Written Answers Nos. 214-233
214. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the way in which delays to the Next Generation Ticketing programme will affect the implementation of future fare policy reforms including zonal structures, fare caps and open payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69482/25]
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 the development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects, and 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 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.
215. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to ensure that the Next Generation Ticketing system will be introduced on commuter rail and regional bus services at the same pace as Dublin city services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69483/25]
View answer216. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the governance and oversight arrangements in place to ensure that the Next Generation Ticketing programme adheres to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the Infrastructure Guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69484/25]
View answer217. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended that the Next Generation Ticketing system will be integrated with existing Transport for Ireland digital services to provide one streamlined app and a single point of access for users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69485/25]
View answer218. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for user testing of the Next Generation Ticketing system; when commuters will be able to trial the integrated digital platform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69486/25]
View answer219. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the governance arrangements in place to oversee the digital integration of the Next Generation Ticketing system with existing public transport platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69487/25]
View answer220. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the National Transport Authority is ensuring that the Next Generation Ticketing system will provide a consistent user experience across bus, rail and regional services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69488/25]
View answer221. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if the Next Generation Ticketing system will support real time information, journey planning, account management and payment within a single app interface; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69489/25]
View answer222. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the operational model changes that will be required within the National Transport Authority when it assumes responsibility for collecting and distributing public transport revenues under the Next Generation Ticketing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69490/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221 and 222 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing (or NGT) project will provide a transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a next-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport and to keep fares low and affordable.
The NGT project will represent the most comprehensive overhaul of ticketing and fare payment in the history of public transport in Ireland. NGT will transform how people travel by bus, Luas, and train and will mean that customers will be able to pay for journeys by tapping their bank card, mobile phone, or other smart device.
The scope of NGT covers all public service buses, trams, and train stations including bus validators, ticket machines, ticket vending machines, station gates, tram and train platform validators and an Account Based Ticketing (ABT) solution delivered on modern cloud hosting technologies. Each of these items of ticketing equipment, representing thousands of items, will be replaced under the new system.
It is anticipated that the new ticketing system across the Greater Dublin Area will be implemented in 2028, with further rollouts thereafter.
All governance arrangements for public transport initiatives including the NGT project, which are funded through my Department, are in line with the requirements set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines. Governance arrangements are under constant consideration to ensure they reflect the scale of relevant initiatives, provide effective oversight of projects and achieve value for money.
Nothing 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 working days.
223. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the governance and oversight arrangements that will be put in place to manage the National Transport Authority’s new role as collector and payer of fare revenues once Next Generation Ticketing is introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69491/25]
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 the development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects, and for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
As the Deputy will be aware, the NTA is a non-commercial State body operating under the aegis of the Department of Transport. While the Authority exercises its functions independently, it is fully accountable to my Department for its performance, governance and use of public funds. This is established through both legislation and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, which is implemented through a number of formal oversight mechanisms.
Under the Code of Practice, an Oversight Agreement (OA) and a Performance Delivery Agreement (PDA) are in place between my Department and the NTA. These agreements set out the statutory and policy framework within which the NTA operates, the respective roles and responsibilities of the Authority and the Department, key outputs and performance indicators, and governance, compliance, and assurance obligations.
The Department also exercises ongoing oversight through a structured programme of engagement, including monthly meetings between NTA senior management and Department officials, quarterly corporate governance meetings to review compliance and performance, regular day-to-day engagement on policy and programme delivery, and direct engagement with me as Minister on strategic or topical matters. The NTA is also required to submit annual reports, strategy statements, financial accounts, and other documentation that enable the Department to assess its performance.
In terms of the Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) scheme, the NTA has been collecting and allocating revenues for the Leap Card scheme since its launch in December 2011 - processing over €2.7 billion in payments for public transport with over 9 million Leap Cards sold. The same robust governance and audit arrangements will apply to the NGT scheme, which is the eventual successor to the TFI Leap Card. The NTA is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and has an Internal Audit function reporting to its Audit & Risk Committee, while each operator also maintains its own auditors.
In summary, while the NTA operates with operational independence, it is fully accountable to my Department for its performance, governance, and use of public funds through a robust set of statutory, governance and reporting mechanisms.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have also 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.
224. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if an assessment has been carried out on whether the National Transport Authority’s role as both regulator of public transport operators and the entity responsible for collecting and distributing revenues under Next Generation Ticketing may give rise to a conflict of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69492/25]
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 the development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects, and for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
Under Section?58 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the NTA is mandated to develop, implement, and maintain an integrated ticketing scheme in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. In line with this mandate, the NTA has managed the Leap Card scheme since its launch in December 2011, processing over €2.7 billion in payments and selling more than 9 million cards. The NTA has also exercised its regulatory functions in accordance with relevant legislation, including the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. These statutory obligations form the basis for the governance and operation of both the current Leap Card system and its successor, the Next Generation Ticketing scheme.
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.
225. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the measures that will be taken to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of revenues collected under the Next Generation Ticketing system, particularly in the context of the National Transport Authority’s broader regulatory functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69493/25]
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 the development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects, and for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
As the Deputy will be aware, the NTA is a non-commercial State body operating under the aegis of the Department of Transport. While the Authority exercises its functions independently, it is fully accountable to my Department for its performance, governance and use of public funds. This is established through both legislation and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, which is implemented through a number of formal oversight mechanisms.
Under the Code of Practice, an Oversight Agreement (OA) and a Performance Delivery Agreement (PDA) are in place between my Department and the NTA. These agreements set out the statutory and policy framework within which the NTA operates, the respective roles and responsibilities of the Authority and the Department, key outputs and performance indicators, and governance, compliance, and assurance obligations.
The Department also exercises ongoing oversight through a structured programme of engagement, including monthly meetings between NTA senior management and Department officials, quarterly corporate governance meetings to review compliance and performance, regular day-to-day engagement on policy and programme delivery, and direct engagement with me as Minister on strategic or topical matters. The NTA is also required to submit annual reports, strategy statements, financial accounts, and other documentation that enable the Department to assess its performance.
In terms of the Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) scheme, the NTA has been collecting and allocating revenues for the Leap Card scheme since its launch in December 2011 - processing over €2.7 billion in payments for public transport with over 9 million Leap Cards sold. The same robust governance and audit arrangements will apply to the NGT scheme, which is the eventual successor to the TFI Leap Card. The NTA is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and has an Internal Audit function reporting to its Audit & Risk Committee, while each operator also maintains its own auditors.
In summary, while the NTA operates with operational independence, it is fully accountable to my Department for its performance, governance, and use of public funds through a robust set of statutory, governance and reporting mechanisms.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have also 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.
226. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 259 of 30 September 2025, if he will instruct the RSA to examine issues with the NCT outlined in correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69521/25]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 and associated vehicle roadworthiness regulations, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing (NCT) service. As Minister, I have no function in respect of operational matters. However, my officials have engaged with the RSA on various aspects of the NCT service including quality control and monitoring. The NCT is designed for a particular purpose, which is to ascertain does a vehicle meet certain roadworthiness tests at a point in time.
Delivery of the NCT service is currently contracted out to a third-party supplier, with the contract managed and overseen by the RSA's customer operations directorate. The service is subject to a stringent regime of independent audits and inspections carried out by the AA. More than 99 per cent of tests reviewed are deemed to be fairly and correctly assessed. A dedicated internal audit team is in place to manage allegations, investigations, and complaints. This involves random surprise audits to review vehicles that had just completed a test. Auditors repeat critical elements of the test and identify if there are any discrepancies with the original test result.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the NCT is accredited to International Organization for Standardization standards. All NCT Inspectors are fully qualified mechanics who undertake an intensive three-week training programme delivered through classroom, practical and online training methods. All staff complete Code of Integrity training upon recruitment and on an annual basis thereafter. On-site and annual training programmes are delivered every year to staff to brief them on new technologies.
227. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 and No. 180 of 23 September 2025, the persons and bodies involved in the work described as improved sharing of parking data on a single platform; and the expected completion date for this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69580/25]
View answerThe Intelligent Transport Systems Directive (Directive 2010/40/EU, as amended by Directive (EU) 2023/2661) of the European Union establishes a framework for the coordinated deployment and use of intelligent transport systems (ITS) across the EU to improve road safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The Directive requires EU Member States to work toward common specifications and standards for various ITS applications and services to ensure they are compatible and interoperable across national borders. This coordination seeks to create a single, seamless European transport area.
As part of the Directive for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), a dedicated National Platform is being developed. It is envisaged that such a system will allow for enhanced services to road and transport users including the provision of national parking platforms. The implementation of this platform will be a key enabler to support the development of a range of ITS services in the coming years. As part of the current implementation phase of the Directive organisational arrangements to support effective implementation are being developed. It is envisaged that the platform will be in place in the near future and will continue to develop in phases to meet the objectives. The exact details of the implementation plan are still being finalised but it is envisaged that multiple agencies, local authorities and private bodies will be involved in the deployment of the National Access Point.
228. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will recommend funding to Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kerry County Council to initiate a feasibility study on the economic, social and environmental suitability of constructing a traffic bypass for Killorglin town, which is the gateway to south Kerry / Iveragh on the N22 Ring of Kerry and one of the busiest rural roads in all of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69600/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to a bypass of Killorglin.
It is important to point out that it is for the local authority, 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. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
229. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the serious concerns raised in correspondence regarding the CIÉ pensions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69619/25]
View answerAs 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.
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 also 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.
230. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the Road Safety Authority and the National Car Testing Service to review governance and accountability in vehicle roadworthiness certification, given recent cases of cars passing the NCT despite severe corrosion; the measures he will take to strengthen testing standards and oversight to protect road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69661/25]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing (NCT) service under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 and, as Minister, I have no function in respect of operational matters. However, my officials have engaged with the RSA on various aspects of the NCT service including quality control and monitoring.
Ireland is obliged to adhere to the minimum specified technical standards and intervals for carrying out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles under EU law and the NCT is operated in line with the requirements of EU Directive 2014/45/EU. This is given effect in Irish law by means of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), as amended. These Regulations also give effect to the EU Directive in respect of testing methods and pass/fail criteria.
Delivery of the NCT service is currently contracted out to a third-party supplier, with the contract managed and overseen by the RSA's customer operations directorate. The service is subject to a stringent regime of independent audits and inspections carried out by the AA. More than 99 per cent of tests reviewed are deemed to be fairly and correctly assessed. A dedicated internal audit team is in place to manage allegations, investigations, and complaints. This involves random surprise audits to review vehicles that had just completed a test. Auditors repeat critical elements of the test and identify if there are any discrepancies with the original test result.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the NCT is accredited to International Organization for Standardization standards. All NCT Inspectors are fully qualified mechanics who undertake an intensive three-week training programme delivered through classroom, practical and online training methods. All staff complete Code of Integrity training upon recruitment and on an annual basis thereafter. On-site and annual training programmes are delivered every year to staff to brief them on new technologies.
232. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69729/25]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. In that regard, the operation of the service does not fall under the direct control of me or my Department.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
The Deputy may also wish to note that detailed information in relation to driving test wait times, including at each individual testing centre is available on the CSO website and may be accessed via the following link - https://data.cso.ie/product/RSADTS.
233. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport his plans to add more coaches/services on the Dublin to Westport rail route during mornings, in view of the fact that many use this as a commuter service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69730/25]
View answerAs Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
