Written Answers Nos. 255-274
255. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be made available to local authorities to address damage to local and regional roads caused by extreme weather events; the total level of such funding over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67114/25]
View answerThe 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, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads. The Department of Transport also emphasises to local authorities the importance of setting aside a contingency fund to manage unforeseen events such as severe flooding.
As outlined in the 2025 Regional and Local Roads programme which I released on the 14th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in connecting people and places across the country.
In line with established practice, local authorities are advised by my Department that a contingency provision should be reserved from the overall resources available to each authority for regional and local roads so as to deal with damage caused by severe weather conditions.
In addition, local authorities may carry out repairs from the regional and local road grants available to them and from their own resources and in this context, it is open to each Council to determine and reprioritise its work programme following severe weather events.
As part of the 2023–24 European windstorm season, Ireland experienced several severe weather events, most noticeably Storm Babet, causing considerable damage to the regional and local road network. The Department continues to engage with local authorities, and in 2025 €10 million has been allocated for severe weather repairs.
As regards the funding allocated to and drawn down by local authorities for severe weather repairs over the past five years, details of the regional and local road allocations, and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
256. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has examined the interaction between road surface condition, speed limits and road safety on local and regional roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67115/25]
View answerThe 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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
My Department provides specific funding for safety improvement projects on regional and local roads. Applications for funding under this scheme are invited on an annual basis for consideration for funding in the subsequent year.
Under the safety improvement scheme, each Council are requested to submit applications in order of priority. As Councils are responsible for maintaining and improving their regional and local roads, it is their responsibility to determine its priorities and work programme while taking account of the funding provided from grant allocations and from the Council's own resources.
The Department commissioned Regional Road Network Safety Analysis across the regional and local road network. These identified Locations of Interest (LOIs) across the sector which notified local authorities of locations that may be suitable for safety improvement works following engineering analysis and collision trends. The overall prioritisation of interventions on the network is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
257. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is supporting any pilot projects or innovation in the area of road maintenance and resurfacing for local authorities, including use of new materials or technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67116/25]
View answerThe 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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.
My Department funds pilot projects across the local authority sector in relation to recycled asphalt products, bio binders and roads over peat. These projects inform this innovation and possible incorporation into future standards to allow for the reduction of carbon in road maintenance.
258. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the concerns raised by the haulage sector that proposed limits on the movement of abnormally heavy loads which may restrict the transport of essential electricity infrastructure including large transformers and wind turbine components; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67169/25]
View answer259. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the actions his Department is taking to ensure that proposed transport limits do not delay the delivery of critical electricity infrastructure required for national energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67171/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.
In accordance with the provisions of S.I. No. 5/2003 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, each individual Local Authority (LA) has responsibility for the issuing of Abnormal Load Permits in their administrative area. S.I. No. 5/2003 sets the maximum authorised weights and dimensions for mechanically propelled vehicles and trailers on public roads, anything above these weights and dimensions requires and Abnormal Load Permit. There are no proposed changes to these limits and restrictions are based on a particular road networks ability to safely accommodate any proposed individual abnormal load in terms of weight (bridges, culverts, embankments, and road bearing capacity), height (bridge underpasses, tunnels, etc), and width (road width, bridge width, turning requirements at junctions).
Traditionally, Abnormal Load Applications to Local Authorities in Ireland were for loads below 180 tonnes, and usually below 150 tonnes. In recent years, energy sector requirements mean requests for the movement of exceptionally heavy abnormal loads have increased significantly and are expected to continue. Numerous loads programmed to be moved over the coming years are far in excess of 180 tonnes, with some large generators identified by the energy sector as up to 570 tonnes.
This puts significant pressure on Ireland’s road and bridge infrastructure. Modern bridge structures have been designed to accommodate loading of 180 tonnes; numerous ‘legacy’ bridges have a design loading significantly lower than 180 tonnes. Consequently, additional structural assessment requirements apply to heavy loads and particularly loads over 180 tonnes to help protect road assets and the safety of road users. Exceptional Abnormal Loads can cause significant damage and deterioration to pavements, bridges and bridge components along the Irish road network. The presence of these vehicles and loads will increase over time and pose a significant risk to the road transport network, in particular where overloading and potential damage can be caused to bridge structures and other pieces of infrastructure such as water mains, and gas mains.
It is important that developers and promoters engage and consult with road stakeholders at the earliest possible stage to consider transport options of these exceptional loads to avoid unnecessary delay and risk to projects. This is to give sufficient time to consider appropriate safe route options and undertake the necessary assessments.
Department of Transport Circular RW18/2024 was issued to clarify the assessment process, which is needed both to protect state infrastructure and to assist applicants in the management of exceptionally heavy abnormal loads. The circular sets out the process for compliance with structural assessment standards and provides applicants with additional clarity. The Department of Transport keeps all circulars under review and issues notifications where updates or clarifications are required.
Both energy and road stakeholders have identified the need for a local authority central support unit to assist with the movement of exceptional abnormal loads nationally. This would include the assessment and delivery of exceptional abnormal loads with adequate dedicated expert technical resources in place to manage the process over the coming years. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment is currently considering resource and funding requirements for this Local Authority Central Support Unit.
260. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the introduction of an e-bike rental scheme for Galway City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67183/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to sustainable mobility, including the provision of funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in support of Transport for Ireland (TfI) public bike-sharing schemes in Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford.
Details related to the operation of these schemes are a matter for the NTA. Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
261. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with airlines in relation to the sharp increases in flight prices coinciding with major events such as football matches, music concerts, and other large-scale gatherings; and the measures his Department is taking to protect consumers from excessive or opportunistic pricing during such periods. [67207/25]
View answerUnder European Union Regulation 1008/2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community, airlines have full pricing freedom in relation to setting air fares for intra-Community air services and other related services such as baggage.
The Regulation requires that air fares be transparent i.e. that passengers booking a flight must be aware of the final price of a flight including any supplemental elements selected by the passenger, at all times during the booking process.
Within this framework airlines regularly take into account various operational realities in setting these fares and charges over time, for example flights at peak times or with short advance bookings may attract higher prices which is an industry norm.
262. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is considering proposals regarding e-scooters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67214/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to inform the Deputy that, although the wearing of helmets is not a statutory requirement, it is strongly recommended by both the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Introducing a statutory obligation to wear helmets would mean creating a criminal offence under road traffic legislation for failing to do so. In such cases, an e-scooter user could be issued with a fixed charge notice or summoned to court, depending on the procedure in place. This would place a significant additional burden on the resources of both the Courts and An Garda Síochána.
On this basis, it is the view of my Department that the wearing of helmets, for e-scooters, is best promoted by educational and publicity campaigns rather than through punitive measures.
Unlike mechanically propelled vehicles, PPTs do not require registration, motor tax, motor insurance, or a driver’s licence. The objective of legislation on e-scooters is to support the uptake of micro-mobility vehicles while ensuring that requirements associated with mechanically propelled vehicles do not act as a disincentive.
The operation of the legislation, through enforcement, is, as for all road traffic law, under the remit of An Garda Síochána. My officials meet regularly with An Garda Siochana to discuss matters related to road traffic legislation. As with any legislation, I will consider feedback on its operation from An Garda Siochana and other stakeholders and I will act if it is clear that road safety improvements can be made.
263. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the review of a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67217/25]
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 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.
264. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the funding required to provide additional services on a route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67230/25]
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 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.
265. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the prioritised list of bus routes with over-capacity issues (details supplied); the routes provided with additional capacity; the routes not provided with additional capacity, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67231/25]
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, Dublin Bus.
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.
266. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 19 November 2025, how long discretionary commission arrangements were a feature of the motor hire purchase finance market prior to the practice being stopped in July 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66887/25]
View answer267. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated number of active motor finance hire purchase agreements (including personal contract purchase agreements) in operation in the market today; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66907/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
The Central Bank of Ireland has advised that, at the point in time during which it conducted its review in 2024, there were 135,000 customers who had active hire purchase agreements that were subject to discretionary commission arrangements.
These agreements were held either with retail banks, retail credit firms or with transitional retail credit firms (i.e. firms availing of the transitional provisions the Consumer Protection (Regulation of Retail Credit and Credit Servicing Firms) Act 2022).
The review did not analyse the time period over which these agreements were in place.
Subsequent to its review, the Central Bank wrote in June 2024 to all regulated firms providing hire purchase motor finance who may have used discretionary commission arrangements in relation to such finance arranged through credit intermediaries instructing them to cease the practice by end-July 2024.
The Central Bank has further advised that it does not publish data in relation to the number of active motor finance hire purchase agreements in operation in the market today.
268. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to list all funding schemes, grant programmes and any other financial supports that are currently administered by his Department and its agencies; the expected launch and closing dates for applications for each scheme in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66928/25]
View answer-
|
All Funding Schemes, Grant Programmes, Other Financial Supports |
Launch Date |
Closing Date |
|
Growth and Sustainability Loan scheme* |
19/09/2023 |
30/06/2026 |
|
Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme* |
24/04/2024 |
31/12/2026 |
|
Fuel Grant under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS)** |
N/A |
N/A |
*The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) is a body under the aegis of my Department. The Growth and Sustainability Loan scheme and the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme are available through the SBCI.
**The Fuel Grant received by recipients of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) is administered by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and my Department has oversight of this scheme.
269. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the progress in emission reduction targets in areas that are the responsibility of his Department; which measures are particularly successful and which measures are underperforming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67048/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits Ireland to reducing carbon emissions by 51% by 2030 relative to 2018, on average 7% per annum over the decade, and to becoming a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 gives legal underpinning to climate action by the public sector. It requires all public bodies to perform their functions in a manner that is consistent with Ireland’s climate ambition. My department continues to make substantial progress towards achieving its overall energy targets.
My department continues to adhere to the protocols, policies and procedures as set out in Circular 20/2019, in regard to Green Public Procurement (GPP). GPP sets out the principles which underpin public procurement law and remind public bodies of their obligations stemming from other relevant government policy and national and EU legislation to ensure all procurement is as sustainable as possible.
The Department’s Climate and Sustainability Champion is responsible for implementing and reporting annually on the Public Sector Mandate in the Department. The Department’s Energy Performance Officer also plays a key, critical role, as do all staff working within the Department. It should be noted, at this early stage, that my department shares a number of buildings and services with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER). The Facilities Management Unit (FMU) has responsibility for a lot of the energy management, awareness and initiatives for both Departments.
My department remains on track to meet the energy efficiency and energy reduction targets set out by the SEAI. All Public Sector Bodies are required to reduce their annual energy usage by 50% before 2030, when compared to the annual usage in a nominated baseline year for reporting, which is 2009, along with separate Fossil CO2 and Total CO2 emissions targets. The most recent figures show my department has achieved the usage target and is on track to meet the emissions targets.
270. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding the roadmap for the taxation of retail investment currently being developed by his Department, with specific regard to any reforms to the deemed disposal tax for exchange traded funds; the timeline for the publication of the roadmap; if any cost estimate was done in advance of the last budget in respect of the deemed disposal rule for Irish investors in exchange-traded funds (ETFs); and to provide that figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67228/25]
View answerI am committed to taking the necessary action to support retail investment in Ireland. Work is continuing on the roadmap for the taxation of retail investment announced in Budget 2026. The roadmap will be published in early 2026 and will set out an approach to simplify and adapt the tax framework to further support retail investment. This roadmap will facilitate due consideration of the Funds Sector 2030 Report, which made recommendations in relation to deemed disposal. It will also take into account the European Commission’s recommendation on Savings and Investment Accounts. I hope that further progress can be made across coming budgets to address some of the existing obstacles to greater retail investment, whilst maintaining important and necessary anti-avoidance measures.
Regarding the cost estimate of changes to deemed disposal, it is important to note that the information available to Revenue does not allow them to isolate the tax returned due to deemed disposal rules from other events which give rise to a tax liability. If it was assumed that all tax paid by funds in respect of unit holders, the tax paid by life companies in respect of policy holders and income tax accounted for by individuals in respect of their investments in Irish domiciled funds, offshore funds and life products were as a result of deemed disposal, removing deemed disposal could give rise to a potential cost of €284 million, based on the tax paid over the last eight years. As part of Budget 2026 an estimate was prepared for the Exchequer impact of deemed disposal not applying in a particular year, assuming that deemed disposal was closer to 50% of the total tax paid. This assumption results in an estimated full year cost to the Exchequer of €142 million for no tax arising from deemed disposal being paid in that year. However, the actual cost in a particular year could vary where the proportion of tax which is deemed disposal is higher or lower, or where the gains are larger or smaller than the eight year average used for this estimate.
271. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when a review of the rate of value added tax on oral vitamin and mineral supplements, currently 13.5% rate, will be carried out; and the reason there is a disparity in VAT classification between oral pharmaceuticals, and oral supplements for health promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67253/25]
View answerThe VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law is required to comply. In general, the EU VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate, unless they fall within categories of goods and services specified in Annex III of the VAT Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply a lower rate of VAT.
The supply of food supplements of a kind used for human oral consumption is subject to the reduced rate of VAT, currently 13.5%. The supply of medicine of a kind used for human oral consumption is subject to the zero rate of VAT.
Human oral medicines and food supplement products are separate categories of products. Food supplement products are not medicines and do not fall within the provision for human oral medicine. Only when a human oral product is licensed or authorised by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) as a medicine will it be considered a medicine for VAT purposes. These products are listed on the HPRA website and carry a product number, such as a Product Authorisation (PA) number on the label. Certain folic acid and other vitamin products for oral human consumption are licensed / authorised by the HPRA and are therefore zero rated as human oral medicines.
Revenue has published detailed guidance on the VAT treatment of Human oral medicines and food supplement products on Revenue.ie.
Food supplements: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/value-added-tax/part03-taxable-transactions-goods-ica-services/Goods/goods-food-supplements.pdf.
Human medicines: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/value-added-tax/part03-taxable-transactions-goods-ica-services/Goods/vat-treatment-of-human-medicines.pdf.
272. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to list all funding schemes, grant programmes and any other financial supports that are currently administered by his Department and its agencies; the expected launch and closing dates for applications for each scheme in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66934/25]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy of a number of funding schemes and grant funding of relevance in the context of this Question.
My Department has the Member State role in respect of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), PEACEPLUS, a range of EU Interreg programmes and the Accounting Function role in relation to the ERDF. The administration of funding and grants is undertaken by the Regional Assemblies, who serve as Managing Authorities (MA) and National Contact Points (NCP), as follows:
- ERDF: (MA)
- Southern Regional Assembly
- Northern and Western Regional Assembly
- PEACEPLUS: (MA)
- Special EU Programmes Body
- Atlantic Area: (NCP)
- Northern and Western Regional Assembly
- Northern Periphery and Arctic: (NCP)
- Northern and Western Regional Assembly
- North-West Europe: (NCP)
- Southern Regional Assembly
Information on funding available can be sourced on the websites of the relevant Assembly (southernassembly.ie and nwra.ie).
More generally, the Department provides grant funding to a number of bodies as follows:
- Exchequer grant support has been provided to Transparency International Ireland (TII) since 2016 for the provision of a free Speak Up Helpline and Legal Advice Service for persons considering making a protected disclosure or who have made a protected disclosure and the grant funding will amount to €369,000 in 2026.
- The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) receives grant funding to assist them in the provision of services across the Public Service. The Institute provides specialist education, learning and development, thought leadership and advisory services for public servants and organisations across the Public Service and the grant funding will amount to €6,940,000 in 2026.
- The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) produces research that contributes to understanding economic and social change and that informs public policymaking and civil society in Ireland. Grant funding provided my Department assists the ESRI to carry out this research and will amount to €3,900,000 in 2026.
- Technological University Dublin (TUD) receives an annual grant to progress the Build Digital Project which aims to ensure that world class digital practices, which already exist in certain elements of the Irish construction sector are adopted throughout the industry and supply chain in order to achieve a more innovative sector from top to bottom. In December 2020 as part of this process, the Department launched a competitive challenge-based grant call to deliver the Build Digital Project with up to €2.5 million in public funding over the next five years. TUD was the winner of this competition and will receive the final grant amount of €500,000 in 2026.
With regard to bodies under the aegis of the Department, the Office of Public Works (OPW) offers scheme funding to local councils in the form of the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme based on applications from local authorities to the OPW minor works scheme. This scheme is ongoing and does not have an open or close date.
In addition, the OPW provides capital expenditure grants to Dublin Zoo (€2m projected in 2026), Fota Island (€1.7m projected in 2026) and Glasnevin Cemetery (€350,000 projected in 2026) and current expenditure grants to Mount Congreve (€450,000 projected in 2026). The OPW also provides grants towards Irish Architectural Archive and Irish Architectural Foundation. These grants do not have launch or closing dates in 2026 and are provided on an annual basis.
273. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress in emission reduction targets in areas that are the responsibility of his Department; which measures are particularly successful and which measures are underperforming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67054/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to continuing to implement its Public Sector Climate Action Mandate to support climate action within its own operations and with its clients and suppliers. Through the development and implementation of its Climate Action Roadmap, this Department has a focus on the organisational-level actions needed to meet the requirements of the mandate and reach our 2030 carbon and energy efficiency targets. My Department is currently on target to meet all requirements, which are implemented through existing resource allocations.
The 2025 Climate Action Roadmap for my Department can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/organisation-information/dpendr-climate-action-roadmap/.
Specific measures set out in the Climate Action Roadmap include exploring potential methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, engagement in energy efficiency campaigns, periodic energy audits, providing climate awareness training to staff and climate leadership training to senior staff, progressive elimination of single use items and promotion of public transport and active travel over driving.
274. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his plans for a piece of land (details supplied). [67102/25]
View answerThe plot of land in question, which is vested in the Minister for Public Expenditure; Infrastructure; Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, is the subject of a 99 year Sporting lease from 1st March 2001 to the Trustees of the Garda Boat Club.
