Tuesday, 29 Jul 2025

Written Answers Nos. 502-521

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Departmental Regulations

Questions (502)

Emer Currie

Question:

502. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 237 of 8 July 2025, the timeframe for his Department to finalise drafting amendments to the relevant fixed charge notice regulations to extend enforcement powers for illegal number plates; the timeframe for the relevant section of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, relating to number plate enforcement powers to be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42834/25]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise the Deputy that An Garda Síochána already have full enforcement powers, under section 139(1)(c) of the Finance Act 1993 (as amended), to issue a fixed charge of €60 for a range of registration plate offences.

As mentioned to the Deputy in my response to PQ 32851/25, the number plate enforcement powers which were extended to the Revenue Commissioners under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 cannot be commenced until the necessary operational systems have been put in place. These powers will be commenced, and any necessary secondary legislation enacted, once my Department has received confirmation from the Commissioners that these preparations have been completed.

Rail Network

Questions (503)

Pa Daly

Question:

503. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if the all-island strategic rail review was considered as part of the NDP review; the details of how its recommendations were considered; the criteria he intends to use to rank projects in order of priority as part of the pipeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42845/25]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken by my Department in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and 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, my Department, the 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, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication later this year.

This Strategy considered factors including an interventions alignment with Strategic Objectives such as decarbonising the rail service and providing regional and rural connectivity, as well as an assessment of Delivery Needs, such as the need to remove key bottlenecks from the rail network, when considering the sequence of implementation of projects in the Rail Review.

The strategy has helped inform my Department’s engagement as part of the National Development Plan (NDP) Review.

The NDP Review was recently published and the Department of Transport's annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030, and the Government's overall capital expenditure ceilings to 2035 were confirmed as part of this Review. My Department is reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope and a decision on a programme of delivery with this level of capital investment will be made in the coming months.

National Development Plan

Questions (504)

Pa Daly

Question:

504. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport regarding the NDP review; the criteria his Department will be using to rank projects in order of priority as part of a pipeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42846/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The Department of Transport’s investment strategy is informed by the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI), with funding allocated to projects across all modes, primarily in line with the NIFTI intervention hierarchy of Maintain, Optimise, Improve, and New.

NIFTI supports the consideration and prioritisation of future land transport investment by establishing strategic investment priorities and a common lens through which to consider transport investment. NIFTI’s strategic investment priorities are supplemented by modal and intervention hierarchies, intended to guide project sponsors in their consideration and assessment of potential solutions to an identified need or problem. Under NIFTI, active travel and public transport solutions should be considered before private transport, and maintenance and optimisation of existing assets should be considered before substantial improvements or new infrastructure. This will help ensure that the most sustainable and cost-effective solution to a given transport need is identified.

EU Regulations

Questions (505)

Grace Boland

Question:

505. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to ensure compliance with the EU’s TEN-T regulation requiring a mainline rail link to Dublin Airport by 2040; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42859/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The Department of Transport was actively involved in the drafting of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation and is aware of the requirement that major airports with over 12 million passengers annually must be connected by long distance rail by 2040, bar in situations where an exemption is granted by the European Commission as set out in the legislation.

The MetroLink project will connect Dublin Airport to the heavy rail network at Glasnevin and Tara St stations. The project will therefore help deliver strategic connectivity for Dublin Airport across the island of Ireland.

The All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was developed by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, and published in July last year, sets out a vision for the future of the heavy rail network on the island to 2050.

The final Review Report was published in July last year and among its recommendations is building a rail spur from Clongriffin to Dublin Airport. This intervention, which aims to complement MetroLink, is listed as a long-term intervention to be delivered in the 2040-2050 period.

Recommendations in the Review will be progressed subject to funding and relevant approvals as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.

EU Regulations

Questions (506)

Grace Boland

Question:

506. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the Government's strategy to avoid potential EU infringement proceedings and fines related to the lack of a mainline rail link to Dublin Airport. [42860/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland has set ambitious targets of reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector by 50% relative to 2018 levels by 2030, and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In order to help achieve these targets, the Climate Action Plan sets out a range of transport measures based on an Avoid, Shift and Improve framework.

Providing high-capacity frequent public transport projects, including DART+, BusConnects and MetroLink, forms a key part of the Shift element of this framework, which aims to shift people towards using more sustainable public transport.

MetroLink will provide a high-capacity public transport link to Swords and Dublin City Centre, serving key destinations, including Dublin Airport.

A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Minister for Transport secured approval for the project from the Cabinet under Decision Gate 1 of the then-Public Spending Code. This approval enabled the project to move to the planning application stage, and in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála. A planning decision is awaited from An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Another key milestone was reached in September 2024 when Dr Séan Sweeney started as the Programme Director for MetroLink. Dr. Sweeney has three decades in leadership roles on major infrastructure projects in Australia, New Zealand, and the US.

Subject to securing planning approval, and no successful legal challenges, TII will prepare a Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy for consideration at Approval Gate 2, in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation around the mid-2030s.

Rail Network

Questions (507)

Grace Boland

Question:

507. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the absence of a mainline rail link to Dublin Airport aligns with Ireland's climate and sustainable transport commitments under the Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42861/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland has set ambitious targets of reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector by 50% relative to 2018 levels by 2030, and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In order to help achieve these targets, the Climate Action Plan sets out a range of transport measures based on an Avoid, Shift and Improve framework.

Providing high-capacity frequent public transport projects, including DART+, BusConnects and MetroLink, forms a key part of the Shift element of this framework, which aims to shift people towards using more sustainable public transport.

MetroLink will provide a high-capacity public transport link to Swords and Dublin City Centre, serving key destinations, including Dublin Airport.

A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Minister for Transport secured approval for the project from the Cabinet under Decision Gate 1 of the then-Public Spending Code. This approval enabled the project to move to the planning application stage, and in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála. A planning decision is awaited from An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Another key milestone was reached in September 2024 when Dr Séan Sweeney started as the Programme Director for MetroLink. Dr. Sweeney has three decades in leadership roles on major infrastructure projects in Australia, New Zealand, and the US.

Subject to securing planning approval, and no successful legal challenges, TII will prepare a Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy for consideration at Approval Gate 2, in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation around the mid-2030s.

Aviation Industry

Questions (508)

Grace Boland

Question:

508. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the work his Department has carried out to ensure Ireland’s aviation sector are meeting the commitments outlined in the Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42863/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

It is important to clarify at the outset, that emissions from international aviation are outside the scope of the Climate Action Plan. Further, the overall effect on transport emission trends in Ireland from domestic aviation is negligible. For these reasons, my response is largely focussed on the broader context of the international policy objective of reducing aviation emissions.

The global approach to decarbonisation of the industry is based on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) ‘basket of measures’ which identifies four pillars from which reductions are to be realised. These are aircraft technology improvements, operational improvements, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), and a global market-based measure known as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.

The ICAO initiative on State Action Plans for the reduction of CO2 emissions from international aviation aims to facilitate the path towards aviation decarbonisation and the mitigation of the impact of aviation on the global climate.

My Department recently published an update to Ireland's State Action Plan, which summarises the activities of the European Union, the European Civil Aviation Conference and national aviation stakeholders to reduce CO2 emissions from aviation. A copy of Ireland’s State Action Plan is available on my Department’s website.

At a European level, Ireland continues to support the EU’s “Fit for 55 Package” which aims to facilitate a minimum net 55% EU greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2030. Furthermore, there are a number of EU regulations and directives in place that are aimed at reducing aviation emissions. This includes the EU Emissions Trading System, and the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation which places an obligation on aviation fuel suppliers to supply an increasing share of aviation fuel blended with SAF at European Union airports and requires airlines to increase uptake of SAF in predefined incremental steps.

At a national level, our airports are also taking steps to reduce their environmental impact. These measures contribute to an overall reduction in the carbon footprint of aviation, extending sustainability efforts beyond the aircraft and fuel, to include the entire aviation ecosystem.

Finally, of the ICAO 'basket of measures', it is widely acknowledged that the deployment of SAFs will play the greatest role in decarbonising the aviation sector in the short to medium term. In recognition of the important contribution that SAFs can make, the Programme for Government includes a strong commitment to develop a National SAF Policy Roadmap.

To help us in this endeavour, my Department established the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Task Force to bring together government departments and agencies, airlines, airports, academia and representative bodies. With the assistance of the Task Force, the Roadmap will set out a direction of travel for the deployment of SAF in Ireland.

Grant Payments

Questions (509)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

509. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport for an update on an application for a wheelchair accessible grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42886/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The 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.

Driver Test

Questions (510)

Ann Graves

Question:

510. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate an inspection carried out at a testing centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42904/25]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing Service. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level or in individual cases.

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 ten days.

Pending this more detailed response, the Deputy may wish to note that delivery of the service is currently contracted out to a third-party supplier, with the contract managed and overseen by the RSA's customer operations directorate. The service is subject to a regime of internal and external audits by the RSA Training & Standards Team, which is assisted by the Supervision Services Contractor and the Technical Inspection Services Provider to monitor the service provider’s adherence to key performance indicators and service level agreements. These external audit and assurance contractors are independent from the service delivery contractor.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Legislative Measures

Questions (511)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

511. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in enacting legislation to regulate horse drawn carriages in Dublin city centre. [42946/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As you are aware, the Government agreed, in December 2019, to develop a General Scheme of a Bill to legislate in relation to Horse Drawn Carriages, in line with advice from the Attorney General. The Department undertook to consult directly with Dublin City Council in relation to the drafting of the Bill. This matter did not progress in 2020 as planned due to the need to reprioritise other work areas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, some initial scoping work on the Bill has taken place, but work is at an early stage in terms of progressing the Bill due to other primary transport legislation priorities being progressed currently.

I wish to assure you that my officials remain committed to progressing this piece of legislation to ensure that the Council is provided with an appropriate legal basis to regulate this area and the Bill remains on the Government’s legislative programme.

It is important to note that other legislation is in place in relation to animal welfare matters which are dealt with by the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, people in possession of a protected animal, including horses, must ensure the animal is kept and treated in a manner that safeguards their health and welfare. Failure to do this is considered an offence under that Act.

In addition, section 33 of the Control of Horses Act 1996 provides that An Garda Siochána may compel individuals in control of horses to obtain necessary attention from a veterinarian if the horse is in pain, distress, neglect or is severely injured, diseased or in need of veterinary attention. Failure to comply is an offence.

Furthermore, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

Bus Services

Questions (512)

Conor Sheehan

Question:

512. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport the number of bus shelters that have been sanctioned for delivery in Limerick city in 2023, 2024 and 2025; the number installed; the number awaiting installation; the timeline for installation for those sanctioned but not installed, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42955/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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, including the provision of bus shelters.

There is commitment under the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this 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 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Driver Test

Questions (513)

Eoin Hayes

Question:

513. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the measures that have been taken to address the increasing wait times for driving tests specifically for the centres servicing the Dublin area, and if he will provide an update on the delivery of a new south Dublin test centre. [42969/25]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes the provision of test centres, and I understand that a site for a new south Dublin test centre has been identified and that the RSA aims for it to be open and operational in September. 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 ten days.

Pending this response, reducing driving test wait times has been one of my priorities since taking office and I directed the RSA to produce and publish a service recovery plan to meet the 10-week average national waiting time target by September. The RSA are reporting to me on progress against their plan on a fortnightly basis and also publishing progress updates on their website. The plan and progress can be found at the following link: www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/test-waiting-times

To support the RSA in meeting demand for the driving tests, last September my Department issued sanction for up to 70 additional driver tester posts, bringing the overall permanent sanction to 200, representing a doubling of the comparable figure in July 2022. Recruitment and deployment under this sanction is progressing, with 30 additional driver testers entering live testing during the month of July. This followed a previous deployment of new testers in April of this year, and the RSA expects that a further 18 testers will enter live testing during August. By the end of August, the RSA expects to have employed up to its full sanction of 200 testers, compared to 151 in employment at the beginning of the year (which included some testers on fixed-term contracts). Moreover, as the onboarding of new recruits winds down, testing capacity which has been tied up delivering training in recent months will again be available to deliver tests.

As of 26 July, the national average wait time for a Category B test was just over 14 weeks, with 10 test centres having a wait time of less than 10 weeks. While still above the target and an unacceptable amount of time to wait for a test, it marks a significant improvement on the 27-week wait reported at the end of April. As further additional capacity comes on-stream in the coming weeks, the RSA continues to project that the 10-week target will be achieved by September.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Rail Network

Questions (514)

Eoin Hayes

Question:

514. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the capital allocation, costs, and timeline for the implementation of the Poolbeg Luas extension in the context of the new National Development Plan. [42970/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.

Implementation of the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 has been divided into three phases – short-term up to 2030, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. The development of a red Luas line extension to Poolbeg is part of the Strategy’s medium to longer-term proposal.

The Department of Transport's annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030, and the Government's overall capital expenditure ceilings to 2035, were confirmed in the recently published National Development Plan Review 2025. My Department is reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope and a decision on a programme of delivery with this level of capital investment will be made in the coming months.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Rail Network

Questions (515)

Eoin Hayes

Question:

515. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the capital allocation, costs, and timeframe for the implementation of the Luas and light rail extensions to Kimmage, Sandyford, and Knocklyon with lines through my constituency envisioned in the post 2042 plan included in the Greater Dublin Transport Strategy 2022-2024 by the NTA, in the context of the announcements in the new National Development Plan. [42971/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, the NTA has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.

The NTA published the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042in January 2023. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.

There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the 2022-2042 lifetime of the strategy. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg, and Bray. Other possible projects, identified in the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042, for delivery in the period after 2042 include lines through Kimmage, Knocklyon and Sandyford.

The Department of Transport's annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030, and the Government's overall capital expenditure ceilings to 2035, were confirmed in the recently published National Development Plan Review 2025. My Department is reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope and a decision on a programme of delivery with this level of capital investment will be made in the coming months.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Departmental Data

Questions (516)

Pa Daly

Question:

516. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the one new actions due and the 13 legacy actions due as outlined in the q1 2025 progress report (details supplied); which actions they are; the reason for the delay; the progress to date and the timeframe for completion, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43016/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I welcome the publication of the Q1 Progress report on the Climate Action Plan 2025 and I note the achievement of 100% of the Department’s CAP25 actions to the end of Q2, 2025, as well as the completion of 5 legacy actions.

Actions completed in 2025 include the provision of funding and development support for destination EV charging points at over 200 eligible sites, as well as the completion of Phase 1 rehabilitation works on the Shannon Foynes freight line.

The information requested has been collated in tabular form and further details can be found in the supplementary excel to the progress report on gov.ie www.assets.gov.ie/static/documents/Q1_CAP25_Progress_Report_Annex_of_Actions_-_Final.xlsx which was published alongside the quarterly progress report.

Action Number	Actions	Output	Timeline	Status	Reason for Delay & Progress to Date
TR/25/2	ESRI Framework on Behavioural Research for Sustainable Mobility and Climate Action in Transport	To progress the first tranche of clearly defined research, with a focus on understanding car dependence/usage	Q1, 2025	Complete	The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) Behavioural Research Framework was established between the ESRI and the Department of Transport in Q3 2024 to identify behavioural barriers and solutions to activate individuals, communities, and various organisations, to reduce their car use and shift to more sustainable modes of travel or, where suitable alternatives to car use do not exist or are not appropriate, to promote the transition from fossil-fuel cars to Electric Vehicles (EVs).
JM/24/9	Provide publicly accessible vehicle charge point infrastructure at community facilities in the region	Community facility sites approved for infrastructure works and installation of charge point infrastructure	Q4, 2024	Delayed	Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) continues to work with DECC, EMRA, Pobal and Local Authorities to progress the delivery phase of this scheme. It is a complex scheme which has suffered from delays. Site inspections are underway as of March 2025 and are expected to be completed imminently with the targets of 60-80 chargers to be installed at community facilities by end of 2026.
TR/24/17(TF)	Development and publication of Policy Statement on Mobility Hubs	Published Policy Statement	Q3, 2024	Completed in Q2 2025	A public consultation on the development of shared mobility hubs was undertaken in March to May 2024, with a close-out stakeholder feedback session held in October 2024. The final Policy Statement on Shared Mobility and the Provision of Hubs was published on 19 June 2025. Planning for phase implementation of the Mobility Hubs Project has commenced.
TR/24/18 (TF)	Rollout of expanded Regional Bike sharing schemes in Limerick, Cork, Waterford and Galway, including enhanced e-bike provision	Launch of electric bike trial and new bike-sharing stations constructed in Limerick and Cork	Q4, 2024	Completed in Q2 2025	E-bike trial has been launched with 100 e-bikes operational in Cork, and a further 400 being rolled out in the remaining regional cities in Q3. New bike stations have been installed in Cork and Limerick with a substantial increase in the usage of the bikes as a result (+50% in the first 5 months of 2025). This delay was a result of difficulties getting parts shipped from China to Poland where the manufacturing was taking place.
TR/24/21	Ongoing delivery of Destination Charge Point Scheme – including sports clubs and community facilities	Support provided for the delivery of c.150 charging points by 2025	Q4, 2024	Completed in Q1 2025	Support has been provided to over 200 eligible sites via funding and the development of an updated delivery mechanism for the roll out of charging points. Legal advice indicated that the original delivery plan was not feasible and a new mechanism for delivery had to be developed and agreed and required setting up a framework of Charge Point Operators (CPOs). The procurement of this framework is currently being evaluated and appointments will be made to the panel in June 2025. - Just Transition Fund: Of the 193 applicants, 93 sites were deemed eligible for technical site inspection. The site inspection process has been procured with contracts awarded to two parties. The technical site assessments commenced in Q1 2025 and are now 70% completed with only Westmeath to be finalised. Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) had agreed a delivery mechanism with the funder through Local Authorities (LAs) and have provided support to LAs through this process through knowledge and expertise sharing. These site assessments are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
TR/24/22	Roll out of key elements of EV Infrastructure Strategy	1. National Destination and Neighbourhood EV Charging Network Plan 2. En-route scheme launched and funding awarded for up to 170 high-powered chargers on motorway network 3. En-route scheme launched for up to 200 chargers on the single carriageway network 4. LA EV infrastructure strategies completed and published with rollout provided for LAs ready to go in 2024	Q4, 2024	Delayed	1. Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan. Status – Plan Developed. 2. En-route Scheme Launched and funding awarded for up to 170 high powered chargers on the motorway network. Status: Delivered. 3. En-route scheme launched for up to 200 chargers on the single carriage Network. Status: Delivered. 4. Local Authority (LA) Infrastructure strategies are completed and published with roll out provided for LAs ready to go in 2025. Status: Delayed. Significant engagement undertaken with LAs and internal Departments to agree a mechanism and funding for LAs to develop strategies and deliver EV Infrastructure at destination and Neighbourhood Locations. Following engagement with LAs it was agreed that LAs would lead out on the delivery of the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan subject to funding of specific resource within LAs. All LAs have regionalised and all except one have commenced their EV Infrastructure strategies with the remaining expected to begin in Q2 2025. LAs will complete their strategies in 2025. Additionally the Dublin LAs, lead by Fingal, have commenced a contract to deliver 200 Charge Points at 50 Locations across the shared Dublin LA region.
TR/24/24	Implement the measures in the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy Statement 2023-2025	Ministerial Orders under S44D of the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 and transposition of transport energy requirements of the EU Renewable Energy Directive	Q4, 2024	Delayed	The transposition of the transport provisions of the EU Renewable Energy Directive via amendments to the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 and related secondary legislation is on schedule. An SI drafted by the Department of Transport is currently under review by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government (OPC).
TR/24/25	Re-evaluation of the policy framework for the decarbonisation of ports as part of the overall review of National Ports Policy	Completed public consultation on draft national ports policy	Q2, 2024	Delayed	A review of the National Ports Policy has begun within the Department of Transport. A thematic issues paper was published in October 2023 for public consultation. The Department has assessed the responses to the issues paper and is drafting a revised National Ports Policy. A review paper, to be prepared by the Irish Maritime Development Office on port capacity options post-2040, is awaited in Q2 2025 in order to complete the draft.
TR/24/3	Supporting fuel technology improvement in transport through a dedicated working group on alternative fuels in transport.	Progress Report to Minister published online	Q4, 2024	Completed in Q1 2025	The Alternative Fuels for Transport Working Group 2024 Report received ministerial approval once the new government was formed and was published on the Department of Transport website on 21 March 2025.
TR/24/4(TF)	Progress evidence-based engagement strategy actions and advertising campaigns to support achievement of transport sector behavioural change and emissions abatement targets	Follow-up national scale communications campaign around climate action and sustainable mobility, and showcase Public Engagement Pilot Initiatives.	Q4, 2024	Delayed	The Electric Vehicle (EV) phase of the “Your Journey Counts” advertising campaign ran from December 2023 to January 2024 across radio, digital, social and search to help support uptake and achievement of EV targets. Further to publication of the Public Engagement Strategy in May 2024, an extended stakeholder consultation process on potential pilot engagement interventions was completed in Q3 2024 which identified several Public Engagement Pilot Initiatives to be delivered in 2025 and recommended that these be supported by a rigorous independent evaluation framework. The implementation of the pilots will rollout throughout 2025. The contract for the evaluation framework is on track to be awarded in April 2025. The start date for both school pilots is September 2025, while the start date for the workplace and sports pilots is due to be agreed with the evaluators in early Q2 2025.
TR/24/6	Enhanced rail connectivity to ports – rehabilitation of Shannon-Foynes freight line	Completion of Phase 1 rehabilitation works on Shannon Foynes to Limerick rail freight line	Q4, 2024	Completed in Q1 2025	At the end of Q1 2025, the track laying works for the Shannon Foynes freight line were completed, with the machinery required for track laying (such as the tamper and regulator) taken off site by the Infrastructure Manager in March 2025, marking completion of Phase 1 of the rehabilitation works. This action was delayed to unforeseen challenges: co-ordination of public road closures and utility diversions, sourcing spare parts for the specialist track laying plant, and unforeseen ground conditions.
TR/24/9(TF)	Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies – programme of review, update, appraisal	Publication of finalised Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy	Q4, 2024	Delayed	In January 2023, the High Court remitted the application for approval of the N6 Galway City Ring Road back to An Bord Pleanála for further consideration. An Bord Pleanála asked Galway County Council to provide additional updated information in relation to the planning consent application for the Ring Road which will include updating the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and the Natura Impact Statement.
TR/23/19	Publish National Demand Management Strategy	Publication of National Demand Management Strategy	Q4, 2023	Delayed	A draft strategy was published and launched for public consultation between April and August 2024. Extensive stakeholder engagement was also undertaken during this period. The draft Strategy was brought to Government in October 2024, but no decision was taken at that time. Progress on this workstream is continuing, with a view to fulfilling the CAP23 action - subject to the necessary approvals - in 2025.
TR/23/46(TF)	SMP Pathfinder: Accelerate implementation of Safe Routes to School Programme through improved resourcing and focus on more rapid implementation of front-of-school treatments – providing immediate safety improvements to school surroundings	Completion of baseline surveys and scheme design for Phase 2 schools, and continued infrastructure roll-out for Phase 1 & 2 Schools.	Q4, 2023	Delayed	Following assessment, 170 schools were selected for inclusion in the Round 1 programme in June 2021. By end of April 2025, 82 Front of School Treatments of Round 1 schools were completed, with a further 37 at detailed design or construction stage and just 11 still at option development stage. Round 2, which included 109 schools throughout the country, was launched in December 2022. By the end of April 2025, 20 Front of School Treatments of Round 2 schools were completed, with 18 more at detailed design or construction stage. 26 are still at option development stage. Round 3 was launched in November 2024 with 142 schools, 68 of them located on higher speed rural roads. Surveys and delivery plans for Round 3 are to be produced throughout 2025. By the end of April 2025, cycle and scooter parking was provided to 822 schools as part of the Safe Routes to School programme.

Bus Services

Questions (517)

Robert Troy

Question:

517. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the planned Mullingar town bus service. [43017/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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.

Road Projects

Questions (518)

Pa Daly

Question:

518. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on all national and regional roads projects as outlined in the 2021-2030 NDP; the breakdown of progress to date; to outline which have been completed on time; which are delayed and the reasons for delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43046/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to national road projects.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply regarding the project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.

The National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 - 2030 identifies 14 regional and local road improvement projects for development, subject to necessary approvals. The planning and implementation of the schemes are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

The table below sets out the status of each project.

-	Project	Status
1	Adamstown and Nangor Road Improvements	Completed 2019
2	Portlaoise Southern Distributor Road	Completed 2019
3	Dingle Relief Road Phase 4	Completed 2019
4	Sligo Western Distributor Road	Completed 2021
5	Sallins Bypass	Completed 2021
6	Laytown to Bettystown Link Road	Completed 2021
7	Athy Southern Distributor Road	Completed 2023
8	Shannon Crossing/Killaloe Bypass/R494 Upgrade	Completed May 2025
9	Tralee Northern Relief Road	Phase 1 at construction stage
10	Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road	At construction stage
11	Garavogue Bridge and Approach Roads Scheme	At detailed design stage. This project is being part funded by DHLGH under the URDF
12	R498 Nenagh/Thurles (Latteragh) Upgrade	At detailed design stage
13	Thurles Relief Road	At detailed design stage
14	Carlow Southern Relief Road	At preliminary business case stage

Question No. 519 answered with Question No. 448.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Rail Network

Questions (520)

Pa Daly

Question:

520. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on progress to implement the recommendations of the strategic rail review; if any projects have been selected for prioritised delivery; to update on any possible pipeline of projects as part of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43048/25]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

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.

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.

Driver Test

Questions (521, 555)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

521. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport to provide a county-by-county breakdown of the average driving test waiting list times; and a centre-by-centre breakdown of the number of applicants waiting to sit their driving test, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43060/25]

Pa Daly

Question:

555. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the driving test waiting times, by test centre; the breakdown of new applications, by test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43245/25]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 521 and 555 together.

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. As such, the information requested is held by the RSA.

Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.

Pending this response, the Deputies may wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of testing capacity by test centre. This information is available at the following link: www.cso.ie/product/RSADTS.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

• Written Answers Nos. 482-501
• Written Answers Nos. 522-538