequent journeys between Rosslare Europort and Dublin, including adding passing loops and tunnelling through Bray Head. Many of these solutions would be very costly and unlikely to be justifiable as the line would not be expected to support more than one or two trains per hour in each direction. As these interventions were not further assessed under the Review, there was no cost-benefit analysis performed.
You may be aware the DART+ Coastal South project involves an improvement to DART services on the existing DART line south of Dublin city, with the current focus on enhancing services between Bray and Greystones.
In addition, the NTA's GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042 includes a recommendation to extend the DART service to Wicklow town. I understand this extension can be facilitated through utilising battery-electric DART carriages. The NTA is currently examining this issue with a view to progressing the extension around 2029, subject to funding and approvals.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed 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 (44)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:44. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the funding provided by NTA to improve rail network and train connectivity in County Sligo in the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36469/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, Irish Rail.
The issue raised by the Deputy is therefore an operational matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to them both for direct response.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Greenways Provision
Questions (45)
Peter Roche
Question:45. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the proposed greenway planned to run through Kinvara, County Galway; if he will provide an update on the timeline for its development expected completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36472/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. There is a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Galway with €3,500,000 allocated in 2025.
In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway and National Roads Active Travel projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (46)
Sorca Clarke
Question:46. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport to provide the current annual cost of the Local Link programme in rural areas; and if any assessments have been done on its effectiveness in reducing social isolation for older people and people with disabilities. [36482/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to ensuring that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers.
To address specific concerns in rural areas, the Department of Transport has secured increased funding to improve rural transport services across the country, with funding increasing from €12m in 2016 to €76m in 2025. Passenger numbers have increased from 1.76 million passengers in 2015 to 5.8 million in 2024. Over 95% of passenger trips on Local Link are now accessible and the Community Transport Scheme continues to operate in 12 locations nationwide. The NTA worked with ‘Invisible Disability Ireland’ to run the "Please offer me a Seat" Campaign which assists people with hidden disabilities to let other passengers know that they would benefit from having a seat for their journey. Approximately 33,000 Cards and badges have been supplied to bus and rail stations, and TFI Local Link offices nationwide.
Under Budget 2025, the Department has secured a funding package of €658.442 million for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and new town services.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services. Importantly, Connecting Ireland undergoes a phase-by-phase review to ensure the effectiveness of services and to identify further opportunities for improvement in line with community needs.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible rural transport services, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Driver Test
Questions (47)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:47. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport if he can confirm the average waiting time for a BE (trailer) licence driving test in the Nenagh test centre; if there are any efforts being made to reduce this wait time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36502/25]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy 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 operational matters.
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.
Driver Test
Questions (48)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:48. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport if a case (detailed supplied) could be reviewed on the grounds that this constituent has been waiting 28 weeks for a BE (trailer) licence driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36503/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for driving testing and licence application matters.
My Department does not have access to individual driving licence exchange applications and may not intervene in that process. Accordingly, I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 36.
Bus Services
Questions (50)
Grace Boland
Question:50. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the National Transport Authority to request a capacity review of the 101 route operated by Bus Éireann, in light of ongoing capacity issues experienced by constituents in Balbriggan and Balrothery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36535/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, Bus Éireann.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Bus Services
Questions (51)
Grace Boland
Question:51. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether he will request the NTA to publish passenger volume data and service performance metrics for Route 101; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36536/25]
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 performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Rail Network
Questions (52, 53)
Grace Boland
Question:52. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the frequency of works on the northern commuter line during bank holiday weekends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36537/25]
View answerGrace Boland
Question:53. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport when the ongoing works on the northern commuter line during bank holiday weekends are expected to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36538/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.
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 issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to Irish Rail for direct response.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 52.