Edward Timmins
Question:111. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the planned investment on the skeleton train service from Rosslare to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63504/25]
View answerRail Network
Questions (111)
Written answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, in relation to the rail network.
The DART+ Coastal South project involves an improvement to DART services on the existing DART line south of Dublin city, with the current focus on enhancing services between Bray and Greystones. Iarnród Éireann have commenced with a non-statutory public consultation on the Emerging Preferred Option for DART+ Coastal South, Stage 1 Bray to Greystones Capacity Enhancements, which will run from October to December 2025.
In addition, the NTA's GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042 includes a recommendation to extend the DART service to Wicklow town. I understand this extension can be facilitated through utilising the new battery-electric DART carriages, which are currently undergoing certification and safety testing. The NTA is currently examining this issue with a view to progressing the extension around 2029.
The recently concluded Review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope, including elements of the DART+ Programme, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming weeks.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, 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.
Public Transport
Questions (112)
Barry Heneghan
Question:112. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the communication and public engagement measures that have been undertaken by Iarnród Éireann in the Donaghmede area in relation to the DART+ Coastal North project, particularly around a station (details supplied), in view of reports from an organisation and local residents that no direct updates or correspondence have been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63445/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
The DART+ programme, which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA, will triple the length of the electrified rail network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre rail capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours. This will significantly enhance access to high-capacity public transport across the GDA.
As part of the DART+ Programme, DART+ Costal North provides for the extension of overhead wires from Malahide to Drogheda, among other works.
Non-statutory consultations on DART+ Costal North were held in Quarter 1 2022 and Quarter 2 2023. Planning approval for DART+ Costal North was granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025.
The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing. It is intended that the new battery-electric sets will be deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from 2027.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, 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.
Rail Network
Questions (113)
Catherine Callaghan
Question:113. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will acknowledge the need for additional return rail services from Dublin to Carlow and Kilkenny; if he plans to address the limitations of the current service for people living in Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63516/25]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
In view of Irish Rail's responsibility in this matter, the queries raised by the Deputy are operational matters for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Rail Network
Questions (114)
Liam Quaide
Question:114. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reopen the Midleton to Youghal railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63272/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) published the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) in 2020, which was developed in consultation with Cork City and Cork County Councils and with input from other key stakeholders, including Iarnród Éireann. As part of this process, the route from Midleton to Youghal was earmarked for development as a greenway.
CMATS will be reviewed and updated every six years and, as part of this process, the optimal transport provision in the area, including between Midleton and Youghal, can be considered again.
In addition, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024, 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.
A proposal to develop a line between Midleton and Waterford along the South Coast was examined as part of the Review, but ultimately this route was not included in the recommendations in the Final Review Report as it would likely be more cost-effective to route longer distance services between Cork and Waterford via improved railways between both cities and Limerick Junction, rather than on a new line.
One of the Review's recommendations is that the Review be updated once a decade, taking account of latest policies and developments. The potential for the Cork to Midleton line could be reassessed at this point.
Road Projects
Questions (115)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:115. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport for an update on works on N24/N25, and on State investment in the project. [63290/25]
View answerWritten answers
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 on the status of these projects.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the N25 Waterford to Glenmore project and the projects on the N24. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Tolls
Questions (116)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:116. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total number of toll bridges in the State; and if he will outline when each was built; and the cost to the State. [63521/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question regarding tolls to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Traffic Management
Questions (117)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:117. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the action his Department is taking to dealing with the increasing levels of traffic congestion on the M11/N11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63266/25]
View answerWritten answers
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 operation and management 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 the M11/N11.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (118)
John Clendennen
Question:118. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the total investment in bus services in each county in each of the years since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63405/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (119)
Paul Donnelly
Question:119. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if provision will be made to extend early morning bus services at weekends (details supplied). [63557/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Dublin Bus.
I can assure you that my Department is committed to providing investment in our public transport network and that I am supportive of the Governments goals in delivering an accessible, affordable and reliable public transport network throughout the country.
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus 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.
Bus Services
Questions (120)
Mark Ward
Question:120. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the number of cancellations by a bus company (details supplied) and Dublin Bus buses in the Dublin mid-west constituency; the efforts his Department is taking to address this level of cancelation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63457/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Go Ahead and Dublin Bus.
Under existing contractual arrangements, financial penalties are applied by NTA where performance falls below agreed standards, and they are also investing in a new vehicle location system for the fleet which will improve the reliability of the real time passenger information system. They continue to engage with Go-Ahead to enhance service reliability and ensure continuous improvement.
In light of their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA, Go Ahead and Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Bus Services
Questions (121)
Thomas Gould
Question:121. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he has been made aware of escalating issues with punctuality and reliability in Cork’s bus service. [63070/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which operates under the TFI Local Link brand, the implementation of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, and for the scheduling and timetabling of services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Bus Éireann.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of their contractual arrangements. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
I can assure you that my Department is committed to providing investment in our public transport network and that I am supportive of the Governments goals in delivering an accessible, affordable and reliable public transport network throughout the country, including in Cork.
In light of the above, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Questions (122)
Keira Keogh
Question:122. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is taking to ensure that disabled passengers in rural areas, such as Mayo, are provided with equitable access to transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63482/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, I met with members of the disability sector on 29 September 2025 for a constructive dialogue around our shared ambition to ensure 100% transport accessibility in Ireland. The Government launched the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People on 3rd September 2025. In line with the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the strategy puts great importance on engagement with disabled people. Pillar 5 of the strategy, 'Transport and Mobility' contains a number of transport priority actions. I really welcomed the opportunity to hear views on transport accessibility and the new strategy’s actions. It was a valuable and rewarding exchange with Disabled Person Organisations, service providers, Disability User Groups, and board representatives from transport operators.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport more accessible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, including in county Mayo, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Taxi Regulations
Questions (123)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:123. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the move by a company (details supplied) to fixed price fares, which is being used as a tool to undermine competition in the taxi market; the way in which this will impact taxi drivers in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63329/25]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the setting of fares, 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 .
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 124 answered with Question No. 102.
Road Projects
Questions (125)
Noel McCarthy
Question:125. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider providing funding for the upgrade of the N25 route between Carrigtwohill, Midleton and Youghal in Cork east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63175/25]
View answerWritten answers
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 the N25.
I can confirm that €700,000 has been allocated for the Midleton to Youghal Bypass scheme in 2025. While the N25 Carrigtwohill to Midleton project did not receive an allocation for 2025, it remains part of the NDP and the delivery of this project will be kept under review in the coming years 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 updating you as to the latest status of the projects on the N25 in east Cork. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Questions (126)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:126. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the current phase of the Luas Finglas extension project; the projected funding amounts for 2026, 2027 and 2028; the indicative timeline on the commencement of construction given the recent planning approval by An Coimisiún Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63324/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including light rail.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government commits to investing in diverse transport options, including public transport. In particular, there is a commitment to progress all key public transport infrastructure projects in the National Development Plan and consider new public transport projects in the review of the NDP.
The Review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector, including Luas, in the context of that capital funding envelope and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made shortly. A related sectoral plan for transport is expected to be published in the coming weeks.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure, 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.
Road Projects
Questions (127)
William Aird
Question:127. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport to include as a priority, the Portlaoise Northern Orbital Route and the Mountmellick By-Pass in the revised National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62688/25]
View answerWritten answers
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, construction and design 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 the Portlaoise Northern Orbital Route and the Mountmellick Bypass.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (128)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Question:128. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address service reliability on bus routes in Kildare north, given repeated last-minute cancellations and ghost buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63499/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
I want to reassure the Deputy that as part of my regular engagement, I met with the NTA last week to discuss a range of public transport matters, including the recent performance issues. I had also previously met with the NTA specifically on ghost buses, and they fully acknowledge that an inadequate level of service has been provided on certain routes in recent months, and they have been working closely with the operators to rectify the situation.
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.
Public Transport
Questions (129)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:129. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the rollout of Connecting Ireland in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63322/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Questions (130)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:130. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to improve public transport systems in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63520/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area, including County Meath.
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042. The issue of a rail connection between Dublin and Navan was re-examined as part of the development of the Transport Strategy. That re-examination supported the development of a rail line from Dublin to Navan and the final Strategy includes delivery of the line between 2031 and 2036, subject to planning and funding approvals.
I am pleased to confirm that in 2024 the NTA allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) for the establishment of a design team to commence work on the Navan rail line project. This work involves route option selection, planning and design phases of the project.
IÉ commenced the procurement process for this pre-construction phase of the project, and issued a tender to prequalified consultants at the end of May 2024. In November 2024, multi-disciplinary consultants RPS were appointed by IÉ for the duration of the project to work with the rail company’s in-house project team.
It is anticipated that a public consultation on the route options for the project will take place by next year. That process will ultimately recommend a defined route and support the development of a preliminary business case, which will need to be approved by Government, in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, before any planning application.
The Navan Rail Line is being delivered by IÉ on behalf of the NTA, with funding for the project being provided by my Department through the NTA.
Meath is also served by a number of regional bus services, in relation to which the NTA has a role.
In light of the NTA responsibilities in these matters, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.