Written Answers Nos. 742-761
742. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport to provide his response to the European Commission’s automotive package and his assessment of the package’s likely impact on the Irish automotive industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1848/26]
View answerI note the publication by the Commission of the Automotive Package in December last. It is a broad ranging set of proposals which will need to be analysed individually and in the round. We will consult with key stakeholders in this analysis. Ireland does not have a car manufacturing sector. However, some aspects of the package are very relevant to our decarbonisation targets for transport, in particular the revision of the CO2 Cars and Vans Regulation and the new so called Corporate Green Fleets initiative.
There is a need for clarity and certainty in terms of EU regulation across this sector. Many EU-based companies have made significant investments in zero emission vehicles on the back of the existing regulation and the associated deadline for the phase out of ICE vehicles by 2035. Many Member States, including Ireland, are relying heavily on a rapid transition to deliver on their decarbonisation plans for transport. Ireland’s Climate Action Plan target is to have 30% of the national vehicle fleet be electric by 2030. This is our single biggest transport mitigation action for the short to medium term and the existing regulation is a key lever in supporting this ambition. The proposed reduction to 90% recognises the challenges that some areas of the EU auto sector are facing and the need for some flexibility and pragmatism in this regard. It is vital that any flexibility being proposed for auto manufacturers does not dilute the overall trajectory towards this zero emission transition.
The package proposes a Greening of Corporate Fleets initiative. The recognition of SMEs in the proposed regulation is important. We will now consider the proposal in detail in terms of how it aligns with the overall objective of incentivising demand for EVs and any wider impacts.
We also welcome the revision of the car labelling directive with the intention of increasing the visibility and awareness of the energy efficiency and carbon footprint of vehicles. Ireland has been engaging with the Commission on this initiative with a view to enhancing its impact.
There are also simplification elements to the package which are aimed at encouraging the production of small affordable EVs which I welcome in principle given the question of affordability of EVs for many. However, there are also potential road safety concerns if new category for small affordable EVs is used to remove future requirements for safety equipment and features required for other vehicle types.
We will continue to engage constructively with the Commission and member states on the package with a view to supporting both competitiveness and decarbonisation goals in a balanced and pragmatic manner.
743. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the progress on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1856/26]
View answer744. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the progress on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1857/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 744 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, including the BusConnects routes in Dublin.
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across five cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA.
The roll-out of the remaining phases of the BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign will occur over the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
747. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the Programme for Government commitment to establish a transport security force to address antisocial behaviour on public transport; the actions taken to date to progress this commitment; the timeline for its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1915/26]
View answer748. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether legislative changes are required to establish a transport security force; if so, the status of the preparation of such legislation; when it is expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1916/26]
View answer749. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether funding has been allocated to date for the establishment and operation of a transport security force; the amounts allocated, if any, in each year since the publication of the Programme for Government; the funding provided for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1917/26]
View answer750. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether the proposed powers, functions and operational remit of the transport security force have been determined, including whether members of the force will have enforcement or arrest powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1918/26]
View answer751. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the extent of consultation undertaken with transport operators, transport workers, trade unions, passenger representative groups and An Garda Síochána in relation to the establishment of a transport security force; the dates of such consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1919/26]
View answer752. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the interim measures which are currently in place to protect passengers and staff pending the establishment of a transport security force in light of ongoing reports of antisocial behaviour on public transport and concerns raised by transport workers regarding personal safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1920/26]
View answer753. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether alternative models to a transport security force have been examined, including the establishment of a dedicated public transport policing unit within An Garda Síochána; whether any cost benefit or effectiveness analysis has been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1923/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 747 to 753, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force and is working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in this regard.
This work involves careful and informed consideration of the most appropriate model for the force, with all key stakeholders fully engaged – the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. Since assuming office, I have had detailed engagements with these stakeholders, and we will continue to work together to deliver on this commitment, with the next formal meeting due to be held in February 2026.
The Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment: that a Transport Security Force will operate under the NTA with powers similar to those held by Airport Police and Customs Officers. My Department and the NTA are actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force.
The introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited. This legislation is expected to progress during 2026, with a view to having the Force operational by 2027, on a phased basis.
Decisions regarding the establishment of a transport police force or transport policing service under An Garda Síochána would be a matter for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner. I hope to update Cabinet in the coming weeks on the progress of the work that my Department is undertaking on the establishment of a Transport Security Force.
In parallel with the work being carried out in the Department of Transport, the Government continues to invest heavily in public transport safety, with over €14 million spent on safety measures in 2025. Twenty rapid response hubs have been established across the Iarnród Éireann intercity network, enhancing their ability to respond quickly to incidents and support frontline staff. In the Dublin region, the Dublin Bus Safer Journeys Team has dedicated units covering North, South, and Central Dublin as of February 2025. All buses are also now equipped CCTV cameras. On the Luas, Transdev has a full-time dedicated security staff patrolling both Red & Green lines from early morning to last tram.
All Operators continue to have strong relationships with An Garda Síochána, who ultimately assist in supporting these incidences. The NTA organises an Anti-Social Behaviour Forum, which public transport operators and An Garda Síochána attend.
While these measures mark significant progress, antisocial behaviour on public transport remains a serious concern. It is those who use and work within the network who are most directly affected, and the establishment of the Transport Security Force will be key in addressing this issue.
The establishment of this Transport Security Force is a key priority for Government, and as the Minister for Transport I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers.
In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
754. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the total number of new DART carriages ordered to date under the DART programme, including the most recent order announced in December 2025, the total capital investment committed, and the breakdown of carriages by order batch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1924/26]
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.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Fleet provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet.
Three fleet orders have been placed comprising both battery-electric and electric carriages, bringing the total number of DART carriages ordered to 285, made up of 57 five-carriage trains.
The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages (65 battery-electric and 30 electric) 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.
Part of the second order of 90 battery-electric carriages, which are planned to start entering service from 2028, will allow the commencement of the extension of the DART to Wicklow from around 2029. The NTA in consultation with Iarnród Éireann will decide where best to deploy the remainder of the second order.
Deployment of the first and second orders will free up existing Intercity and Commuter trains for use on other routes. The location of where the redeployed fleet will be used will be determined by Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the NTA.
In December 2025, the Department funded a third fleet order for a further 100 electric DART carriages, which will fully replace the original DART fleet in service since the DART first opened in 1984. It is planned to deploy this third order of 100 electric carriages from the end of 2028.
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.
755. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the detailed timeline for the manufacture, delivery, testing, commissioning and passenger deployment of the third order of DART carriages announced in December 2025; the expected dates for entry into service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1925/26]
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.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Fleet provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet.
Three fleet orders have been placed comprising both battery-electric and electric carriages, bringing the total number of DART carriages ordered to 285, made up of 57 five-carriage trains.
The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages (65 battery-electric and 30 electric) 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.
Part of the second order of 90 battery-electric carriages, which are planned to start entering service from 2028, will allow the commencement of the extension of the DART to Wicklow from around 2029. The NTA in consultation with Iarnród Éireann will decide where best to deploy the remainder of the second order across the DART network.
Deployment of the first and second orders will free up existing Intercity and Commuter trains for use on other routes. The location of where the redeployed fleet will be used will be determined by Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the NTA.
In December 2025, the Department funded a third fleet order for a further 100 electric DART carriages, which will fully replace the original DART fleet in service since the DART first opened in 1984. It is planned to deploy this third order of 100 electric carriages from the end of 2028.
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.
756. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the new DART carriages will increase overall passenger capacity on the network, including any projected increase in peak hour capacity once all ordered carriages are in service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1929/26]
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.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Fleet provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet.
Three fleet orders have been placed comprising both battery-electric and electric carriages, bringing the total number of DART carriages ordered to 285.
The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, (65 battery-electric and 30 electric) 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.
Part of the second order of 90 battery-electric carriages, which are planned to start entering service from 2028, will allow the commencement of the extension of the DART to Wicklow from around 2029. The NTA in consultation with Iarnród Éireann will decide where best to deploy the remainder of the second order across the DART network.
Deployment of the first and second orders will free up existing Intercity and Commuter trains for use on other routes. The location of where the redeployed fleet will be used will be determined by Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the NTA.
In December 2025, the Department funded a third fleet order for a further 100 electric DART carriages, which will fully replace the original DART fleet in service since the DART first opened in 1984. It is planned to deploy this third order of 100 electric carriages from the end of 2028.
At least 23 million passenger journeys will have been made on existing DART services from Greystones to Malahide/Howth in 2025, the highest number ever seen. Across Dublin’s commuter services – Drogheda, Maynooth/M3 Parkway, Kildare and Wicklow – a further 16 million passenger journeys are forecast for the year, also the highest ever.
The full DART+ Programme, encompassing new fleet and infrastructure works under DART+ West, South West, Coastal North and Coastal South, will double the capacity for rail services in the GDA from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours.
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.
757. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the contingency arrangements that are in place in the event of delays to the delivery or commissioning of the new DART carriages, including measures to maintain service reliability while older carriages are being replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1930/26]
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.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Fleet provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet.
Three fleet orders have been placed comprising both battery-electric and electric carriages, bringing the total number of DART carriages ordered to 285, made up of 57 five-carriage trains.
The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages (65 battery-electric and 30 electric) 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.
Part of the second order of 90 battery-electric carriages, which are planned to start entering service from 2028, will allow the commencement of the extension of the DART to Wicklow from around 2029. The NTA in consultation with Iarnród Éireann will decide where best to deploy the remainder of the second order across the DART network.
Deployment of the first and second orders will free up Intercity and Commuter trains for use on other routes. The location of where the redeployed fleet will be used will be determined by Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the NTA.
In December 2025, the Department funded a third fleet order for a further 100 electric DART carriages, which will fully replace the original DART fleet in service since the DART first opened in 1984. It is planned to deploy this third order of 100 electric carriages from the end of 2028.
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.
758. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the expected operational lifespan of the new DART carriages and the planned timetable for the phased withdrawal of the original DART fleet currently in service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1931/26]
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.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Fleet provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet.
Three fleet orders have been placed comprising both battery-electric and electric carriages, bringing the total number of DART carriages ordered to 285, made up of 57 five-carriage trains.
The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, consisting of 65 battery-electric and 30 electric, 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.
Part of the second order of 90 battery-electric carriages, which are planned to start entering service from 2028, will allow the commencement of the extension of the DART to Wicklow from around 2029. The NTA in consultation with Iarnród Éireann will decide where best to deploy the remainder of the second order across the DART network.
Deployment of the first and second orders will free up Intercity and Commuter trains for use on other routes. The location of where the redeployed fleet will be used will be determined by Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the NTA.
In December 2025, the Department funded a third fleet order for a further 100 electric DART carriages, which will fully replace the original DART fleet in service since the DART first opened in 1984. It is planned to deploy this third order of 100 electric carriages from the end of 2028.
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.
759. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the TFI Anseo pilot programme, including which service areas it is operating in (such as Achill, Killarney and Limerick) and the latest patronage figures and utilisation data collected to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1932/26]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. 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.
760. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport when the National Transport Authority expects to conclude the TFI Anseo pilot, including the planned end date for all current pilot areas, and whether any interim evaluations or reporting milestones have been defined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1933/26]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. 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.
761. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the criteria and evaluation framework the NTA is using to assess the outcomes of the TFI Anseo pilot, including the key performance indicators that will determine whether the service is expanded or mainstreamed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1934/26]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. 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.
