Pa Daly
Question:46. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the number of BEV EVs which are in use; and the percentage of the overall fleet this is, in tabular form. [15277/26]
View answerElectric Vehicles
Questions (46, 47)
Pa Daly
Question:47. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the number of PHEV EVs which are in use; and the percentage of the overall fleet this is, in tabular form [15278/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.
The Government is fully committed to supporting the transition to zero-emission transport and the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
Last year, Ireland surpassed its Climate Action Plan target for 2025, with over 200,000 electric vehicles now registered in Ireland’s roads. This exceeded our initial target of 195,000 by the end of 2025 and highlights the growing demand for EVs in Ireland.
Electric Vehicles under current taxation as of 31st January 2026 by Registration & Fuel type (Source: National Vehicle and Driver File).
|
Fuel Type |
Total |
% of Overall Fleet |
|
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) |
114,481 |
3.51 |
|
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) |
98,106 |
3.01 |
|
Total |
212,587 |
6.52 |
Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 46.
Air Safety
Questions (48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 61)
Holly Cairns
Question:48. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of air traffic controllers employed in each of the years from 2018 to date in 2026, by location, in tabular form. [15301/26]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:49. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of instances of airspace closures from 2024 to date in 2026, by month and location; to provide the reasons for these closures, in tabular form. [15302/26]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:50. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport whether his attention has been drawn to reported airspace closures due to staff shortages in air traffic control; his Department's recruitment strategy to fill these roles; and when it is expected to reach full staffing levels. [15303/26]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:51. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of air traffic controllers who have left their roles from 2018 to-date in 2026, by location; whether retention measures have been implemented to encourage qualified air traffic controllers from leaving their roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15304/26]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:52. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport whether he has considered the impact of the removal of the passenger cap on air traffic control operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15305/26]
View answer
Eoin Hayes
Question:61. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made to address the staffing issues with air traffic control; the service delivery assurances he can provide ahead of the peak summer travel period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15376/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 61 together.
AirNav Ireland is the State company with statutory responsibility for providing air navigation and related services within the 451,000 km2 of airspace controlled by Ireland. It also provides terminal air traffic control services at the three State airports, Dublin, Cork and Shannon.
AirNav is a wholly commercial company funded by way of charges on airlines for its services. It is regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) in respect of safety and the European Commission's performance and charging framework for the Single European Sky.
The performance and charging framework is designed to ensure the efficiency of European air navigation services across key performance areas such as safety, environment, capacity, and cost-efficiency. It includes EU-wide targets, performance plans and cost bases for charging by air navigation service providers. Ireland’s Performance Plan covering the period 2025-2029 (RP4), submitted to the European Commission by the IAA in August 2025 for review, addresses the provision by AirNav of en route air navigation services and terminal air traffic control services at Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports.
Under the RP4 Plan it is planned that the number of air traffic controllers employed by AirNav would increase in increments to 364 by end 2029 to meet the expected increase in demand for AirNav's services. AirNav currently employs 324 air traffic controllers, up from 300 at end 2023 (including direct entry air traffic controllers in training and student air traffic controllers on On-the-Job Training).
While overtime remains integral to AirNav's 24-hour operations the reliance on overtime is expected to decrease as air traffic controller staffing numbers rise.
AirNav is actively recruiting and training student air traffic controllers to ensure it has the capacity to meet increased demand. AirNav expects to train 76 student controllers in 2026.
Additionally, AirNav has implemented a number of measures in recent years aimed at promoting staff retention including improvements to terms and conditions for staff amounting to €55m over the period of its Collective Labour Agreement for the period 2025-2029, increased allowances for student air traffic controllers, improved leave and rostering initiatives and accelerated recruitment of direct entry air traffic controllers. agreement.
AirNav is currently engaging with FÓRSA on these issues including staffing levels and overtime arrangements through the company’s Internal Dispute Resolution Board mechanism. That process must be respected and allowed to run its course.
It is important to note that the safe operation of Irish airspace is a priority for AirNav. It is also important to ensure the continued smooth operation of our airports and that any potential disruption to services and passengers is avoided.
The following table outlines air traffic controller numbers and leavers for the period from 2018 to date. These figures exclude direct entry air traffic controllers in training and student air traffic controllers on On-the-Job Training.
|
Year |
Air Traffic Controllers |
Resigned |
Retired |
|
2018 |
295 |
4 |
1 |
|
2019 |
309 |
3 |
6 |
|
2020 |
304 |
2 |
4 |
|
2021 |
294 |
7 (voluntary redundancy) |
5 |
|
2022 |
291 |
5 |
1 |
|
2023 |
297 |
6 |
0 |
|
2024 |
303 |
10 |
0 |
|
2025 |
305 |
15 |
1 |
|
2026 |
303 |
1 |
0 |
The following table outlines student air traffic controllers on On-the-Job Training and direct entry air traffic controllers in training for the period 2023 to date
|
Year |
Air Traffic Controllers |
Student Air Traffic Controllers on On-the-Job Training |
Direct Entry Air Traffic Controllers in Training |
Total |
|
2023 |
297 |
3 |
0 |
300 |
|
2024 |
303 |
4 |
0 |
307 |
|
2025 |
305 |
10 |
7 |
322 |
|
2026 |
303 |
15 |
6 |
324 |
The following table outlines the instances of zero flow rate (airspace closures) from 1 January 2024 to 17 February 2026
|
Date |
Station |
Airspace Action |
Times |
Reason |
|
20/10/2024 |
Dublin |
Zero arrival regulation |
14:15 – 15:00 |
Restriction due to Storm Ashley |
|
27/01/2026 |
Shannon Airport |
Zero arrival regulation Zero departure regulation |
08:30 – 09:00 |
Due to staffing shortage, no Approach Service available |
|
30/01/2026 |
Dublin |
Zero arrival regulation Zero departure regulation |
02:00 – 02:30 04:05 – 04:35 |
Required to provide ATCO fatigue break due to staff shortage |
|
02/02/2026 |
Dublin |
Zero arrival regulation Zero departure regulation |
02:00 – 02:30 04:05 – 04:35 |
Required to provide ATCO fatigue break due to staff shortage |
|
11/02/2026 |
Cork |
Zero arrival regulation Zero departure regulation |
00:00 - 07:30 |
Due to staffing shortage no Approach services available |
|
14/02/2026 |
Dublin |
Zero arrival regulation Zero departure regulation |
02:00 - 02:30 04:05 - 04.35 |
Required to provide ATCO fatigue break due to staff shortage |
|
17/02/2026 |
Dublin |
Zero arrival regulation Zero departure regulation |
02:00 – 02:30 04:05 – 04:35 |
Required to provide ATCO fatigue break due to staff shortage |
Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 48.
Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 48.
Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 48.
Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 48.
Bus Services
Questions (53)
Pa Daly
Question:53. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the funding allocated to each local authority under the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme; the funding which was drawn down by each local authority in each of the years 2020 to date in 2026, in tabular form. [15310/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (54)
Pa Daly
Question:54. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to improve bus stops around the country; if he plans to standardise bus stops across the country; the funding which has been allocated to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15311/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Taxi Regulations
Questions (55)
Pa Daly
Question:55. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he will rule out fare hikes in 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15312/26]
View answerWritten answers
Improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. While my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide, it is the NTA that have the statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
In this context, we secured an unprecedented allocation of €940 million for PSO services in Budget 2026, a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from Budget 2025. This allocation will ensure that existing public transport services can operate reliably and sustainably throughout the year in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs. The 2026 allocation also maintains targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the NTA has the statutory responsibility for regulating fares for services provided under PSO contracts, and publishes an annual Fares Determination. As such, any future Fares Determination is a matter for the NTA.
Public Transport
Questions (56)
Pa Daly
Question:56. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport regarding the new dedicated statutory body that has been approved for the Metrolink project, the reasons the project could not be located with the NTA or TII; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15313/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, in November of last year, the Government approved my policy proposal to establish a dedicated MetroLink delivery body and prepare legislation to give affect to this proposal. MetroLink is recognised as the largest public transport infrastructure project in the history of the State and the policy proposal approved was the culmination of research and analysis undertaken by my Department.
An interdepartmental working group, comprising officials from my Department, the NTA and TII has been established to review the practical and legislative issues as well as the necessary governance requirements to be addressed in establishing the dedicated delivery body. Work is underway and I expect to bring a General Scheme to Government with these developed proposals by April of this year for a further Government decision to proceed with the legislative process through the houses of the Oireachtas. Issues such as those raised by the Deputy can be considered during the legislative process.
Public Transport
Questions (57)
Pa Daly
Question:57. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full and first year cost to establish a new statutory body for the MetroLink project; the funding which has been awarded; the number of staff the new body is planning to employ; the grades; if the staff will be new, or will they be seconded from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15314/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, in November of last year, the Government approved my policy proposal to establish a dedicated MetroLink delivery body and prepare legislation to give affect to this proposal. MetroLink is recognised as the largest public transport infrastructure project in the history of the State and the policy proposal approved was the culmination of research and analysis undertaken by my Department.
An interdepartmental working group, comprising officials from my Department, the NTA and TII, has been established to review the practical and legislative issues as well as the necessary governance requirements to be addressed in establishing the dedicated delivery body. Work is underway and I expect to bring a General Scheme to Government with these developed proposals by April of this year for a further Government decision to proceed with the legislative process through the houses of the Oireachtas. Issues such as those raised by the Deputy can be considered during the legislative process.
National Transport Authority
Questions (58)
Michael Cahill
Question:58. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to expedite the processing of requests for additional/increased bus stops (collect/drop off customers) on selected routes, currently taking 8 to 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15322/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Éireann
Questions (59)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:59. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number of meetings with Bus Éireann he has had since June 2025; the subject of each meeting, in tabular form. [15339/26]
View answerWritten answers
Please find below the meetings the Minister had with Bus Éireann since June 2025
|
Date |
Subject |
|
18th June 2025 |
Board Meeting |
|
13th November 2025 |
Introductory meeting between the Minister and new CEO and discussion on BÉ Five Year Plan and Expressway |
Traffic Fines
Questions (60)
Michael Murphy
Question:60. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when the statutory fee for the release of a vehicle impounded by An Garda Síochána, currently €125, was last increased; the rationale for the current level of the fee; whether he has received representations from An Garda Síochána regarding concerns that the fee does not act as a sufficient deterrent, particularly in respect of repeat offending by learner drivers; and whether he will consider a review of the fee, including reference to comparable charges in other jurisdictions. [15346/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Traffic Act 1994 (Detention of Vehicles) Regulations 2011 (SI 460/2011) sets out An Garda Síochána's powers to detain mechanically propelled vehicles in use in a public place. These regulations were made following consultation with the Minister for Justice.
Under Regulation 3, a Garda may, for reasons set out in Section 41 of the 1994 Road Traffic Act, detain, remove and store a vehicle. Reasons for seizure under Section 41 include no valid driving licence, no valid insurance, no valid roadworthiness certificate and no motor tax.
Regulation 5 states the fees to be paid for release of a vehicle detained under Regulation 3. The fees are intended to cover the costs of detaining, moving and storing a seized vehicle, which are borne by An Garda Síochána.
The fees are specified in Department of Transport regulations because the reasons for seizure are offences under the Road Traffic Acts, which fall under the remit of the Minister for Transport. However, the fees are determined by An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice and are set on notification from the Minister for Justice to the Minister for Transport.
Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 48.
Public Transport
Questions (62)
Marie Sherlock
Question:62. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the expenditure incurred to date on the Dart South West project. [15423/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ South West will extend DART services from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston.
A Railway Order for DART+ South West was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024. In addition, procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
Funding from the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan has allowed the commencement of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to be progressed for DART+ South West, starting this month. In addition, framework procurement contracts are being established for DART+ West, with the intention of also using them for DART+ South West.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Questions (63)
Marie Sherlock
Question:63. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the expenditure incurred to date on the Dart West project. [15424/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ West provides 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.
An Coimisiún Pleanála granted condition planning approval for DART+ West in July 2024.
Procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
Funding secured under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, published by my Department in November 2025, will see construction start before 2030 on the DART+ programme, beginning with DART+ West, which is the crucial enabler of the rest of the programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Coast Guard Service
Questions (64)
Cathal Crowe
Question:64. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on the work undertaken by date, by the Irish Coast Guard, to progress the development of a new station for the Killaloe Irish Coast Guard unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15454/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Killaloe IRCG Unit is currently based on a site on the banks of Lough Derg in a small area licensed from the ESB. The site contains a dry dock, a pontoon for the unit’s D class boat, two containers and some roofing between containers to cover over Unit vehicles. The site also contains an ESB building and is used for water checks by the ESB on a regular basis.
The site is not considered a viable long-term option for the unit as it does not meet the basic health and safety standards of accommodation for the Volunteers.
The project has received Programme Oversight Group approval as part of the IRCG Building Programme.
In line with the standardised approach of the IRCG Building Strategy to the delivery of facilities for Coast Guard Units, OPW conducted a market trawl in January 2026 and are currently finalising the market trawl report, to be shared with IRCG.
IRCG and OPW will undertake an Options Appraisal and Multi Criteria Analysis of all viable options identified in the coming weeks. OPW will then pursue the preferred option identified by IRCG to accommodate Killaloe Coast Guard Unit.
Active Travel
Questions (65)
Aisling Dempsey
Question:65. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Transport if he will re-open the Safe Routes to School Programme for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15463/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 932 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches, with four rounds having been announced to date. Over 500 schools are either active in the programme or have had projects completed. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the rounds to date will be selected in forthcoming rounds.
Given the pipeline of projects due for completion and the number of remaining schools waiting to enter the programme, there are currently no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme. It should however be noted that funding for Active Travel infrastructure for schools is not confined to the Safe Routes to Schools Programme alone. In some cases, schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works.