Written Answers Nos. 147-166
147. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport the amount the National Transport Authority has spent on installation of bus shelters within County Clare in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; the locations of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72768/25]
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 bus stops/shelters nationally.
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.
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 days.
148. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the nature of refurbishment works that Iarnród Éireann carried out at Drogheda train station in 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72836/25]
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.
149. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the driver test waiting times, by test centre; the breakdown of new applications, by test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72919/25]
View answer150. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the number of resit applications for the driver tests in each of the months of the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72920/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all testing and scheduling matters. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, I wish to advise the Deputy that the figures for the driving test waiting times are also made available on the CSO website on a monthly basis at the following link: data.cso.ie/table/ROA36
151. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of concerns regarding the use of commercial drones; the measures he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72921/25]
View answerThe rapid pace of drone innovation and commercialisation has created challenges. While there is a comprehensive regulatory framework in place from an aviation safety perspective to regulate drone operations, there are areas where the rapid pace of expansion of drone operations has resulted in gaps and uncertainty.
The expansion of drone delivery services is an area where clarity is required in relation to roles and responsibilities and cooperation and engagement with stakeholders and appropriate authorities.
I have launched the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Policy Framework seeks to identify and address any policy, regulatory or legislative gaps that may have arisen due to increased expansion of drone operations.
Many of the issues addressed by the Policy Framework fall directly within the remit of my department, while other issues will cross-over into areas of responsibility of other Government Departments and agencies. A collaborative approach was taken in developing the Policy Framework through public consultation and extensive stakeholder and cross-government engagement. The Policy Framework aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities. It provides for a number of structures and actions that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing drone usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging drone sector. This will include ensuring that appropriate authorities have the required regulatory powers and that they have mechanisms in place to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are taken into account.
Implementation of the Policy Framework relies on cross-government structures and the continuation of engagement and support from various government departments, agencies, the UAS sector and the public. The Policy Framework recognises the important role local authorities have in the development and roll out of drone operations in their communities. The policy framework also recognises the importance of ongoing collaboration and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.
My department has recently invited nominations from relevant Departments and agencies to an overall Policy Framework Implementation Monitoring Group and is developing the first of the annual implementation plans provided for in the Policy Framework.
152. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the funding that was allocated to the EV grant scheme in years 2020 to 2025; the number of grants that were awarded; the number of grants that were drawn down; the number of grants that were provided to vehicles between €10,000 and €15,000; and the average value of the award; the number of grants that were provided to vehicles between €15,000 and €20,000 and the average value of the award; the number of grants that were provided to vehicles between €20,000 and €25,000 and the average value of the award; the number of grants that were provided to vehicles between €25,000 and €30,000 and the average value of the award; the number of grants that were provided to vehicles between €30,000 and €35,000 and the average value of the award; the number of grants that were provided to vehicles between €35,000 and €40,000 and the average value of the award; the number of grants that were provided to vehicles between €45,000 and €50,000 and the average value of the award; in tabular form [72923/25]
View answerFleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector. Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles through funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all. Grant awards are specific values based on qualifying criteria and are not averaged.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (now Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment) held responsibility for electric vehicle and charging grants in 2020. Therefore, the requested details are set out below for the years 2021 to 2025:
|
Year |
Budget Allocated |
Number of Grants Offered |
Number Grants Drawn Down |
Grants paid to vehicles €10-15K |
Grants paid to vehicles €15-20K |
Grants paid to vehicles €20-25K |
Grants paid to vehicles €25-30K |
Grants paid to vehicles €30-35K |
Grants paid to vehicles €35-40K |
Grants paid to vehicles €40-45K |
Grants paid to vehicles €45-50K |
Grants paid to vehicles €50-55K |
Grants paid to vehicles over €55k |
|
2021 |
€63,000,000 |
16,184 |
13,409 |
- |
- |
2 |
14 |
444 |
1,953 |
1,980 |
2,006 |
1,161 |
2,834 |
|
2022 |
€60,000,000 |
11,560 |
10,891 |
- |
- |
2 |
16 |
114 |
1,256 |
1,931 |
1,534 |
1,344 |
3,783 |
|
2023 |
€68,000,000 |
18,219 |
15,843 |
- |
- |
1 |
2 |
251 |
818 |
1,598 |
2,863 |
3,217 |
5,589 |
|
2024 |
€59,950,000 |
13,777 |
12,304 |
- |
- |
6 |
53 |
452 |
901 |
1,027 |
2,757 |
2,172 |
2,363 |
|
2025 to 15 Dec |
€67,500,000 |
19,667 |
18,651 |
- |
30 |
170 |
964 |
649 |
1,036 |
2,360 |
4,177 |
3,708 |
2,595 |
The electric vehicle purchase grant operates on a demand-led basis. Due to elevated demand this year, supplementary funding was made available within the overall allocation to meet programme commitments and maintain support for the transition to electric vehicles, bringing the total budget to €67.5 million. This funding was facilitated through a virement of existing resources and does not constitute an increase in the Vote Allocation.
*The total number of Grants offer and drawn down include all grant types of Commercial, Demo and Private.
*The breakdown of figures per price bracket is for Private grants only.
The Private grants available during this time were as follows:
|
2021 |
|
|
Max. PHEV Grant up to June |
€5,000 |
|
Max. PHEV Grant from June |
€2,500 |
|
Max. BEV Grant |
€5,000 |
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
Max. BEV Grant |
€5,000 |
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Max. BEV Grant up to June |
€5,000 |
|
Max. BEV Grant from June |
€3,500 |
|
|
|
|
2024/2025 |
|
|
Max. BEV Grant |
€3,500 |
153. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV grants awarded broken down by county; the average value of vehicle, average value of award in each of the years 2020 to date in 2025, in tabular form. [72924/25]
View answerFleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector. Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles through funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (now Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment) held responsibility for electric vehicle and charging grants in 2020. Therefore, the requested details are set out below for the years 2021 to 2025:
Breakdown of all grant types paid by county (number of grants)
|
County |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 To end November |
|
Carlow |
163 |
123 |
185 |
138 |
198 |
|
Cavan |
114 |
102 |
151 |
85 |
144 |
|
Clare |
252 |
223 |
372 |
223 |
363 |
|
Cork |
1554 |
1130 |
1772 |
1302 |
1955 |
|
Donegal |
346 |
248 |
302 |
204 |
343 |
|
Dublin |
5075 |
3757 |
5654 |
4832 |
5923 |
|
Galway |
528 |
532 |
703 |
444 |
649 |
|
Kerry |
223 |
209 |
282 |
205 |
406 |
|
Kildare |
871 |
706 |
1074 |
845 |
1247 |
|
Kilkenny |
208 |
197 |
243 |
180 |
291 |
|
Laois |
153 |
149 |
202 |
150 |
307 |
|
Leitrim |
29 |
48 |
59 |
36 |
47 |
|
Limerick |
477 |
322 |
512 |
363 |
570 |
|
Longford |
49 |
43 |
80 |
52 |
79 |
|
Louth |
345 |
241 |
421 |
314 |
527 |
|
Mayo |
198 |
207 |
225 |
136 |
253 |
|
Meath |
543 |
594 |
910 |
697 |
975 |
|
Monaghan |
68 |
48 |
84 |
63 |
123 |
|
Offaly |
145 |
123 |
163 |
129 |
222 |
|
Roscommon |
72 |
102 |
126 |
87 |
120 |
|
Sligo |
169 |
156 |
183 |
113 |
188 |
|
Tipperary |
331 |
287 |
324 |
200 |
420 |
|
Waterford |
330 |
268 |
352 |
328 |
403 |
|
Westmeath |
290 |
189 |
259 |
215 |
386 |
|
Wexford |
399 |
381 |
455 |
406 |
536 |
|
Wicklow |
477 |
506 |
750 |
557 |
754 |
|
Total |
13409 |
10891 |
15843 |
12304 |
17,429 |
|
Average Vehicle Cost for Private Grants only |
|
|
2021 |
€ 57,200 |
|
2022 |
€ 48,603 |
|
2023 |
€ 50,260 |
|
2024 |
€ 47,966 |
|
2025 |
€ 46,980 |
The Private grants available during this time were as follows:
|
2021 |
|
|
PHEV Grant up to June |
up to €5,000 |
|
PHEV Grant from June |
up to €2,500 |
|
BEV Grant |
up to €5,000 |
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
BEV Grant |
up to €5,000 |
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
BEV Grant up to June |
up to €5,000 |
|
BEV Grant from June |
up to €3,500 |
|
|
|
|
2024/2025 |
|
|
BEV Grant |
up to €3,500 |
154. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered targeted supports for EV uptake in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72925/25]
View answerThe EV grant system is regularly reviewed by my Department, and decisions on grant allocations and incentives are made taking into considerations such as value for money to the exchequer and the taxpayer, available budget allocations, and the most impactful measures.
Rural motorists are often in an advantageous position to make the switch to an electric vehicle, due to the large number of dwellings in rural Ireland which are suitable for home EV charging.
Home charging means lower running costs and many EVs are now capable of doing over 400km on a single charge, which will meet most people’s daily driving needs.
The public charging network has grown in recent years and the new Programme for Government includes further significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network so that drivers can use their EVs with confidence and certainty.
TII are leading on the delivery of charging infrastructure along our motorways and national primary and secondary routes and we have launched grant aid programmes for the delivery of significant high powered charging infrastructure on these roads over the next 12 months, to ensure that EV drivers have reliable access to charging points across the country.
Also of significant relevance to rural motorists is the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan. This plan describes how Local Authorities will facilitate the provision of local charging networks.
Officials from my Department have been engaging actively with Local Authorities to develop their own regional charging plans to meet the various needs of users at the local level, whether urban or rural.
All of this work is already underway through our existing EV Strategy, and a new strategy is being developed to cover the period 2026-2028. A key consideration in that will be addressing the specific EV challenges for rural communities.
There is a suite of incentives in place from ZEVI, and where applicable with support from taxation incentives through the Department of Finance, to support the continued transition to EVs, including a purchase grant for battery electric vehicles; a home charger purchase grant; VRT relief of up to €5,000; and a low rate of annual motor tax.
As detailed in the new programme for Government, we will continue to examine the current EV grant system and the introduction of additional incentives with a view to increasing take-up of EVs and replacing older, polluting vehicles.
155. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to increase EV uptake amongst lower incomes households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72926/25]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting the transition to zero-emission and regularly reviews EV incentives and grants to ensure they are delivering value for money and supporting the delivery of the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. It is also important to note that EV purchase costs have reduced in the last year due to the coming on stream of new EV brands and models from manufacturers.
Current incentives in place from Zero Emission Vehicle Ireland, and where applicable with support from taxation incentives through the Department of Finance, to support the continued transition to EVs and for the rollout of EV charging infrastructure, include:
• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme;
• An apartment charger scheme;
• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
• Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief of up to €5000 for BEVs;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV; and
• Low rate of annual motor tax.
156. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to progress active travel both in urban and rural Ireland; his plans for Kerry in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72927/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
The Government is committed to the provision of improved and expanded walking and cycling infrastructure both in our urban centres and in towns and villages across Ireland. In 2021, the Active Travel Infrastructure Programme was expanded to include the 19 local authority areas outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the regional cities. Since then, over €1 billion has been invested in walking and cycling projects across the country.
€290 million was allocated to the NTA's Active Travel and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme alone in 2025, of which Kerry County Council received an allocation of €2.75 million. I was delighted to secure a similar funding for Active Travel in Budget 2026, meaning that we can continue to progress walking and cycling projects around Ireland into next year.
As part of the allocations determination, the NTA liaises with each local authority to fully understand the projects being proposed by the local authority and its considerations in terms of priorities. In general, the main focus of active travel investment will be to support high quality walking and cycling infrastructure, for everyday trips, in villages, towns and cities, particularly in designated growth settlements, with a view to promoting the greatest potential modal shift to active travel.
Given the ramping up of activities over the last few years in the Active Travel area, the number of projects being progressed now exceeds the level of funding made available to the NTA. Accordingly, the NTA is unable to fully fund all proposed Active Travel projects and has to prioritise certain projects over others in order to remain within its allocated budget. While a project may not be selected by the NTA for funding in a particular year, it may be funded in subsequent years.
157. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with Irish Rail and the NTA about opening up catering services on additional routes; the progress which is being made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72928/25]
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 issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
158. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on progress in implementing the recommendations of the strategic rail review; if any projects have been selected for prioritised delivery; to provide update on any possible pipeline of projects as part of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72948/25]
View answer160. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if the all-island strategic rail review was considered as part of the NDP review; how its recommendations were considered; the criteria he intends to use to rank projects in order of priority as part of the pipeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72989/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 160 together.
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.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies across the island, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy was developed and published on 15 December.
The Strategy outlines how to best sequence and optimise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, and specifies short-term rail infrastructure investments, referred to as Early Interventions, to be delivered in the coming years. These include a series of new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity. Work on these projects in Ireland will start next year, for full delivery by 2030 with funding provided in the National Development Plan (NDP) Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, which was published by the Department of Transport in November.
The Strategy also identifies Major Projects to be progressed for the longer-run, involving intercity electrification and significant capacity upgrades on the rail network. These Major Projects include “FourNorth”, to add track capacity on the busy Northern line north of Connolly station; electrification and line speed improvements on the Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Belfast routes, and reinstatement of lines including the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris to Athenry.
159. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the one new action and 13 legacy actions due, as outlined in the Q1 2025 progress report (details supplied); to outline which actions they are; the reason for the delay; the state of the progress to date; and a timeline for completion, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72970/25]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question. Following the publication of the Q1 Progress report on the Climate Action Plan 2025, I note the achievement of 100% of the Department’s CAP25 actions to the end of Q2, 2025, as well as the completion of 5 legacy actions.
Actions completed in 2025 include the provision of funding and development support for destination EV charging points at over 200 eligible sites, as well as the completion of Phase 1 rehabilitation works on the Shannon Foynes freight line and the launch of the TFI bike scheme.
The information requested has been collated in tabular form below.
|
CAP 25 Action Number |
Action |
Status |
Description |
|
TR/25/2 |
ESRI Framework on Behavioural Research for Sustainable Mobility and Climate Action in Transport |
Complete |
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) Behavioural Research Framework was established between the ESRI and the Department of Transport in Q3 2024 to identify behavioural barriers and solutions to activate individuals, communities, and various organisations, to reduce their car use and shift to more sustainable modes of travel or, where suitable alternatives to car use do not exist or are not appropriate, to promote the transition from fossil-fuel cars to Electric Vehicles (EVs). |
|
Legacy Action Number |
Actions |
Status |
Reason for delay & progress to date |
|
TR/24/17(TF) |
Development and publication of Policy Statement on Mobility Hubs |
Completed in Q2 2025 |
A public consultation on the development of shared mobility hubs was undertaken in March to May 2024, with a close-out stakeholder feedback session held in October 2024. The final Policy Statement on Shared Mobility and the Provision of Hubs was published on 19 June 2025. Planning for phase implementation of the Mobility Hubs Project has commenced. |
|
TR/24/18 (TF) |
Rollout of expanded Regional Bike sharing schemes in Limerick, Cork, Waterford and Galway, including enhanced e-bike provision |
Completed in Q2 2025 |
E-bike trial has been launched with 100 e-bikes operational in Cork, and a further 400 being rolled out in the remaining regional cities in Q3. New bike stations have been installed in Cork and Limerick with a substantial increase in the usage of the bikes as a result (+50% in the first 5 months of 2025).
This delay was a result of difficulties getting parts shipped from China to Poland where the manufacturing was taking place. |
|
TR/24/21 |
Ongoing delivery of Destination Charge Point Scheme – including sports clubs and community facilities |
Completed in Q1 2025 |
Sports Club Shared Island Scheme – this scheme has been brought to delivery phase in Q4 2025. A framework has been established from which eligible sports clubs can tender for approved contractors to install the agreed EV charging facilities in the sports club grounds. Almost 70 clubs have applied to draw down funding by end 2025, with the remaining clubs engaging with the approved contractors and anticipated to apply for funding draw down in 2026. |
|
TR/24/3 |
Supporting fuel technology improvement in transport through a dedicated working group on alternative fuels in transport. |
Completed in Q1 2025 |
The Alternative Fuels for Transport Working Group 2024 Report received ministerial approval once the new government was formed and was published on the Department of Transport website on 21 March 2025. |
|
TR/24/6 |
Enhanced rail connectivity to ports – rehabilitation of Shannon-Foynes freight line |
Completed in Q1 2025 |
At the end of Q1 2025, the track laying works for the Shannon Foynes freight line were completed, with the machinery required for track laying (such as the tamper and regulator) taken off site by the Infrastructure Manager in March 2025, marking completion of Phase 1 of the rehabilitation works.
This action was delayed to unforeseen challenges: co-ordination of public road closures and utility diversions, sourcing spare parts for the specialist track laying plant, and unforeseen ground conditions. |
|
TR/24/22 |
Roll out of key elements of EV Infrastructure Strategy |
Delayed |
1. Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan. Status – Delivered. The final version of the plan was published in April 2025. www.zevi.ie/regional-and-local-ev-charging-network-plan
2. En-route Scheme Launched and funding awarded for up to 170 high powered chargers on the motorway network. Status: Delivered. LDV1 En-route Scheme was launched, and grants awarded for en-route charging infrastructure in 2024. This is ongoing with grid connection offers currently being progressed for 8 of the initial sites and applications being processed for the remaining sites.
3. En-route scheme launched for up to 200 chargers on the single carriage Network. Status: Delivered. LDV 2 Scheme was launched in October 2024 focusing on 1200km of National Single Carriageway roads. Scheme is now closed and applications awarded. Enroute Scheme LDV 3 is ongoing as of Sept 2025 with applications being assessed at present. The scheme offers the opportunity for 100KW charge points every 30KM on National primary and secondary roads.
4. Local Authority (LA) Infrastructure strategies are completed and published with roll out provided for LAs ready to go in 2025. Status: Delayed. All LAs have commenced their EV Infrastructure strategies with ongoing finalisation of remaining outstanding strategies |
|
TR/24/24 |
Implement the measures in the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy Statement 2023-2025 |
Delayed |
Increases in the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) rates are set out in the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy and are enacted annually by statutory instrument under the European Communities Act 1972 (previously by Ministerial Order under S44D of the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007). The European Union (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 665 of 2024) gave effect to these rates from 1st January 2025.
DoT continues to work with the OPC on the transposition of the transport provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive via amendments to the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 and related secondary legislation, which is at a very advanced stage. Work is ongoing, with a view to legislation coming into effect on 1 January 2026. |
|
TR/24/25 |
Re-evaluation of the policy framework for the decarbonisation of ports as part of the overall review of National Ports Policy |
Delayed |
A review of the National Ports Policy has begun within the Department of Transport. A thematic issues paper was published in October 2023 for public consultation. The Department has assessed the responses to the issues paper and is drafting a revised National Ports Policy. A review paper, prepared by the Irish Maritime Development Office on port capacity options post-2040, is under consideration by the Department of Transport. |
|
TR/24/4(TF) |
Progress evidence-based engagement strategy actions and advertising campaigns to support achievement of transport sector behavioural change and emissions abatement targets |
Delayed |
During the first half of 2025, a new youth-oriented, digital-first phase of the Your Journey Counts campaign was developed. This concentrated on social media, showcasing the climate-related benefits of public transport and active travel using short form video content and influencer collaborations. Two phases of the above-the-line, fully integrated campaign ran in 2025 – one in May and one in August. These comprised TV, radio, social media and digital. The August phase features prominent outdoor advertising, with increased visibility at key transport hubs, focused on reward messaging to thank passengers for their sustainable transport choices. Further to publication of the Public Engagement Strategy in May 2024, an extended stakeholder consultation process on potential pilot engagement interventions was completed in Q3 of 2024, which identified several Public Engagement Pilot Initiatives to be delivered, while also recommending that these be supported by a rigorous independent evaluation framework (for which a contract was successfully awarded in April). The detailed development and implementation of the pilots, as well as their evaluation framework, is in progress , with the start date for two pilots agreed for September 2025, and a third pilot in Q1 2026. The date for the fourth pilot is due to be agreed in Q3. Three of the pilots are expected to complete delivery by Q2 2026. To support robust long-term evidence for the agreed outcomes, the evaluation may continue until Q4 2026.
|
|
TR/24/9(TF) |
Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies – programme of review, update, appraisal |
Delayed |
The NTA considers that it is appropriate to await An Coimisiún Pleanála’s determination on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road to adequately inform the development of the draft Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. Once sufficiently developed it will be opened to full public consultation. |
|
TR/23/19 |
Publish National Demand Management Strategy |
Delayed |
A draft strategy (called ‘Moving Together’) has been developed. Following its publication as part of a public consultation process in 2024, the draft has been updated for the consideration of Government in early 2026 |
|
TR/23/46(TF) |
SMP Pathfinder: Accelerate implementation of Safe Routes to School Programme through improved resourcing and focus on more rapid implementation of front-of-school treatments – providing immediate safety improvements to school surroundings |
Delayed |
Safe Routes to School is an ongoing programme. As of end 2025, over 500 schools will be active in the Programme following the announcement of Round 4 in December. 136 schools have had projects completed as of end October 2025, including 126 from Rounds 1 and 2. The remaining schools from the first two rounds are progressing through design and construction stages. |
|
JM/24/9 |
Provide publicly accessible vehicle charge point infrastructure at community facilities in the region |
Discontinued |
The EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) aims to assist the territories most affected by the transition to a climate neutral economy. In Ireland this focuses on the wider Midlands region where there have been direct impacts from the move away from peat production and electricity generation from peat.
Funding for EV Charging Scheme was one action of a wide range of actions managed by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) under the JTF.
The EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) EV Charging Scheme, co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Ireland, was designed to support the installation of publicly accessible fast and high-powered EV charging infrastructure at community facilities within Ireland’s Just Transition region.
In recent months, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), and the relevant Local Authorities have engaged in extensive discussions to determine the most effective structure for the scheme.
Throughout this process, a number of significant risks were identified. Following careful consideration, it became clear that these risks, particularly the risk of delays that could prevent completion within the required timeframe under the 'N+3' rule, were too substantial to be confident of successful delivery. For this scheme, that deadline was 31 December 2026. If delivery was not within the required deadline, the funds would have been lost to Ireland and the region.
To safeguard the funding for the region, the resources originally allocated to this scheme have now been be redirected to an alternative initiative. This approach ensures that the EU investment remains in place and continues to support our shared goal of advancing sustainable transport.
Where site inspections are already completed for all eligible locations, the Department will work closely with Local Authorities to explore opportunities to incorporate viable sites into regional and local strategies, ensuring that the groundwork completed to date contributes meaningfully to future plans.
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161. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will follow up with NTA to ensure that the 139 bus which currently services Naas to Blanchardstown will extend the service to also serve Blanchardstown Hospital; and to explain the rationale as to why this service has not been servicing the hospital all along; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73087/25]
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 planning and 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 query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
162. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the merits of limiting heavy goods vehicles to 80 km/hr on motorways; if any research has been carried out by his Department in this regard under both safety and emissions perspectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73090/25]
View answer163. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to research that suggests that putting a speed limit of 80km/hr on all heavy goods vehicles on motorways will have a positive impact on transport emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73091/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
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 impact of motorway speed limit changes on emissions.
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.
164. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a bus could be allowed stop at a cross for pick up (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73126/25]
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 planning and securing the safe and accessible provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
165. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the National Transport Authority regarding the closure of the coach park in the Docklands without sufficient notice to coach operators, and without any alternative location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73188/25]
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 funding the coach park in the Dublin City Docklands as referenced in the Deputy's query.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
166. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be made available to allow the DART+ Southwest project to go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73194/25]
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 DART+ West. This funding will also 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.
