Peadar Tóibín
Question:46. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4621/26]
View answerDepartmental Expenditure
Questions (46)
Written answers
My Department does not have a paid subscription with the company in question.
Airport Policy
Questions (47)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:47. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of recent increases in parking charges at Cork Airport; if he has engaged with the DAA regarding this increase; the rationale provided for the increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4636/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Cork Airport. As such, the management of car parking including the setting of prices is a matter for daa and I have no role in this area. I have however sought information on the question you have raised from daa.
In this regard, Cork Airport has confirmed that parking charges at the airport have recently been increased and that the changes reflect the significant increase in operational costs experienced across the aviation and wider business sectors, including rising insurance premiums, energy and staffing costs.
Cork Airport has advised that it remains committed to providing value for money and a high-quality experience for all its passengers and has advised that one week parking on its long term car park which is circa 5 mins walk from the terminal is available online for €70 this summer. I am informed by Cork Airport that this is broadly in line with charges at other regional airports.
Finally, Cork Airport has advised that it will continue to monitor its pricing to ensure it remains fair, transparent, and competitive, while also supporting the ongoing investment in its facilities and services.
Transport Policy
Questions (48)
Emer Currie
Question:48. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport when the next review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4671/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, 2022-2042 was prepared and published by the NTA in accordance with Section 12 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act, 2008. This statutory document sets out how transport will be developed across the region, covering Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare, over the period of the strategy. It was published following public consultation and has been approved by the Minister for Transport in accordance with the relevant legislation.
The current strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of, and investment in transport infrastructure and services across the region over a 20-year-period from 2022 to 2042.
The Strategy provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for Dublin and surrounding counties. The Strategy has been developed to be consistent with the spatial planning policies and objectives set out in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) as adopted by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly. These objectives in turn are consistent with the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan as set out in Project Ireland 2040.
The next review of the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy is due to commence in 2027.
Public Transport
Questions (49)
Maeve O'Connell
Question:49. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if he will amend legislation to enable public transport repair vehicles to utilise bus lanes in the event of service disruptions to the Luas, the DART, or Dublin Bus, to facilitate faster response times. [4705/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that section 5 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997, as amended, allows for specific exemptions to these regulations. Included in the exemptions is a vehicle being used in connection with the removal of an obstruction to traffic.
My Department is not aware of any current issues relating to the matter raised by the Deputy. My officials, however, are happy to receive submissions and examine any potential issues that may arise from such incidents.
Transport Policy
Questions (50)
Eoin Hayes
Question:50. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken by his Department to meet the requirements outlined by the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) by 2040; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4728/26]
View answerWritten answers
I thank the Deputy for their question. Regulation EU 2024/1679, known as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation, sets out the components of the TEN-T network and the requirements for infrastructure included on the network, including for roads, rail lines, ports, airports, urban nodes, and freight terminals. The TEN-T core network is to be completed by 2030, the extended core network by 2040, and the comprehensive network by 2050.
My Department has policy responsibility for leading our approach to the delivery of the TEN-T network in Ireland, working with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to implementation. The importance of its implementation is established under the National Planning Framework – First Revision (April 2025), which sets out the high-level strategic plan for shaping future growth and development in Ireland out to the year 2040. In this regard, a number of projects relevant to the delivery of the TEN-T Network in Ireland were included in the recently published National Development Plan – Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, including Rail upgrades and TEN-T Roads projects in Donegal and Cork.
Nine European Transport Corridors and two horizontal priorities structure and support the completion of the TEN-T network across Europe. The corridors and the two horizontal priorities are each managed by a European Coordinator. Ireland is included on two of the network’s ‘European Transport Corridors’ – the Atlantic Corridor and the North Sea-Rhine-Mediterranean Corridor – which link Ireland to the passenger and freight transport networks on continental Europe.
The horizontal priority of the European Maritime Space is also relevant to TEN-T delivery in Ireland, which, among other things, seeks to expand and improve maritime port infrastructure and hinterland connections throughout the EU, and integrate renewable energy sources such as offshore wind into maritime infrastructure. Ireland has received significant EU funding in this space in recent years, including for the construction of two inter-dependent berths at Dublin Port, and for phases 1 and 2 of the Port of Cork Ringaskiddy Redevelopment project.
Each Corridor Coordinator is responsible for developing an annual work plan which analyses the corridor or horizontal priority and serves to monitor progress and set priorities for its future development. The Department of Transport actively contributes to the development of these work plans for our corridors each year, working with our agencies and stakeholders to work towards the inclusion of projects relevant to the delivery of the TEN-T network in Ireland. My officials also attend Corridor Forum meetings, hosted by the relevant Corridor Coordinators, to discuss the development of work plans and other horizontal issues related to TEN-T implementation along our corridors.
I have also prioritised engagement with the Corridor Coordinators relevant to Ireland, to ensure our implementation needs under the TEN-T network are understood, and highlight the important, catalytic role of EU funding for TEN-T-related projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). In 2025, I was pleased to welcome Prof. Pawel Wojciechowski (North Sea-Rhine-Mediterranean Coordinator) and Ms. Gesine Meissner (European Maritime Space Coordinator) to discuss Ireland’s implementation of TEN-T and key projects for inclusion in their corridor work plans. In 2026, I look forward to welcoming Mr. François Bausch, to discuss similar issues as they relate to the Atlantic Corridor.
My Department will continue to work closely with our agencies across each of the relevant modes of the TEN-T regulation, and at EU level, to take full advantage of available funding opportunities and ensure timely implementation of the TEN-T regulation in Ireland in line with the 2030, 2040, and 2050 implementation targets.
Public Transport
Questions (51)
Shane Moynihan
Question:51. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of new Local Link routes delivered in 2025. [4770/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Public Transport
Questions (52)
Shane Moynihan
Question:52. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of Local Link routes that saw increased capacity in 2025. [4771/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Questions (53)
Shane Moynihan
Question:53. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of Local Link routes that saw increased services in 2025. [4772/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Rail Network
Questions (54)
Shane Moynihan
Question:54. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress achieved in the delivery of rail projects under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy in 2025. [4773/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme is being delivered on a phased basis and involves a major investment, enhancing the heavy rail network across the region, connecting Mallow, Cork, Cobh and Midleton with increased train capacity.
Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, construction of a through-platform at Kent Station, which opened in April 2025, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton.
Phase 2 of the programme plans for the electrification of the Cork commuter rail network and the delivery of new stations. Last summer Iarnród Éireann held a non-statutory public consultation in relation to Phase 2, with a second round of consultation planned for April 2026.
Phase 2 will be progressed following the completion of Phase 1. Funding provided in the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, which was published by my Department in November, will see Iarnród Éireann complete Phase 1 complete this year, and commence Phase 2 thereafter, starting with new stations at Blackpool and Dunkettle and initial electrification works and depot construction.
Noting the National Transport Authority's (NTA's) responsibility in this 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.
Bus Services
Questions (55)
Shane Moynihan
Question:55. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress achieved in the delivery of Bus Connects for Dublin in 2025. [4774/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects.
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investments in the bus services across five cities in Ireland, including Dublin. In each city the programme will involve a mix of network redesign, new electric bus fleet, and the provision of segregated bus and cycling facilities to support more efficient journey times for sustainable transport modes.
Steady progress has been made in developing and implementing BusConnects Dublin in recent years.
In relation to BusConnects Dublin, which is the most advanced of the programmes, there have been some positive developments recently, with An Coimisiún Pleanála having approved all 12 of the BusConnects Dublin Core Bus Corridor Schemes. The first of these Schemes, the Liffey Valley to City Centre Core Bus Corridor scheme construction started in December 2025, while the contract for the second, the Ballymun-Finglas Core Bus Corridor, was signed in December 2025 and it will enter construction in the coming months.
The first seven phases of new bus service routes as part of the bus network in Dublin have been implemented. The NTA rolled out Phase 6A, the E-Spine (Ballymun and Santry to Bray and Dún Laoghaire) in January 2025. Phase 7, the F-Spine (Finglas to Tallaght) rolled-out in October 2025.
There are currently circa 120 double-deck electric buses in service in Dublin. Further electric buses will roll-out over the coming years.
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.
Departmental Websites
Questions (56)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:56. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport how he ensures that all websites operated by his Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4826/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Departments websites follow the WCAG accessibility standards to support users with visual impairments. This includes screen reader compatibility, meaningful alternative text for images, accessible navigation, proper heading structure, suitable colour contrast, and text sizing.
Departmental Websites
Questions (57)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:57. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport if any website or other platform operated by his Department uses an AI-enabled chatbot; if there are plans to use chatbots; in what circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4844/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has developed a proof of concept Chatbot for internal only use by the Coast Guard, which is still being evaluated and no decision has yet been made as to whether it will be deployed for use in an operational setting. There are no confirmed plans to develop additional chatbots at this time.
Bus Services
Questions (58)
Michael Cahill
Question:58. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority can be requested to provide bus stops in Milltown, County Kerry, and make improvements to bus connectivity and frequency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4845/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally, as well as the provision of subsidised bus services.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (59)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:59. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the total sums spent for each year from 2016 to 2025, inclusive of advertising, by his Department on social media or online platforms, including identifying separately payments to influencers on such platforms; and to set out the annual totals for that period to each specific platform, including but not limited to major platforms (details supplied). [4863/26]
View answerWritten answers
My officials are collating the information requested and will forward it to the deputy once ready. If you do not receive a response within ten business days, please contact my private office.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.
The Department of Transport uses advertising on social media platforms to engage with the public on a range of matters, including promoting the uptake of active travel and public transport in line with our Climate Action Plan goals for carbon emissions reduction. The Department also uses advertising on social media platforms to promote road safety initiatives, career opportunities, grant programmes, public consultations and the digitisation of services.
The social media platforms used for these campaigns include Meta (Instagram and Facebook), LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube. My Department has not placed paid advertisements on X/Twitter since early 2023.
Where appropriate and cost effective to do so, my Department has collaborated with social media influencers as part of its campaign activity, especially when targeting younger cohorts with digitally native content.
The strategic selection of social media channels for each campaign is based on the specific cohorts and audiences being targeted, the demographics on each platform, and the overall objectives of the communications activity.
Effectiveness, value for money, reach and engagement are monitored on an ongoing basis through post-campaign analysis, in order to ensure return on investment for all campaigns. My Department’s youth-focused digital campaign in 2025 for example, exceeded expectations in terms of performance across these metrics.
The Department of Transport was established in June 2020 and prior to this, was part of the Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport. Paid advertising social media was in operation from 2022 onwards. For this reason, figures from 2022 onwards will be provided. All figures are inclusive of VAT.
2022
|
Platform |
Annual total spend |
|
Twitter/X |
€9,449 |
|
Meta |
€12,709 |
|
|
€9,455 |
|
TikTok |
Nil |
|
YouTube |
Nil |
2023
|
Platform |
Annual total spend |
|
Twitter/X |
€7,540 |
|
Meta |
€44,461 |
|
|
€15,654 |
|
TikTok |
€4,314 |
|
YouTube |
€3,746 |
2024
|
Platform |
Annual total spend |
|
Twitter/X |
Nil |
|
Meta |
€8,170.9 |
|
|
€4,203 |
|
TikTok |
€3,697 |
|
YouTube |
€3,746 |
|
Influencer fees and production costs |
€ 4366.5 |
2025
|
Platform |
Annual total spend |
|
Twitter/X |
Nil |
|
Meta |
€110,208.59 |
|
|
€65,026.55 |
|
TikTok |
€104,722.47 |
|
YouTube |
€51,215.21 |
|
Influencer fees and production costs |
€29,409.30 |
Penalty Points System
Questions (60, 61)
Emer Currie
Question:60. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport following his answer to Parliamentary Question No’s 589, 590, 656, 657, 659, 661, 667 to 669, 671, 672 684 and 700 of 13 January 2026, the number of notification letters sent to penalty point offenders where the driver number was not captured; and the number which relate to penalty point disqualifications. [4983/26]
View answerEmer Currie
Question:61. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos 589, 590, 656, 657, 659, 661, 667 to 669, 671, 672 684 and 700 of 13 January 2026, for a breakdown of the information gathered for unmatched penalty point offences that can be used to identify the driver has been on the National Vehicle and Driver File, such as name, address or other, in tabular form. [4988/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 61 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that my Department maintains the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) database, which is the State’s record of all Irish licenced drivers. The Department’s role is to manage the database, including of penalty points and disqualifications on driver records based on information on offences provided from the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána.
I wish to advise the number of letters issued to penalty point offenders and penalty point disqualifications where the driver number was not matched are as follows for 2024. Data for 2025 will be available in due course.
|
|
Unmatched Cases |
Total |
|
2024 |
Penalty Point Notices |
8,239 |
|
2024 |
Penalty Point Disqualification letters |
18 |
The data files received from the Courts Service or An Garda Síochána contain data in relation to the offence as well as data in relation to the driver. If Driver Number is provided that is used as the primary matching field. If not, the Incident ID is used if an offence was part of an incident of which Department had already been notified. The Vehicle Registration Number and the name and address of the vehicle owner can also be used.
Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 60.
Bus Services
Questions (62)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:62. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric buses have been purchased by Bus Éireann and the NTA for national, city and town services that are not in use; the reason for this; and whether a lack of charging facilities is stopping the use of these buses. [5023/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and upgrade of public bus fleets and bus depots.
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 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Driver Test
Questions (63, 64)
Keira Keogh
Question:63. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport the current wait time for a driving test in the test centre in Ballina, County Mayo; the measures being taken to reduce the wait time at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5085/26]
View answerKeira Keogh
Question:64. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport the current wait time for a driving test in the test centre in Castlebar, County Mayo; the measures being taken to reduce the wait time at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5086/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 64 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters. As such, the information requested by the Deputy is held by the Authority. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct reply, and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Pending this more detailed response, the latest figures available on the CSO indicate that the average wait time across Co Mayo at the end of December 2025 was approximately 8.5 weeks. This is in line with the latest figures provided to me by the RSA which indicate an approximate wait time of 8 weeks in Ballina and 9 weeks in Castlebar.
Since taking office, reducing driver test waiting times has been a key priority for me. To that end in May 2025, I directed the RSA to produce and publish a service recovery plan to meet the 10-week average national waiting time target by September 2025, which the RSA achieved. The latest information available to me from the RSA indicates that the average national waiting time for a driving test was 10.6 weeks at the end of December. This marks a significant improvement on the 27-week average wait time in April 2025.
In addition the RSA indicates that there were 30 centres operating at or below the agreed Service Level Agreement target of 10 weeks, in addition to a further 11 centres recording average wait times of 11 or 12 weeks. It is important that the RSA continues to focus on reducing waiting times in the 26 centres which remain above target.
In September 2024, my department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent driver testing posts, bringing the number of full time tester positions to 200, representing a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022. At the end of December 2025, 196 testers were in place, which marks a significant increase on the 151 available at the beginning of 2025. The RSA is working to reach its full complement of 200 testers, and I am informed that it is planning to have 200 testers in place by February this year subject to a successful recruitment campaign.
In addition, the RSA has indicated that overtime and bank holiday testing will continue in 2026, and this will allow the RSA to mitigate the impact of shorter days and inclement weather on testing during winter months. I would also highlight that, to manage demand effectively at national level, testers, although formally assigned to specific centres, are routinely deployed to other locations as required.
Finally, the driver testing booking system now makes available cancelled test slots for candidates to take up at short notice. I would encourage leaner drivers awaiting a test to monitor this channel, which may provide an opportunity to book an earlier testing date.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 63.
Public Transport
Questions (65, 66)
Eoghan Kenny
Question:65. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for rollout of contactless ticketing on Cork fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5088/26]
View answerEoghan Kenny
Question:66. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for leap card tap to ride capability in Cork City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5089/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, 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 development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project will provide a transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a next-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
Following a competitive procurement process, the NTA awarded, in April 2024, an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of a new multi-modal, ticketing system to Spanish information technology company - Indra Sistemas S.A. - who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport.
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 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 65.