Written Answers Nos. 275-293
275. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport for estimated cost of extending the young adult Leap card to encompass all those under the age of 30; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37543/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The Department of Transport secured €658.442 million in Budget 2025 for funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This includes funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025.
Budget 2025 also included the measure to extend free child fares on PSO services to children aged 5 to 8 years old.
Therefore, funding for public transport services is focussed on existing fare initiatives and service improvements such as BusConnects in the five cities, expanding town services in the larger towns, and rolling out Connecting Ireland in rural Ireland, in order to enhance factors such as frequency, accessibility and reliability in attracting and retaining users.
Furthermore, the NTA has recently introduced a new, distance-based, zonal fare structure in the Greater Dublin Area. This move, aims to makes fares equitable, more consistent, and easier to understand, with significant reductions for many commuting from outer areas, aligning prices more closely with distance travelled.
Under the Programme for Government, our commitments include the rollout of contactless payments, keeping fares affordable, and examining the further expansion of free public transport for children.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to delivering an accessible, reliable and affordable public transport system for all our citizens, including young people.
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.
276. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Public Transport Safety Charter; the stakeholders involved in the drafting process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37545/25]
View answerThe Department of Transport is continuing work on the drafting of a Safety Charter. At the most recent Public Transport Safety Working Group meeting on July 1st, stakeholders were invited to input into the drafting process, to fully reflect the views and experiences of those who work on, and use our public transport network.
The Public Transport Safety Working Group, chaired by the Department of Transport, consists of unions, operators, representation groups, the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána, and the National Transport Authority (NTA). Unions involved include SIPTU, NBRU, ICTU, TSSA, and UNITE, with operators such as Irish Rail, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Transdev, and Go-Ahead Ireland participating. Representation groups include the CTTC and Dublin Commuter Coalition.
As you may be aware, there is a strong commitment under the Programme for Government to create a Transport Security Force under the NTA, which would operate and have similar powers to Airport Police and Customs Officers, 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 and the Public Transport Safety Working Group, around identifying the most appropriate organisational structure to progress it.
We will continue to engage with operators and unions on the matter, and will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable public transport.
277. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of valid driving licences issued as of 2 July 2025 that rely on the condition that a certification of fitness was provided with renewal applications; if his attention has been drawn to the financial burden that the required to provide certification every three years for persons over 75 years-of-age and his plans to mitigate this; and the number of licences issues to persons in the 65 to 71 years bracket in the past three years to date, the 72 to 74 years and over 75 years, in tabular form. [37615/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service and the statistical information requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
As a road safety measure, certain categories of driver must meet medical standards of fitness to drive, as assessed by the driver's doctor through medical reports. Those to which this requirement applies include bus and truck drivers, people with certain conditions and those over 75.
Driving licences are free to those aged 70 or over. My Department has no control over doctor's fees, the cost of medical reports or what may be covered by the medical or GP card schemes. Having a medical report required for a driving licence covered by those schemes would be a matter for the Minister for Health.
278. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is aware of the issues and confusion being caused by the naming of two driver test centres in Mulhuddart, one near a hotel in Tyrrelstown (details supplied), and one at Parslickstown, Mulhuddart, and that this naming of two centres as 'Mulhuddart' is causing people undertaking tests to go to the wrong centre and miss their test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37638/25]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the provision of test centres. 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.
279. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting time for applications for a driving licence after a driving test has been passed; the steps he is taking to reduce this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37639/25]
View answerAs 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 Licence Service (NDLS) and the information requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
280. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if his Department intends on strengthening the rules and regulations around illegal parking in disabled parking spaces during the lifetime of this Government; the measures being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37680/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that there are already robust regulations in place for the use of public disabled parking bays.
Regulation 44 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (SI 182/1997), as amended, sets out the statutory requirement to display a valid disabled parking permit when parking in a designated disabled bay. A driver who parks in such a bay without a permit risks incurring a penalty of €150.
Under the Road Traffic (Parking in Disabled Person’s Parking Bay) Regulations 2022 (SI 427/2022), it is an offence for anyone who is not the holder of a disabled parking permit to use a permit for their own convenience, rather than for the direct benefit of the permit holder. The penalty for this offence is currently set at €200, which is among the highest of all fixed charges for traffic and parking offences.
Under section 11 of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, which came into effect in March of this year, it is a criminal offence to provide false or misleading information when applying for or renewing a disabled parking permit. Individuals found guilty of fraudulent applications can face a fine of up to €2,500 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
Enforcement of these regulations is a matter for An Garda Síochána and local authority traffic wardens.
I have no plans to introduce further measures at this time.
281. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if there are any limitations to extending subsidies to commuters for the purposes to incentivise the take-up of sustainable travel services provided by commercial operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37685/25]
View answerIn respect of the day-to-day operations of public transport, including TaxSaver ticket offerings, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly subvented bus and rail services funded through the NTA’s PSO programme, the system also includes non-subvented bus services operated on a commercial basis by bus and coach companies of varying sizes.
Unlike PSO services, the NTA do not set, monitor or regulate fares on services run by commercial operators. However, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, the Young Adult Card initiative was extended to participating commercial bus operators in September 2022. Funding has been secured to support this initiative through the end of 2025. The NTA provides compensation to operators for the fare reductions (50% discount) offered under this scheme.
With regard to shared mobility, the recently published Policy Statement on Shared Mobility and the Provision of Hubs noted that commercial shared mobility providers have an important role to play in achieving carbon emissions reduction. It considers how shared mobility services can be most effectively supported, through means such as direct subsidy to companies delivering shared mobility services under contract (in less commercially viable areas, for example) or through indirect forms of subsidy, such as making publicly owned infrastructure available for use by such companies in the delivery of shared mobility services. The Statement commits to exploring a variety of approaches in this context with a view to identifying how the State can most effectively support the sustainable development of shared mobility services over the long term.
282. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Transport when the newly approved Local Link service between Ballinasloe and Athlone is scheduled to commence, given that it was previously announced the service would be operational by June 2025. [37730/25]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in Counties Galway and Roscommon. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continuing the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
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 TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland plan, including in Counties Galway and Roscommon. 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.
283. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is considering measures to alleviate the financial burden on individuals living with epilepsy who are required to undergo annual medical assessments and driving licence renewals; if his Department has assessed the cumulative financial impact of these requirements on such individuals; whether there are plans to introduce financial supports, subsidies, or exemptions for those affected; the engagement that has taken place with relevant stakeholders in the disability, health, and transport sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37737/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that, as a road safety measure, certain categories of driver must meet medical standards of fitness to drive, as assessed by the driver's doctor through medical reports. Those to which this requirement applies include people with certain conditions such as epilepsy.
One-year driving licences issued on medical grounds are free of charge. Further details may be found on the NDLS website: www.ndls.ie/licensed-driver/fees.html. My Department has no remit in relation to the procurement of medical assessments. Coverage of such assessments under public health schemes is a matter for the Minister for Health.
I would note also to the Deputy that since July 2024, the Free Travel Scheme has been extended to include those who have never been medically fit to drive due to a disability, or, are medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months. While qualifying criteria for this Scheme are a matter for the Minister for Social Protection, I understand that an individual assessed as being unable to drive due to epilepsy would be able to apply for the Free Travel Scheme.
284. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the waiting time between passing the driver theory test and being able to apply for the driving test; if this time is required for those who need to drive for work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37744/25]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the Driver Theory Test. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the services 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 response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
285. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite the introduction of taxi wheelchair accessible grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37778/25]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant, 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.
The WAV Grant Scheme 2025 (WAV25) is currently closed to applications, due to extremely high demand on opening day, but will open again for applications on 14 July 2025. €1 million is being allocated in Round 2, bringing the total spend for WAV25 to €7 million. This represents the highest level ever offered via the WAV Grant Scheme compared to €6 million in 2024. The NTA encourages all prospective applicants to review the Information Guide and Terms and Conditions in preparation for their application.
286. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the introduction of a limousine wheelchair-accessible grant to cater for disabled clients who visit our country and have the resources to tour the Ring of Kerry or, for example, the Dingle peninsula, in comfort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37779/25]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant, 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.
287. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the status of the promised bus service linking Athenry to Galway city, which was scheduled to commence in Q2 of 2025; the reason for the delay; and if he will outline a revised timeline for its introduction, given the current absence of any public bus service in Athenry and the transport needs of the hundreds of residents who rely on access to Galway for work, education, and essential services. [37787/25]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in rural Ireland. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continuing the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
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 TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
As with all plans, any additional funding to improve public transport in rural areas would be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in county Galway, 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.
288. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the reason the display signs on platforms at Connolly Station are frequently not working; when these signs which are vital tools for communication, will be reliably operational; the steps being taken to improve real-time passenger information for rail users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37800/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. 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.
289. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the reason bus timetables are not displayed at train stations on the Northern line, including Skerries; the measures that will be introduced to ensure bus and train timetables are clearly visible to help passengers plan their journeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37801/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
290. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the reason passengers cannot board Dublin Bus services at Skerries train station; the plans in place to address this lack of connectivity in order that bus and train services can properly integrate to meet commuter needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37802/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
291. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the coordination that takes place between the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail, and Dublin Bus to ensure sufficient public transport capacity to and particularly from major concerts and sporting events; if there are plans to improve this coordination for the remaining events this year and for the 2026 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37803/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
There has been significant collaboration between the NTA and operators to ensure sufficient public transport capacity is provided for major events. For example, in the last week or so, the following additional public transport services have been provided to service events on top of the scheduled transport services:
• Irish Rail provided over 100 additional services, including special train services for access to concerts in Malahide, AVIVA stadium, Croke Park match fixtures and city centre events.
• LUAS provided 58 additional tram services running over 14,000 additional kilometres. In addition to these extra services, a new timetable was introduced with an enhanced timetable which has increased the baseline services on weekends by 18% on Saturday and 16% on Sundays.
• Dublin Bus have provided numerous additional bus services to facilitate events across the city where required and they also have provided buses at the end of events to clear the crowds. For example, they operate the Concert Express service to concerts in Malahide Castle and St. Anne's Park.
• GoAhead Ireland have provided additional bus services to facilitate events in Malahide Castle, Marlay Park and city centre events.
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.
292. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to provide a detailed overview of the project plan for the Next Generation Ticketing programme, including key deliverables, milestone dates, and associated costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37804/25]
View answerAs 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 development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project will provide for transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a new-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
Following a competitive procurement process, in April 2024 the NTA awarded an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of the new multi-modal ticketing system to a Spanish information technology company, Indra Sistemas, who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.
In August of last year, the NTA and Indra initiated the first call-off contract to equip the entire State subsidised public transport network in the Greater Dublin Area with new validation equipment capable of accepting bank cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, QR Codes (both paper and app-based), TFI Leap Cards, and Free Travel Passes.
A huge effort is being put in by NTA to ensure that this transformational and beneficial project for public transport passengers is delivered as effectively as possible.
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.
293. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 30 of 2 July 2025, the steps his Department has taken to develop a new needs-based, grant-led scheme for vehicle adaptations, as proposed under the national disability inclusion strategy; when this new scheme is expected to be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37825/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that my officials have just begun development of the scheme and are in the initial stages of stakeholder engagement and process-mapping. Accordingly, and as primary legislation will be required to underpin the scheme, it is not possible to provide a definitive timeline for its introduction. However, at this point my Department is working towards a provisional commencement date of 1 January 2027.
