Written Answers Nos. 311-326
311. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether additional legislative reform, funding allocations or policy measures are planned to strengthen enforcement tools and deterrent provisions relating to the unlawful use of mechanically propelled vehicles in public spaces [14606/26]
View answerThere are significant enforcement powers for An Garda Síochána in road traffic legislation relating to the unlawful use and supply of mechanically propelled vehicles.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961, mechanically propelled vehicles can only be legally driven on public roads if they are registered and have a registration plate. 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 mechanically propelled 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.
It is an offence to drive a vehicle dangerously in any place under section 53 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended. Under section 109A of the 1961 Act, a member of An Garda Síochána has the power to seize a vehicle that, in the member’s reasonable belief, is being, has been, or will be driven dangerously.
Section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 prohibits the supply of mechanically propelled vehicles to persons under the age of 16. Under this section, ‘supply’ includes sale, gifting or otherwise making the vehicle available to a person.
I intend to introduce regulations as a matter of urgency to further prohibit the use of mechanically propelled vehicles such as scramblers in any public place. It is intended that these regulations will bring additional legal clarity and close any cases where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside of appropriate off-road settings.
I also propose to impose greater financial penalties on seized vehicles to reduce the number that re-enter circulation. These new measures will strengthen the existing enforcement powers that An Garda Síochána has in relation to the dangerous use of scramblers and powers of seizure.
312. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the N20 Cork to Limerick road improvement scheme; the stage the project has reached under the Transport Infrastructure Ireland project lifecycle; the total estimated capital cost as most recently assessed; the amount of funding allocated to the scheme in 2026 and projected for 2027 and 2028 under the National Development Plan; the anticipated timeline for completion of route selection, statutory approvals and land acquisition; the projected commencement date for construction; and whether the project remains designated as a strategic inter-urban priority within national transport policy. [14673/26]
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 N/M20 Cork to Limerick project.
I can confirm that an allocation of €3,500,000 was made to the N/M20 Cork to Limerick project in 2026.
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.
313. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to publish the detailed statistical analysis carried out by the Road Safety Authority concerning scramblers involved in fatal and serious injury collisions on public roads over the past five years, including a year-by-year breakdown of serious injuries and fatalities, age profile of drivers and injured parties, and geographic distribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14689/26]
View answer314. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has conducted or commissioned any formal trend analysis of the increase in serious injuries involving scramblers on public roads between 2022 and 2025; what policy conclusions have been drawn from that analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14690/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 314 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. The RSA receives both collision data from An Garda Síochána and coronial data for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions.
I am aware of the analysis carried out by the RSA of scramblers involved in fatal and serious injury collisions on public roads over the last five years, which shows an increase in road users seriously injured in a collision where a scrambler was involved. I intend to introduce regulations as a matter of urgency to further prohibit the use of scramblers in any public place and strengthen the existing enforcement powers that An Garda Síochána has in relation to the dangerous use of scramblers and powers of seizure.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question in relation to publication of this analysis to the RSA for direct response. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
315. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has examined the legislative and policy implications of extending the statutory remit of the Road Safety Authority to enable the collection and publication of data on serious injuries and fatalities involving mechanically propelled vehicles in public places other than public roads, including parks, housing estates and green spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14691/26]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury road traffic collisions. The RSA receives collision data from An Garda Síochána for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions. Following engagement with and approval from the Data Protection Commissioner, a data sharing agreement has been agreed between An Garda Síochána and the RSA to underpin this data flow.
While An Garda Síochána data includes collisions and fatalities that occur in public places that are not a public road, such as car parks, analysis produced by the RSA is restricted to the collisions that occur on public roads. There is typically only small variation between these two figures, and reporting on the public roads figure is consistent with road safety reporting standards across the EU. However, I am considering whether a change in approach may improve the consistency of reporting in future.
316. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the statutory provision under which he proposes to introduce regulations to prohibit the use of scramblers in public places; whether he is satisfied that the enabling power is sufficient to support a total prohibition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14692/26]
View answer317. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether draft regulations concerning the prohibition of scramblers in public places have been circulated to An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority or any other stakeholder for consultation; and if he will outline the consultation process and timeline. [14693/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 317 together.
I intend to introduce regulations as a matter of urgency to further prohibit the use of scramblers in any public place. These regulations will be made under section 35A of the Road Traffic Act 1994, as amended by section 11(b) of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.
Under existing legislation, scramblers are banned for use on the road in almost all cases. My officials have consulted with An Garda Síochána on the content of any new regulations to incrementally build on this existing legal position. It is my intention that the regulations will bring further legal clarity and close off any cases where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside of appropriate off-road settings.
My Department is working with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel with a view to making these regulations within a matter of weeks.
318. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has reviewed the effectiveness of section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 in preventing the supply of mechanically propelled vehicles to persons under 16 years of age; whether enforcement data has been analysed to assess compliance levels; and whether amendments are under consideration to strengthen retailer obligations. [14694/26]
View answerSection 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 prohibits the supply of mechanically propelled vehicles to persons under the age of 16. Under this section, ‘supply’ includes sale, gifting or otherwise making the vehicle available to a person.
A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both. This penalty reflects the serious nature of this offence and I have no plans to amend this.
Enforcement of this legislation and analysis of any data in relation to compliance levels is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
320. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when the review of the code of best practice for national and regional greenways will formally be commenced by TII; the timeline for its completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14697/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual National and Regional Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). They are tasked with maintaining the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways.
The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published in late 2021 following its development and finalisation by a sub-group made up of a range of representatives from the rural recreation, tourism, sport, farming, local business development and transport sectors. The intention of the Code is to ensure a transparent and pragmatic approach in relation to the delivery of Greenways and ensuring that landowners are engaged with throughout the development process.
On finalisation, TII committed to a review of the Code after 5 years which will fall in November 2026. This review has been brought forward following on from discussion of the Code at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport in November 2025.
A review of the Code will be carried out in parallel with a review of the Strategy for National and Regional Greenways (which was published in 2018) – the Strategy is a matter for the Department of Transport. TII have advised my officials that the terms of reference for the review of the Code have now been drafted. Work is currently underway to finalise the arrangements for the review process, including engaging a consultant, determining the proposed work streams, timelines, stakeholder engagement etc. It is envisaged that the review of both the Code and the Strategy will conclude this year. It is not possible to be more exact at this time given that the structure of the review is still be finalised.
321. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the stakeholders TII plans to engage with as part of the review of the code of best practice for national and regional greenways; when such engagement will begin; whether impacted landowners will be formally consulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14698/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual National and Regional Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). They are tasked with maintaining the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways.
The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published in late 2021 following its development and finalisation by a sub-group made up of a range of representatives from the rural recreation, tourism, sport, farming, local business development and transport sectors. The intention of the Code is to ensure a transparent and pragmatic approach in relation to the delivery of Greenways and ensuring that landowners are engaged with throughout the development process. On publication, TII committed to a review of the Code after 5 years which will fall due in November 2026. This review has been brought forward following on from discussion of the Code at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport in November 2025.
A review of the Code will be carried out in parallel with a review of the Strategy for National and Regional Greenways (which was published in 2018) – the Strategy is a matter for the Department of Transport. TII have advised my officials that the terms of reference for the Code review have been drafted as well as proposed work streams and timelines and work is underway to finalise these arrangements.
My officials have advised that in addition to a formal round of public consultation, feedback will also be invited from relevant stakeholders during an earlier stage of the review process. Stakeholder identification is to be finalised - I understand that farmer representative groups as well as some community groups will be consulted at both consultation stages. I note that it is important that the review incorporates a wide range of views from all parties but does so in a consistent and pragmatic manner. I expect engagement to begin in the coming weeks.
322. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the way in which greenway projects continue to proceed in advance of the completion of the review of the code of best practice for national and regional greenways; whether consideration has been given to pausing new developments pending the outcome of that review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14699/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual National and Regional Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). They are tasked with maintaining the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways.
The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published in late 2021 following its development and finalisation by a sub-group made up of a range of representatives from the rural recreation, tourism, sport, farming, local business development and transport sectors. The intention of the Code is to ensure a transparent and pragmatic approach in relation to the delivery of Greenways and ensuring that landowners are engaged with throughout the development process. On finalisation, TII committed to a review of the Code after 5 years which will fall in November 2026. This review has been brought forward following on from discussion of the Code at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport in November 2025.
A review of the Code will be carried out in parallel with a review of the Strategy for National and Regional Greenways (which was published in 2018) – the Strategy is a matter for the Department of Transport. TII have advised my officials that the terms of reference for the review of the Code have been drafted as well as proposed work streams and timelines and work is underway to finalise these arrangements. It is expected that the review of both the Code and the Strategy will conclude in 2026.
To avoid pre-empting the outcomes of the review process, the existing arrangements as set out in the Code and the Strategy will remain valid until the review has concluded. It is important to note that the arrangements set out in the Code were previously agreed by representatives from a wide range of sectors.
323. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the oversight his Department exercises in respect of local authority engagement with landowners affected by proposed greenway developments; whether he is satisfied that meaningful consultation and transparency are being applied consistently across counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14700/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
324. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport whether he considers the use of compulsory purchase orders appropriate for the development of greenways and other leisure amenities; the guidance which has been issued to local authorities regarding the use of CPO powers in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14701/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to greenways. The planning, design and construction of National and Regional Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the relevant local authority
The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published in late 2021 following its development by a sub-group made up of a range of representatives from the rural recreation, tourism, sport, farming, local business development and transport sectors. The Code provides guidance on the planning, designing and constructing of Greenways. It includes an overview of the public consultation processes, constraints study, route selection and statutory processes. It also includes information on the use of State-owned lands and the acquisition of private lands for developing Greenways.
The intention of the Code is to ensure a transparent and pragmatic approach in taken in relation to land acquisition. The Code states that:
“Where it is not feasible to use State owned lands or where there is limited State-owned lands, the project promoter will then engage with local landowners with sustained and regular engagement embedded within the Code.”
The importance of regular public consultation is embedded within the Code. Engagement between affected landowners and the project team is a critical step to ensure that severance of farm holdings is avoided where feasible to do so particularly once a preferred route corridor is published. An independent agronomist is available to assist landowners with their queries provide advice on the impact of the proposals.
The Code does refer to the use of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) as a ‘measure of last resort’ if voluntary land acquisition agreements are not possible after sustained engagement with individual landowners. The CPO is a legal mechanism that is contained within the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Section 213) and the Roads Act 1993 (Section 52); the statutory options available to local authorities in relation to CPO usage are contained within these pieces of legislation.
It is important to note the CPO process involves a number of stages and allows for continued negotiations at every stage to provide the opportunity for a voluntary agreement to be entered into between landowners and the project promoters. Under the CPO process, where agreement cannot be reached the statutory arbitration process is available. It is important to highlight that the majority of claims are resolved by negotiated agreement without the need for a decision from an arbitrator.
Lastly, and importantly, the Code acknowledges the important role of farmers and landowners in the process. It highlights the importance of treating them fairly and equitably.
325. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of landowners subject to compulsory purchase orders in respect of greenway developments since 2018 who have not yet received compensation; the reasons for the delay in payment; the average timeframe for resolution; and when all outstanding compensation will be discharged [14702/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
326. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the criteria that are applied in the selection and progression of greenway routes; whether these criteria are publicly available; and the measures in place to ensure transparency and accountability in route selection decisions. [14703/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
