Emer Currie
Question:681. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the date on which first-time driving test waiting lists were amalgamated with the retest waiting list. [1280/26]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (681)
Written answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the operation of waiting lists and scheduling of tests. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 682 answered with Question No. 651.
Driver Test
Questions (683)
Niamh Smyth
Question:683. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); the timeframe for the payment on this person's RSA compensation claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1283/26]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. In this capacity, the RSA has informed my officials that the Authority issued a comprehensive response to the Deputy on the 3 December, which advised that the claim had been approved and the claimant had been notified on 25 November 2025.
Question No. 684 answered with Question No. 589.
Bus Services
Questions (685)
Barry Ward
Question:685. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the frequency of the No. 7 Bus Átha Cliath route with a view to increasing the divide to at least one bus every 15 minutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1331/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (686)
Barry Ward
Question:686. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport when it will be possible for Bus Átha Cliath customers who do not have a Leap card, to buy tickets on board other than with cash; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1332/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has been responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project will provide for transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a new-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
Following a competitive procurement process, in April 2024 the NTA awarded an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of the new multi-modal ticketing system to a Spanish information technology company, Indra Sistemas, who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.
In August 2024, the NTA and Indra initiated the first call-off contract to equip the entire State subsidised public transport network in the Greater Dublin Area with new validation equipment capable of accepting bank cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, QR Codes (both paper and app-based), TFI Leap Cards, and Free Travel Passes.
A huge effort is being put in by NTA to ensure that this transformational and beneficial project for public transport passengers is delivered as effectively as possible. It is anticipated that the new ticketing system across the Greater Dublin Area will be implemented in 2028, with further rollouts thereafter.
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 working days.
Military Aircraft
Questions (687)
Barry Ward
Question:687. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to inspect aircraft carrying official US military personnel or property, landing in Ireland to verify the veracity, of their manifest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1335/26]
View answerWritten answers
The carriage of munitions of war is prohibited on any civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory unless an exemption is granted by the Minister for Transport, as implemented in the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989.
Article 8 of these orders empowers the Minister for Transport to enter and inspect any civil aircraft whenever it appears that it is intended or likely to be flown from any place within the State in such circumstances that the flight would be in contravention of the above orders or any direction thereunder.
The introduction of a regime of routine or random inspections, where there is not first an appearance of possible contravention, is not permissible under our current legislation.
Question No. 688 answered with Question No. 679.
Road Safety
Questions (689)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:689. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the development of the first National Safety Camera Strategy within his Department; the timeline for public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1349/26]
View answerWritten answers
The increased deployment of safety cameras in the coming years is a key action to be delivered under the Phase 2 Action Plan of the all-of-Government Road Safety Strategy. The Phase 2 Action Plan was published in July 2025 and includes 12 primary actions supplemented by a further 77 support actions. These actions are being delivered collaboratively by road safety partners and align with commitments in the Programme for Government.
At the request of my Department, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, working with other road safety stakeholders, developed the first National Safety Camera Strategy. An initial draft was forwarded to my Department in May 2025, with extensive engagement between lead agencies then required to agree recommendations, roles and responsibilities going forward. The Strategy be subject to approval by the Road Safety Leadership Group, which I Chair.
Work on the first National Safety Camera Strategy is now at an advanced stage. My Department is working closely with road safety stakeholders, including the NTA, TII, RSA and An Garda Síochána, on how best to implement the Strategy. The Strategy will, focus on speeding, red light running, and bus lane infringements, with flexibility for the enforcement of other types of offence in future.
It is expected that the Strategy will be approved early in 2026. Once this strategy is in place, it will provide the framework for increased deployment of cameras across the network, in both urban and rural locations, to assist with the enforcement of a wide range of road traffic offences.
Road Safety
Questions (690)
Denise Mitchell
Question:690. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport for an update on plans to roll-out a national camera-based enforcement strategy focused on red light violations, bus lane violations and speeding; if he accepts that the increase in collisions and road deaths in 2025 requires an urgent focus on such safety measures to help safeguard all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1351/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to further expansion of safety cameras to encourage safer driving, with explicit reference to mobile phone use and non-wearing of seatbelts. This commitment is reaffirmed by Primary Action 6 in the Phase 2 Action Plan of the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. The Phase 2 Action Plan was published in July 2025 and includes 12 primary actions supplemented by a further 77 support actions. These actions are being delivered collaboratively by road safety partners and align with commitments in the Programme for Government.
Since 2024, An Garda Síochána has deployed 9 new static cameras and 3 new average speed camera zones across the road network. This is supported by the network of ‘Go Safe’ mobile speed cameras and is designed to reduce speeding which remains the most dangerous behaviour on our roads.
The framework for the future rollout of safety cameras will be guided by the first National Safety Camera Strategy. Work on the Strategy is progressing and is now at an advanced stage. My Department is working closely with all road safety stakeholders including the NTA, TII, RSA and An Garda Síochána on how best to implement the Strategy. The Strategy will focus on speeding, red light running, and bus lane infringements, with flexibility for the enforcement of other types of offence in future. It is expected that the Strategy will be approved early in 2026. Once this strategy is in place, it will provide the framework for increased deployment of cameras across the network, in both urban and rural locations, to assist with the enforcement of a wide range of road traffic offences.
As Minister of State with responsibility for road safety, I must acknowledge that 2025 was a very difficult year on Irish roads. Too many families and communities have faced tragedy as a result of road traffic collisions. It is my absolute priority to see a reduction in road deaths in the weeks, months and years ahead. Progress is being made. In February 2025, the first implementation phase of the speed limit review was introduced, which saw the default speed limit on rural and local roads reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h. In October 2025, local authorities were directed to review existing speed limits on roads in built-up and urban areas. Local authorities will, where appropriate, implement lower speed limits of 30km/h in cities and towns and have been directed to conclude this process by 31 March 2027.
Key legislative reforms are progressing. In April, the Government approved the General Scheme of the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill, which will restore direct collision data sharing with local authorities to inform investment decisions. Additional Heads of Bill approved by Government in December will, among other things make a legislative amendment to allow a jury to consider a charge of careless driving where an individual is acquitted of dangerous driving, as recommended by Judge Haughton in his report on the death of Shane O’Farrell.
My Department is also developing the next Road Traffic Bill to fulfil Programme for Government commitments, including in relation to graduated speeding penalties and camera-based enforcement of mobile phone and seatbelt offences. Long-standing issues are also being addressed, including in relation to multiple learner permits which, under current rules, allow individuals to repeatedly renew a permit without sitting a driving test. Regulations were signed last month to end this practice, with the changes coming into effect in November 2026.
Bus Services
Questions (691)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:691. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made in expanding Local Link services in Cork; whether additional routes, increased frequency, or evening and weekend services are planned for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1352/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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, and the 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.
Active Travel
Questions (692)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:692. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the active travel projects that are planned or underway in towns and villages in Cork; the way in which rural communities are being supported to improve walking and cycling infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1353/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the allocation of funding at local authority level as well as the oversight of development and delivery of individual projects.
In general, the main focus of active travel investment is to support high quality walking and cycling infrastructure, for everyday trips in villages, towns and cities with a view to promoting the greatest potential modal shift to active travel.
Investment in active travel across the country, including in Cork, has remained at a consistently high level in recent years with over €290 million in funding provided to the NTA last year alone. Between both local authorities in Cork, €47 million was allocated for walking and cycling infrastructure in 2025.
I was delighted to secure a similar funding for Active Travel in Budget 2026, meaning that the Department of Transport and the NTA can continue to progress walking and cycling projects around Ireland into this year. 2026 allocations for all local authorities, including Cork City and Cork County Councils, will be announced in mid-January.
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. 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.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Rail Network
Questions (693)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:693. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the investment that is planned to improve rail services serving Mallow to Tralee via Banteer, Millstreet, Rathmore and Killarney, including early morning connectivity (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1354/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, including any planned investment in the line between Mallow and Tralee, 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 direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Transport Policy
Questions (694)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:694. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the plans to address the current capacity and access issues within the transport sector for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1355/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, on 03 September 2025 the Government launched the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People (NHRSDP) 2025-2030. Pillar 5 of the NHRSDP, 'Transport and Mobility' contains a number of transport priority actions. I met with members of the disability sector on 29 September 2025 for a constructive dialogue around the NHRSDP and our shared ambition to ensure 100% transport accessibility in Ireland. I really welcomed the opportunity to hear views on transport accessibility and the NHRSDP priority transport actions.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the Oireachtas assigned statutory responsibility to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and public transport infrastructure. The NTA in turn works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Dublin Bus, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
In light of the NTA's over-arching statutory responsibilities for accessible public transport, including capacity and access issues within the transport sector for people with disabilities, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Air Safety
Questions (695, 696, 746, 802)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:695. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to implementing standardised reporting procedures for anomalous or non-cooperative aerial observations by flight crews before the passenger cap in Dublin Airport is lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1356/26]
View answerRuth Coppinger
Question:696. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport the plans to ensure appropriate safety standards are in place before the lifting of the passenger cap in Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1357/26]
View answer
Ciarán Ahern
Question:746. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if, in his deliberations with officials in his Department concerning the lifting of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, concerns around gaps in airspace oversight, reporting and governance were discussed, particularly in the context of non-cooperative or unidentified aerial observations that may not appear on conventional surveillance systems; if he agrees that Ireland currently lacks clear, mandatory, standardised reporting procedures for anomalous or non-cooperative aerial observations by flight crews; if so, the steps he is taking to remedy this gap; if he will commit to ensuring that reporting procedures, oversight mechanisms and accountability structures are in place before a potential lifting of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1890/26]
View answer
Louis O'Hara
Question:802. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if there are mandatory procedures for reporting sightings of unidentified flying aircraft such as drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2365/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 695, 696, 746 and 802 together.
The framework for the reporting, analysis and follow-up of occurrences in civil aviation in the European Union is established by Regulation (EU) 376/2014. The Regulation requires Member States to establish both a mandatory occurrence reporting system (for certain categories of occurrences which may represent a significant risk to aviation safety) and a voluntary reporting system to facilitate the collection of details of occurrences and safety-related information not subject to mandatory reporting.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1018 sets out the list of classifying occurrences to be mandatorily reported pursuant to Regulation (EU) 376/2014.
Under Regulation (EU) 376/2014 aviation personnel, including pilots, are responsible for reporting safety occurrences to their organisation and additionally may elect to report directly to the competent authority. In Ireland, the competent authority under the occurrence reporting legislation is the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). The occurrence reporting regulation is implemented by organisations via the Safety Management Systems (SMS) as required under Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012. Organisations must submit reports to the ECCAIRS mandatory occurrence reporting system, and these reports are then followed up as appropriate by IAA inspectors, who may seek further information if necessary.
Regulation (EU) 376/2014 includes specific provisions regarding confidentiality of occurrence reports, protection of source and use of data. This ensures, for example, that the name of the reporter is protected, and whether it is a mandatory report or a voluntary report. The protection of safety data, safety information and related sources is essential to ensure their continued availability, since the use of safety data and safety information for purposes other than maintaining or improving safety may inhibit the future availability of such data and information, with a significant adverse effect on safety.
Unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), sometimes referred to as unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or anomalous aerial observations (AAOs) are not, in general, subject to mandatory reporting requirements where those observations do not otherwise fall under the list of classifying occurrences set out in the Implementing Regulation. This is in line with the approach taken in other EU Member States and best practice globally.
Question No. 696 answered with Question No. 695.
Rail Network
Questions (697)
Robert O'Donoghue
Question:697. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the DART+ North Project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1374/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
The DART+ programme which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA will triple the length of the electrified network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours. This will significantly enhance access to high capacity public transport across the GDA.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Coastal North will provide an extension of DART services from the City Centre to Drogheda.
The Railway Order for DART+ Costal North was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025.
The DART+ fleet project provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet. Three fleet orders have been placed comprising 285 battery-electric and electric carriages. The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have arrived in Ireland and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing. It is intended that the new battery-electric sets will be initially deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from 2027, which will provide additional capacity on the line.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan published by my Department in November 2025 notes that there is also potential to commence works on other elements of DART+ Coastal North, including supporting infrastructure such as track passing loops and a new platform at Drogheda station, prior to 2030, in advance of works on Overhead Line Equipment (OHLE).
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (698)
Sorca Clarke
Question:698. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that the Road Safety Authority resumes the publication of anonymised, collision location data for public, research and local-authority use, including for high risk corridors such as the Longford/Westmeath section of the N4; and if he will confirm that this will be done in line with Data Protection Commissioner guidance that proportionate publication of crash location details is compatible with GDPR. [1469/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. The RSA receives collision data from An Garda Síochána for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions. Following engagement with and approval from the Data Protection Commissioner, a data sharing agreement has been agreed between An Garda Síochána and the RSA to underpin this data flow. Legislative changes are required to enable the local authority sector to resume receipt of collisions data, which I am introducing in the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025 that is currently being drafted.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Question No. 699 answered with Question No. 652.