Written Answers Nos. 55-78
55. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Communications the reason the figures for the Ministerial Vote Group Gross Voted Capital Expenditure were based on the revised 2025 allocations subheads (details supplied); the reason he chose to present the information in this way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55898/25]
View answerThe format of the Budget 2026 Expenditure Report is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. As in previous years the tables in the Expenditure Report set out Departmental 2026 Budget Day capital programme allocations compared to the capital allocations in the 2025 Revised Estimates.
My Department’s core capital expenditure ceilings for Budgets 2025 and 2026 are set out in the table below. The table also details additional RePower EU funding, which was included in the relevant Budget Day publications.
|
Programme |
2025 Capital - Budget Day Allocation €m |
2026 Capital - Budget Day Allocation €m |
|
A - Climate Action and Environment Leadership |
109 |
146 |
|
B - Energy Transformation |
516 |
633 |
|
C - Circular Economy Development |
54 |
72 |
|
Total Capital Core Ceilings |
680 |
850 |
|
RePower EU |
30 |
15 |
|
Grand Total |
710 |
865 |
56. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department is using agentic AI in the delivery of its services or operations; if it is considering the use of agentic AI, and in what contexts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55694/25]
View answerThe Department of Defence is not currently using agentic artificial intelligence (AI) in the delivery of its services or operations. At present, there are no active plans to deploy agentic AI within the Department.
The Department of Defence remains committed to ensuring that any future consideration of advanced AI technologies will be guided by the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service, which emphasise human oversight, transparency, fairness, and the protection of public trust and individual rights.
57. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the capital expenditure on Columb Barracks, Mullingar by his Department in 2024 and to date in 2025. [55780/25]
View answer58. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total expenditure by his Department for Columb Barracks, Mullingar, excluding capital; and a breakdown of the expenditure. [55781/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 58 together.
I can confirm to the Deputy that there has been no expenditure incurred in terms of capital works in relation to Columb Barracks, Mullingar, for 2024 or 2025.
Please find below in tabular format the non-capital expenditure for Columb Barracks in 2024.
Non Capital Expenditure for Columb Barracks
|
YEAR |
EXPENDITURE |
TOTAL |
|
2024 |
Electricity |
€125,802.67 |
59. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will raise at upcoming meetings of the EU Energy Council the issue of EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on US-origin hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO); his assessment of the implications of these measures for our renewable fuel supply, pricing and security of supply; and how this aligns with the Programme for Government commitments to continue with the significant annual increases in the road transport fuels Obligation mandate, and support decarbonisation of road freight and commercial coaches with fuels such as HVO. [55624/25]
View answerThe European Commission has imposed an anti-dumping duty on imports of biodiesel and HVO from the USA noting that otherwise the Union industry would be faced with unfair competition from US biodiesel producers. This measure is due to expire in 2026, but an expiry review may be sought. Trade defence instruments are a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and my Department will continue to engage with that Department to ensure that EU trade measures are implemented in a way that does not undermine Ireland’s ability to meet climate targets and security of fuel supply.
International competition must not come at the expense of maintaining the environmental and social standards set out in the Renewable Energy Directive and harmonised across the Union, particularly as the EU moves towards greater supply of advanced biofuel.
The supply of renewable transport fuels such as HVO in the transport sector in Ireland is driven by the Climate Action Plan target of 10% ethanol in petrol and 20% biodiesel equivalent in diesel by 2030, implemented through the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), which places a statutory obligation on suppliers of road transport (fossil) fuels to ensure that a proportion of the fuels they place on the market in Ireland is produced from renewable sources. The Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2025-2027 sets out a pathway to incentivise supply of renewable fuel in transport through annual increases in the RTFO rate to 2030, as well as ensuring EU sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions reduction criteria are adhered to. RTFO obligated parties have a variety of renewable fuel pathways to meet the obligation, ensuring flexibility and incentivising a competitive market to deliver increased renewables in transport.
Supply of HVO is incentivised under the RTFO through the award of additional certificates, an incentive which was introduced in 2023 by Ministerial regulation to incentivise supply of certain renewable fuels supporting delivery of EU renewable energy and Climate Action Plan targets.
The Renewable Transport Fuel Policy also outlines my Department’s commitment to considering the need to support and develop supply of biofuels and biogas produced in Ireland in the implementation of the policy. Developing Ireland’s domestic biofuel supply potential will have benefits for diversity and security of supply as well as economic and environmental benefits.
The 2022 Biofuel Study provided assurance as to the availability of sustainable biofuel and feedstocks to achieve biofuel blending targets set in the Climate Action Plan (E10 in petrol and B20 in diesel by 2030). In relation to price, under the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy my Department will undertake an assessment to establish a means to track the price impacts of intervention in the fuel market through the RTFO.
With regard to the Programme for Government commitments, my Department is finalising a study on HVO use in the sector which seeks to measure the volume of HVO currently used, likely future availability and price, decarbonisation potential and the feasibility of policy interventions to increase the use of HVO which would not risk a delay to the ultimate trajectory for the transition to zero emission HDV fleets. The interim results of the study were presented at a meeting of the Road Freight Forum on 14 May and the final draft of the report is currently being reviewed by Department officials. The report will be published on gov.ie in the coming weeks.
60. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to capacity issues on a bus route (details supplied); the actions he will take to work with the NTA to address these concerns and improve this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55712/25]
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 this case, Go Ahead.
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.
61. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV grants awarded, by county; the average vehicle value; and the average award value, in each of the years 2020 to date in 2025, in tabular form. [56252/25]
View answer62. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the number of EV grants per county; and the average value in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [56251/25]
View answer89. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the number of EV grants awarded, broken down by county, average value of vehicle and average value of award, in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [55865/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 62 and 89 together.
Fleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector. Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles through funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (now Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment) held responsibility for electric vehicle and charging grants in 2020. Therefore, the requested details are set out below for the years 2021 to 2025:
|
Breakdown of all grant types paid by county (number of grants) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
County |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 To early October |
|
Carlow |
163 |
123 |
185 |
138 |
180 |
|
Cavan |
114 |
102 |
151 |
85 |
136 |
|
Clare |
252 |
223 |
372 |
223 |
326 |
|
Cork |
1554 |
1130 |
1772 |
1302 |
1782 |
|
Donegal |
346 |
248 |
302 |
204 |
318 |
|
Dublin |
5075 |
3757 |
5654 |
4832 |
5262 |
|
Galway |
528 |
532 |
703 |
444 |
585 |
|
Kerry |
223 |
209 |
282 |
205 |
355 |
|
Kildare |
871 |
706 |
1074 |
845 |
1096 |
|
Kilkenny |
208 |
197 |
243 |
180 |
265 |
|
Laois |
153 |
149 |
202 |
150 |
267 |
|
Leitrim |
29 |
48 |
59 |
36 |
44 |
|
Limerick |
477 |
322 |
512 |
363 |
498 |
|
Longford |
49 |
43 |
80 |
52 |
72 |
|
Louth |
345 |
241 |
421 |
314 |
479 |
|
Mayo |
198 |
207 |
225 |
136 |
235 |
|
Meath |
543 |
594 |
910 |
697 |
871 |
|
Monaghan |
68 |
48 |
84 |
63 |
118 |
|
Offaly |
145 |
123 |
163 |
129 |
203 |
|
Roscommon |
72 |
102 |
126 |
87 |
111 |
|
Sligo |
169 |
156 |
183 |
113 |
168 |
|
Tipperary |
331 |
287 |
324 |
200 |
399 |
|
Waterford |
330 |
268 |
352 |
328 |
357 |
|
Westmeath |
290 |
189 |
259 |
215 |
355 |
|
Wexford |
399 |
381 |
455 |
406 |
494 |
|
Wicklow |
477 |
506 |
750 |
557 |
686 |
|
Total |
13409 |
10891 |
15843 |
12304 |
15662 |
|
Average Vehicle Cost for Private Grants only |
|
|
2021 |
€ 57,200 |
|
2022 |
€ 48,603 |
|
2023 |
€ 50,260 |
|
2024 |
€ 47,966 |
|
2025 |
€ 46,818 |
The Private grants available during this time were as follows:
|
2021 |
|
|
PHEV Grant up to June |
€5,000 |
|
PHEV Grant from June |
€2,500 |
|
BEV Grant |
€5,000 |
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
BEV Grant |
€5,000 |
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
BEV Grant up to June |
€5,000 |
|
BEV Grant from June |
€3,500 |
|
|
|
|
2024/2025 |
|
|
BEV Grant |
€3,500 |
63. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his Department, along with Irish Rail, would carry out a feasibility study to assess whether there is a need for trains every half hour from Cork to Heuston in extremely busy times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55554/25]
View answerAs Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to both the NTA and Irish Rail for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
64. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the amount Irish Rail has spent on the use of buses from Mallow to Cork Kent Station since the beginning of this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55555/25]
View answerAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. 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.
65. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if a company (details supplied) has all of the parking contracts in the Irish Rail car parks across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55556/25]
View answer66. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the cost of the contract for monitoring of Irish Rail car parks, broken down for each car park; who has each contract; the tendering process for all car park monitoring contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55557/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. 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.
67. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Cork-Limerick N/20 motorway project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55558/25]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €4,500,000 has been allocated for the N/M20 scheme in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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.
68. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of establishing a new shared mobility hub; the total funding provided in 2025 and to be provided in 2026 to support the roll-out of shared mobility hub; and the number of hubs expected to be in place by the end of 2026. [55593/25]
View answer70. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the total funding in 2025 and to be provided in 2026, for the provision of e-bikes in urban centres around Ireland; and to list the urban centres where NTA-supported e-bikes are expected to be in place by the end of 2026. [55595/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 70 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have overall responsibility for the development of national policy on shared mobility options, including hubs.
However, given the National Transport Authority's role in planning for, and overseeing the implementation of shared mobility schemes and hubs, I have referred the Deputy’s questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the number and costs of hubs in 2025 and 2026. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
69. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the total funding in 2025 and to be provided in 2026, for grants support for ZE vehicle take-up by households and businesses. [55594/25]
View answerOver €100m was allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles (EVs) which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure, including zero emission vehicle take up by households and businesses. This underpins the Government's commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all. Regarding 2026 funding, allocations have yet to be finalised.
The Government is fully committed to supporting the transition to zero-emission transport and the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
Government’s aim is to create an optimum environment to keep up with demand for EV charging and make it possible for anyone who wants an EV to have one. We will continue to take a balanced approach, ensuring that our incentives and policy measures are both ambitious and deliverable within our current environment.
71. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the total funding in 2025 and to be provided in 2026, for roll-out of a nationwide EV charging network; and the progress in meeting EU targets for public EV charge points. [55596/25]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years and reaching climate targets. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Over €100m was allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles, which included €40.5m towards infrastructure delivery. Regarding 2026 funding, allocations have yet to be finalised. As of end September 2025, there are over 196,000 electric vehicles (BEVs and PHEVs) on Irish roads. This exceeds the 2025 target of 195,000 EVs on the road by end of 2025.
The number of publicly available charge points in Ireland increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to 2,400 in 2024.
The National EV Charging Network Plan outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging. The objective is to be ahead of demand and deliver on the AFIR requirements and install EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs.
We are already seeing significant increased capacity of EV charging on our national roads, and this plan provides additional reassurance and certainty for EV drivers and those thinking of making the switch to EVs that they will be able to find high powered, fast and convenient EV charge-points where and when they need them.
In July 2024, the locations of 17 new high-powered recharging pools for electric vehicles were announced along the National Road Network.
Phase 2 of the ZEVI EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV National Road Grant Scheme programme, focuses on 1200km+ of national single carriageway roads. A total of 175 high-powered recharging points will be built across 53 recharging pools, providing an additional 20,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity.
A third grant scheme was launched focusing on approximately 3,000km of the remaining primary and secondary roads on the National Road Network outside of the TEN-T Network. It will deliver 192 new fast recharging points, with an average capacity of typically 250kW, at 90 locations along the national primary and secondary road network.
The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, was published in April this year. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are also being developed, including:
• A Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers in sports clubs on the island of Ireland.
• Local Authority pilot schemes, funding the roll out of EV charging in Local Authorities who have already developed local EV network plans, while supporting the development of local EV Network plans in other areas.
72. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the preferred locations for the 90 new EV recharging hubs and 192 new fast (100kW+) recharging points announced as part of Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55598/25]
View answerThe sites of the 90 new recharging hubs to service the expanding electric vehicle (EV) fleet across Ireland's national road network were announced 10th October 2025.
Almost €10 million will be allocated to support grants for recharging infrastructure at the selected sites.
These new sites will deliver 192 new fast recharging points, with an average capacity of typically 250kW, at 90 locations along the national primary and secondary road network. The announcement is part of a wider plan to build a reliable recharging network across the country, with the distance between recharging hubs envisaged as 30km or less.
The recharging hubs are funded through the Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) initiative operated by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) and delivered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The focus of this phase of the scheme covering over 2,900km of primary and secondary roads, is for enterprises such as petrol/service station operators, car park owners, hotels, supermarkets/retail outlets, and others with publicly accessible sites, could apply through a competitive grant process for funding.
An illustrative map and location listings of the successful applicants are outlined on the website as part of the press release last Friday 10th October, 2025.
73. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to allocate funding to expand free travel for children under nine years to commercial bus operators under the 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55599/25]
View answerI wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.
As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.
The previous Government decision did not include provisions for extending free travel for children under 9 to commercial bus operators. While the NTA is responsible for licensing commercial bus services, any decisions regarding fares charged by these services are managed by commercial operators themselves, who largely operate without any State subvention.
74. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to increase public transport fares in 2026. [55600/25]
View answerI wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.
As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.
The National Fares Strategy, published in 2023, provides the framework for a fairer and more consistent fare system, aligning fares with distance travelled. As part of this, new fare zones were introduced in January 2024 – the Dublin City Zone (within 25km of the city centre) and the Dublin Commuter Zone (within 50km). These zones were informed by future transport plans such as DART+ and detailed ticketing data. The two-phase implementation concluded in June 2025 and aims to reduce fare disparities, particularly for passengers in commuter areas. This structured approach ensures the fare system remains transparent and equitable over time and supports future service improvements.
75. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the availability of the child Leap card to commercial bus services in line with the current policy for the young adult Leap card on commercial services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55601/25]
View answerI wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.
As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.
The previous Government decision did not include provisions for extending free travel for children under 9 to commercial bus operators. While the NTA is responsible for licensing commercial bus services, any decisions regarding fares charged by these services are managed by commercial operators themselves, who largely operate without any State subvention.
76. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if the inclusion of commercial operators in free fare schemes is being considered under the 40% increase in the allocation for the operation of State-subsidised Public Service Obligation public transport services in Budget 2026. [55602/25]
View answerI wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.
As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.
The previous Government decision did not include provisions for extending free travel for children under 9 to commercial bus operators. While the NTA is responsible for licensing commercial bus services, any decisions regarding fares charged by these services are managed by commercial operators themselves, who largely operate without any State subvention.
77. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to encourage the uptake of hydrotreated vegetable oil for commercial bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55603/25]
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.
For the transport sector, Ireland is required to pursue a decarbonisation pathway to achieve a 50% reduction in transport emissions by 2030 (against 2018 levels) in a manner that is consistent with sectoral emission ceilings that were agreed by Government in August 2022.
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a drop in bioliquid replacing fossil diesel and has greenhouse gas reduction benefits. HVO may be used either in pure or blended form with existing engines without the need for any modification. It can therefore support the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors such as the HDV sector.
The Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2025-2027 sets out a pathway to incentivise supply of renewable fuel in transport, including HVO, to meet Climate Action Plan and EU Renewable Energy Directive targets. This is achieved through the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), an obligation on fuel suppliers (rather than on transport operators) to ensure a minimum proportion of renewable fuel (biofuel) in all road transport petroleum products supplied in Ireland. The Climate Action Plan target is for a 20% blend of biofuel in diesel supply by 2030
Renewable transport fuels such as HVO will remain an important transition measure in transport decarbonisation in the coming years as the shift to electrification and further increases in public transport and active travel are fully realised. Sustainable renewable transport fuels provide immediate climate-change mitigation utilising the existing vehicle fleet.
The decision for any commercial operators to uptake the use of such fuels would be a commercial decision for the company themselves and, as Minister for Transport I have no role in the decision making process of private transport operators.
78. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the routes that will be serviced by proposed two new BusConnects core bus corridors in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55615/25]
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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the BusConnects routes in Dublin.
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across five cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA.
In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises Core Bus Corridor schemes.
An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved all 12 Core Bus Corridor schemes. However, legal proceedings are ongoing in relation to seven: Clongriffin, Belfield/Blackrock, Blanchardstown, Kimmage, Swords, Templeogue/Rathfarnham and Bray schemes.
An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the Liffey Valley to City Centre scheme in December 2023. The NTA issued the Invitation to Tender in August 2024 and the NTA Board approved the scheme in May 2025. This Core Bus Corridor scheme is approximately 9.2 kilometres in length, including the provision of bus, cycle, and walking infrastructure enhancements. Construction is expected to commence in December this year, with a view to full completion of the Corridor by 2028.
For the Ballymun/Finglas Core Bus Corridor scheme, the NTA concluded a procurement competition and has selected a contractor. This will require Cabinet consent at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, which I expect to bring in the coming weeks. Should the Government provide consent, construction is expected to commence on this scheme next year.
Noting the NTA's responsibility for BusConnects Dublin, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
