Tom Brabazon
Question:331. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport the number of meetings he had had with Dublin Bus since May 2025; and the subject of each meeting, in tabular form. [3669/26]
View answerOfficial Engagements
Questions (331)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport, I have had the following meetings with the Dublin Bus since January 2025. I also plan to meet them in the coming weeks.
|
Title of Meeting
|
Date of Meeting |
Subject of Meeting |
|
Chair CEO Dublin Bus |
9th April 2025 |
Introductory between the Minister and Chairperson and discussion on BÁC related matter Service Performance New Direct Award Contract Safety and Security |
|
Dublin Bus Board meeting |
26th Nov 2025 |
Dublin Bus Board meeting on 26th November Due to a change in the Minister schedule, Minister Couldn’t attend |
|
Chair & CEO Dublin Bus |
3rd Feb 2026 |
Electrification of the fleet (progress and challenges) Future mix of the fleet Resilience of the grid infrastructure Transport Security Force + Public Transport Charter Broadstone HQ update Operational Performance BAU vs future phases of BusConnects in 2026 Next Generation Ticketing vs Next Generation AVL |
Rail Network
Questions (332)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:332. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport to confirm that no development or structure will be permitted upon the disused Claremorris to Collooney rail line except any required to facilitate reopening of the rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3678/26]
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 and stations on the network, including the disused rail line between Claremorris and Collooney, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
The Department of Transport, together with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025. This Strategy outlines how to best sequence and optimise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024.
The Rail Strategy specifies short-term rail infrastructure investments, referred to as Early Interventions, to be delivered by 2030, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, which are funded under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport published by the Department in November 2025.
The Strategy also identifies Major Projects to be progressed for the longer-run, involving intercity electrification and significant capacity upgrades on the rail network. This includes the reinstatement of lines including the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris to Athenry. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan involves funding to commence this reinstatement project.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Dublin Airport Authority
Questions (333)
Carol Nolan
Question:333. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the reason he did not approve the proposed exit package for the current CEO of the Dublin Airport Authority. [3699/26]
View answerWritten answers
Given the legal proceedings currently underway by the CEO of daa, it is not appropriate for me to comment on this matter.
Bus Services
Questions (334)
Emer Currie
Question:334. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the new bus routes that will be provided under his Department’s 2026 current expenditure allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3711/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Rail Network
Questions (335)
Aidan Farrelly
Question:335. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of completed, planned and ongoing works at Hazelhatch and Celbridge train stations in 2024, 2025 and 2026. [3734/26]
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 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.
Rail Network
Questions (336)
Liam Quaide
Question:336. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport the reason Iarnród Éireann have consistently failed to bring into service the pedestrian access lift located on their property at MacDonagh railway station Kilkenny, given its necessity for accessibility since 2007; whether his Department has been made aware of this; the engagement which has taken place with CIE/Iarnród Éireann to address this matter; when the lift will be fully commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3858/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
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 Irish Rail, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
As this question about the pedestrian lift in MacDonagh train station, appears to be a matter for Irish Rail in the first instance. I have referred your question to the company for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (337)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:337. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport to provide an up-to-date contact list for queries from Oireachtas members to agencies under his Department, in tabular form. [3881/26]
View answerWritten answers
My officials have provided this information directly to the Deputy's office.
Rail Network
Questions (338)
Emer Currie
Question:338. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the underpass at Ashtown station following the recent NDP review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3964/26]
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.
DART+ West, which will serve Ashtown Station, will provide an extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth, and the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements.
Conditional planning approval was granted for DART+ West in July 2024. Procurement for DART+ West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
Funding secured under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, published by the Department of Transport in November 2025, 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.
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.
Regional Airports
Questions (339, 341)
Michael Cahill
Question:339. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he can ensure that the Regional Airport Programme is renewed for the next five years, 2026-2030, as it is vital for the future development of Kerry Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3965/26]
View answerMichael Cahill
Question:341. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if the OPEX grant scheme can be reviewed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3968/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 341 together.
The Programme for Government acknowledges the value of aviation in supporting international connectivity, economic development, and tourism via our airports. In line with this, Government provides significant supports to regional airports.
Funding of almost €14 million (€7m capital and €7m current) was allocated to Kerry Airport under the most recent Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. This funding targeted safety and security related activities and operations at the airport. Projects with a sustainability focus were also supported, assisting Kerry Airport meet its carbon emission reduction targets.
This targeted Exchequer funding has supported connectivity at Kerry Airport with 440K passengers recorded in 2025. The represents a 6% increase on 2024 passenger traffic and a significant 19% growth when compared to 2019 (the last comparable period prior to the pandemic).
In relation to operational funding specifically, the funding available to airports under the Programme is limited to that provided to the Department as part of the annual Estimates process in a given year. It is therefore not always possible to fully fund an airport’s operational expenditure although operational funding levels have been maintained over the course of the current Programme with the funding apportioned to eligible airports based on their forecast operational expenditure costs. As passenger traffic and revenue levels grow at regional airports, it is expected that the reliance on funding for operational supports is reduced.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new Programme is being progressed by my Department as a matter of priority for publication early this year.
Regional Airports
Questions (340)
Michael Cahill
Question:340. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he can ensure that Kerry Airport is included along with Donegal as the two regional airports that qualify for a PSO in the Regional Airport Programme for the next five years, 2026 -2030 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3966/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Regional Airports Programme supports regional connectivity via a Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services scheme, providing subsidised air services to remote regions in accordance with Regulation (EU) 1008/2008 on the common rules for the provision of air services in the Community. Currently one PSO route operates between Donegal and Dublin.
As the Deputy is aware air services between Kerry and Dublin airports also operated as an Exchequer funded Public PSO air service in the past. However, as allowed for under the Regulation, an air carrier has operated this route on a commercial basis since July 2021. Given that a PSO is no longer imposed on this route, operations are now a commercial matter for the carrier providing the service.
In the event of any lost or failed services on this route, in accordance with EU Regulation 1008/2008 a review would be required to be undertaken by my Department to consider whether a PSO should again be imposed on this route.
Question No. 341 answered with Question No. 339.
Bus Services
Questions (342)
Michael Cahill
Question:342. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to request the National Transport Authority to provide the necessary funding for a new local link bus service between a location (details supplied) at the Gap of Dunloe on to Beaufort village and onwards to Killarney town in County Kerry, to take into consideration that Killarney and the Gap of Dunloe are two of the busiest tourist regions in the country, are populated residential areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3972/26]
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 and monitoring the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including allocating funding to Transport Coordination Units. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (343)
Michael Cahill
Question:343. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the emergency interventions he can make in conjunction with TII, the RSA, and KCC to end decades of forced road closures through the numerous serious, sometimes fatal road traffic collisions at the Brennan's Glen/Lawlor's Cross N22 Killarney to Tralee Road; if he will visit the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3974/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 N22 at the Brennan's Glen/Lawlor's Cross.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
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.
In relation to the suggested visit, diary requests can be sent to [ministerdiary@transport.gov.ie] and will be dealt with in line with all other meeting requests.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Questions (344, 346)
Michael Cahill
Question:344. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide urgent funding to address the road and footpaths through Cahersiveen town, on the N70 Ring of Kerry National secondary road given (numerous accidents for the past 20 years); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3975/26]
View answerMichael Cahill
Question:346. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to carry out additional upgrades to the N70 Ring of Kerry road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3977/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 346 together.
As 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 N70.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Questions (345)
Michael Cahill
Question:345. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide a new pavement and footpath (details supplied) on the Killorglin to Killarney, N70 Ring of Kerry road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3976/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 N72 from Laune Bridge to FEXCO IRD Hub at Anglont as well as the N70 Ring of Kerry Road.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 346 answered with Question No. 344.
Road Projects
Questions (347)
Michael Cahill
Question:347. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to urgently upgrade the N89 from Tralee to Camp to Dingle in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3978/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 N86 Tralee to Camp to Dingle road in County Kerry.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Questions (348)
Michael Cahill
Question:348. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to expedite the Killarney to Farranfore bypass (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3979/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 N22 Killarney to Farranfore project.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Questions (349)
Michael Cahill
Question:349. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to progress a bypass for Killorglin town in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3980/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 in relation to a bypass of Killorglin.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Greenways Provision
Questions (350)
Michael Cahill
Question:350. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to expedite the South Kerry Greenway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3981/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that there has been significant investment in Greenway schemes in County Kerry, with €12,700,000 allocated in 2026 of which €9,200,000 is being allocated to the South Kerry Greenway.
Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (351)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:351. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the annual figures for cyclist and pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries involving HGVs and other haulage vehicles in the last 10 years. [3983/26]
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.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
2025 was a difficult year on Irish roads. 190 people lost their lives marking a significant rise from 2024. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to those families who have lost a loved one on our roads.
Reducing deaths and serious injuries is an all-of-society challenge and it is a priority for me as Minister and for this Government. This priority is made clear by our investment. Budget 2026 provides a record €1.7 billion for investment in our roads, helping to deliver safer roads infrastructure. In addition, €360 million has been allocated for investment in active travel, helping to make walking and cycling a safer mode of travel, and the Road Safety Authority has again been directed to ringfence a budget of €18 million for investment in public awareness, communications and education campaigns.
In July 2025, the Phase 2 Action Plan under the Road Safety Strategy was published which will run to December 2027. It contains 12 primary and 77 supporting actions, with the potential to deliver real transformative change. All of these actions are grounded in the internationally recognised Safe Systems approach and will be delivered through partnership and collaborative working by road safety stakeholders.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.