Malcolm Byrne
Question:329. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the actions he will take to increase the number of direct flights from Ireland to Canada. [71093/25]
View answerAir Services
Questions (329)
Written answers
The Agreement on Air Transport between the European Community and its Member States and Canada provides the legal framework for scheduled services to operate between Ireland and Canada.
Ultimately, the operation of any scheduled air service is a commercial decision for airlines, in consultation with airports and other market actors, based on the commercial viability of the route in question and other operational factors. I do not have a role in such decisions.
The summer season in 2025 saw offerings from four airlines from Dublin to six different Canadian destinations, with St. John's an additional destination on offer to passengers this year. All four airlines offered daily flights to Toronto. Frequencies on a number of services also increased compared to the equivalent season in 2024. Year-round services from Dublin to Toronto are currently operated by both Aer Lingus and Air Canada.
Public Transport
Questions (330)
Shane Moynihan
Question:330. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the establishment of the transport security force. [71121/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force and is working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in this regard. This work involves careful and informed consideration of the most appropriate model for the force, with all key stakeholders fully engaged – the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. Since assuming office, I have met with these stakeholders as a collective twice and we will continue to work together to deliver on this commitment.
The Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment: that a Transport Security Force will operate under the NTA with powers similar to those held by Airport Police and Customs Officers. The introduction of such a force will require new legislation and this issue is a priority for my Department, and we are determined to advance it as swiftly as possible. We expect legislation to progress during 2026 with a view to having the force operational by 2027.
In parallel with the work being carried out in the Department of Transport, the Government continues to invest heavily in public transport safety, to date €14 million in 2025 . Twenty rapid response hubs have now been established across the Iarnród Éireann intercity network, enhancing their ability to respond quickly to incidents and support frontline staff. In the Dublin region, the Dublin Bus Safer Journeys Team has dedicated units covering North, South, and Central Dublin as of February 2025.
All buses are also now equipped with eleven internal CCTV cameras, and the modern fleet includes three external cameras on each bus to further strengthen surveillance and deterrence. On the Luas, Transdev has a full time dedicated security staff patrolling both Red & Green lines from early morning to last tram.
While these measures mark significant progress, antisocial behaviour on public transport remains a serious concern. It is those who use and work within the network who are most directly affected, and the establishment of the Transport Security Force will be key in addressing this issue.
The establishment of this Transport Security Force is a key priority for Government, and as the Minister for Transport I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers.
In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
Driver Licences
Questions (331, 332, 333)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:331. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the statutory basis under road traffic legislation for the authorisation described by operators as a “tram licence”; to confirm whether this authorisation constitutes a recognised driving licence category under the Road Traffic Act 1961 and associated regulations; and the Department’s position on whether tram drivers operating on public roads fall within the definition of persons carrying passengers for reward for the purposes of PSV licensing requirements. [71188/25]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:332. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the Department’s assessment of the extent to which tram drivers operate under their private driving licences when a tram is driven on a public road; the Department’s evaluation of the insurance and indemnity arrangements in place for tram operations transporting large passenger volumes; and the current post-collision procedures issued to tram drivers align with obligations under the Road Traffic Acts regarding reporting and remaining at the scene. [71189/25]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:333. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the oversight mechanisms in place to verify that tram operators comply with all relevant road traffic, licensing, and insurance requirements when trams operate on public roads; if the Department has carried out any compliance audits of tram operations in the past five years; and any legislative or regulatory changes under review to ensure the legal status and safety framework for tram operations are fully aligned with State law. [71190/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 331, 332 and 333 together.
On-street running of tram light railway must comply with the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997) as amended by S.I. No. 98 of 2003 and S.I. No. 404 of 2004 and the associated road traffic signs and tram signals that have been prescribed for the on-street running of trams. Enforcement of the road traffic law is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
Further provisions for the on-street regulation of tram light railway including speed limits apply under the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 and regulations made under it. To apply to drive a tram on a public road a tram driver is required to hold a valid driver licence that is issued under the Road Traffic Act 1961 i.e. a personal driving licence. A person who is disqualified under the Road Traffic Act for holding a driving licence is prohibited from driving a tram on a public road. There is no separate driving licencing category for tram drivers under legislation. The Public Service Vehicle driver licencing system does not apply to tram drivers. Arrangements and procedures put in place for tram operations are a matter for the railway organisation concerned.
A railway organisation that operates a tram light railway must comply with the safety requirements of the Railway Safety Act 2005 to submit a safety management document for approval by the Commission for Railway Regulation and is subject to the regulatory and enforcement functions of the Commission.
Question No. 332 answered with Question No. 331.
Question No. 333 answered with Question No. 331.
Rail Network
Questions (334)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:334. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport his plans to serve notices to treat for the DART+ South West project before the end of the 18 month deadline. [71193/25]
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.
The DART+ programme, which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA, will triple the length of the electrified network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours. This will significantly enhance access to high capacity public transport across the GDA.
DART+ South West will extend DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston. A Railway Order was approved for DART+ South West by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024. In addition, procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
Funding under the NDP Transport Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by the Department of Transport in November 2025, will allow Compulsory Purchase Orders to progress for DART+ South West starting next year and to progress procurement for the project, with some of the framework contracts being established in common for DART+ West and DART+ South West.
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 (335)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:335. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if Government approval is required to serve notices to treat for the DART+ South West project under the infrastructure guidelines. [71194/25]
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.
The DART+ programme which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA will triple the length of the electrified network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours. This will significantly enhance access to high capacity public transport across the GDA.
DART+ South West will extend DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston. A Railway Order was approved for DART+ South West by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024. In addition, procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
Funding under the NDP Transport Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by the Department of Transport in November 2025, will allow Compulsory Purchase Orders to progress for DART+ South West starting next year and provide for procurement progress for the project, with some of the framework contracts being established in common for DART+ West and DART+ South West.
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 (336)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:336. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the effect the delayed timeline for the procurement for DART+ South West announced in the sectoral plan for transport will have on the procurement for DART+ West noting that two pre-qualification questionnaires for design and build single supplier frameworks for the entire DART+ project were advertised in May 2025. [71195/25]
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.
The DART+ programme, which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA, will triple the length of the electrified network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours.
DART+ South West involves the extension of DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch, including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston. A Railway Order for DART+ South West was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024.
As you are aware, procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, published by my Department in November 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.
The funding under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan will see significant advancements made in a number of public transport projects, including DART+ West.
This funding profile now means that while the frameworks will be established for both DART+ West and DART+ South West, the initial design and construction works will be activated for DART+ West. However, procurement for DART+ West is being progressed in a way that ultimately assists with DART+ South West, in that some framework contracts are being established for DART+ West with the intention of using them for DART+ South West.
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 (337)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:337. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if, in light of Iarnród Éireann’s confirmation that the Galway-Limerick service is already operating ‘at capacity’, and given that both the Galway-Limerick and Galway-Dublin services are currently constrained by the single-track bottleneck between Galway Ceannt and Athenry, if he intends to fund the full double-tracking scheme on this section; if not, the specific additional capacity measures that will be implemented to avoid reductions or pathing displacement of these existing services when the Western Rail Corridor services are introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71262/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes. Included in these recommendations is the double tracking of the rail line between Athenry and Galway.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and organisations including the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication this month.
The NDP Review 2025 Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published by the Department of Transport in November, provides funding commence the implementation of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, advancing a range of priority and relatively low-cost interventions such as a new platform at Limerick Junction to assist train journeys between Galway/Ennis and Waterford, to be delivered by 2030 as well as funding for the construction of the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris, subject to relevant approvals.
Separately, works commenced at Oranmore station in October. These works will provide an additional platform and a passing loop, increasing capacity on the rail line. This project is scheduled to be completed in 2027. Works are also progressing to upgrade Galway Ceannt station, and these works, which are scheduled to be completed next year, will increase the number of platforms from two to five, which will support a growth in frequencies envisioned under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
The two projects, at Oranmore and Ceannt, will provide capacity for additional train services between Athenry and Galway in advance of full double-tracking, which will be progressed subject to funding and relevant approvals.
Road Network
Questions (338)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:338. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport to advise on the stakeholder process further to approval in principle for a service (details supplied) to use the bus lane network while carrying out their services; the proposed timelines for such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71263/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that officials from my Department have been in contact with members of Blood Bikes Medical Transport regarding access to the bus lane network.
My officials have just begun a review of the relevant legislation and, over the coming months, the Department intends to continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the best legislative outcome for all parties.
In light of the ongoing stakeholder engagement and potential legislative complexities, it is not possible at present to provide a definitive timeline for the introduction of the required legislative amendment.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (339)
Emer Currie
Question:339. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the rules and regulations regarding the construction of EV charging points in petrol stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71266/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
EV infrastructure standards are mandated through European regulations, the ITS Directive, the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), and Irish legislation and regulations.
While there are no regulations regarding the construction of EV charging points in petrol stations, AFIR establishes mandatory minimum alternative fuels infrastructure targets and obligations, to ensure that a sufficient and interoperable recharging and refuelling infrastructure network is in place across EU Member States.
Zevi has also produced Universal Design Guidelines for EV Charging Infrastructure. These guidelines summarise key considerations for accessibility when installing electric vehicle charging stations, including the design of the charging station, accessibility of the site, and information and communications to inform users before, during, and after a charging session.
Regarding electric regulations, responsibility for safety of electricity operations lies with the Health and Safety Authority, ESB Networks (ESBN), and Safe Electric ensuring the safe operation and maintenance of electrical infrastructure.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (340, 341)
Emer Currie
Question:340. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the planning guidelines which apply to the installation of canopy structures at public EV charging stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71267/25]
View answerEmer Currie
Question:341. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has examined international best practice regarding the provision of shelter at EV-charging points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71268/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.
The Department of Transport is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the Public Accessible EV charging network over the coming years.
The EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy addresses EV infrastructure required to meet user needs as mandated through European regulations, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), and Irish legislation and regulations. These include interoperability; ease of payment; reliability; and accessibility standards and safety.
In May 2024, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland published the Universal Design Guidelines for EV Charging Infrastructure. These Guidelines provide clear direction to those involved in the manufacturing, procurement, installation, and operation of the EV charging infrastructure. They present recommendations for the design of the charging station, the accessibility of the site, and the information and communications needed to inform users before, during, and after a charging session. The Guidelines focus on accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure (fast and slow) for light passenger vehicles and aim to ensure that charging stations are designed to be inclusive for all users.
These Guidelines are not legally binding but are provided as technical assistance to help entities design, install and operate EV charging infrastructure that is accessible for everyone. However, European Standards (EN), Irish Standards (I.S.), and Irish Statutory Instruments (S.I.) should be adhered to when applicable.
Recommendation G. Weather Protection of Section 6.2 Site Design clearly states that:
“Adequate weather protection around the charging station and along access routes to nearby amenities or facilities would enhance user comfort.
Weather protection should cover the charging station up to the inlet, to ensure that adverse weather conditions have minimal impact on the user experience.”
It should be noted that while the installation for high powered charging infrastructure is exempt from planning under certain circumstances under current planning legislation the erection of a canopy at any EV Charging Infrastructure requires Planning Permission to be sought from the relevant Authority.
While planning permission and exempt developments is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the ZEVI office in the Department of Transport has engaged with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on this matter and have made a submission to the recent consultation process held on the revision of the Exempt Development Regulations seeking an exemption for the erection of canopies at EV Charging Infrastructure. The revised Exempt Development Regulations are due to be published on 2026 and ZEVI will continue to liaise with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on this matter.
Question No. 341 answered with Question No. 340.
Road Safety
Questions (342)
Sorca Clarke
Question:342. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of road safety improvement schemes funded in Westmeath from 2022 to date in 2025, by year, in tabular form. [71274/25]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for a number of targeted programmes, including the Safety Improvement Programme. Applications are sought each year from local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year.
The number of safety improvement schemes that Westmeath County Council were allocated funding for in each of the years 2022 to 2025 are shown in the table below.
|
Year |
No. of Safety Improvement Schemes Funded |
Allocation |
|
2022 |
9 |
€315,000 |
|
2023 |
7 |
€341,000 |
|
2024 |
4 |
€343,300 |
|
2025 |
5 |
€395,000 |
Departmental Projects
Questions (343)
Emer Currie
Question:343. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the current status of a project (details supplied); the progress that will be made within the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71294/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area.
The Deputy may be aware that the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 is the statutory transport strategy for the region and sets out a range of proposals for delivery over the period to 2042. In relation to metro, and as outlined in the Strategy, the analysis conducted concluded that a metro line from Swords to Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport would be the key area of focus for metro delivery out to 2042.
The NTA reviews and updates the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area every six years and so the issue of a western line extension of MetroLink may be reconsidered in future.
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.
Departmental Projects
Questions (344, 345, 346)
Emer Currie
Question:344. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the current status of a project (details supplied); the progress that will be made within the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71295/25]
View answerEmer Currie
Question:345. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the current status of a project (details supplied); the progress that will be made within the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71296/25]
View answerEmer Currie
Question:346. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the current status of a project (details supplied); the progress that will be made within the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71297/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 344, 345 and 346 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
The Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 was published by the NTA in January 2023. The Strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the 2022-2042 lifetime of the strategy. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg and Bray. Other possible projects, identified in the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042, for delivery in the period after 2042 include a Luas Green Line extension to Tyrrelstown and a light rail line from the City Centre to Blanchardstown.
As part of the periodic review of the Transport Strategy, the demand for possible light rail lines - including any developments in demand since the 2022 Transport Strategy - will also be considered. In reviewing the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042, the NTA will be informed in part by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and their Luas 2050 vision.
Noting NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Question No. 345 answered with Question No. 344.
Question No. 346 answered with Question No. 344.
Financial Services
Questions (347)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:347. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether his Department has examined policy options used in other jurisdictions, including Canada and New Zealand, regarding restrictions or higher stamp duty on purchases of existing residential property by non resident and non EEA buyers; whether any assessment has been made of the expected impact of such measures on prices, supply and market access for Irish households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71129/25]
View answerWritten answers
Stamp duty on residential property currently applies at rates of 1% on the first €1 million of the consideration, 2% on the excess over €1 million, and 6% on the excess over €1.5 million. The exception to this arises where 10 or more houses are acquired in any 12-month period by one purchaser. In such a situation a rate of 15% is applied. This higher rate was initially introduced in May 2021 at 10% in order to disincentivise the bulk purchase of houses by investment funds, so freeing up new houses for acquisition by first time buyers and other private purchasers
My Department is aware of policies regarding the purchase of property within Canada and in New Zealand, which with some exceptions place restrictions on non-citizens purchasing residential property.
It should be noted that it would not be possible to place such a restriction or the introduction of a higher stamp duty rate on non-residents as a whole, owing to EU rules regarding non-discrimination vis-á-vis those from other EU Member States.
In regard to non-EEA purchasers, there is no requirement for those acquiring residential properties to inform the authorities here of their current place of residence. Therefore there is no readily available official data on the level of residential property acquisition by such purchasers here.
Social Media
Questions (348)
Eoghan Kenny
Question:348. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department, and agencies under the Department’s remit, purchase data on the habits and activities of social media users and other platforms; if so, the reasons for purchasing such data; the amount spent in 2024 and 2025 year to date on such expenditure, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70864/25]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that neither the Department of Finance, nor the bodies under the aegis, purchase data on the habits and activities of social media users and other platforms.