Written Answers Nos. 3-23
3. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans to introduce a waste regulator for the re-municipalisation of domestic waste collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10519/26]
View answerUnder the Waste Management Act, the National Waste Collection Permit Office is responsible for the permitting and regulation of waste collection activities while the Environmental Protection Agency has responsibility for enforcement and oversight in relation to waste facilities and broader environmental compliance.
An independent waste collection study is currently underway to examine:
the operation of the current waste collection market structure;
the effectiveness of the existing regulatory and enforcement arrangements in supporting the attainment of recycling targets; and
the feasibility, potential benefits and risks associated with a transition of our waste collection system from its current model of side-by-side market competition to a franchise tendering system for local authority areas or regions.
This study is ongoing and is being undertaken with full regard to competition law requirements. Any future decisions, such as whether to establish an independent economic regulator, will be taken in line with the relevant framework and following appropriate consideration of the study’s findings. It should be noted that under the Waste Management Act the statutory responsibility for decisions on waste collection arrangements, including any move towards franchise tendering, rests with the Chief Executive of each local authority.
The study will be completed this year and its recommendations including any future policy decisions in relation to waste collection and regulatory arrangements will help to inform the next iteration of the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy.
4. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department is aware of reports that many ostensibly recycled plastics go to landfill or are incinerated (details supplied), and in light of this the data he has available regarding the volume of plastics that are actually recycled after collection through the deposit return scheme; and the monitoring systems which are in place to ensure that this data is accurate. [10535/26]
View answerI note the articles referred to by the Deputy date from 2023 and 2024 and that neither article refers to PET materials collected by a deposit return scheme.
The Deposit Return Scheme, or DRS, was introduced in February 2024 to encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles and cans and to deliver on our ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those products.
The collection, processing and recycling of containers returned via the Deposit Return Scheme is an operational matter for the DRS operator, Re-turn, however the company has confirmed to me that all material collected is sorted and baled at a contracted facility in Limerick, before it is sold for recycling on the open market. Plastic of food-grade quality, such as the DRS material, is highly valuable. It is recycled, often into new food-grade pellet and sold to make new food or drinks containers or other valuable products.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responsibility for collating and reporting official waste-related statistics for Ireland to the EU. The Agency's statistics webpage for single use plastics can be accessed here: www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/waste/national-waste-statistics/single-use-plastics/
On the broader matter of recycling plastic packaging waste, many EU countries struggle to recycle sufficiently, mainly due to economic factors such as costs and competition from cheap virgin plastics. In response to these difficulties, a new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation has been introduced. The new Regulation, which comes into effect in August this year, contains a range of measures to be introduced on a staggered basis, aimed at reducing packaging waste generation and increasing plastic recycling rates by creating a greater market demand for recyclate.
5. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the Government’s policy approach to sustainable seaweed harvesting as it arises under the Marine Planning Policy Statement and the National Marine Planning Framework; the way in which this policy approach is intended to guide decision-making across relevant departments and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10676/26]
View answerIreland’s first non-statutory Marine Planning Policy Statement (MPPS) for all marine planning aspects was published in November 2019, pending the introduction of the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) and the enactment of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 (MAP Act). The MPPS in 2019 outlined existing components of the marine planning system, its future vision, and set out the high-level priorities for the enhancement of the marine planning system in Ireland.
Ireland’s National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) was adopted in May 2021. The NMPF brings together all marine-based human activities for the first time, outlining the Government’s vision, objectives, and marine planning policies for each marine activity. All public bodies and consenting authorities are required to have regard for the NMPF in exercise of their statutory functions. This is intended to ensure consistency, precautionary and evidence-based decision making across all Departments and agencies.
With the enactment of the MAP Act in 2021, a statutory framework for marine planning policy statements was established. Following a consultation on a draft Statutory Marine Planning Policy Statement (MPPS) in 2025 the Marine Planning Policy Statement (MPPS) is currently in the stages of finalisation, and is expected to be brought before Government in the April 2026.
With regard to seaweed harvesting specifically, the draft MPPS commits the marine planning system to ‘’supporting the development of a regulatory framework for seaweed harvesting, formulating policies which enhance and safeguard key seaweed species and having regard to the important economic and social contribution seaweed makes to coastal communities’’.
6. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the biomethane sustainability charter will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10916/26]
View answer7. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the communications strategy as part of the National Biomethane Strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10917/26]
View answer8. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the online information hub as part of the National Biomethane Strategy will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10918/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 7 and 8 together.
Government has committed to deliver up to 5.7 TWh of indigenously produced biomethane per annum by 2030. In response to this ambitious target, my Department, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published the National Biomethane Strategy in May 2024.
The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy and the associated delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to underpin development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale.
Chaired by my Department, with close support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Group reports directly to the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce on on-going progress and is comprised of a number of focused sub-groups namely - Infrastructure; Sustainability; Industry; and Economic Issues. Membership of the Group includes key Government Departments and Agencies, and sectoral representatives.
A priority action within the Strategy is the development of the Biomethane Environmental Sustainability Charter. The Charter is now finalised and is published on the biomethane policy information page on the Gov.ie website.
Sustainability is a key pillar of the National Biomethane Strategy, with an emphasis on ensuring development of the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry in an environmentally sustainable manner, achieving high standards for the protection of water, soil, biodiversity and the local ecosystem.
The Charter sets out best practices guidelines to maximise the benefits of AD, while minimising its environmental impact on land use, water quality, and biodiversity, as well as ensuring a high health and safety standard within the sector
The Group continues to engage with action owners and key stakeholders to monitor implementation, and a full progress report on delivery of actions within the National Biomethane Strategy is now published on the biomethane policy information page on Gov.ie website.
Finally, although AD a is very well-established technology in Europe with over 20,000 plants in operation, it is a relatively new and unknown technology in Ireland. As such, my Department is committed to offering information and support to address concerns, foster the sharing of information, and promote transparency around AD developments and the part they play in decarbonisation.
The online information hub website is now live and will be continuously updated and expanded with relevant information. It is available at the following link on Gov.ie www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/policy-information/biomethane/
9. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the estimated cost of providing a €50 energy credit to all households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11056/26]
View answerGovernment is deeply aware and concerned about the pressures placed on households by high energy costs. Providing supports to alleviate this pressure has and will continue to be a priority for this Government.
While electricity credits have played an important role, the Government took other actions in Budget 2026 to provide significant supports to enhance energy affordability including:
• a 15% or €5 per week increase to the Fuel Allowance. This will provide an additional €140 to over 450,000 recipients during the annual fuel allowance season;
• eligibility for the Fuel Allowance has also been expanded to include those in receipt of the Working Family Payment;
• the reduced VAT rate of 9% which is applied to gas and electricity was extended to 2030. This provides clarity and certainty to energy consumers and reduces energy bills for households by up to €100 per year; and
• in addition, Government has extended the €400 income tax disregard for households involved in microgeneration for a further three years to end-2028.
It is important to note that the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills.
The range of supports that were included in Budget 2026 represent a movement towards permanent supports with funding also provided to address structural issues such as retrofit and infrastructure which reduce energy costs in the long-run.
Budget 2025 introduced a fourth Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme which over 2.2 million households have benefitted from - worth €250 in total per household.
Based on the previous estimate of 2.2 million Meter Point Registration Numbers (MPRNs), the cost of providing a net €50 credit to the Exchequer is €110 million. This takes account of the direct cost to the Exchequer plus VAT foregone.
10. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers who have been disqualified from driving in each of the past seven years; the number of those disqualified who did not hold a licence for each of those years; of the number of persons who did hold a licence, the number each year who surrendered their licence within the two weeks required by law; the number of disqualifications been given to those who are already disqualified in each year; and if any drivers have received two disqualifications, three disqualifications or more. [10750/26]
View answerAs Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that as disqualifications expire after a defined period, the Department does not retain full historical data that would allow us to provide complete figures for the earlier years requested by the Deputy.
At the end of 2025, my Department published a document outlining the process for recording penalty points and disqualifications on driver records within the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) database. This document is updated annually and will continue to be published on an ongoing basis. The Deputy can currently access the 2024 statistics in the published document, and I expect the updated statistical tables for end-2025 data to be published in the first quarter of this year.
The document is available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/publications/recording-of-penalty-points-and-disqualifications-on-driver-records/
In addition to the data in the report, which addresses the majority of the Deputy's queries, I can inform the Deputy that in 2024, my Department was notified of 10,887 disqualifications from the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána, of which 2,079 (19.10%) related to drivers with more than one disqualification. The 2025 figures will be published in the update of the report.
The statistics include instances where a driver may be served more than one disqualification within a single calendar year. There are various reasons why this may occur. One example is where a driver receives two concurrent disqualifications arising from separate offences recorded by the Courts Service. For instance, a driver prosecuted for both driving without insurance and for Careless Driving under section 52(1) may receive individual disqualifications for each offence.
An Garda Síochána has access to data on the NVDF as part of their Mobility Strategy and can therefore detect and prosecute a driver who continues to drive while disqualified.
11. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether he has received formal proposals from the Minister for Transport regarding the prohibition or restriction of scrambler bikes in public places; when these proposals will be published; and the expected commencement date of any resulting regulations. [10846/26]
View answer15. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has reviewed the adequacy of existing statutory powers available under current legislation to address the illegal use of scrambler bikes and quad bikes in residential and urban areas; whether any legislative gaps or limitations have been identified; and whether proposals for legislative amendment or consolidation are under development. [11447/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 15 together.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961, mechanically propelled vehicles such as scramblers can only be legally driven on public roads if they are registered and have a registration plate. Most scramblers are designed for off-road use only and are unregistered, and are therefore illegal for use on the road. In the absence of registration, a vehicle cannot be taxed.
Exercising powers made by regulation under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, An Garda Síochána has the power to seize vehicles being driven on public roads that have not been taxed or lack insurance, or where the driver does not hold the relevant driving licence. Once seized, An Garda Síochána has the power to dispose of a seized vehicle six weeks after the date of detention, provided two weeks' notice of the intention to dispose is given.
Building on these pre-existing powers and provisions, the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 includes three key measures to further tackle dangerous scrambler use:
• Under Section 5(k), dangerous driving has become an offence everywhere, not only in public places;
• Under Section 5(p), An Garda Síochána were granted new powers to seize scramblers being driven dangerously in any location;
• Under Section 11(b), there is a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular places.
These three provisions are are a comprehensive package of measures and were commenced by Statutory Instrument 392/2023 on 28 July 2023. Since commencement, off-road scramblers are no longer just illegal for use in public places - it is illegal to drive them dangerously anywhere, even on private land. More importantly, An Garda Síochána has full powers to seize a scrambler being driven dangerously in any location, even where they have the reasonable belief that the vehicle will be driven dangerously, and they can enter the curtilage of a dwelling to retrieve a scrambler after the fact. These powers are being used. Since 2023, over 1,000 e-scooters, quad bikes and scramblers have been seized.
While the commencement of the third provision created regulation-making powers to restrict certain classes of vehicles, any such regulations will be incremental on the other restrictions outlined above and no regulations have yet been made.
The Taoiseach convened a meeting of key members of the Government and senior officials to discuss an outright ban on all scramblers on 28 January. It is my intention that regulations will be made to close any cases where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside of appropriate off-road settings and implement a total ban on all scrambler use in any public place. It is my intention that such a ban will be implemented as a matter of urgency within the coming weeks, and I also propose to enhance Gardaí powers of vehicle seizure to reduce the number of seized vehicles that end up back on the roads. I brought these proposals to Government on 4 February 2026.
The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 also legalised the use of e-scooters, creating the new powered-personal transporter class of vehicles with distinct requirements compared to mechanically propelled vehicles. A comprehensive suite of regulations were introduced in May 2024 to provide for the safe use of e-scooters in public places. E-scooters may only be used on public roads if they comply with the regulations, and the rules of the road apply to e-scooters in the same way as bicycles. Under the regulations, it is an offence for children under 16 to use e-scooters on public roads. Further regulations address road signs, location restrictions, detention and seizure powers for An Garda Síochána and fixed charge penalties.
E-scooters do not have EU type approval and e-scooters that comply with the regulations do not require registration, motor tax or a driving licence. As compliant e-scooters do not fall within the requirements of the Motor Insurance Directive, they do not require motor insurance.
12. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport if any funding has been formally approved for the second Newbridge bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10969/26]
View answer13. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the second Newbridge bridge project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10970/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
Kildare County Council submitted a preliminary appraisal application in late 2023 to the Department of Transport. It was noted to the Council that the project would require a business case to be developed in order for the Council to substantiate the need for the scheme that addresses the transport issues or opportunities and provides value for money. The Department made an allocation to the Council in 2025 in support of the preparation of a business case for the remaining section of the Newbridge Southern Outer Orbital Route. The updated business case was submitted by the Council to the Department for review in mid-2025. Following the review, the business case was approved by the Department. The Department understands that Kildare County Council obtained planning approval for the remaining section of the scheme in 2023 and the Council are currently in advanced discussions with landowners regarding land acquisition.
It is expected that the Regional and Local Road 2026 Allocations will be announced in the near future.
14. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of scrapping the unfair surcharge on people paying motor tax in instalments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11059/26]
View answerWhile the collection of Motor Tax is managed by my Department, the setting of the rates and the surcharge is determined by the Minister for Finance.
Motor Tax is payable on an annual, half-yearly or quarterly basis. There is an additional charge associated with both the half-yearly and quarterly discs. The differential takes account of the extra administrative costs in Motor Tax offices and the Department of Transport (which operates the online motor tax facility) associated with the processing of non-annual Motor Tax including the printing and posting of additional motor tax discs and renewal notices.
The loss to the Exchequer arising from the elimination of the additional charge for these options has been estimated at just under €35m based on the pattern of transactions in 2025 and would have to be borne elsewhere in the tax system.
As the Deputy may be aware, it is intended to remove the requirement for paper discs for motor tax later this year. Once that this is in place, it may be appropriate to review the position regarding the surcharge.
16. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the total funding delivered through Transport Infrastructure Ireland for major capital works, by project, by county in each of the years 2021 to 2025, inclusive, in tabular form; the total for each county for each year and across the five year period. [10545/26]
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.
National roads allocations for years 2020 -2024 are available at: www.tii.ie/en/tii-library/reports-accounts/. Full details of national roads allocations for 2025 are available on the TII website:www.tii.ie/media/orbdngms/tii_local-authorities_2025-road-grant-allocations.pdf
17. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the number of accidents recorded at each junction of the M50, northbound and southbound in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10550/26]
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 accident statistics on the M50.
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.
18. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will provide a timeline of when the new bus corridor on the M4 will be deemed road safe and be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10554/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project on the M4.
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.
19. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding plans to make helmets mandatory for all cyclists on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10624/26]
View answer20. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding plans to make his-vis jackets mandatory for all cyclists on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10625/26]
View answer21. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the experience in Australia whereby the introduction of mandatory helmets and hi-vis jackets for cyclists led to an overall reduction in the number of cyclists; the actions he will take to ensure this is not the case if that policy is replicated in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10626/26]
View answer22. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to concerns of cycling groups in relation to the potential unintended consequences of the introduction of mandatory helmets and hi-vis jackets for cyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10627/26]
View answer23. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will meet with cycling advocacy groups as part of the review of the implementing of mandatory helmets and hi-vis jackets for cyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10628/26]
View answer24. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to claims that the introduction of mandatory helmets and hi-vis jackets for cyclists will shift the blame for the cause of road accidents away from dangerous drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10629/26]
View answer25. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered international comparisons in relation to the review of implementing of mandatory helmets and hi-vis jackets for cyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10630/26]
View answer26. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the criteria under review as part of his consideration in relation to implementing mandatory helmets and hi-vis jackets for cyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10631/26]
View answer28. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department is considering the introduction of mandatory helmet or high-visibility clothing requirements for users of e-bikes or e-scooters; if an assessment has been carried out on the potential safety, enforcement or behavioural impacts of such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10645/26]
View answer32. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether he has considered the potential negative impact on everyday cycling, particularly for children and families, of any proposal to make the wearing of high visibility clothing and helmets mandatory for all cyclists; whether any assessment has been carried out on the likely effect such measures could have on cycling participation and uptake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10806/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28 and 32 together.
I wish to advise that, while personal protective equipment (PPE) is strongly advised for bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters, it is not currently mandatory.
The Road Safety Authority, the agency responsible for public education and awareness, frequently undertakes campaigns to promote awareness, among pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users, of the need for PPE and visibility on our roads. The safety benefits of reflective clothing and helmets are set out in detail in the www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/road-safety/r1---rules-of-the-road/ruleoftheroad_book-for-web.pdf In addition Department officials engage with An Garda Siochana regularly with respect to enforcement of road traffic regulations.
As we approach the two-year anniversary of the first regulations legalising the use of certain e-scooters on Irish roads in May 2024, it is appropriate that we look at the evidence and consider if additional regulation is warranted to promote road safety for e-scooters and bicycles, including e-bikes. My Department is examining this issue, however, no decisions have been taken in this regard at present and any proposals will first be presented at a future meeting of the Government.
