Written Answers Nos. 557-576
557. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the decision process (details supplied) for the funding for the Safe Routes to School programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74570/25]
View answer561. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the qualifying criteria and process by which projects were selected in relation to the funding for the Safe Routes to School programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74574/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 557 and 561 together.
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 932 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches with four rounds having been announced to date.
It is the responsibility of the NTA, in cooperation with An Taisce and the local authorities, to select which of the 932 schools will be included in each round. This decision is made using established selection criteria, ensuring a mix of school types (primary and post-primary), a range of locations (urban, suburban, rural), socio-economic diversity and schools which have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable travel modes such as walking and cycling. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
558. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the low number of awardees for the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council district under the funding for the Safe Routes to School Programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74571/25]
View answer559. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the low number of awardees for the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council district, particularly compared to the other three local authority areas in Dublin, in relation to the Safe Routes to School Programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74572/25]
View answer560. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools that applied for funding under the Safe Routes to School Programme from the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council district that were not successful (details supplied) [74573/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 558 to 560, inclusive, together.
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches with 4 Rounds having been announced to date. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the Rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
Following the announcement of Round 4 of the SRTS Programme in December 2025, 12 schools in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are now active in the Programme. None of these projects have yet progressed past the Detailed Design Phase.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
562. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will allocate funding to Clare County Council in order that a comprehensive review of the N68 road (Ennis to Kilrush) will be undertaken, with the view to them being in a position to designing significant upgrade works of the carriageway and submitting these for Departmental funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74607/25]
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 upgrades to the N68.
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.
563. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Luas to Lucan project; the expected milestones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74610/25]
View answer564. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Luas to Finglas project; the expected milestones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74611/25]
View answer565. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Luas to Bray project; the expected milestones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74612/25]
View answer566. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Luas to Poolbeg project; the expected milestones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74613/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 563 to 566, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the 2022-2042 lifetime of the strategy. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg, and Bray.
An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the Luas Finglas Railway Order in October 2025, which is currently subject to legal challenges. Assuming no successful legal challenge, the project will move toward procurement with a view to commencing construction by 2029.
In relation to Luas Poolbeg, the development of a Luas red line extension to serve Poolbeg is currently one of the longer-term proposals in the NTA's Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042. The Strategy states that the proposed Luas extension to Poolbeg is subject to the assessment of forecast travel demand arising out of development patterns in the Poolbeg Strategic Development Zone and environs. The Luas Poolbeg Pre-Feasibility study has been completed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and is currently under consideration by the NTA. Following this review by the NTA, it is planned to publish the report in early 2026.
An extension of the Luas Green line to Bray is part of the strategy’s medium-term proposals for development and delivery within 2031-2036 and is part of a number of proposed expansions to the Luas network over the lifetime of the strategy.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is progressing the Luas Lucan project in collaboration with the NTA. In 2025, the NTA submitted the Project Outline Document (POD) for Luas Lucan to my Department, as required under the Transport Appraisal Framework for investment proposals in the transport sector with an estimated potential cost of €20 million or more. TII are currently working to identify the emerging preferred route for Luas Lucan and this is expected to undergo a non-statutory public consultation in 2026.
As part of the periodic review of the Transport Strategy, the demand for possible light rail lines - including any developments in demand since the 2022 Transport Strategy - will also be considered. In reviewing the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042, the NTA will be informed in part by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and their Luas 2050 vision.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, 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.
568. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Galway Luas project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74615/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including light rail.
The Programme for Government also commits to examine further investment in light rail for our cities.
The NTA is currently developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council. This strategy will replace the existing Galway Transport Strategy adopted in 2016 and will provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport and the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Galway Metropolitan Area.
Part of the development of the new GMATS necessitates mode specific analysis and this is being undertaken in the form of a Light Rail Feasibility Study and a Strategic Roads Feasibility Study. Both studies will form part of the analysis used to inform the development of the multi-modal GMATS, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus, rail, roads and demand management measures.
In Galway, the Light Rail Feasibility Study was published by the NTA in October 2024 for information and has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing a light rail system in Galway. The feasibility study will form part of the evidence base used as an input into the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, which will be subject to a full environmental analysis and public consultation process in due course. It should be noted that any future light rail project in Galway will only be advanced subject to funding and securing relevant Government approval under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The NTA considers that it is appropriate to await An Coimisiún Pleanála’s determination on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road application in order to fully develop the draft GMATS. Of course, once sufficiently developed the draft GMATS will be opened to full public consultation.
In the meantime, implementation will continue on the current Galway Transport Strategy. A significant amount of planning and design has already taken place which will enable construction activity in the coming years across active travel, bus and rail related projects including BusConnects.
Noting the NTA's responsibility, 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.
569. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the way in which BusConnects Corridors will interface with future light rail routes to ensure optimal compatibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74616/25]
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 in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink, BusConnects and Luas.
The NTA published the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 in January 2023. This strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA. There are a number of infrastructure investments which are planned or underway to support increased public transport demand across the GDA.
The NTA's redesign of the bus network and development of Core Bus Corridor schemes are being progressed in parallel with light rail expansion plans. This will help ensure that bus schedules align with projected Luas and MetroLink frequencies, minimising passenger wait times.
Noting the NTA's responsibility, 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.
570. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport the payroll cost of his Department and of each organisation or agency under its remit individually, in 2015 to 2025, by year, in tabular form. [74636/25]
View answerThe table below outlines the payroll costs of my Department from 2015-2025.
|
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
€27,192,549 |
€26,866,030 |
€28,433,187 |
€31,076,913 |
€34,177,911 |
€33,307,157 |
€34,737,841 |
€38,182,569 |
€42,422,994 |
€47,283,624 |
€53,551,156 |
As this question also relates to agencies under the remit of the Department of Transport, I have referred the question to these agencies to reply to you directly. If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, please contact my Private Office.
571. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on an article (details supplied) that reported 1,264 cancellations of number 13 bus in the past two months; the reason for this; the measures he will take to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74649/25]
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. As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. 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.
572. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the funding available for additional seating and shelter (details supplied), from 2020 to date in 2025, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74653/25]
View answer573. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the funding will be available during the lifetime of the Government for additional seating and shelter (details supplied), from 2020 to date in 2025, by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74654/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 572 and 573 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure.
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.
574. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the reasons the Wexford-Waterford rail line was removed from the most recent prioritisation strategy; if this decision can be revised; if there is a contingency in place to support transport infrastructure in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74698/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Transport, together with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy on 15 December 2025. This Strategy outlines how to best sequence and optimise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024.
The Rail Strategy specifies short-term rail infrastructure investments, referred to as Early Interventions, to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, which are funded to be fully delivered by 2030. This includes a new platform at Limerick Junction, and a new passing loop east of Clonmel, which will support quicker journeys between Waterford and Limerick.
The Rail Strategy also identifies Major Projects, including capacity/frequency enhancements and electrification of the Waterford rail line, to be progressed.
The Rail Strategy does not cancel any projects. Rather projects such as reinstating the proposed rail link between Wexford and Waterford are intended to be developed in the longer-term.
Other rail projects which will also benefit the South-East include the extension of the DART from Greystones to Wicklow, for delivery around 2029. This project will be advanced with funding provided under the National Development Plan Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by the Department of Transport in November. This project will be progressed using new battery-electric DART trains, the first order of which are currently undergoing safety testing prior to be deployed on the Northern Commuter line in 2027, and new battery-electric charging infrastructure, and will boost rail capacity and frequency on the Wexford/Rosslare line. Wicklow commuters in particular will see a big increase in train frequency through the new DART services that the project will deliver.
In addition, a new train station is currently under construction in Waterford city, for opening in 2027, as part of the ambitious North Quays development.
575. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport if the Thurles inner relief road has been submitted for tender; if not, when it is expected to be advertised for tender; to provide a detailed timeline of key project milestones from planning through to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74729/25]
View answerThe 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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
The Thurles Inner Relief Road is one of a number of strategic regional and local road improvement schemes being undertaken under the National Development Plan (NDP). In 2025, €100,000 was allocated to the Thurles Inner Relief Road scheme to progress the detailed design of the scheme. Planning and implementation of the Thurles Inner Relief Road scheme is the responsibility of Tipperary County Council.
Grant allocations for 2026 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
576. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the average time for a taxi license application to be processed from start to finish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74787/25]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
There are two statutory bodies involved in the SPSV driver licensing process; the NTA and An Garda Síochána (AGS). As set out in section 6(2) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, AGS is the driver licensing authority for SPSVs in Ireland and is responsible for:
• Vetting applicants to assess their suitability
• Administering applications received
• Where appropriate, granting and renewing SPSV driver licences.
The NTA is responsible for:
• Administering the SPSV Driver Entry Test
• Processing SPSV driver licence fees
• Issuing the SPSV driver identity and display cards, on receipt of the SPSV Driver Licence from An Garda Síochána
• Maintaining the SPSV driver and vehicle licence register, together with the Driver Check App.
From an analysis carried out on driver licence issuance in the first half of 2025, the average time between a candidate passing their SPSV Driver Entry Test to having their driver licence issued, was 15 weeks for Dublin and 13 weeks for the rest of the country.
Given the NTA's responsibility regarding vehicle licensing, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
