Written Answers Nos. 497-516
497. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints received by the NTA about issues relating to public transport, by means of transport, each year for the past five years, in tabular form. [73934/25]
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, 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.
498. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints received by the NTA about F spine services in 2025. [73935/25]
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.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
499. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints received by the NTA about S spine services in 2025. [73936/25]
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.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
500. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the percentage average of F spine buses that do not meet their schedule times. [73937/25]
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. In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
501. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses that are contracted to provide services on the S6 and S8 routes; and if that number is in operation. [73938/25]
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, in this case Go Ahead.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
502. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of complaints that the F spine is overly circuitous, longer than previous services, and less accessible for commuters; and if a review of the F spine will be conducted to ensure that it is providing an adequate service for users and the date by which this review will commence. [73939/25]
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.
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 direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
503. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport when the new vehicle assistance scheme will be implemented to replace the existing disabled drivers and passengers scheme; when this new scheme will be available for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73948/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that my officials have begun development of the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS). The VAS will provide needs-based support for vehicle adaptations, to improve the ability of those with a physical disability to travel via a personal means of transport.
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 scheme.
It should be noted that the VAS is not intended to replace the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme, responsibility for which remains with my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
504. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter (details provided); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73958/25]
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 provision of 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.
505. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if issues at Attymon Train Station will be addressed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73971/25]
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 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.
506. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the rollout date of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73977/25]
View answer507. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the details of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73978/25]
View answer508. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the rollout date of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73979/25]
View answer509. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the details of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73980/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 506 to 509, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities, including Dublin. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Following on from three rounds of public consultation which concluded in 2020, new bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first seven phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. The most recent phase, Phase 7, which commenced in October 2025, saw the introduction of the F Spine connecting Finglas to Tallaght.
Matters relating to bus service delivery and planning fall under the remit of the NTA, in co-operation with the relevant transport operator, and are subject to resource availability.
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.
510. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if active travel investment programmes can fund walking infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73985/25]
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 with actual spend reaching over €296 million invested in around 1,000 projects nationwide. In addition to the completion of key projects such as two phases of the Royal Canal Greenway, the Bray DART Interchange, the Battery Road Active Travel Scheme in Longford and the Marina Promenade and Mahon Active Travel scheme in Cork, the funding supported numerous junction upgrades and the installation of new pedestrian crossings, all of which improve pedestrian and cyclists safety.
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 this 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.
511. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if Brazilian driving licences could be directly recognised or exchanged, similar to arrangements already existing with European nations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74000/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence are all set at EU level. Therefore, all EU issued licences are recognised in Member States.
Ireland may make bilateral licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is a technical, road safety-based process and reaching an exchange agreement is not a matter of political will. The technical assessment is an independent process that requires the agreement of the other jurisdiction and agreements are made only when both licencing authorities have compared the licencing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
A driving licence may be exchanged where Ireland has such a reciprocal licence exchange agreement with the other jurisdiction, but a person with a full but non-exchangeable licence must go through the normal learning to drive process to obtain an Irish licence. However, in recognition of their driving experience, they may avail of shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons, instead of 12, and they do not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test. As Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with Brazil, Brazilian licence holders who are resident in Ireland must go through this process if they wish to drive here.
One of the commitments in the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. To progress this commitment, the Department, with the Department of Foreign Affairs, has identified US states with large Irish-born populations and three US states, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, have been selected for initial consideration, due to the size of their Irish-born populations.
On my direction, the RSA is currently engaged with the New York state licensing authority. The technical assessment process for a possible licence exchange agreement is ongoing. Given the Programme for Government priority, there are currently no plans to consider a licence exchange agreement with Brazil.
512. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the legislative changes required to enable the operation of the M4 eastbound bus priority measures pilot scheme. [74005/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the 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 order to enable the operation of the M4 eastbound Bus Priority Measures Pilot Scheme some legislative changes are required. My officials are liaising with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) regarding these legislative changes as a matter of priority and they will be completed as soon as possible.
513. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport the total expense incurred on the TFI live app for each of the past five years; the total spent to date in 2025; and the projected expenditure for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74011/25]
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
514. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport his views on the TFI Live app and its description of being "real time" when there are numerous reports of buses not running, but yet those buses still appear on the TFI Live app and passenger screens at bus stops. [74012/25]
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
515. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide the necessary funding to resurface the N86 road from Camp to Dingle in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74016/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the 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 any planned works on the N86.
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.
516. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide as a matter of priority the necessary funding to resurface the N70 Ring of Kerry road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74017/25]
View answer517. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide the necessary funding to surface the N70 Ring of Kerry road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74018/25]
View answer518. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide funding to surface the N70 Ring of Kerry road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74019/25]
View answer592. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to urgently carryout additional traffic calming measures on the N70 Ring of Kerry road in the vicinity of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74982/25]
View answer593. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to urgently carryout additional traffic calming measures, including replacing the school flashing lights that have a long history of being out of order, on the N70 Ring of Kerry road in the vicinity of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74983/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 516 to 518, inclusive, 592 and 593 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 any planned improvements to the N70.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland. Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
