Written Answers Nos. 356-377
357. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will request TII to provide E150,000 to allow Kerry County Council to submit a planning application (details supplied) to Coimisiún Pleanála as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9722/26]
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 N72 FEXCO IRD Hub at Anglont to Killorglin town, 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. The National Roads allocations for 2026 will be announced in the near future.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
360. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport whether the speed limit for a junction will be reduced (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9808/26]
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 this junction.
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.
361. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the number of private jet flights which landed and departed in the State from 2023 to 2025 respectively, under the 'Business Aviation' segment of the EUROCONTROL market segment rules classification, excluding military or diplomatic flights; to provide a breakdown in each year of where those flights landed and departed from, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9809/26]
View answerIn answering the Deputy’s question, it is important to first note that 'private jets' are not specifically defined in national, European or international law. The nature of ownership does not arise as a specific categorisation and therefore data is not collected specifically in relation to ‘private jets’.
The EUROCONTROL Market Segment Rules 'Business Aviation' category includes all Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) movements matching specific aircraft types listed within the business aviation rules. As such, this would incorporate 'private jet' flights alongside business/executive jet flights.
Data received from Air Nav Ireland, drawn from all flight plan information, broadly mirrors the EUROCONTROL data, but also includes additional movements conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). This captures smaller aircraft flying by sight.
The table below details the total arrivals and departures for 'business aviation', by jet aircraft (excluding turboprops), for the period 2023 to 2025:
|
Year |
Arrivals |
Departures |
|
2023 |
5,890 |
5,830 |
|
2024 |
5,256 |
5,265 |
|
2025 |
5,984 |
5,951 |
Please note that AirNav Ireland has informed of the possibility for some small discrepancies in these figures for those flights that first filed operations as IFR, which then changed to VFR, or vice versa.
Further, the data in relation to where such flights departed to and arrived from is not available in the format requested. However, my officials will arrange to supply the Deputy with the raw data for their own further analysis.
362. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the number of each category of train ticket sold for Dublin-Waterford train services in 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [9839/26]
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 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.
363. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce a code of practice for parking operators as exists in other jurisdictions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9877/26]
View answerAs Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that my regulatory powers apply only to public roads and public car parks.
The code of conduct the Deputy refers to was developed by the British Parking Association, a representative body for the parking and mobility sector, not a government agency. Private parking matters, including the design, operation and enforcement of parking, fall outside the remit of road traffic legislation. The Deputy may wish to contact the Irish Parking Association for further information on the Association’s existing code of conduct.
364. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money invested by his Department, through Transport Infrastructure Ireland, in greenways, each year since responsibility for greenways was handed over to them; the location and length of each greenway developed to date, and the annual usage of them, broken down between cycling and walking; the way in which this is measured; if he is happy his Department is getting value for money for the expenditure on greenways; and whether it is intended to focus further expenditure on greenways in the future on the areas of greatest demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9880/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to national and regional greenways. The planning, design and construction of the Greenways programme, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII took this role over from the Department of Transport in late 2021.
Since 2021, significant investment has been made in walking and cycling infrastructure. These investment levels recognise that high quality walking and cycling infrastructure is required to enable modal shift and to achieve the Climate Action Plan target of reducing transport emissions by 50% by 2030. The total allocation to TII in respect of the delivery of greenway and active travel on national roads schemes (the latter since 2024) since 2021 is contained within the below table.
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
Funding allocated to TII |
€63.5m |
€60m |
€63m |
€72m |
€67m |
€59.5m |
The Department of Transport generally provides funding to greenways over 20km in length or shorter distances where it is proposed to join a number of existing Greenways to form a longer, more strategic route. The table below lists completed Greenways that have received funding from the Department of Transport.
|
Department of Transport funded Greenway route |
Route length (km) |
|
Midleton – Youghal Greenway |
23 |
|
Grand Canal Greenway (works ongoing) |
131 |
|
Royal Canal Greenway (works ongoing) |
130 |
|
Limerick Greenway |
40 |
|
Tralee to Fenit Greenway |
13.6 |
|
Listowel to Abbeyfeale |
16 |
|
Great Western Greenway |
49 |
|
Carlingford Lough Greenway |
20 |
|
Waterford Greenway |
48 |
|
Old Rail Trail |
43 |
|
Suir Blueway |
21 |
|
Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway |
30 |
|
Strabane to Castlefin |
16 |
|
Derry to Three Trees |
22 |
|
South East Greenway (works ongoing) |
8 |
|
South Kerry Greenway (works ongoing) |
3 |
Smaller Greenway projects that are predominantly located in urban areas are also funded through the NTA’s Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme, such as the Dodder Greenway in Dublin, the Passage West Greenway in Cork and certain phases of the Royal Canal Greenway as it approaches Dublin City Centre.
Figures in relation to Greenways monitoring usage levels are available via the Project Move dashboard which is available at www.tii.ie/media/ik4hngz2/what-is-move_updated-202411142.pdf.
I have been advised that approximately 300km of Greenways has been opened for public use since 2021. This Government is committed to expanding our Active Travel and Greenway infrastructure network through the provision of walking and cycling facilities in our cities, towns, villages, and rural areas. This commitment was demonstrated by the allocation of €360 million to walking and cycling infrastructure in 2026.
Future investment in specific Greenway schemes will be determined by a range of criteria. In this regard, TII are the approving authority responsible for the National and Regional Greenways programme. They work with local authorities via their Regional Management Structure in considering funding requests submitted from local authorities on an annual basis.
365. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the steps that have been taken to fulfil the commitment in the Programme for Government to 'commission an independent feasibility study into continuing MetroLink from the city to south-west Dublin' and in particular steps taken to identify the independent body and to have full public oversight and consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9884/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
The NTA published the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 in January 2023. This strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
As the Deputy notes, the Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.
Noting the NTA's responsibility for the Transport Strategy for the GDA, 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.
366. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to set out, in respect of the Blarney, Glanmire and Ballyvolane growth corridors in Cork City and County, which public transport and sustainable transport projects have received Ministerial approval to proceed to planning, design, or delivery; which of those projects have capital funding allocated under the current National Development Plan or Capital Plan to 2030; and the project stage each approved scheme is currently at. [10010/26]
View answer367. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the formal delivery milestones, timelines, or reporting requirements his Department has set for the National Transport Authority in respect of transport infrastructure and service delivery for the Blarney, Glanmire and Ballyvolane growth corridors to 2030; and the way his Department monitors compliance with those expectations. [10011/26]
View answer368. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport in respect of the Blarney growth corridor, to detail the Ministerial decisions taken to date regarding the proposed Blarney or Stoneview rail station and associated public transport infrastructure; whether funding has been approved in principle or allocated for planning or delivery; and the indicative sequencing for progression within the lifetime of the current Capital Plan. [10012/26]
View answer369. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport in respect of the Glanmire growth corridor, to outline the public transport and bus priority measures approved by his Department for progression under BusConnects Cork or related programmes; whether these measures have secured Ministerial funding approval; and the timeframe within which his Department expects those schemes to advance through planning and delivery stages. [10013/26]
View answer370. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to clarify whether the Ballyvolane growth corridor is included or excluded from planned public transport or sustainable transport investment programmes to 2030; the policy or planning basis for that position; and whether any proposals relating to Ballyvolane have received Ministerial consideration or approval for funding, planning, or assessment. [10014/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 366, 367, 368, 369 and 370 together.
As 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork, and the development of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040.
Within this policy framework, the CMATS 2040 has been developed by the NTA in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Cork City Council, and Cork County Council. A key principle for CMATS is to reduce dependency on the private car within the Cork Metropolitan Area, while increasing the appeal of sustainable transport options, such as Cork Area Commuter Rail, light rail, and BusConnects Cork.
In November 2025, my Department published the National Development Plan Review 2025 Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport. This plan outlines the intention of this Government to prepare for and move these projects into construction, whilst also having regard for the requirements set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines and planning regulations and ensuring compliance with these.
The aim of BusConnects Cork is deliver an enhanced bus system that is better for the city, its people, and the environment. BusConnects Cork is designed to provide a better, more reliable, and more efficient bus service for everyone in addition to provide safe cycling facilities along key routes.
Following a 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, subject to funding and operational readiness.
The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the CMATS. 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.
In relation to Active Travel infrastructure projects, the NTA has allocated funding under its Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme to the following schemes in 2026:
Ballyvolane
• Mayfield to Glen Cycle Route – at preliminary design stage
• Ballyvolane Phase 2 Fox and Hounds Junction – under construction
• Banduff Road – under construction
• Northern Distributor Road Route Selection – at preliminary design stage
Glanmire
• Glanmire to City Cycle Route (Phase 1) – completed
• Glanmire to Riverstown Greenway – under construction
• Dunkettle Road AT Scheme (Phase 2) – under construction
• SRTS – Glanmire Community College – under construction
• SRTS – Scoil Naomh Iosaf, Riverstown – under construction
Blarney
• Blarney Village Active Travel Scheme – at preliminary design stage
• Blarney Business Park Linkage - completed
Noting the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
371. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the total allocation made by his Department and Transport Infrastructure Ireland for works in respect of the N72 in 2026; if he will provide details of each individual allocation, including scope, amount and location, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10043/26]
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 N72.
National roads allocations for 2026 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.
372. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the number of taxi operators in Killarney, County Kerry that have received the grant to enable them to equip their taxis for wheelchair accessibility in 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10105/26]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the collection and publication of statistics regarding the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
373. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if it can be ensured proper skirting and drainage works takes place on our primary, secondary, tertiary and local roads to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and all who use these roads. [10117/26]
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 ensuring proper skirting and drainage works take place on national roads.
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.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads. This responsibility includes the provision and maintenance of drainage systems.
In 2022, the Department of Transport published the Guidelines for Road Drainage, Second Edition. This document supersedes the “Guidelines for Road Drainage” published by the (then) Department of the Environment, Heritage, and Local Government in 2004. This document is to provide guidance to all Local Authorities (LA) Engineers, Supervisors and other relevant bodies on the current best practice guidance in respect of Road Drainage.
The purpose of the document is to:
Provide means of standardising the practices used in the maintenance of the road drainage network;
Provide a consistent and uniform approach to the construction methods associated with road drainage;
Provide robust guidance to future proof the road drainage network to cater for the effects of climate change.
The Department provides funding for road drainage related works through a number of grant schemes including the Drainage Grant and Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Grant. Drainage works can also be carried out as part of Restoration Improvement Grant works and under the Discretionary Grant. It is the responsibility of each Local Authority to prioritise works within its administrative area.
374. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if plans are in place to develop a motorway and a rail service between Dún na nGall agus Gaillimh (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10131/26]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, 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 Strategy identifies Major Projects to be progressed, 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 National Development Plan (NDP) Sectoral Investment Plan involves funding to commence this reinstatement project.
Modelling undertaken, as part of the Rail Review, found that investments on the disused rail line between Claremorris and Sligo and onwards to Donegal, would result in very low demand for passenger rail services on this route and that building a railway would have a significant adverse impact on the environment. For these reasons the project was not included in the recommendations of the Rail Review, and hence it was not identified as a Major Project to be progressed in the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy.
The Rail Review will be reviewed and updated once a decade. This review will provide the opportunity to re-consider a potential extension of the Western Rail Corridor further north, taking account of the latest policies and developments, for example if there is increased passenger demand as a result of the restatement of the line between Claremorris and Athenry.
In relation to a motorway, 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 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 any plans to develop a motorway between Donegal and Galway.
It is important to point out that it is for the local authority, in the first instance, to engage with TII regarding the progression of any proposed national road project. All projects, including those listed in the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
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.
375. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if he has requested or secured funding from European Union Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in respect of the Dart+ West and Dart+ South-West projects; and if not, his plans to secure funding via CEF. [10136/26]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the DART+ programme which comprises five different projects in and around the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) will triple the length of the electrified rail 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 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.
DART+ South West will provide an extension of DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge.
My Department will explore any EU funding, including the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which may become available to accelerate public transport projects.
Regarding future funding through the CEF, under the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, which is still being negotiated, the Deputy may wish to note that the CEF III proposal reached Partial General Approach in December last year, under the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
I look forward to a constructive and collaborative negotiation with the European Parliament and Commission to agree a finalised text this year. Ireland’s hope is for a well-balanced final text which takes geographic specificities into account and aligns with our transport funding priorities up to 2034.
Once agreed as part of the broader MFF proposal, my officials will continue to work with relevant agencies and delivery partners to maximise Ireland’s performance in future CEF funding calls.
376. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of cancellations there have been by NDLS in Donegal in the past three years; the reason for cancellation; and the average waiting time for applicants from Donegal. [10137/26]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service.
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.
377. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of all active interdepartmental, interagency, and department-agency working groups organised under his remit. [10164/26]
View answerDeputy, Please see a tabulated list below of all active interdepartmental, interagency, and department-agency working groups organised under the remit of my Department.
|
Group Name |
Type (Interdepartmental, Interagency or Department-Agency) |
Member Organisations |
Purpose |
|
MetroLink Working Group |
Department-Agency |
DoT, TII, NTA |
To identify and consider practical and legislative issues of establishing the new MetroLink delivery body. |
|
National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) and subcommittees. |
Interdepartmental and Agency |
DFAT, DoJ, DoD, Revenue, An Garda Síochána, Defence Forces, An Post, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, daa, Shannon, regional airport operators and IAA as advisor. |
To advise the Government and the civil aviation industry on aviation security policy. |
|
National UAS Policy Framework Monitoring Group |
Interdepartmental and Agency |
DoT, DCEE, DoD, DCCS, DoJ, DETE, DHLGH, IAA, LGMA |
To monitor the implementation of the actions related to the National Policy Framework for UAS |
|
National Air Transport Facilitation Committee |
Interdepartmental and agency |
DFAT, DoJ, BMU, GNIB, D/Health, D/Agriculture, Revenue, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, daa, Shannon, regional airport operators and IAA |
To review Air Transport Facilitation practices in the Irish Aviation sphere |
|
State Safety Programme Coordination Committee |
Agency |
Irish Aviation Authority |
To monitor and implement the State Safety Programme. The Committee provides a platform for review of key issues affecting risk and performance in civil aviation and for co-ordination between the main State agencies on key decisions affecting civil aviation policy. |
|
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Task Force |
Interdepartmental and Department-Agency |
DoT, DCEE, DETE, DFIN, DAFM, IAA, NORA, ISIF, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and industry (airports, airlines, academia and representative bodies) |
To help guide policy development in the area of sustainable aviation fuel and assist in the development of Irelands SAF Policy Roadmap. |
|
Article 60 School Transport Licence Policy Review Working Group |
Interdepartmental and Department-Agency |
DoT, Dept of Education & Youth, An Garda Síochána & Bus Éireann |
The working group was convened as part of the Article 60 School Transport Licence Policy Review, which seeks to modernise the Article 60 licensing regime. More info here - [https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/consultations/article-60-school-transport-licence-policy-review/] |
|
Steering Group: School Transport and Public Transport Integration Pilot |
Interdepartmental and Department-Agency |
DoT, DoE, Bus Éireann, NTA |
The steering group was convened to design and implement pilot project(s) for the 2024/25 school year to demonstrate the opportunities for better integration between school and public transport services. |
|
Public Transport Workforce Taskforce |
Interdepartmental and Department-Agency |
DoT, Transport operators and agencies, and training bodies. |
To progress the PfG commitment to "enhance and support the delivery of a skilled workforce to maintain and operate public transport vehicles". nics/craftworkers. |
|
Leadership Group |
Interdepartmental and Department-Agency |
DoT, DHLGH, Regional Assemblies, TII, NTA, RSA, SEAI, |
The Leadership Group, chaired by DoT, oversees the implementation of the Sustainable Mobility Policy and its accompanying Action Plan |
|
Delivery Team |
Interdepartmental and Department-Agency |
DoT, Regional Assemblies, NTA, TII, SEAI, DHLGH, Local Authorities |
The delivery team interrogates the delivery of the SMP and previously the Pathfinder Programme at a more granular level. |
|
Demand Management Steering Group |
Interdepartmental and Department-Agency |
DoT, CCMA, DETE, DCEE,DEY, DHLGH, Dept. of the Taoiseach, EMRA, NTA, NEWRA, SRA, TII, SYSTRA Ltd, DPER, DRCDG, DCCS, LGMA, DFHERIS |
Steering Group established to guide the development of the Moving Together Strategy. |
|
DoT/DoF Interdepartmental Working Group |
Interdepartmental |
DoT, DoF - Invitations to present or collaborate are occasionally extended to other departments or agencies. |
To progress Recommendation 2 of the draft Moving Together strategy which commits to establishing a pathway for the development of a cohesive, equitable and future proofed taxation approach on transport. |
|
UTRAP Working Group |
Interdepartmental and Department-Agency |
DCEE, DoT, DoF, DoH, DPER, NTA, TII, EPA, Local Authorities, BÉ, Dublin Bus, Dublin Climate Action and Regional Office, RSA, Dublin Port, DAA |
Group established to address rising concerns about the level of transport-generated ambient air pollution in certain areas |
|
Mobility Hub Advisory Group |
Interdepartmental and Department-Agency |
DoT, AECOM, SEAI, ESRI, Local Authorities, NTA |
Working group established to oversee the development of the mobility hubs pilot project |
|
Transport Sectoral Adaptation Plan (SAP) Steering Group |
Intra Departmental, with one annual meeting, a ‘forum’, to extend to broader stakeholders including other Department representatives or agencies, and members of the TSAP Planning Group (below) |
Department of Transport – various Divisions (those tasked with actions under the SAP) |
Governance oversight, evaluation and review of the Transport SAP, raising visibility and coordination of policy and action for transport climate adaptation. |
|
Transport SAP Planning Group |
Dept/agencies/commercial public transport organisations |
Department of Transport National and Regional Airport operators, Ports (Tier 1 & 2) operators, Public Transport operators, Agencies with Transport remit- TII and NTA |
Coordinating, monitoring and reporting on progress of implementation of actions in the Transport SAP |
|
Biofuel Sustainability Working Group |
Interdepartmental |
D/Transport, DCEE, DAFM, Revenue, D/Finance, NORA |
Established in 2023 to progress a high-level vulnerability assessment of current and projected future biofuel supply in Ireland, with a view to identifying the scope for risk of biofuel fraud (leading to high indirect land use change risk) and other indirect impacts and to make recommendations concerning improvements |
|
Alternative Fuel for Transport Working Group |
Interdepartmental-Agency |
D/Transport, DCEE, DAFM, DETE, D/Finance, NORA, TII, SEAI, NSAI, GNI |
Established in 2023 with the purpose of: -facilitating greater visibility on policy development and delivery across the transport and energy sectors in relation to the development of alternative fuels in transport, - co-ordinating a variety of ongoing actions concerning alternative fuel infrastructure and renewable energy across the transport sub-sectors, land, aviation and maritime, and - alignment with decarbonisation objectives and related energy policy by other Government departments and sectors, including the Hydrogen Strategy, the Biomethane Strategy, and Industrial Policy for Offshore Renewable Energy Production |
|
RES-T Working Group – Supporting compliance with the NECP |
Interdepartmental-Agency |
D/Transport, DCEE, NORA, SEAI, EPA |
The Working Group was established in 2023 to address continued positive contribution of renewable energy supply in the transport sector and to the National Energy and Climate Plan targets and the challenges of revised 2030 targets for renewable energy share in transport (RES-T), specifically advanced renewable fuel, renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) and renewable electricity in future road, aviation, and maritime consumption. |
|
National Aeromedical Coordination Group (NACG) |
Interdepartmental and Agency |
Dept. of Transport Dept. of Health NAS HSE CHI PHECC Air Corps An Garda Síochána Dept. of Defence SAR Aviation Contractor |
Coordinate arrangements for emergency paediatric transfers abroad. |
|
Sustainable Mobility Policy Research Network |
Department-Agency |
DoT, NTA, TII, SEAI, RSA, CIÉ, CSO, Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA), Irish Transport Research Network (ITRN) |
To advise on, coordinate, and focus resources towards research priorities which provide an evidence base for implementation of the Sustainable Mobility Policy, drawing on national and international best practice. |
|
Transport Appraisal Framework Coordination and Advisory Group |
Department-Agency |
DoT, NTA, TII |
The Transport Appraisal Framework provides appraisal guidance for capital investment schemes in the transport sector.
The Coordination and Advisory group brings together the key users of the TAF to share information and discuss future developments in appraisal guidance. |
|
Road Freight Forum (RFF) |
Interdepartmental and Agency |
DoT, IRHA, FTAI, TII, RSA, NTA, Irish Transport Research Network |
To track and the implementation of the actions arising in the Road Haulage Strategy (RHS) 2022-2031 |
|
Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group (LSCSG) |
Interdepartmental and Agency |
DoT, DETE, DSP, CILT, FTAI, Ibec, Innopharma Education, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, IPICS, IEA, IIFA, IRHA, Mid-West Regional Skills Group, NMCI, SIPTU, SETU, TUD, UL, Grove Institute, PerformanSC |
Bring together key stakeholder from the logistics and supply chain industry, such as relevant Government departments and agencies, as-well as industry representatives to support the promotion of careers, skills development and sustainable employment in the industry. |
|
Road Safety Leadership Group |
Interdepartmental/interagency Group |
Department of Transport, Department of Justice, AGS, RSA, NTA, TII, MBRS,HSA, Courts Service, CCMA |
The Governments Road Safety Strategy 2021- 2030 |
|
Road User Safety Forum |
Advisory Forum on Road Safety. Meetings facilitated by DoT |
Representatives comprising road safety advocates and experts, including representatives of vulnerable road users. |
Meetings of the Forum are facilitated by the Department of Transport. The Forum advises on the implementation of the Road Safety Phase 2 Action Plan and emerging road safety concerns. |
|
Road Safety Communications Group |
Interdepartmental/interagency Group |
DoT, DoJ, AGS, RSA |
Road Safety messaging and campaigns |
|
ORE Ports Coordination Group |
Interdepartmental/interagency Group |
DoT, DCEE, IMDO, Ports |
The group was set up following the publication of DoT’s policy statement on the facilitation of offshore wind by ports in Ireland. |
|
Public Transport Safety Working Group |
Interdepartmental/Interagency |
DoT, DoJ, NTA, AGS, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Go-Ahead Ireland, CTTC, SIPTU, NBRU, ICTU, TSSA, Dublin Commuter Coalition, Cork Commuter Coalition |
This Working Group was established in 2024 following calls for a public transport ‘Safety Charter’. It has since expanded to safety discussion on PT safety policy, including the Transport Security Force. |
|
Public Service Obligation Oversight Group (PSOG) |
Department-Agency |
DoT, NTA, NewERA, DPER |
The Group was established in 2026 to strengthen governance, monitor costs, and ensure value for money for the PSO Programme. |
|
EV Planning Working Group |
Interdepartmental and Agency |
DoT, Dept. Justice, Dept. Housing, ESBN, SEAI |
Support any necessary adaptation of Ireland’s critical transport infrastructure and services in response to our changing climate. |
Glossary of terms
AGS - An Garda Síochána
BÉ – Bus Éireann
CCMA – County and City Management Association
CHI – Children’s Health Ireland
CIÉ – Córas Iompair Éireann
CILT – Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
CTTC – Couch Tourism and Transport Council
DAFM – Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
DCCS – Department of Culture, Communications and Sport
DCEE – Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment
DETE - Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
DEY – Department of Education and Youth
DFAT – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
DFHERIS - Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
DFIN - Department of Finance
DHLGH – Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
DOD – Department of Defence
DOE - Department of Education
DOH - Department of Health
DOJ – Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
DOT - Department of Transport
DPER – Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation
DRCDG – Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
DSP – Department of Social Protection
EMRA – Eastern and Midlands Regional Authority
EPA – Environmental Protection Agency
ESBN – ESB Networks
FTAI – Freight Transport Association Ireland
GNI – Gas Networks Ireland
HSA – Health and Safety Authority
HSE – Health Service Executive
IAA – Irish Aviation Authority
ICTU – Irish Congress of Trade Unions
IIFA – Irish International Freight Association
IMDO – Irish Maritime Development Office
IPICS – Irish Supply Chain Management Institute
IRHA – Irish Road Hauliers Association
ISIF – Irish Strategic Investment Fund
LGMA – Local Government Management Agency
MBRS – Medical Bureau of Road Safety
NAS – National Ambulance Service
NBRU – National Bus and Rail Union
NEWRA – Northern and Western Regional Assembly
NMCI – National Maritime College of Ireland
NORA - National Oil Reserve Agency
NSAI – National Standards Authority of Ireland
NTA – The National Transport Authority
PHECC – Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council
RSA – Road Safety Authority
SEAI – Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland
SETU – South East Technological University
SIPTU – Services, Industrial Professional and Technical Union
SRA - Southern Regional Assembly
TII – Transport Infrastructure Ireland
TSSA – Transport Salaried Staff Association
TUD – Technical University Dublin
UL – University of Limerick
