Pádraig Rice
Question:184. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Defence to address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68688/25]
View answerWaste Management
Questions (184)
Written answers
The Department of Defence and Defence Forces operate a joint planning working group which reviews planning applications likely to have a potential impact on Defence Forces infrastructure and operations. If necessary, submissions can be made to the relevant planning authority with respect to a specific development in line with operational needs and taking into account overall Government policy. The relevant branches of the Defence Forces are represented on this working group, including the Naval Service.
The planning application the Deputy refers to was reviewed in the usual manner through the appropriate channels of the above referenced working group. In accordance with accepted practice, approvals and timelines, my officials sought observations from the Defence Forces and submitted those received to the Planning Authority on 6th October 2025.
EU Programmes
Questions (185)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:185. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 18 November 2025, the engagement her Department has had at EU Council level regarding the derogations from the Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive within the European Defence Industry Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68875/25]
View answerWritten answers
The first European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) was published in March 2024. EDIS provides a long-term strategy to address deficiencies in EU defence readiness and applies lessons learnt from previous EU initiatives such the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA). EDIS is supported by a financial arm, the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) which makes available €1.5 billion in EU funding for the period 2025-2027 and comprises a framework of measures to ensure the timely availability and supply of defence products.
EDIP was agreed by the Council and the European Parliament on 16 October 2025 following extensive negotiations by Member States in the Defence Industry Working Party, of which Ireland is a member.
In the absence of a traditional domestic defence industry there is no requirement to apply fast-track permit granting or to seek derogations from the Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive, and as such, no bilateral meetings or other engagements have taken place with the European Commission on these issues.
Parking Provision
Questions (186)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:186. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the current measures available to local authorities to address unlawful parking in disabled parking spots; if he will consider further measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68955/25]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to inform the Deputy that regulations are currently in place in relation to unlawful parking in disabled parking bays.
It is an offence to park in a disabled parking bay without a disabled parking permit and a fixed charge notice of €150 may be issued for this offence. In addition, the use of a parking permit by a person who is not the permit holder, and which is not for the convenience of the holder, may incur a fixed charge notice of €200.
Enforcement of parking regulations is a matter for An Garda Síochána and local authorities.
Rail Network
Questions (187)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:187. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the reason funding has not been provided under the National Development Plan for DART+ Southwest; the new timeline for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68528/25]
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 including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
DART+ South West, which is part of the DART+ programme, involves the extension of DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge, increasing train capacity from 12 to 23 trains per hour per direction and increasing passenger capacity from the current peak capacity of circa 5,000 to 20,000 passengers per hour per direction. An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission for DART+ South West in November 2024. Procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
The Sectoral Plan sees the allocation of €22.3 billion in Exchequer resources to Transport, along with an additional allocation of €2 billion from the country's Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to support the development of MetroLink.
Of this total allocation, funding of circa €10 billion for public transport infrastructure is earmarked from 2026 to 2030, in addition to the €2 billion for MetroLink, primarily in line with the Department’s NIFTI intervention hierarchy of Maintain, Optimise, Improve, and New. This approach involves prioritising investment in the protection and renewal of existing assets before investing in new ones, on economic and environmental grounds.
This funding will see significant advancements made in a number of public transport projects, including commencing construction on DART+ Programme.
The Department of Transport will continue to explore opportunities for additional funding, including through funding streams such as the European Union Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), to compliment national Exchequer funding which may allow some projects to proceed to construction earlier than currently anticipated.
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 (188)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:188. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the actions which will be taken to increase capacity on train services for commuters in Dublin mid-west given DART+ Southwest will be further delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68529/25]
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 including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
DART+ South West, which is part of the DART+ programme, involves the extension of DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge, increasing train capacity from 12 to 23 trains per hour per direction and increasing passenger capacity from the current peak capacity of circa 5,000 to 20,000 passengers per hour per direction. An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission for DART+ South West in November 2024. Procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
The Sectoral Plan sees the allocation of €22.3 billion in Exchequer resources to Transport, along with an additional allocation of €2 billion from the country's Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to support the development of MetroLink. Of this total allocation, funding of circa €10 billion for public transport infrastructure is earmarked from 2026 to 2030, in addition to the €2 billion for MetroLink, primarily in line with the Department’s NIFTI intervention hierarchy of Maintain, Optimise, Improve, and New. This approach involves prioritising investment in the protection and renewal of existing assets before investing in new ones, on economic and environmental grounds. This funding will see significant advancements made in a number of public transport projects, including commencing construction on DART+ Programme.
The Department of Transport will continue to explore opportunities for additional funding, including through funding streams such as the European Union Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), to compliment national Exchequer funding which may allow some projects to proceed to construction earlier than currently anticipated.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
National Transport Authority
Questions (189)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:189. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority was aware of the Local Area Plan non-compliance in a local authority (details supplied) before releasing Active Travel funding; the checks the authority carried out once this information was provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68546/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the allocation of funding to and the development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
National Transport Authority
Questions (190)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:190. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport to clarify the governance arrangements that apply when the National Transport Authority funds senior staff in a local authority; how the authority ensures that decisions to apply for or authorise public expenditure are supported by valid delegated authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68547/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Haulage Industry
Questions (191, 192)
Niamh Smyth
Question:191. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review concerns raised by a transport and logistics business (details supplied); if he will address the issues highlighted in the correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68560/25]
View answerNiamh Smyth
Question:192. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review concerns raised by a transport and logistics business (details supplied); if he will address the issues highlighted in the correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68561/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.
I note the costs set out by the company over the period 2021-2025 and that the policy responsibility spans a number of Government Departments.
As Minister for Transport, I am committed to supporting the haulage and road freight sector. In recent years my Department has provided targeted short-term financial supports to operators impacted by the sharp increase in the cost of diesel and other operating costs due to the war in Ukraine.
The collaborative approach taken during Brexit, and COVID was invaluable, and we have now established a permanent Road Freight Forum to continue this dialogue. My Department and I will continue to engage with industry representatives through the Road Freight Forum and Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group, to develop medium and long-term policies to support the haulage and road freight sector to overcome the dynamic issues they are facing.
I wish to draw your attention to the schemes which provide for electrification of Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) fleets and have set out additional information below, in an appendix, for your information.
As Minister for Transport, I also 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 byelaws 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 ten working days.
Matters concerning fuel fall under my remit as Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment. In this regard, The Government is committed to a just transition to climate neutrality that leaves no one behind. Just transition builds on the principles of evidence-based approaches; ensuring that people are equipped with the right skills to benefit from the net zero economy; cost-sharing and equity; and social dialogue with impacted people and communities.
The allocation of Carbon Tax revenues contribute to the principle of cost-sharing. To ensure that the impact of carbon tax increases are progressive through redistribution, Budget 2025 allocated €951 million in carbon tax supports to a range of programmes that support Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy and protect those most vulnerable. Allocations were prioritised to targeted social welfare interventions; residential and community energy efficiency upgrades; and programmes to incentivise sustainable agriculture and transport initiatives.
With regard to taxation of fuels, all transport fuels are subject to excise duty in the form of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT), and to Value-Added Tax (VAT).
Auto-diesel is the predominant fuel in the transport sector and in November 2021 the applicable MOT rate was €535.46 per 1,000 litres. The current rate of €615.76 per 1,000 litres reflects an increase of €80.30 per 1,000 litres to the carbon component. This increase has been implemented in four equal amounts each October since 2021 under the 10-year carbon tax trajectory.
The Diesel Rebate Scheme (DRS) provides a partial rebate of MOT to qualifying road haulage and bus transport operators, when the average retail price of auto-diesel exceeds €1.00 per litre excluding VAT. The DRS repayment rate has been at the maximum level for almost four years. This is in additional to VAT registered businesses’ ability to deduct the VAT charged on the purchase of business inputs, such as auto diesel or HVO. In 2024 the DRS scheme provided over €31 million in support to haulage companies.
Matters concerning the minimum wage and statutory sick pay are the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Employment Pay Related Social Insurance and Pension Auto-Enrolment are the responsibility of the Department of Social Protection.
Appendix - Additional Information on Electrification of HGV Fleets
The Zero-Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme (ZEHDV) opened in February 2024. The Scheme awards grants to assist companies and enterprises who wish to buy zero-emission heavy duty vehicles (ZEHDV) which are supported by the Scheme instead of buying the diesel equivalent. In November 2024, the scheme was expanded to include purchase grants for recharging infrastructure. The Zero-Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle (ZEHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. In July 2025, a fleet assessment scheme was introduced to evaluate current electrical capacity, identify potential upgrades to transformers and substations, and plan for smart energy management systems to avoid excessive demand charges and grid constraints.
The EV Fleet Assessment Grant is a government-funded support scheme that helps businesses explore the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The scheme offers financial support for an independent fleet assessment carried out by a qualified energy advisor.
The assessment provides:
• A detailed review of your existing fleet, including mileage and fuel consumption
• Identification of routes and vehicles suitable for electrification
• A tailored EV charging plan to support your transition
• Guidance on the type and scale of charging infrastructure required
This support is available to large enterprises, SMEs, and semi-state bodies seeking to decarbonise their fleet but unsure where to begin. Eligible businesses can receive up to €4,000 for fleets of 5–50 vehicles or up to €8,000 for fleets of 51+ vehicles. Site assessments will be supported to evaluate current electrical capacity, identify potential upgrades to transformers and substations, and plan for smart energy management systems to avoid excessive demand charges and grid constraints.
The Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) division of the Department of Transport engage with the IRHA both individually and as part of ZEVI’s wider Public-Private Vehicles Stakeholder Group and Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicles Subgroup. In addition, the IRHA are also part of the HDV Electrification Pathway Working Group which was established in February by ZEVI to support the electrification of the heavy-duty fleet in Ireland. The Working Group is represented by organisations from across the road transport and logistics sector, charge point operators, vehicle manufacturers, motor industry representatives, academia and public policy officials.
The purpose of the Group is to:
• Ensure strong industry input into the development of a HDV Electrification Pathway
• Share knowledge and learnings with a view to progressing HDV electrification
• Investigate barriers to the uptake of zero emission heavy duty vehicles
• Establish the strengths and opportunities for the roll out of HDV infrastructure
• Identify domestic and international case studies that provide opportunities for further knowledge sharing.
The Working Group has been tasked with producing a HDV Electrification Pathway Report. The objective of the Report is to support the electrification of the heavy-duty fleet in Ireland and offer practical solutions and a roadmap towards 2040 and is expected to be published in early 2026.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Rail Network
Questions (193)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Question:193. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport the plans to increase frequency or capacity on rail services serving Kill, County Kildare given the 126 bus is the sole direct public transport route to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68565/25]
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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and the NTA. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the organisations 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 (194)
Grace Boland
Question:194. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Shared Island sports club EV charging scheme; when clubs can expect selections to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68568/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Infrastructure Scheme is a €15 million all-island initiative supporting the installation of publicly accessible EV chargers in sports clubs. The aim of the scheme is to install a network of publicly accessible EV chargers in communities throughout the country, through their local sports clubs.
Over 220 clubs across the island reached the eligibility criteria to continue to the design and installation phase. The shortlisted clubs which are all affiliated with a recognised national governing body and meet the scheme requirements took part in national webinars run by Pobal and ZEVI in August and November where the next steps of the scheme and the processes to draw down funding were outlined.
All clubs are now eligible to enter into a mini-tender process with each of the three approved Charge Point Operators (CPOs) for the installation and operation of charge points at their clubs. All clubs are assessed on a first-come first-served basis. I understand there has been very strong engagement between clubs and the approved CPOs over the last number of months.
Pension Provisions
Questions (195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 226)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:195. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the 5% increase in pensions for retired CIÉ workers; to provide an update on the Statutory Instrument required to give effect to the increase; when he expects the Statutory Instrument to be finalised; when he expects the increase to be applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68576/25]
View answer
Barry Ward
Question:196. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to correspondence sent to his office on 13 November 2025; if he will engage with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the substantive issues that they raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68587/25]
View answerBarry Ward
Question:197. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any engagement he has had since taking up his current role with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68588/25]
View answerBarry Ward
Question:198. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any review being carried out by his Department into the requests by an organisation (details supplied); if there is any report commissioned in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68589/25]
View answerBarry Ward
Question:199. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a protest carried out by an organisation (details supplied) in Limerick on 17 November 2025 in relation to pension entitlements; the actions he will take to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68590/25]
View answer
John Lahart
Question:226. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport for a progress report on matters pertaining to the pension entitlements and arrangements for retired CIÉ workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68885/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 and 226 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees. Any correspondence received by my Department in relation to CIÉ Pension Schemes will be processed via the Department's central eCorrespondence system, with replies issued by officials in due course.
Regarding the recent engagement between CIÉ and the Trade Union Group (TUG) on the matter of the CIÉ Pension Schemes, the Department acknowledges the longstanding tradition within CIÉ of ensuring that terms and conditions of employees, which include pension provision, are negotiated collectively with recognised Trade Unions.
I welcome the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward, which is aimed at balancing the objectives of supporting the future sustainability of the schemes, protecting existing benefits for members of the scheme (including pensioners), and contributing to the overall financial stability of the CIÉ Group.
I acknowledge the positive outcome from the ballot held on the CIÉ Pension Proposal for both Schemes, which was agreed by CIÉ and the TUG in May of this year.
In line with the appropriate processes and compliance with all applicable requirements, my Department will continue to engage with CIÉ as well as financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members.
Decisions regarding pension increases are ultimately a matter for the CIÉ Board as informed by actuarial advice and is subject to requirements imposed by statute and scheme rules. Accordingly, I have referred this aspect of the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 195.
Question No. 197 answered with Question No. 195.
Question No. 198 answered with Question No. 195.
Question No. 199 answered with Question No. 195.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (200)
Tom Brabazon
Question:200. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport the passenger-protection mechanisms which currently exist under the NTA for non-fault incidents; if the NTA provides any guidance to operators; and if his Department will consider examining a limited safety-net mechanism as part of the ongoing review linked to the MIBI. [68597/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that 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 has statutory responsibility for the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions in this area to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The legal vires held by my Department with regard to motor insurance primarily concern the requirement under European law and under the Road Traffic Acts for the driver of a vehicle to hold valid third party cover. The principal role of the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) is to compensate victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured or unidentified vehicles. I do not intend to extend the Bureau's role to incidents involving insured vehicles.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (201, 204)
Barry Ward
Question:201. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to engaging with the car rental sector in relation to forthcoming EU legislative proposals due to be published on 10 December 2025 in relation to the mandated quota of electric cars for corporate fleets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68601/25]
View answerBarry Ward
Question:204. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the forthcoming publication of an EU legislative proposal on a battery EV (BEV) purchase mandate for corporate fleets on 10 December 2025; if he is concerned about the knock on impact on our domestic car rental companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68604/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 204 together.
Ireland’s ambitious target under the Climate Action Plan 2023 is to achieve 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
The Greening Corporate Fleets initiative originated in the EU Commission’s December 2020 Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, which promised “a comprehensive policy of actions to boost the uptake of zero-emission vehicles in corporate and urban fleets.”
Earlier in 2025, the EU Commission, initiated a high-profile review of the EU automotive industry, addressing concerns around CO2 emissions targets and other industry concerns around the EV transition. That process brought a renewed emphasis on Greening Corporate Fleets, and the Commission has been directed to produce a legislative proposal before the end of the year.
In October 2024, Ireland joined a small group of like-minded Member States in writing to President von der Leyen at Ministerial level, urging the Commission to take action on corporate fleets. Once the proposal is published, my Department will work to assess how the proposal will affect Irish businesses, in terms of the number and type of companies within scope of the proposal, taking account of the concerns for example of the short term car rental sector. We will also give consideration, in due course, to whether our existing supports for EV take-up need to be adjusted to better complement an EU Regulation in this regard.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (202, 203)
Barry Ward
Question:202. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to the lack of capacity in the electricity grid at Dublin Airport to allow for a significant expansion of electric cars to be leased by car rental companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68602/25]
View answerBarry Ward
Question:203. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to the lack of capacity in the electricity grid at Shannon Airport to allow for a significant expansion of electric cars to be leased by car rental companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68603/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that energy demand and grid impacts fall under the remit of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. I understand that applications for grid connections at airports are a matter for each airport, and they may engage with ESB Networks in that regard.
Question No. 203 answered with Question No. 202.
Question No. 204 answered with Question No. 201.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (205)
Barry Ward
Question:205. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he is conscious of the unique challenges faced by the car rental industry in rolling out zero emission cars, specifically in relation to charging infrastructure and the lack of capacity in the grid system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68605/25]
View answerWritten 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. I am also aware from engagements with the car rental sector of the particular challenges which that sector faces in terms of EV transition.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) which operates within my Department developed a national infrastructure strategy to 2025 in line with EU and national CAP ambitions. This is currently being reviewed and updated in line with the new Programme for Government commitment on increasing EV charging infrastructure for the next 3 years. I intend publishing this new strategy for consultation in early 2026 and through this process further engage with the car rental industry in terms of their specific needs.
In relation to electric vehicle grid connections, ZEVI continues to work closely with ESB Networks to ensure the necessary connection requirements are planned and in place to meet the increasing needs for public charging.
Taxi Regulations
Questions (206)
Conor Sheehan
Question:206. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68611/25]
View answerWritten answers
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is the independent transport regulator of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector.
Section 24 of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 & 2016 empowers the NTA Board to make a “Maximum Fares Order” fixing the maximum fare that may be charged by the driver of a taxi for any journey. The current maximum fares order took effect in December 2024, and a maximum fare review is carried out approximately every 2 years. The NTA has conducted these reviews since 2011. Hackneys and limousines agree their fares in advance and do not use a meter.
The Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order 2024 increased taxi fares by an average of 9% and ensures that taxi fares continue to reflect the rising costs associated with operating a taxi in Ireland. This increase includes a special rate for the weekend peak, year-round, to incentivise more drivers to service the night-time economy. The 2024 Order built on the 2022 Maximum Fares Order in which a 12% increase on fares was introduced.
As set out in the legislation, charging more than this maximum fare can lead to a prosecution, however, charging below the maximum fare is permitted. I understand that the Uber Fixed Price offer does not breach the maximum fare regulatory provisions for taxis or constitute an offence associated with the misuse of taximeters.
I issued a letter to the NTA on 19 November last asking that they clarify the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike. I also recently met with the Advisory Committee on SPSVs, whose role it is to provide advice to the Minister and the NTA in relation to issues relevant to SPSVs and their drivers, where the matter was discussed. I intend to further engage with SPSV sectoral representatives on this issue, once I receive the regulatory clarification from the NTA.
In relation to student discounted fares on public transport, the NTA has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for further information. 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.