Written Answers Nos. 256-274
256. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if the forthcoming drone legislation will include a right for residents to opt out of drone overflights or hovering near their private properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37263/25]
View answer257. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing temporary drone restriction zones in residential areas such as (details supplied) pending the finalisation of the national drone policy framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37264/25]
View answer271. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on regulatory framework governing drones used for commercial deliveries; the options that exist for residents to opt out of flight zones; and for an update on any other related information on committee discussions or ministerial action on this issue. [37450/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 256, 257 and 271 together.
In 2018, competency for the regulation of civil unmanned aircraft systems operations passed to the European Union (EU). The EU regulatory framework for civil unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), established through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on the procedures and rules for the operation of unmanned aircraft and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on unmanned aircraft and on third country operators of unmanned aircraft systems, is directly applicable in Ireland. The EU UAS regulations are implemented and overseen by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) under its remit as the national civil aviation regulator.
The aim of the EU UAS regulations is to achieve the same level of safety for drone operations as in manned aviation.
Regulation (EU) 2019/947 details the process to allow UAS to operate within the European Union. The oversight and regulation of UAS operations is risk-based. This means that the more complex the operation, the more restrictions and safety mitigations are required, to ensure the safety of the public.
UAS delivery operations fall into a medium risk, ‘specific’ category, which requires an explicit authorisation from the IAA. This type of authorisation is recognised in all European Union Member States. To obtain an operational authorisation, an operator must provide a comprehensive safety portfolio which includes assessing and addressing both ground and air risks with appropriate mitigations. These might include, for example, coordination with Air Traffic Control and the fitting the UAS with a parachute and flight termination system.In certain areas, such as those with an expected large number of simultaneous operations of UAS or areas where UAS operate alongside manned aircraft, the safe, secure and efficient integration of UAS in the airspace necessitates the introduction of additional specific rules and procedures for their operations.
Regulation (EU) 2019/947 provides for the establishment of “UAS geographical zones”. UAS geographical zones are portions of airspace where drone operations are facilitated, restricted, or excluded. Under the EU regulation the IAA can establish UAS Geographical Zones for the purpose of minimising safety risks, protecting privacy, addressing security issues and dealing with environmental concerns.
The IAA has established UAS geographical zones to address safety and security risks, imposing specific conditions for certain or all UAS operations or allowing access only to UAS equipped with certain technical features. To establish UAS geographical zones in respect of privacy and environmental concerns, the IAA requires the input from relevant agencies, local authorities and government departments. The Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems developed by my Department proposes the setting up of a national working group to develop transparent processes and procedures for the designation of UAS Geographical Zones.
While there is a comprehensive regulatory framework in place from an aviation perspective, and there are no immediate plans to introduce additional legislation in this area, there are areas where the rapid pace of expansion of drone operations has resulted in gaps and uncertainty. The Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems will be seeking to identify and address any policy, regulatory or legislative gaps. The Policy Framework proposes a number of structures and actions that address concerns in relation to increase drone usage and operations. It will facilitate the addressing of the matters such as planning and environmental issues by the appropriate authorities.
Work on the drafting of the Policy Framework was recently finalised and I expect to approve and publish it this summer.
258. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the outcome of the cross-departmental task force in into driver recruitment and retention challenges. [37267/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Programme for Government (PfG) has committed to "Work to enhance and support the delivery of a skilled workforce to maintain and operate public transport vehicles".
My Department chairs the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce which aims to progress this PfG commitment and to identify options to assist with resolving challenges regarding the recruitment of drivers and mechanics/craftworkers. The taskforce includes representatives from the school transport section in the Department of Education, relevant transport operators and agencies, and training bodies. The aim of the taskforce is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues, and put forward an action plan with recommendations and measures to create a pipeline of workers to address these issues. Officials in my department will also continue to engage with other stakeholders, including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, during the preparation of the action plan.
In line with this work, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment signed regulations on 11 April 2025 extending the general employment permit quotas for HGV/Bus mechanics and vehicle repairers, increasing the total number of quotas available for these roles by 200 permits.
259. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to legislation that would make it mandatory for all vehicle drivers to use dipped headlights during the daytime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37296/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the mandatory use of daytime running lights (DRLs) is already in effect for all new vehicles.
The General Safety Regulation (EC) 661/2009, eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/661/oj/eng, saw the introduction of mandatory DRLs, a lighting system that automatically switches on when the engine is running to increase a vehicle's visibility during the daytime, for all new vehicles from 1 November 2014.
Where a vehicle is not fitted with DRLs, my Department and the Road Safety Authority strongly recommend that drivers use dipped headlights during the daytime.
My Department has no plans at present to make the daytime use of headlights mandatory for any vehicles other than those already covered by EU legislation.
260. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if an application by a person (details supplied) can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37303/25]
View answerAs 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.
261. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if any consideration is being given to changing the ten-year rule for SPSV licence holders (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37317/25]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, 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.
For the Deputy's information, a separate licensing regime is administered by An Garda Síochána under the Road Traffic Acts. This relates to Article 60 of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 which applies to the licensing of large public service vehicles and ambulances, particularly those that are one year old or more. Bus Éireann operates the School Transportation Service on behalf of the Department of Education and awards contracts to eligible operators to provide this service. My Department is currently undertaking a review of the Article 60 licensing regime, and stakeholder engagement is ongoing in this regard.
262. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to review case (details supplied) and if he can expedite same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37343/25]
View answerUnder 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. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my office if a response is not received within ten days.
263. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to promote safer driving, following the publication of the 2025 ETSC Road Safety Report, which highlights increased road deaths among young people in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37377/25]
View answer265. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department intends to develop specific youth-focused road safety measures or targets under the Road Safety Strategy 2025 to 2027, given the disproportionately high number of road deaths among 16-to-25-year-olds, as reported in the European Transport Safety Council's 2025 report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37391/25]
View answer266. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has undertaken an analysis of Ireland's declining ranking in EU road safety performance, specifically in relation to the high rate of road fatalities among drivers aged 18-to-24 years of age; if he will outline any policy responses under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37392/25]
View answer268. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the Road Safety Authority in response to the findings of the 2025 European Transport Safety Council Road Safety Performance Index, particularly the reported increase in the proportion of road deaths among people aged 16 to 25; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37394/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 263, 265, 266 and 268 together.
The Programme for Government outlines the Government's commitment to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
The current national framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. The Strategy was launched in December 2021 and follows international best practice, aligns with EU and UN targets, and is based on the Safe Systems approach. The Strategy has the target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% this decade, and to achieving Vision Zero—as close as possible to no deaths or serious injuries on Irish roads—by 2050.
Phase 1 of the Road Safety Strategy ran until the end of 2024, with approximately 169 concrete actions complete or on track at its conclusion. Notable deliverables include publication of an updated National Cycle Manual, publication of the Speed Limits Review, and subsequent implementation of the first set of new default speed limits—of 60km/h on rural, local roads, as provided for in the Road Traffic Act 2024.
The Phase 2 Action Plan 2025-2027 is currently being finalised and I expect to publish it shortly. This Action Plan identifies primary actions that are transformative in nature and which are themed across the overarching, internationally recognised safe systems approach. Each of these actions will be delivered through partnership and collaborative working with a range of road safety stakeholders.
To support and supplement the primary actions, the action plan includes a suite of supporting actions which reflect a wider range of ongoing important activities currently being delivered by road safety partners.
To ensure that road safety advocates had an opportunity to contribute to the Phase 2 Action Plan of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, the Department of Transport and RSA established the Road User Safety Forum. The Forum is made up of representatives comprising road safety advocates and experts, and its original role was to advise on the development of the Phase 2 Action Plan. In all, four meetings of the Forum have been held to date and the Forum will continue to advise on the implementation of the Phase 2 action plan.
I will continue to chair the Group overseeing the delivery of this Strategy and Action Plan, calling on stakeholders from across the sector to bring forward and implement high-impact actions in the coming years.
In addition, a number of high-impact actions are progressing, including delivery of a national safety camera strategy and phased implementation of a new policy to tackle the issue of multiple learner permits. Work has also commenced on reviewing the driver curriculum, and ringfenced funding of €18m in has been allocated to RSA media, education and awareness campaigns as part of Budget 2025.
My colleagues in the RSA have advised me on a number of education and awareness campaigns they are running which specifically target young people, including the new Road Safety Matters transition year programme. Road Safety Matters was piloted during the 2024-2025 academic year with up to 5,025 students. A further 250 teachers are registered to attend training in September / October 2025, extending the reach of the programme to approx. 22,000 students the next academic year.
The RSA hosted it's inaugural Road Safety Youth Forum in April 2024, as a space for young people to discuss their common road safety concerns. The group consists of 20 young people aged between 12-23 years with representatives from rural and urban areas nationwide. Since the first meeting the group has meet in person on 3 occasions and once online.
The RSA is also running a number of TV and video-on-demand campaigns to target the 16-25 year old cohort. These campaigns focus on tackling a number of dangerous behaviours including non-seatbelt wearing, driver distraction, speeding, and intoxicated driving.
264. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to develop a bypass of Innishannon, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37383/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
The Route Feasibility study on the Innishannon Bypass was previously commenced but was not advanced to conclusion as this scheme is not included in the NDP. TII have advised that the advancement of this proposed scheme therefore cannot be accommodated in the National Roads Programme at this point in time. However, for an update on any further work that may have taken place or any other work on the N71 TII would be best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
267. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will commission an updated evaluation of the Essential Driver Training programme to determine its impact on young driver safety outcomes since its introduction in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37393/25]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. During Phase 1 of the Government's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, the RSA commenced an in-depth review of the driver testing curriculum to ensure it meets international best practice, and this action is being carried forward as part of the Phase 2 Action Plan to be published shortly.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
269. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided for footpaths to each of the 31 local authorities in each of the past five years; the distance of footpaths covered with this funding in each local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37406/25]
View answerAs 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.
Investment in Active Travel infrastructure has increased significantly in recent years, with around €290 million allocated to the NTA this year alone for the delivery of new footpaths and cycle lanes and the protection and renewal of existing active travel infrastructure.
While funding for the maintenance of active travel infrastructure, which is a current funding stream, was not secured in Budget 2025 due to a high level of competing demands both within the Department of Transport and across Government, Department officials are working to identify alternative funding streams which could be utilised for this important purpose and will continue to seek funding as part of the annual estimates process.
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.
Separately, while my Department provides grant support for road maintenance and renewal programmes under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme it does not have a specific grant programme for the restoration and repair of footpaths; however, local authorities have the option to fund these types of works from certain grant programmes.
270. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport for an update on additional funding to meet the possible cost of the acquisition of a new boat for Cahore Inshore Rescue, and other plans for funding for similar voluntary bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37414/25]
View answerThe Department of Transport provides annual maintenance grants to the Community Rescue Boats of Ireland to support day to day running costs of those organisations. The Community Rescue Boats of Ireland, of which Cahore Inshore Rescue is a member, are Search And Rescue (SAR) organisations declared to the Irish Coast Guard with governing Service Level Agreements between them and the Coast Guard. Each one receives a set annual maintenance grant which is currently under review. This review, which is at the final stages, is being conducted in the context of an unchanged grant amount for a number of years and the improved safety and assurance standards required of SAR operators under the recently published IRCG Rescue Boat Guidelines.
In relation to the acquisition of a new rescue boat for Cahore Inshore Rescue, the Department of Transport does not have any other grant mechanism outside of the annual maintenance grant scheme to support such a project.
272. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he has provided a letter of support for CIÉ pension increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37451/25]
View answerFrom 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. Issues in relation to Córas Iompair Éireann (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 employees - this is consistent with the pension arrangements of semi-state bodies.
The most recent CIÉ Pensions Proposal was a product of detailed engagement between the CIÉ Group and Trade Unions over a sustained period. These proposals include provision for a letter of support from the Minister for Transport, reflecting his recognition and support for the constructive engagement between unions and CIÉ management on this matter, that prioritises long-term sustainable outcomes for the employer, employees and pensioners alike.
Any proposals regarding amendments to CIÉ pension schemes requires the approval of both the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, in line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and relevant legislation, including the Transport Act 1950.
I am advised a ballot on the settlement proposal will be undertaken by the Trade Union Group over the coming weeks.
My Department is continuing to engage with CIÉ, financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority, and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the matter of CIÉ pensions.
273. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the proposed cycle greenway route through Kinvara, County Galway; the current stage of the project; and the expected timeline for complete and delivery. [37476/25]
View answerAs 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.
274. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of issues with the CIÉ superannuation scheme 1951 (details supplied); the steps he will take, or has taken, to address the matter; and if he will instruct the CIÉ board to pause all trustee-related decisions pending the restoration of a fully functioning scheme committee. [37481/25]
View answerFrom 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. 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.
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.
Issues in relation to Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
