Written Answers Nos. 322-341
322. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the funding provided by NTA to improve rail network and train connectively in County Mayo in 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [72220/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides a multi-annual investment programme to protect our national railway system by funding maintenance and safety projects needed to maintain safety and service levels in railway operations, including in County Mayo. Approximately €1.3bn in Exchequer funding was allocated towards the protection and renewal of the national rail network which runs from 2020 to 2024. For 2025, €380 million of Exchequer funding is being invested in IMMAC-related works, including in County Mayo.
As the operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
323. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72229/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, my role concerns overall policy direction and funding for public transport. Day-to-day operational matters are the statutory responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA), working with the relevant transport providers, in this case Go Ahead.
For this reason, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA so they may address the specific operational query raised. Please contact my private office, if a response is not received within ten working days.
324. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport the mechanisms his Department is using to evaluate the success or issues of Bus Connects ; and the redress mechanisms which exist for commuters experiencing repeated cancellations or delays. [72231/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the state and is managed by the NTA. The aim of the network is to improve the existing Transport for Ireland system through enhanced services with high frequency spines and new local, Orbital and Radial routes.
It is acknowledged that reliability has been a key concern during the initial rollout of Phase 7, with challenges primarily linked to traffic congestion on new city-centre alignments and driver availability. When implementing new phases of the BusConnects network, the NTA continuously monitors services, identifies any issues that arise, and puts in fixes where appropriate. In that context, and as the Deputy may be aware, the NTA have recently announced changes to certain route alignments for Phase 7, including routes 80, 23, and 24, following feedback from passengers and local representatives. These amendments reflect the NTA’s commitment to improving services in direct response to that input.
Notwithstanding this, I would like to reassure the Deputy that Government remains strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. To support this objective, in Budget 2026, the Department of Transport secured €940 million of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (a significant 43% uplift, an increase from €658.4 million in 2025).
My Department will continue to work with the NTA to ensure the redesigned network delivers on its objectives and its performance is closely monitored.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for a detailed direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
325. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed up to date progress report on this Deputy’s original submission to relocate Farranfore Railway Station out to Kerry Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72256/25]
View answerAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the train station at Farrenfore and any any potential change in its location, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
326. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the action his Department is taking to accommodate current passenger numbers on an intercity rail service (details supplied), in view of peak services being continually overcrowded with passengers often requiring to stand whilst commuting as seats are full, if consideration would be given to the provision of additional carriages for the service to ensure that all passengers are facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72272/25]
View answerAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; 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. 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.
327. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport the driver information campaigns that currently exist or are planned for the purposes of informing drivers of the necessity of ensuring that both headlight bulbs are functional; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72279/25]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, RSA has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness campaigns and for the advancement of education specific to the safe use of roads. There has been a significant increase in spending on public awareness, communications and education campaigns by the RSA in recent years. As in 2025, the RSA will again ringfence funding of €18 million for awareness, education and promotional campaigns in 2026. This will ensure a continued focus on campaigns that make our roads safer for all road users.
I am informed by the RSA that in January and December they ran a social media campaign to promote the correct use of lights for cars. The RSA also placed a print advert in the Farmers Journal in July to remind farmers of the rules around the use of works lights and reminding them to turn them off before going on the public road. They are promoting this message across Agriland in December.
In October this year the RSA developed new radio and social media assets advising people to make sure they do seasonal checks on their vehicle as we headed into winter. Checking that lights are working properly was included in that messaging.
The RSA have also just filmed a walkaround check for motorcycles and tractors that also highlights the need to check their lights are working before moving off.
Non functioning or defective headlights would also be an element of the National Car Test (NCT) for relevant vehicles.
328. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is taking to promote pedestrian safety and increased visibility to road users during the winter months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72302/25]
View answerProtecting vulnerable road users is a key priority for me and this government. This year we have seen too many pedestrians lose their lives on our roads. Working with all road safety stakeholders, I am determined to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
It is the policy of both the Government and the RSA to recommend the use of high-visibility vests and armbands by vulnerable road users. To support this, the RSA has been running the ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ campaign for over a decade to support road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
As part of this campaign, the RSA distributes thousands of free high-visibility vests and armbands each year. In 2025 alone, I am informed that the RSA distributed approximately 250,000 high-vis safety items, including jackets, vests, armbands, drawstring bags, rucksack covers and running bibs.
There has been a significant increase in spending on public awareness, communications and education campaigns by the RSA in 2025 in recent years. Next year, the RSA will again ringfence significant funding of approximately €18 million for awareness, education and promotional campaigns. This will ensure a continued focus on campaigns that make our roads safer for all road users, including pedestrians.
The RSA aired its older pedestrian safety TV-led campaign in September, ahead of the time of the year where increases in pedestrian fatalities tend to occur. The campaign reminders motorists and pedestrians to look out for each other to keep each other safe and shows an interaction between a pedestrian and a motorist at a pedestrian crossing. The campaign is supported by radio, digital audio, video on demand and social media.
Vulnerable road users including pedestrians were also the focus of the RSA’s October bank holiday media campaign with national and radio press engagement. The activity ran across today FM, NewsTalk, classic hits, spin southwest, Beat and 98Fm with presenters voicing stings and promos. It also ran across NewsTalk and Today Fm websites and social media channels, reminding motorists to look out for vulnerable road users and also reminding pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclist and e-scooterists what they can do to help make sure they are seen.
The RSA is supporting An Garda Síochána’s social media campaign raising awareness that 4 in 10 pedestrians were killed this year in hours of darkness and reminding vulnerable road users including pedestrians to do what they can to help others see them on the roads.
The Government continues to support these campaigns and I would encourage all vulnerable road users to ensure that they are as safe as possible on our roads and to avail of these free high visibility safety materials.
329. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport when phase eight of BusConnect Dublin will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72330/25]
View answerAs 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the BusConnects routes in Dublin.
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across five cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA.
The roll-out of the remaining phases of the BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign will occur over the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
330. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the total cost of repairing the LUAS bridge at George’s Dock; the agency which picked up the cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72343/25]
View answerAs 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including light rail.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
331. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the number of additional train carriages or train engines delivered for Irish Rail in each year since 2020; the number projected for delivery in 2026 and 2027; to provide a breakdown of the type delivered; the number which have in parallel been decommissioned; the plans in place to expand commuter train capacity in 2026; to provide a breakdown of the planned service improvements in 2026; the service improvements delivered in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72344/25]
View answerAs 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the procurement of rail fleet and service improvements.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
332. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the possibility of establishing night-time public transport services in rural areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72351/25]
View answerAs 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, including implementation of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. 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.
333. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the reasons for the revised National Development Plan timeline that now pushes delivery of DART Plus South-West into the 2030s; the impact this revised schedule will have on housing development and on providing reliable alternatives to car travel for commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72359/25]
View answerAs 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.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, published by the 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 elements of the DART programme. This funding 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.
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, including 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.
334. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of concerns around the use of e-scooters; if he has plans to update regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72368/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Government introduced regulations in 2024 for the safe use of e-scooters in public places. These regulations cover a wide range of requirements, both usage and technical, including for speed, weight, capacity and power, as well as prohibitions on, among other things, carrying more than one person, the carriage of goods and use on footpaths. The full list of regulations can be found on the gov.ie website ([E-Scooters]). E-scooters may only be used on public roads if they comply with the legislation.
Although the Department of Transport is responsible for road safety legislation, the operation of the legislation, through enforcement, is, as for all road traffic law, under the remit of An Garda Síochána. Gardaí can stop e-scooter users and issue fixed charge notices for particular road traffic offences such as using an e-scooter without reasonable consideration, failing to stop at traffic lights or using an e-scooter on a pedestrianised street. If an e-scooter user commits such an offence, they may be issued with a fixed charge notice of €50. An Garda Síochána can also confiscate e-scooters that do not meet the technical requirements set out in legislation.
My officials meet regularly with An Garda Síochána to discuss matters related to road traffic legislation. As with any legislation, I consider feedback on its operation from An Garda Siochana and other stakeholders. On foot of such feedback, my officials intend to examine the issue of protective equipment for e-scooter users and to consider regulating for the mandatory use of helmets.
335. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport further to the recent publication of the Accelerating Infrastructure - Report and Action Plan, if he or his Department will be allocated additional resources to expediate the delivery of large scale transport infrastructure projects, such as the MetroLink, the Dart +Programme and the Finglas Luas extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72386/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, this Government has committed a very significant investment in public transport over the period to 2030.
The Review of the National Development Plan (NDP) allocated €22.3 billion in Exchequer resources to Transport from 2026 to 2030, with an additional allocation of €2 billion from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to support the development of MetroLink.
Of this total, the NDP Sectoral Implementation Plan for Transport, published in November, sees funding of circa €10 billion for public transport infrastructure from 2026 to 2030, with an additional €2 billion for MetroLink.
The total funding provided in the NDP Sectoral Implementation Plan will see significant advancements made in a number of public transport projects, including commencing construction on the DART+ Programme, purchase of new DART carriages, continuation of Cork Area Commuter Rail, investments in the national rail system, commencement of MetroLink and the Luas Finglas extension, and progression of BusConnects across five cities including the construction of multiple Core Bus Corridors in Dublin.
My Department 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.
336. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with representatives of the taxi industry following concern at the introduction of the fixed fare model; to report on these engagements; if there are plans to update regulations following the introduction of the fixed fare model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72387/25]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is the independent transport regulator of the taxi sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector.
I wrote to the NTA to request clarification on the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike. In the response to his letter, I have been advised by the NTA that the charging of a fixed fare is in accordance with the applicable regulations. I have also been advised that the NTA continues to keep the regulatory model under review. Senior officials from my department met with the NTA to discuss the response on 09 December.
I also formally requested the urgent consideration of the matter at a special meeting of the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles, whose role is to advise the Minister for Transport and NTA on matters relevant to SPSVs and their drivers, which took place on 11 December. I note the views of the Committee as follows:
1. The Committee expressed support for the regulatory model for small public service vehicles in Ireland which requires that all drivers and vehicles are licensed. Public safety must be at the heart of the regulatory regime.
2. The Committee wishes to acknowledge the important work undertaken and the service provided by taxi drivers in our communities. Taxis play an important role in providing access to essential services including health care.
3. The Committee is of the view that given changes in the taxi sector since the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, there is a need to assess whether legislation is up to date regarding the roles of technology and booking app dispatch operators in the sector.
4. The Committee recommended the following actions:
• for more dispatch operator data to be available to the regulator to assist it in undertaking its role.
• an examination of technology charges in the sector
The structure of the SPSV market has undoubtedly changed over the last number of years, particularly in relation to the role of dispatch operators. With this in mind, I have requested that the NTA conducts a regulatory assessment of dispatch operator licensing in Ireland in the context of ensuring that the regulatory framework for this element of the overall sector is sufficiently up to date and robust to respond to developments in the SPSV market since the enactment of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. In addition, I have requested that all stakeholders are given the opportunity to feed into this work as soon as possible.
Furthermore, the Minister intends to meet representatives of the taxi sector in the coming weeks
337. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider increasing funding for safety improvement schemes in Kerry in order that Kerry County Council can address the safety needs of the county. [72388/25]
View answer341. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the number of road safety improvement schemes funded in Kerry from 2020 to date in 2025, by year, in tabular form. [72392/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 341 together.
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 Kerry County Council were allocated funding for in each of the years 2020 to 2025 are shown in the table below.
|
Year |
No. of Safety Improvement Schemes Funded |
Allocation |
|
2020 |
9 |
€ 480,000 |
|
2021 |
4 |
€ 470,000 |
|
2022 |
5 |
€ 515,000 |
|
2023 |
11 |
€ 542,500 |
|
2024 |
5 |
€ 550,000 |
|
2025 |
8 |
€ 665,000
|
Within the overall budget available for the Safety Improvement Grant Programme, the 2026 allocations will be decided following consideration of Councils’ applications by the Department. The allocations will be notified to Councils as part of the general grant allocation process early next year.
338. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the rationale for the delay of the DART+ South West project; if he will reconsider and bring forward this timeline; to provide an updated timeframe for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72389/25]
View answerAs 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.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, published by the 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 elements of the DART Programme. This funding 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.
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, including 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.
339. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the rural Ireland mobility plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72390/25]
View answerAs 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, including implementation of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. 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.
340. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the establishment of the transport security force. [72391/25]
View answerAs 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.
