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Tuesday, 25 Nov 2025

Written Answers Nos. 179-207

Defence Forces

Questions (179)

Paul Murphy

Question:

179. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if pay for reservists will be re-instated; the rationale for the withdrawal of payments that has taken place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65193/25]

View answer

Written answers

One of my key priorities is the modernisation of our Defence Forces, and revitalising our Reserve Defence Forces is a vital part of that transformation process. The Regeneration and Development Plan contains concrete actions to drive forward recruitment and retention, resourcing, training and education and integration and deployment.

The conditions under which reservists are paid are set out in Defence Force Regulations (DFRs). In 2023, the Defence Forces issued a letter of instruction (LOI) relating to such payments. The LOI was regrettably not consistent with the regulation.

Reservists are an integral part of the Defence Forces and should be remunerated appropriately. My predecessor requested that the Defence Forces submit a robust business case to clearly set out exactly which reserve activities should attract payment and I am advised that the business case is well underway.

While this work is ongoing, the Defence Forces are progressing possible solutions for Members of the RDF. Any proposed changes to paid activities may require sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and a regulatory amendment.

All eligible RDF activities in 2024 were paid for, reflected in the fact that the original 2024 budget allocation for the RDF was increased by 36 per cent during the year.

This additional spending reflected the higher than anticipated levels of activity and a welcome increased interest in the RDF during the year.

Defence Forces

Questions (180)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

180. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 18 February 2025, for an update on any progress by military authorities in their consideration of the report and recommendations of the Defence Forces Colour Vision Working Group on colour vision requirements for entry to the Defence Forces; when she will publish this report; and when the recommendations will be implemented. [65994/25]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, a Defence Forces Colour Vision Working Group, established to review the colour vision requirements for entry to the Defence Forces, has concluded its work. The Defence Forces advise that the report currently remains with the military authorities for further consideration in respect of the regulatory impacts, across a range of Defence Forces regulations, should the recommendations of the study group on Defence Forces Standards of Colour deficiency be adopted.

More specifically, and further to the response given by my predecessor to the question referenced by the Deputy, the Defence Forces advise that their Medical Branch is currently engaged in reviewing the recommendations contained in the report with regard to the range of secondary tests that are now available. As part of that process, they are liaising with specialists from the National Optometry Centre.

All criteria required for entry to the Defence Forces are subject to ongoing review by the Defence Forces.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (181)

Alan Kelly

Question:

181. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the amount her Department and any body under her aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66075/25]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has not contracted the services of the company in question at any point throughout the years from 2020 to 1 November 2025 nor has any body under the aegis of my Department.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (182)

Alan Kelly

Question:

182. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the amount her Department and any body under her aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66093/25]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has not contracted the services of the company in question at any point throughout the years from 2020 to 1 November 2025 nor has any body under the aegis of my Department.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (183)

Albert Dolan

Question:

183. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Defence to provide the Department’s annual expenditure on State Claims Agency costs for the years 2020–2025. [66348/25]

View answer

Written answers

My Department's Litigation Branch manages and coordinates litigation claims and, in doing so, works closely with the State Claims Agency (SCA).

The Deputy will be aware that all claims for personal injuries taken by current and former members of the Defence Forces have been statutorily delegated to the SCA. The SCA manages and provides legal representation in relation to personal injury cases taken against the Minister for Defence. Legal costs incurred by the SCA arising from the defence of any claims managed by the Agency for my Department are refunded to the Agency by the Department.

In respect of the costs arising from the settlement of cases, my Department is in regular contact with the SCA regarding the active management of litigation cases, with a focus on achieving the most equitable outcomes and the minimisation of costs wherever possible.

Furthermore, a robust internal control framework encompassing segregation of duty, accountability, and reporting elements is well established and operates effectively to ensure all financial affairs are managed appropriately.

In addition, all Defence expenditure is subjected to ongoing audit scrutiny from both the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General and an Internal Audit Unit operating within the Department.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. It should be noted that the figures presented below represent total expenditure in each of the relevant years which includes settlement costs, legal costs, agency solicitor fees, agency counsel fees, PIAB assessment fees and any other fees which may arise in the course of defending litigation against the Minister for Defence.

Year

SCA Costs

2020

€5,947,092.50

2021

€4,744,635.60

2022

€5,291,521.12

2023

€4,730,387.53

2024

€5,924,628.23

2025 (to date)

€6,948,108.58

Insurance Coverage

Questions (184, 185)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

184. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements in place to verify that foreign-registered vehicles operating in the State under temporary exemption hold valid insurance recognised in Ireland; the number of cases in which insurance was found to be invalid or unrecognised; and the systems used to alert An Garda Síochána where non-compliance is identified. [65746/25]

View answer

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

185. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements in place to verify that foreign-registered vehicles operating in the State under temporary exemption hold valid and recognised motor insurance; the number of cases in which insurance was found to be invalid or unrecognised; and the steps taken by the Revenue Commissioners to notify An Garda Síochána when non-compliance is identified. [65752/25]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.

Under section 56 of the Road Traffic Act of1961, a valid policy of motor insurance is required to drive any mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place in Ireland, irrespective of the origin of that vehicle. However, specific measures have been put in place to enable Ukrainian citizens in Ireland on a temporary basis to both renew their insurance policies online and get an International Insurance Green Card. This card is internationally recognised as proof of insurance compliance, and facilitates Garda roadside enforcement.

The Deputy will appreciate that the day-to-day roadside operation of motor insurance legislation is outside of the immediate remit of my Department, and that I am not in a position to supply either the enforcement figures or the systems details sought. On this basis, the Deputy may wish to bring his request to the direct attention of An Garda Síochána.

Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 184.

Bus Services

Questions (186)

Ann Graves

Question:

186. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Transport to consider increasing the frequency of bus services on routes (details supplied) or finding alternative solutions to ensure that passengers are not left stranded and can rely on public transportation for their daily commute. [65151/25]

View answer

Written 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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. 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.

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

Bus Services

Questions (187)

Tom Brabazon

Question:

187. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport the additional buses and drivers that would be required if the frequency of Dublin Bus Route H1 increased to every ten minutes in both directions. [65268/25]

View answer

Written 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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Dublin bus. 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.

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

Electric Vehicles

Questions (188)

Barry Ward

Question:

188. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV charging points available in the country, by local authority area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65283/25]

View answer

Written answers

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

The number of publicly available charge points in Ireland has increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to 2,400 in 2024. In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally, depending on the level of power supplied at each. Ireland’s requirements under EU legislation require not a specific number of chargepoints, but a power capacity to be provided on the public charging network. It is estimated that currently at least 160,000 kw of power is available on the public charging network. This is a significant increase from 67,000 kw of power in 2022.

Currently, the Department of Transport does not track the number of publicly accessible EV charging stations by region. However, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is developing a Data Strategy and associated data platforms that will, once in place, enhance the Department’s ability to monitor this infrastructure.

The system will enable the collection of data from charge-points in near real time and provide it on an Open Data basis. The obligation on charge-point operators and owners to share this data is legislated for in the EU Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (189)

Barry Ward

Question:

189. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding initiatives being worked on by his Department that seek to increase the provision of EV charging infrastructure, particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65284/25]

View answer

Written answers

Rural motorists are often in an advantageous position to make the switch to an electric vehicle, due to the large number of dwellings in rural Ireland which are suitable for home EV charging.

Home charging means lower running costs and many EVs are now capable of doing over 400km on a single charge, which will meet most people’s daily driving needs.

TII are leading on the delivery of charging infrastructure along our motorways and national primary and secondary routes and we have launched grant aid programmes for the delivery of significant high powered charging infrastructure on these roads, to ensure that EV drivers have reliable access to charging points across the country.

The Shared Island Sports club charging scheme will provide fast and high quality recharging points in up to 200 sports clubs across the island.

Also of significant relevance to rural motorists is the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan. This plan describes how Local Authorities will facilitate the provision of local charging networks.

Officials from my Department have been engaging actively with Local Authorities to develop their own regional charging plans to meet the various needs of users at the local level, whether urban or rural.

Work has commenced on a new EV Infrastructure Strategy, covering the period 2026-2028. A key consideration in that will be addressing the specific EV challenges for rural communities.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (190)

Barry Ward

Question:

190. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding national targets for the provision of public EV charging stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65285/25]

View answer

Written answers

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is an absolute need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.

To date this has been led by private sector investment, and the number of publicly available charge points in Ireland has increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to 2,400 in 2024. In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally, depending on the level of power supplied at each. Ireland’s targets under EU legislation require not a specific number of chargepoints, but a power capacity to be provided on the public charging network. It is estimated that currently at least 160,000 kw of power is available on the public charging network. This is a significant increase from 67,000 kw of power in 2022.

The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the need for a National EV Charging Network Plan to define 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. This strategy is currently being revised with a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 to be published for consultation in the coming months.

The first element of the National EV Charging Network Plan – the National Road EV Charging Network Plan - will see large banks of high powered chargers installed every 60km on motorways, with significant provision of high powered chargers also on national primary and secondary roads. The Plan sets out ambitious targets for the level and coverage needed for En-Route charging on our national roads network.

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.

The second element, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.

Rail Network

Questions (191, 192)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

191. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on steps to have on-train catering returned to the Sligo to Dublin train service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65313/25]

View answer

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

192. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on steps to have on-train catering returned to the Westport to Dublin service line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65314/25]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.

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.

The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 191.

Bus Services

Questions (193)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

193. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the roll out of the new bus network for Galway city under BusConnects; if funding has been made available for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65315/25]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities, including Galway. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The NTA published the final new bus network for Galway in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway that aims to transform the city's bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.

This new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport, resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Galway City, Bearna and Oranmore. Once this network is implemented, circa 67% of residents will live within 400 meters of a high frequency bus route (running 15 minutes or better).

The NTA plans to commence the implementation of the new Galway bus network in the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness.

As part of BusConnects, the NTA is also advancing work on the Sustainable Transport Corridor, the Cross-City Link, which will improve travel times on the bus network and improve connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Other parts of the BusConnects programme, such as simpler fares, will be delivered with the new bus network.

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 days.

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

Parking Provision

Questions (194)

Barry Heneghan

Question:

194. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he recognises that many towns and villages across Ireland do not have enough designated disabled parking spaces, creating daily difficulties for people with disabilities and their families when accessing essential services; the actions his Department intends to take to improve the availability and enforcement of accessible parking spaces in partnership with local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65319/25]

View answer

Written answers

Both I and my Department appreciate that everyday life for those with a disability can be extremely challenging. However, that neither I nor my Department, have any involvement in the installation or maintenance of disabled parking bays in public areas. This responsibility is within the remit of local authorities. The enforcement of parking regulations is a matter for An Garda Síochána and local authority traffic wardens. I suggest the Deputy contacts these bodies directly with any concerns relating to the availability and enforcement of disabled parking bays.

Road Projects

Questions (195, 196, 197, 198)

Shane Moynihan

Question:

195. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that has taken place between his Department and South Dublin County Council with regard to the funding and delivery of its six year roads programme, as specified in the South Dublin Development Plan 2022-2028. [65322/25]

View answer

Shane Moynihan

Question:

196. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that has taken place between his Department and South Dublin County Council with regard to the funding of a project (details supplied). as specified in the South Dublin Development Plan 2022-2028. [65323/25]

View answer

Shane Moynihan

Question:

197. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that has taken place between his Department and South Dublin County Council with regard to the funding of a project (details supplied), as specified in the South Dublin Development Plan 2022-2028. [65324/25]

View answer

Shane Moynihan

Question:

198. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that has taken place between his Department and South Dublin County Council with regard to the funding of a project (details supplied), as specified in the South Dublin Development Plan 2022-2028. [65325/25]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195, 196, 197 and 198 together.

South Dublin County Council is responsible for transport planning within its area, including the preparation of its County Development Plan (CDP).

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, where applicable.

Arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, the four Dublin Councils are self-funding for regional and local roads under the main road grant categories. Accordingly, these Councils do not feature in most of the grant programmes but are eligible for certain grants such as the training, speed limit signage and road condition survey grants and may apply for monies under the Strategic Grant programme (improvement schemes costing over €5m).

It should be noted that there is a limited budget available for projects under the Regional and Local Road Strategic Grant Programme.

Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding under the Strategic Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

The National Transport Authority (NTA), as the agency responsible for strategic transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), ensures that the CDPs align with its Transport Strategy for the GDA. However, the planning, design, and funding of such roads remain the responsibility of the relevant local authority or TII.

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.
Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 195.
Question No. 197 answered with Question No. 195.
Question No. 198 answered with Question No. 195.

Bus Services

Questions (199)

Shane Moynihan

Question:

199. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the engagement which has taken place with Blanchardstown Hospital to facilitate a bus stop on the hospital campus to extend the bus routes W4 and L52. [65328/25]

View answer

Written 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 the provision of bus stops.

There is a 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 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 days.

Public Transport

Questions (200)

Louis O'Hara

Question:

200. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the amount of the Budget 2026 PSO funding allocation that will be used to provide new and additional public transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65397/25]

View answer

Written answers

I 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) plays a central role in achieving this, as they have 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.

As 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 €940 million represents a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from 2025. This reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that public transport services can continue to operate reliably and sustainably in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs.

This allocation will also allow for the continued delivery of targeted fare initiatives, including 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. These measures help ensure that public transport remains accessible and affordable for families, students, and young workers across the country.

In parallel, investment continues to support the rollout of planned improvements within the existing network, such as the recently launched F Spine under Phase 7 of BusConnects. This phase introduces high-frequency, 24-hour bus services on key corridors, including routes F1, F2, and F3, enhancing connectivity between areas such as Tallaght, Finglas, Charlestown, and the city centre. The redesign also includes new radial and local routes to streamline and make the network more efficient.

Regarding infrastructure, the NTA Board recently approved the Liffey Valley to City Centre Core Bus Corridor scheme, which is expected to commence construction this year with a view to full completion by 2028. In addition, I expect to bring the Ballymun/Finglas to City Centre Core Bus Corridor scheme to Cabinet in the coming weeks for consent at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines. Should the Government provide consent, construction is expected to commence on this scheme next year.

Work is also progressing on major strategic infrastructure projects such as DART+, Metrolink, and Cork Commuter Rail, which remain critical to increasing the capacity and resilience of the public transport system over the longer term.

In addition, a further €31 million has been secured for rural transport in 2026 – a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This ensures the continued delivery of vital services across rural Ireland, to meet demand in communities that depend on these services most.

Bus Services

Questions (201)

George Lawlor

Question:

201. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport the number of each category of bus ticket that was sold for Bus Éireann route Number 2, Dublin to Wexford in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65400/25]

View answer

Written 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.

Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including route 2, is a commercial bus service and responsibility for the operation of the service is a matter for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Driver Licences

Questions (202)

Colm Burke

Question:

202. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport when a driving licence exchange application will be completed (details supplied), in view that it is over six weeks since the application was submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65410/25]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that all enquiries relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority. Neither I nor the Department have any role in driving licence applications.

I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if a reply has not been received from the RSA in the next ten days.

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

Greenways Provision

Questions (203)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

203. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent on the South Kerry greenway project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65411/25]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. There has a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025.

In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway and National Roads Active Travel projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.

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

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

Greenways Provision

Questions (204)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

204. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the number of landowners impacted by the South Kerry greenway project, and the amount that has been paid to these landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65413/25]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that there has been significant investment in Greenway schemes in County Kerry, with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025 alone.

Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways outlines the compensation arrangement in place for landowners in relation to the acquisition of land for use within a greenway route, this document is maintained by TII.

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

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

Rail Network

Questions (205)

Louis O'Hara

Question:

205. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if safety improvements will be made at a railway bridge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65420/25]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the bridge over the railway referred to, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for 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.

Public Transport

Questions (206)

Louis O'Hara

Question:

206. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if a proposals for new rail timetables will be brought forward in the near future; if a public consultation will be launched on these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65421/25]

View answer

Written 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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. 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.

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

Bus Services

Questions (207)

Eoghan Kenny

Question:

207. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if Bus Éireann have plans to renovate the bus stop at Mallow Bus Stop, Park Road, Mallow, County Cork, if so, to give a timeline on this; if not, if he will consider this as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65422/25]

View answer

Written 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 the provision of bus stops.

There is a 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 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 days.

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