Written Answers Nos. 291-310
291. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to set out any measure in place to support or incentivise Government Departments and State agency staff to transition away from the use of their private car for both commuting to work and work journeys. [4394/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to achieving modal shift in transport and increasing the number of Active Travel and Public Transport journeys over the coming years. This is evidenced in both the commitments made under various policy documents such as the Climate Action Plan and my Department's National Sustainable Mobility Plan, as well as the significant increase in funding for public transport, walking and cycling measures over the past number of years.
It is important we move quickly to reduce our carbon emissions and in doing so we must promote a modal shift away from private car use. This will not be achieved without the provision of alternative transport modes such as active travel and public transport.
The Review of the National Development Plan allocated €22.3 billion in Exchequer resources to Transport from 2026 to 2030, with an additional allocation of €2 billion from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to support the development of MetroLink. The funding of circa €12 billion for public transport infrastructure is allocated primarily in line with the Department’s NIFTI intervention hierarchy of Maintain, Optimise, Improve, and New. This approach involves prioritising investment in the protection and renewal of existing assets before investing in new ones, on economic and environmental grounds.
The total funding provided in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published by my Department in November last year, will see significant advancements made in a number of public transport projects over the period 2026-2030, including commencing construction of MetroLink, the DART+ Programme and Luas Finglas, as well as the continued roll out of BusConnects across five cities.
The Sectoral Plan also provides funding to commence the implementation of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, by advancing a range of priority and relatively low-cost interventions such as a new platforms and track passing loops across the rail network, to be delivered by 2030, as well as funding for the construction of the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris, subject to relevant approvals.
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 has remained at a consistently high level in recent years with a further €290 million in funding provided to local authorities through the NTA's Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme in 2026.
Investment in Active Travel infrastructure alone will not ensure we meet our modal shift and climate targets. It may be of interest to you that my Department also funds a number of projects and programmes to encourage modal shift away from private car use towards walking and cycling through behavioural change interventions such as the NTA's Smarter Travel programme.
The Smarter Travel Mark was launched in May 2023 and aims to recognise and celebrate organisations that promote active and sustainable travel options for their employees' or students' commute to work or school, as well as visitors to the organisation, through the awarding of a gold, silver or bronze accreditation. The Mark recognises workplaces and campuses who are committed to active and sustainable travel for their workforce, students or visitors through the awarding of a bronze, silver or gold certification following assessment by the National Transport Authority’s (NTA's) Smarter Travel team.
Employer-led sustainable travel initiatives will be essential to reducing the impact of our collective dependence on the car for commuter transport. Reducing carbon emissions and alleviating traffic congestion is a priority. Workplaces can be part of the solution by implementing measures that facilitate, support and encourage sustainable travel options. Where public transport services are not yet available or where infrastructure to facilitate cycling and walking is not yet in place, carpooling can also be part of a solution.
Lastly, beyond my own department there are a number of important schemes that support commuters in moving away from a reliance on private cars, such as the Taxsaver Commuter Ticket Scheme and the Cycle to Work Scheme. The Taxsaver Scheme reduces the cost of using public transport and is available on bus, rail and Luas tickets. While the Cycle to Work Scheme permits employees to get a new bike and safety gear tax-free, up to €3,000 for cargo bikes and €1,500 for ebikes, through salary sacrifice. Collectively these measures promote a movement away from private vehicles towards more sustainable modes.
292. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the reason the DART+ Southwest project has not been prioritised within the NDP given the real need and demand for the service across constituencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3331/26]
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.
The DART+ programme, which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA, will triple the length of the electrified network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours. This will significantly enhance access to high capacity public transport across the GDA.
DART+ South West will extend DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston. A Railway Order was approved for DART+ South West by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024. In addition, procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
The Government is committed to the delivery of major public transport projects. That commitment is evidenced by last year’s review of the National Development Plan which allocated a total of €24.3 billion in Exchequer funding to transport projects from 2026 to 2030.
Of this total allocation, funding of circa €10 billion for public transport infrastructure is earmarked from 2026 to 2030, in addition to the €2 billion for MetroLink, primarily in line with the Department’s NIFTI intervention hierarchy of Maintain, Optimise, Improve, and New. This approach involves prioritising investment in the protection and renewal of existing assets before investing in new ones, on economic and environmental grounds.
This is an unprecedented level of investment in transport and represents an almost 87% increase as compared to the last five-year period under the previous NDP. However, it also a simple fact that within any funding envelope, no matter how big, there are decisions required in relation to sequencing and prioritisation and those are the decisions that come with the responsibilities of being in Government.
Funding secured under this NDP will see construction start before 2030 on the DART+ programme, beginning with DART+ West, which is the crucial enabler of the rest of the programme and particularly DART+ South-West.
DART+ West must be advanced as it will provide the depot capacity for the new fleet to be used on South-West and also will provide the capacity in the city centre to allow for South-West services to proceed. The CPO processes for South-West will commence this year and aspects of the procurement frameworks put in place for DART+ West will be available for use on South-West when its main construction works commence, which I hope to accelerate through the additional NDP funding made available in 2028 onwards.
Related, my Department will also explore any EU funding which may become available to accelerate public transport projects.
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.
293. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport to confirm comments made by him in a report (details supplied) that there is flexibility within the NDP with regard to the delivery of projects; if any reconsideration of projects is ongoing; if so, if DART+ Southwest is included in this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3332/26]
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.
The DART+ programme, which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA, will triple the length of the electrified network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours. This will significantly enhance access to high capacity public transport across the GDA.
DART+ South West will extend DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston. A Railway Order was approved for DART+ South West by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024. In addition, procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
The Government is committed to the delivery of major public transport projects. That commitment is evidenced by last year’s review of the National Development Plan which allocated a total of €24.3 billion in Exchequer funding to transport projects from 2026 to 2030.
Of this total allocation, funding of circa €10 billion for public transport infrastructure is earmarked from 2026 to 2030, in addition to the €2 billion for MetroLink, primarily in line with the Department’s NIFTI intervention hierarchy of Maintain, Optimise, Improve, and New. This approach involves prioritising investment in the protection and renewal of existing assets before investing in new ones, on economic and environmental grounds.
This is an unprecedented level of investment in transport and represents an almost 87% increase as compared to the last five-year period under the previous NDP. However, it also a simple fact that within any funding envelope, no matter how big, there are decisions required in relation to sequencing and prioritisation and those are the decisions that come with the responsibilities of being in Government.
Funding secured under this NDP will see construction start before 2030 on the DART+ programme, beginning with DART+ West, which is the crucial enabler of the rest of the programme and particularly DART+ South-West.
DART+ West must be advanced as it will provide the depot capacity for the new fleet to be used on South-West and also will provide the capacity in the city centre to allow for South-West services to proceed. The CPO processes for South-West will commence this year and aspects of the procurement frameworks put in place for DART+ West will be available for use on South-West when its main construction works commence, which I hope to accelerate through the additional NDP funding made available in 2028 onwards.
Related, my Department will also explore any EU funding which may become available to accelerate public transport projects.
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.
294. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite the finalisation of a Statutory Instrument which is required for retired members of the CIÉ superannuation scheme 1951 after 18 years without an increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3350/26]
View answer307. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport when the CIÉ pension proposals that were accepted in August 2025 will be introduced; the reason for the delay with the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3478/26]
View answer361. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport when he will pass the necessary legislation to give effect to changes to the CIÉ pension scheme and the overdue pension increase for retired workers.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4254/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 294, 307 and 361 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department are currently engaging with CIÉ as well as financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.
My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate processes, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals.
295. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if e-scooter and e-bike users are subject to breathalyser tests to detect alcohol and drug impairment in vehicle users at roadside checkpoints or after incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3357/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that it is an offence to use or attempt to use an e-bike or e-scooter while under the influence of an intoxicant. Users of such vehicles are also subject to testing at roadside checkpoints.
While e-bike and e-scooter users are not currently subject to mandatory testing following a road traffic collision, under section 6(4) of the 2010 Road Traffic Act a Garda may arrest a cyclist or e-scooter user without warrant where the Garda is of the opinion that the person is intoxicated.
296. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport when the review of current e-scooter regulations to make helmets and high-visibility clothing mandatory will commence; when this review will conclude; when the necessary changes will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3362/26]
View answerThe Government introduced regulations in 2024 to provide for the safe use of and technical specifications for e-scooters for use in public places. E-scooters may only be used on public roads if they comply with the 2024 Regulations and the rules of the road apply to e-scooters in the same way as bicycles.
Under the 2024 Regulations, it is an offence for children under 16 to use e-scooters on public roads. This is an important road safety measure, enforcement of which is a matter for An Garda Siochana.
Further regulations address road signs, location restrictions, detention and seizure powers for An Garda Siochana and fixed charge penalties.
Department officials engage regularly with An Garda Siochana on enforcement of e-scooter regulations. Officials have asked them to provide any suggestions or changes to legislation that would assist them in the fulfilment of their enforcement role.
Protective equipment is, as for bicycles and e-bikes, strongly advised but not mandatory in Ireland. The Road Safety Authority, which is responsible for public education and awareness, frequently undertakes campaigns to promote, among pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users, the need for personal protective equipment and visibility on our roads. The safety benefits of reflective clothing and helmets are set out in detail in the Rules of the Road Booklet.
The Department has begun examining this issue, with a view to considering mandating helmets for these and other vulnerable micromobility users, should the evidence support such a change, and I intend to bring forward proposals in this regard in the near future.
297. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether MetroLink or any other major transport projects included in the National Development Plan are dependent on new or upgraded electricity grid connections; whether any such projects are subject to connection risk or sequencing issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3367/26]
View answer298. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether a cross departmental risk assessment has been undertaken on the interaction between electricity grid capacity and the delivery of transport projects under the National Development Plan; if so, whether this assessment has identified material delivery or cost risks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3370/26]
View answer299. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport how potential electricity grid capacity shortfalls are being factored into cost estimates, delivery schedules and risk management for major transport projects, including MetroLink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3371/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 297 to 299, 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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the project risk and schedule management.
The Department of Transport, together with the NTA, will continue to engage closely with key stakeholders, including ESB Networks, to help ensure that the necessary electricity capacity is in place to support the construction and operation of major public transport projects such as MetroLink, the expansion of the light rail network, and the electrification of the bus and heavy rail fleet. There is a multi-billion-euro programme of investment planned for both electricity networks and public transport infrastructure over the coming years, and all relevant parties will work to provide for the appropriate development of the electricity and transport sectors as part of wider decarbonisation goals.
Noting the NTA's responsibility regarding cost estimates, risk, and schedule management 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.
300. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether ticket sales data held by Iarnród Éireann or the National Transport Authority show any increase in ticket sales or passenger boardings at Rush and Lusk railway station since the 2025 increase in rail fares affecting Skerries commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3372/26]
View answer302. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the ticket sales and passenger boarding data for Skerries railway station and Rush and Lusk railway station for each month of 2025, broken down by ticket type, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3374/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 300 and 302 together.
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 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.
301. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether any analysis has been carried out by his Department, the National Transport Authority or Iarnród Éireann on displacement effects arising from fare increases, including commuters travelling from Skerries choosing to drive to and board trains at Rush and Lusk railway station due to substantially lower fare costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3373/26]
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, for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts, and any research and/or analysis into the same.
In light of their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA and Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
303. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the reason real time passenger information signage at the bus stop located beside Balbriggan Garda station (stop number 137131) was removed; the reason it has not been replaced; when a replacement real time information display will be installed as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3375/26]
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 and any related displays.
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.
304. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has conducted an analysis comparing public transport fares for buses, trains and trams in Ireland compared to fares in EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3442/26]
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In this context, we secured an unprecedented allocation of €940 million for PSO services in Budget 2026, a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from Budget 2025. This allocation allows for the continued delivery of targeted fare initiatives, including the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19–25, as part of the NTA’s National Fares Strategy. It
will also ensure that existing public transport services can operate reliably and sustainably throughout the year in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs.
While no immediate analysis or fare comparisons have been undertaking by my Department, Budget 2026 underpins a series of reforms designed to secure the long-term sustainability and efficiency of the PSO programme.
In 2026, a PSO Oversight Group will be established to strengthen governance, monitor costs, and ensure value for money. In parallel, an OECD/ITF review will be commencing shortly to deliver evidence-based recommendations to guide approaches with regard to public transport funding, cost management, and service alignment with broader policy objectives, including climate and accessibility goals.
We remain fully committed to delivering a public transport system that is reliable, accessible, and affordable for everyone, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs.
305. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to give consideration to the provision of a 24-hour bus service for an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3445/26]
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.
306. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for delivery of the Claregalway bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3452/26]
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 planning, design and construction 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 on the Claregalway Bypass.
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.
308. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport when the CIÉ pension proposals are introduced, if his Department will give assurance that the acceptance date is 15 August 2025, the date in which the ballot for acceptance took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3479/26]
View answer309. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to clarify, that as the acceptance of the CIÉ pension proposals took place 15 August 2025, that once introduced, all CIÉ pensioners will receive backdated payments to 15 August 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3480/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 309 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department are currently engaging with CIÉ as well as financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.
My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate processes, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals.
Decisions regarding pension increases are ultimately a matter for the CIÉ Board as informed by actuarial advice and is subject to requirements imposed by statute and scheme rules. Accordingly, I have referred this aspect of the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
310. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on BusConnects Cork; to provide an updated timeline for delivery;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3520/26]
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 BusConnects Cork.
As Deputy may be aware, I secured Cabinet approval for BusConnects Cork in October 2025. With that decision, the Government issued Approval Gate 1 approval in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, allowing the three Sustainable Transport Corridor schemes to enter the planning system. These schemes will provide for a total of 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors.
Following public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years. Implementation will be subject to funding and resources available.
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.
