Written Answers Nos. 311-330
311. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the introduction of reduced speed limits on roads adjacent to schools in rural areas; the timeframe the proposed circular might issue to local authorities with options on the introduction of engineering initiatives to engender lower speeds and the introduction of permanent or periodic ‘special speed limits’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3523/26]
View answerThe Speed Limit Review 2023 included a recommendation that "the speed limit for roads adjoining schools be set to between 30 km/h and 50 km/h respectively on urban and rural sections of road".
With respect to schools located in urban areas, the Department of Transport issued a Circular to local authorities on 16 October 2025, requesting that they undertake a review of speed limits in urban areas in accordance with updated ‘Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland’. The updated 'Guidelines' recommends that the speed limit on roads adjacent schools in urban areas be set to 30km/h, and that this should be implemented either by way of a permanent 30km/h speed limit or a by way of a periodic speed limit of 30km/h. It is recommended that a permanent speed 30km/h is implemented, if there is significant and regular interaction with vulnerable road users not only during school drop-off and collection times, but also on a regular basis outside of these times. In situations where interaction with vulnerable road users is restricted to school drop-off and collections times, a periodic speed limit of 30km/h should be applied, and a higher speed limit such as 50km/h may be set outside of these times.
Local authorities are requested to implement these speed limit changes by way of special speed limit bye-laws. Accordingly, in respect of those roads in built-up and urban areas that local authorities propose to change the existing speed limits, it will be necessary to undertake a statutory public consultation process, in accordance with the requirements of the Road Traffic Act 2004, as amended. Furthermore, as the making of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’ is a reserved function, the speed limits on such roads can only be changed where a majority of the elected members vote to do so. Local authorities are requested to implement the proposed speed limit changes by 31 March 2027.
With respect to schools located in rural areas, the updated ‘Speed Limit Guidelines’ recommend that a 50km/h speed limit be applied either on a permanent basis or by way of a periodic speed limit.
A working group has been established comprising representative from the local authorities, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Department of Transport, in order to determine the appropriate road layout, infrastructure and signage required to implement 50km/h speed limits on certain rural roads safely. It is expected that this review will be completed in 2026, and thereafter a direction issued to local authorities to commence implementation of 50km/h speed limits on these roads.
312. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the development of a second platform and passing loop at the train station in Oranmore, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3532/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, including the upgrade works at Oranmore train station.
This project at Oranmore will provide an additional platform and a passing loop, increasing capacity on the line between Athenry and Galway.
The construction of an underpass at the station commenced in October 2025, which will provide pedestrian access to the new platform, with main construction of the platform and passing loop due to start early this year and the project scheduled to be completed in 2027.
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.
313. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the publication of the National Ports Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3534/26]
View answerA Memorandum for Government on a draft text of the revision of the National Ports Policy 2013 (NPP) will be presented to Cabinet in Q1 2026.
Once approved, my Department will complete a public consultation on the draft policy, together with related environmental reports, in the first half of 2026. Thereafter the finalised draft will be returned to Cabinet for approval and then publication.
I look forward to the same level of stakeholder engagement with this second public consultation as was achieved during the first, which was based on a thematic Issues Paper to which 70 responses were carefully assessed by officials in my Department.
314. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the scope that exists within resources provided to the NTA in 2026 for the development of new public transport routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3538/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for setting the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide; which is then allocated to the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA are responsible for the operation and budgeting of State supported PSO public transport services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government.
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 2025. This allocation will 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. The allocation will also allow 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.
The 2026 allocation prioritises the advancement of ongoing programmes and commitments in line with operational readiness and resource availability. This includes the recently announced changes to route alignments under Phase 7 of BusConnects and the upcoming rollout of new town services in Mullingar in Q1 2026. Also included is €31 million for rural transport in 2026 – a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This ensures the continued delivery of vital services across rural Ireland, to meet demand in communities that depend on these services most.
My Department continues to engage with the NTA as they finalise their 2026 service plan, ensuring that planning and strategic decisions are informed by both operational and resource considerations.
315. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the scope that exists within resources provided to the NTA in 2026 for the expansion of current public transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3539/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for setting the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide; which is then allocated to the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA are responsible for the operation and budgeting of State supported PSO public transport services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government.
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 2025. This allocation will 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. The allocation will also allow 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.
The 2026 allocation prioritises the advancement of ongoing programmes and commitments in line with operational readiness and resource availability. This includes the recently announced changes to route alignments under Phase 7 of BusConnects and the upcoming rollout of new town services in Mullingar in Q1 2026. Also included is €31 million for rural transport in 2026 – a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This ensures the continued delivery of vital services across rural Ireland, to meet demand in communities that depend on these services most.
My Department continues to engage with the NTA as they finalise their 2026 service plan, ensuring that planning and strategic decisions are informed by both operational and resource considerations.
316. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the resources provided to Galway County Council in 2026 for the development of the route of the Claregalway Relief Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3540/26]
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 status of the Claregalway Relief Road.
I also note that it is expected that the National Roads 2026 allocations will be announced in the near future.
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.
317. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Northern Ring Road extension in Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3555/26]
View answerIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
In line with Government requirements Kilkenny County Council produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension and a draft was forwarded to the Department in January 2023. The Department reviewed the SAR and returned its comments and observations to Kilkenny County Council for consideration.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.
In 2024, the Department provided funding for an updated POD, which has been submitted to the Department by Kilkenny County Council, and while this process was underway funding was also allocated for Traffic/Junction Analysis in the Butts Green area of the City to further assess and understand traffic patterns in the city.
In 2025, following a review of the POD by the Department, €200,000 was allocated to the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project) to allow Kilkenny County Council to progress the project to Phase 2, Options Stage. Kilkenny County Council has appointed a design consultant to progress the Options Stage and a funding request for 2026 is currently under consideration by the Department.
Grants allocations for 2026 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
318. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport if he will instruct TII to re-examine works recently completed on the Kilkenny Ring Road in particular from the Watershed to the Bennettsbridge Road Roundabout which is causing significant delays for commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3557/26]
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 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 the Bennetsbridge Road Roundabout on the N10.
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.
319. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport the number of people currently waiting for car driving tests, broken down by county; the comparison with the previous three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3560/26]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all testing and scheduling matters. 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.
Pending this response, the Deputy may wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service by county on the CSO website. This information is available at the following link:https://data.cso.ie/table/ROA37
320. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made in expanding Local Link services in Kilkenny; whether additional routes, increased frequency, or evening and weekend services are planned for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3561/26]
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 and monitoring 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.
321. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made in expanding Local Link services in Carlow; whether additional routes, increased frequency, or evening and weekend services are planned for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3562/26]
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.
322. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport the active travel projects planned or underway in towns and villages in Kilkenny; 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. [3563/26]
View answerAs 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 development and delivery of individual projects.
In general, the main focus of active travel investment will be to support high quality walking and cycling infrastructure, for everyday trips, in villages, towns and cities, particularly in designated growth settlements, with a view to promoting the greatest potential modal shift to active travel.
Given the ramping up of activities over the last few years in the Active Travel area, the number of projects being progressed now exceeds the level of funding made available to the NTA. Accordingly, the NTA is unable to fully fund all proposed Active Travel projects and has to prioritise certain projects over others in order to remain within its allocated budget. While a project may not be selected by the NTA for funding in a particular year, it may be funded in subsequent years.
€290 million was allocated to Active Travel infrastructure projects in 2026, of which Kilkenny County Council received €3 million. 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 in relation to active travel projects in Kilkenny to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
323. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport the active travel projects that are planned or underway in towns and villages in Carlow; 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. [3564/26]
View answerAs 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 development and delivery of individual projects.
In general, the main focus of active travel investment will be to support high quality walking and cycling infrastructure, for everyday trips, in villages, towns and cities, particularly in designated growth settlements, with a view to promoting the greatest potential modal shift to active travel.
Given the ramping up of activities over the last few years in the Active Travel area, the number of projects being progressed now exceeds the level of funding made available to the NTA. Accordingly, the NTA is unable to fully fund all proposed Active Travel projects and has to prioritise certain projects over others in order to remain within its allocated budget. While a project may not be selected by the NTA for funding in a particular year, it may be funded in subsequent years.
€290 million was allocated to Active Travel infrastructure projects in 2026, of which Carlow County Council received €3 million. 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 in relation to active travel projects in Carlow to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
324. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport the number of people waiting to sit their driving test in Kilkenny as of December 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3565/26]
View answer325. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport the number of people waiting to sit their driving test in County Carlow as of December 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3567/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 324 and 325 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all testing and scheduling matters. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the Deputy may wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service by county on the CSO website. This information is available at the following link:https://data.cso.ie/table/ROA37
326. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an updated list of all schools in County Carlow currently participating in the Safe Routes to School Programme; the most recent status of each school, including any newly added schools or those progressing through assessment or implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3571/26]
View answerThe 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 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, 9 schools in Carlow County Council are now active in the Programme, with works at 4 of these schools having been completed. The remaining schools are at various levels of design and development.
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.
327. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an updated list of all schools in County Kilkenny currently participating in the Safe Routes to School Programme; the most recent status of each school, including any newly added schools or those progressing through assessment or implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3572/26]
View answerThe 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 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, 15 schools in Kilkenny County Council are now active in the Programme, with works at 5 of these schools having been completed. The remaining schools are at various levels of design and development.
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.
328. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his commitment to meet with representatives of taxi drivers and the NTA on fixed pricing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3577/26]
View answerAs the Deputy is already aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is the independent transport regulator of the SPSV sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector.
I wrote to the NTA in November last to request clarification on the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike. In its response to my letter, I was advised by the NTA that the charging of a fixed fare is in accordance with the applicable regulations. I have also been advised that the NTA continues to keep the regulatory model under review. Senior officials from my department met with the NTA to discuss the response on 09 December 2025.
I also formally requested the urgent consideration of the matter at a special meeting of the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles on 11 December last which officials from the department and NTA attended. The Advisory Committee is an independent body established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and its primary function is to provide advice to the NTA as regulator and to the Minister for Transport in relation to taxis, hackneys and their drivers. Membership of the Committee includes drivers, operators, and representatives of consumer interests and disability interests.
The structure of the SPSV market has undoubtedly changed over the last number of years, particularly in relation to the role of dispatch operators. With this in mind, I have requested that the NTA conducts a regulatory assessment of dispatch operator licensing in Ireland, in the context of ensuring that the regulatory framework for this element of the overall sector is sufficiently up to date and robust to respond to developments in the SPSV market, since the enactment of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. In addition, I have requested that all stakeholders are given the opportunity to feed into this work as soon as possible. I will also be meeting with representatives of the sector in the coming weeks.
329. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport the average number of passengers per week that use each of the bus stops on bus route 343; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3596/26]
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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus 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.
330. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport to list the roles within public or semi-State organisations under his Department that are excluded from the single public service pension scheme; the number of people employed in those roles, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3626/26]
View answerThe information requested, which relates to the pension scheme(s) in effect in the public or semi-state Bodies under the aegis of my Department, is an operational matter for those State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the bodies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
