Emer Currie
Question:193. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a driver’s licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69186/25]
View answerDriver Licences
Questions (193)
Written answers
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 my Department may become involved in any individual application.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if you have not eceived a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (194)
Emer Currie
Question:194. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if the Independent Travel Support (ITS) service will engage with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69193/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure. The NTA has overall responsibility for the Independent Travel Support (ITS) scheme.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, including the ITS, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
National Transport Authority
Questions (195)
Cormac Devlin
Question:195. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to set out its plans to increase capacity and frequency on DART and bus services an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69196/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, my role concerns overall policy direction and funding for public transport. 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.
Day-to-day operational decisions – such as service scheduling and capacity – are the statutory responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA), working with the relevant transport providers. I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
The DART+ West and DART+ Coastal South projects will serve areas along the E-spine including, Broombridge (DART+ West) and Bray, Dún Laoghaire and Greystones (DART+ Coastal South). In addition, DART+ Fleet will provide a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet. The first trains of the new fleet have started arriving and are currently undergoing certification and testing.
The progression of DART+ West, Dart+ Coastal South, and DART+ Fleet is identified in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport which was published in November 2025.
In relation to BusConnects Dublin, which is the most advanced of the programmes, there have been some positive developments recently, with An Coimisiún Pleanála having approved all 12 of the BusConnects Dublin Core Bus Corridor Schemes. The first of these Schemes, the Liffey Valley to City Centre Core Bus Corridor, is due to enter construction this month, while the contract for the second, the Ballymun-Finglas Core Bus Corridor, was signed this week and will enter construction in 2026.
The first seven phases of new bus service routes as part of the bus network in Dublin have been implemented. The NTA rolled out Phase 7, the F-Spine (Finglas to Tallaght) in October 2025.
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 (196)
Cormac Devlin
Question:196. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority will respond to representations regarding a matter (details supplied); when the relevant real-time passenger information display will be repaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69201/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply to the unanswered queries. 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.
Road Projects
Questions (197)
Cormac Devlin
Question:197. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport in view of increased capacity pressures on the existing M50 motorway, the plans to advance proposals for an outer orbital motorway around Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69202/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
The National Transport Authority's (NTA) Greater Dublin Area Strategy does not envisage the progression of a Leinster Orbital Route in it's original form.
However, it proposed the provision of offline improvements in the existing road network to cater for orbital demand. It is important to point out that it is for the relevant local authorities, in the first instance, to engage with TII regarding the progression of any proposed national road project. All projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the development of improvements to the national road network which may facilitate orbital traffic. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Air Safety
Questions (198)
Cormac Devlin
Question:198. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of European red notices for aircraft that have been issued in Irish airspace over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69207/25]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the deputy that there are no “European red notices” that are issued for aircraft.
The EU Air Safety List (ASL) is a list of air carriers that do not fulfil international safety standards. This list is provided in two parts, the first details air carriers banned from operating in the EU, with exceptions and the second are those air carriers that are subject to operational restrictions within the EU. This second set of air carriers are not banned per se, they are however restricted from operating with certain aircraft.
It should be noted that, in both cases, operations may still be possible using wet-leased aircraft from an air carrier not subject to an operating ban and that complies with all relevant aviation safety standards.
The list is publicly available and can be accessed here: https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/eu-air-safety-list_en
As of December 2025 there are 169 air carriers banned from EU skies, this includes both individual airlines and, in some cases, all carriers licensed in particular states. If the safety authorities of a third country are not able to fulfil their international safety oversight obligations, all the carriers of that country can be put on the ASL.
The ASL is updated by the EU Air Safety Committee (ASC), which is comprised of aviation safety experts from Member States and chaired by the Commission with support from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
In considering applications for flight authorisations, the Department of Transport consults the ASL.
Separately, air operators from certain countries are subject to restrictive measures which ban them from operating in the EU, as provided for in EU regulations.
In this regard, the Department of Transport is party to a network of Member States who exchange information on the implementation of restrictive measures. Furthermore, in accordance with the applicable legislation on restrictive measures the Department of Transport can seek additional information from air operators, when required, to ensure compliance.
Air Services
Questions (199)
Cormac Devlin
Question:199. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the plans and progress in relation to the recently announced air service between Dublin Airport and City of Derry Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69211/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and City of Derry airports.
My Department is progressing the preparatory work necessary to establish a Dublin-Derry Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service in 2026. Stakeholder engagement is also vital and in this regard a market sounding exercise is being finalised by my Department for publication shortly. This exercise will seek views from potential passengers and stakeholders on the specification required to meet expected demand for the service in terms of aircraft capacity, fare structures, frequency and timing of services. It is also expected that this engagement will confirm the interest in and recognised benefits of the PSO air service for stakeholders in Derry and the wider North West region.
Following this, it is anticipated that a tender for the PSO air service will be published by my Department early in the new year with a view to services commencing by October 2026, or earlier if operationally feasible.
I can assure the Deputy that this current timeline is the optimal timeline to ensure that the detailed work required to establish a service on this route can be completed so that a new service can be launched successfully.
National Transport Authority
Questions (200)
James Geoghegan
Question:200. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport if he can direct the NTA to provide an update as to whether the active travel division in Dublin City Council has been funded by the NTA to deliver the permanent ‘Fitzwilliam cycle route scheme’ which runs along Fitzwilliam Place, Fitzwilliam Street, and Merrion Square East, connecting Leeson Street Lower with Merrion Square North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69294/25]
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.
Road Safety
Questions (201)
Michael Cahill
Question:201. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to urgently examine a very busy and dangerous junction (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69315/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the N72 at Rathmore. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (202)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:202. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve bus services in Bellewstown Co. Meath, under Connecting Ireland or otherwise; the timeline and detail of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69328/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Driver Test
Questions (203)
Emer Currie
Question:203. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 367 of 4 November 2025, the rationale behind a policy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69357/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that a car, tractor or motorcycle learner permit holder who has not held, within 5 years prior to the granting of their permit, a permit in the relevant category, is not entitled to make an application for a driving test within the first 6 months.
Where a person has held a current valid non-EU driving licence for a minimum of 6 months, they can apply for an exemption to the above rule.
Where a person is subject to Essential Driver Training (EDT), then they will not be scheduled for a driving test until they complete the training.
A person who has held a valid non-EU driving licence for a minimum of 2 years can apply for a reduction in the mandatory 12 driving lessons down to 6 driving lessons. This provision recognises their previous driving experience.
Where a person obtained their learner permit for a car prior to 4 April 2011 and has not allowed the permit to expire by more than 5 years since then, they are not subject to EDT and do not have to complete EDT prior to a driving test.
Changes to learner permit conditions, to be introduced on 1 November 2026, will mean that all learner permit holders will be subject to EDT in order to take a driving test.
Road Traffic Offences
Questions (204)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:204. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the current speed restrictions that apply to motorbikes on national roads; the penalties for speeding; and the number of speeding fines and penalty points issued in 2023 and 2024. [69452/25]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that motorcycles must adhere to the posted speed limits and do not have a separate speed limits.
Motorists who speed currently face 3 penalty points and a fixed charge notice (FCN) of €160, rising to €240 if not paid within 28 days. If, after 56 days, the motorist has not paid the FCN, the offence is referred to the courts, where the motorist may choose to accept the penalty points and pay a €320 FCN up to seven days before the court date. If the motorist chooses to go to court and is convicted of a speeding offence, they could be fined up to €1000 and receive 5 penalty points.
The penalty points issued for speeding in 2023 and 2024 are provided in the table below.
|
Year |
3 Penalty Points |
5 Penalty Points |
Total |
|
2023 |
128,589 |
5,598 |
134,187 |
|
2024 |
115,059 |
4,847 |
119,906 |
This Department does not hold data relating to the number of FCNs issued. I suggest the Deputy contact An Garda Síochána directly for this information.
Rail Network
Questions (205)
Grace Boland
Question:205. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the supplier of the battery electric carriages (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69464/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Fleet provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet. Two fleet orders have been placed (185 carriages, largely battery-electric with some electric units). The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing. It is intended that the new battery-electric sets will be initially deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from 2027.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Rail Network
Questions (206)
Grace Boland
Question:206. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if Irish Rail has examined the short-term leasing of compatible rolling stock from other jurisdictions to address capacity issues arising from the delayed delivery of the battery electric carriages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69465/25]
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.
The leasing of rolling stock from other jurisdictions is a challenge for Iarnród Éireann and the NTA given that the Irish rail gauge is different to that used in the UK or the European Union.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Fleet provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet. Two fleet orders have been placed (185 carriages, largely battery-electric with some electric units). The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing. It is intended that the new battery-electric sets will be initially deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from 2027.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Rail Network
Questions (207)
Grace Boland
Question:207. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the status of driver training, depot readiness and support infrastructure for the battery electric carriages; and if the delay in delivery will impact these preparatory timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69466/25]
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.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Fleet provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet. Two fleet orders have been placed (185 carriages, largely battery-electric with some electric units). The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing. It is intended that the new battery-electric sets will be initially deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from 2027.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Bus Services
Questions (208)
Grace Boland
Question:208. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if contactless payments which will be introduced on Local Link services will be charged at the same rate structure as Leap card fares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69467/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Air Safety
Questions (209, 210, 211, 212)
Conor D McGuinness
Question:209. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the laws, regulations and rules that apply to paramotors in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69476/25]
View answerConor D McGuinness
Question:210. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if persons who operate a paramotor in Ireland require a licence; and if their aircraft must be registered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69477/25]
View answerConor D McGuinness
Question:211. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the reporting procedure if a person is operating a paramotor unlawfully; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69478/25]
View answerConor D McGuinness
Question:212. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the number of paramotors which are recorded to be in operation in Ireland to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69479/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 209, 210, 211 and 212 together.
The regulation of paramotoring in Ireland falls under the remit of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).
Paramotors pilots flying in Ireland are required to comply with the following regulations:
Aeronautical Notice A.112:• Pilots are required to register their aircraft in accordance with IAA Aeronautical Notice A.112 FLIGHT PERMIT FOR SINGLE SEAT AIRCRAFT
Aeronautical Notice P.35:• Pilots must be licensed to fly in accordance with IAA Aeronautical Notice P.35 NATIONAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR POWERED PARAGLIDER AIRCRAFT (PPG) and POWERED HANG-GLIDER AIRCRAFT (PHG)
IAA Aeronautical Notice P.21:• Pilots visiting from other jurisdictions must comply with the requirements of Aeronautical Notice P.21- Acceptance of Flight Crew Licenses.
Standardised European Rules of the Air, Regulation (EU) No 923/2012:• Minimum heights must be flown in accordance with Standardised European Rules of the Air, Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 as amended. In particular
• SERA.5005 (f) Except when necessary for take-off or landing, or except by permission from the competent authority, a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight shall not be flown:
(1) over the congested areas of cities, towns or settlements or over an open-air assembly of persons at a height less than 300 m (1 000 ft) above the highest obstacle within a radius of 600 m from the aircraft;
(2) elsewhere than as specified in (1), at a height less than 150 m (500 ft) above the ground or water, or 150 m (500 ft) above the highest obstacle within a radius of 150 m (500 ft) from the aircraft.
There are currently 41 powered paragliders registered with the IAA.
The reporting procedure to notify the IAA of an unlawful operation of a paramotor can be accessed on the IAA website at www.iaa.ie/safety/safety-reporting/general-aviation-occurrence-reporting
Question No. 210 answered with Question No. 209.
Question No. 211 answered with Question No. 209.
Question No. 212 answered with Question No. 209.
Road Safety
Questions (213)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:213. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport to restore lighting at the Exit 4 M9 junction (Carlow Town/Tullow) on the border Carlow/Kildare (details supplied); and the reason the limited lighting provided at exit 4 differs significantly to lighting provided at other exits on the M9. [69480/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the restoration of lighting at Exit 4 on the M9.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.