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Wednesday, 25 Feb 2026

Written Answers Nos. 66-86

Aviation Industry

Questions (66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

66. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport in light of the Irish Aviation Authority’s press statement of 11 February, which confirmed that the temporary UAS Geographical Zone (UGZ T2) in Cork was established following discussions between AirNav Ireland and a BVLOS operator, the consultation which took place with other airspace users and industry stakeholders prior to the establishment of this zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15466/26]

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Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

67. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport with respect to the temporary UAS Geographical Zone (UGZ T2) in Cork, given that the consultation on UGZ T2 opened simultaneously with the zone taking effect, will he explain how this satisfies the requirement for meaningful stakeholder engagement prior to restricting previously permitted UAS operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15467/26]

View answer

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

68. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport whether the Irish Aviation Authority engaged with representative industry bodies, including an organisation (details supplied), prior to announcing UGZ T2; and if not, the rationale for proceeding without such engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15468/26]

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Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

69. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport when establishing the temporary UAS Geographical Zone (UGZ T2) in Cork, the consultation took place with Cork City Council and other relevant local authorities and the way in which this process aligns with Actions 3, 6 and 7 of the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (August 2025), which envisage local authority involvement in UAS Geographical Zone determination and planning alignment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15469/26]

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Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

70. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport whether the decision to introduce the recent Geozone in Cork was preceded by consultation and stakeholder engagement consistent with the commitments outlined in the National Policy Framework on Unmanned Aircraft Systems; whether a report or statement of reasons was published following that consultation; and whether he is satisfied that the decision-making process complied with principles of fair procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15470/26]

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Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

71. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport whether he will confirm, in establishing the temporary UAS Geographical Zone (UGZ T2) in Cork whether the safety case and supporting risk assessment were shared with stakeholders before the announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15471/26]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 and 71 together.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the civil aviation regulator, is responsible for the regulation of Irish airspace and ensuring it is used safely and efficiently. To achieve this, the IAA certifies Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), who manage specific areas of airspace designated to them for the provision of services such as Air Traffic Control (ATC). Any aircraft operating in the control zone is subject to entry conditions. AirNav Ireland manages access to Cork ATC control zone.

The IAA and AirNav Ireland are independent State bodies that are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and balancing the needs of all airspace users.

I have asked the IAA to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters he has raised.

Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 66.
Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 66.
Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 66.
Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 66.
Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 66.

Dublin Airport Authority

Questions (72)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

72. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport whether it is his function, that of the Oireachtas, or that of the Dublin Airport Authority to decide on the naming of Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15508/26]

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Written answers

DAA has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin and Cork Airports. As such, it is a matter for DAA in the first instance, if it wishes to consider changing the name of Dublin Airport. I would expect that as Minister for Transport, I would be consulted on any proposed name change.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (73)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

73. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the measures in place or proposed to support the delivery of goods by pedelec cargo bike, given that electric vans are supported with direct grants, grants for home chargers, stacked BIK relief, VRT relief, and accelerated capital allowances; if he will consider the rebalancing of commercial fleet vehicle incentives toward pedelec cargo bikes to cut congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15580/26]

View answer

Written answers

The Government is committed to achieving modal shift in transport and increasing the number of Active Travel and Public Transport journeys over the coming years. This is evidenced in both the commitments made under various policy documents such as the Climate Action Plan and my Department's National Sustainable Mobility Plan, as well as the significant increase in funding for public transport, walking and cycling measures over the past number of years.

It is important we move quickly to reduce our carbon emissions and in doing so we must promote a modal shift away from fossil-fuelled vehicle use for personal and business purposes. The National Sustainable Mobility Policy and its accompanying Action Plan 2022-2025 seek to support the wider shift toward sustainable transport across the country.

A new Action Plan to cover the period from 2026 to 2030 is currently being finalised by my Department in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government and will build on the work of its predecessor to improve and expand sustainable transport options nationwide, including through further investment in Active Travel infrastructure and Mobility Hubs, both of which will support the expanded use of e-cargo bikes for both business and personal use.

The Deputy is correct in that there is a suite of incentives currently in place from Zero Emissions Vehicle Ireland (ZEVI) and the Department of Finance to support the continued transition away from fossil-fuelled vehicles towards electric vehicles (EVs). There are also grants available from a business perspective which could be availed of by the commercial fleet sector. At present, however, there are no specific supports available towards the use of e-cargo bikes for freight purposes. 

My Department is continuously exploring ways to encourage the uptake of cycling as a mode of transport. While I welcomed the introduction of an increase in the Bike-to-Work scheme thresholds in recent Budgets to encourage uptake of e-bike and cargo e-bikes, initiatives such as those which the Deputy has outlined will be considered as part of the annual Estimates process, which is currently underway ahead of Budget 2027. My Department will continue to undertake research into potential additional measures which could be introduced to promote modal shift and encourage uptake of cargo bikes going forward by both the personal transport and commercial fleet sectors.

Artificial Intelligence

Questions (74)

Ged Nash

Question:

74. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport to set out the policy in his Department regarding the use of artificial intelligence; whether AI is used or permitted in drawing up policy documents, speeches, answers to parliamentary questions, press releases or for other official documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15627/26]

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Written answers

The use of AI in my Department is overseen by an AI Steering Group and governed by strict guidelines aligned to the Government’s “Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service” published in May 2025. These Departmental guidelines specifically prohibit the use of AI in the drafting of responses to parliamentary questions or public representations. AI may be used to produce first drafts of some official documents but all final outputs are fully reviewed, edited and approved by Departmental staff who remain fully accountable at all times.

Staff are provided with extensive training resources and supports to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to use the AI platforms available to them in a safe, appropriate and effective manner.

Active Travel

Questions (75)

Paul Lawless

Question:

75. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the expected delivery schedule for the Blacksod Bay Loop active travel scheme in County Mayo, including design, procurement and construction stages; whether additional capital support will be provided to expedite works under the 2026 Active Travel and Greenways investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11089/26]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that the Blacksod Bay Loop Greenway scheme in County Mayo has received an allocation of  €1,900,000 in  2026. 

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Active Travel

Questions (76)

Paul Lawless

Question:

76. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be released and construction timelines confirmed for the active travel cycleway along the N60 between Castlebar and Breaffy in County Mayo, as referenced in the 2026 Active Travel and Greenways capital allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11088/26]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that the active travel cycleway along the N60  (Breaffy to Castlebar) in County Mayo has received an allocation of €3,120,000 in  2026. 

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Pension Provisions

Questions (77)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

77. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress of increasing the payment for those in receipt of the pre-1951 CIÉ pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10740/26]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.

Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department, alongside our financial and commercial advisors NewERA, are currently engaging with all relevant stakeholders. This includes CIÉ, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.

My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate procedures, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals as part of the formal process, which is now well underway.

Tax Collection

Questions (78)

Pa Daly

Question:

78. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered eliminating the financial penalty for those who pay their motor tax in instalments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10033/26]

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Written answers

While 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. In relation to Motor Tax paid for 3 months or 6 months the charges are set out in Statutory Instrument No. 385/1992, as amended.

The differential takes account of the extra workload for staff in Motor Tax offices and my Department (which operates the online Motor Tax facility) and the additional costs 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.

Taxi Regulations

Questions (79)

Pa Daly

Question:

79. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of concerns from the taxi industry that algorithms on application platforms (details supplied) are distorting the market whereby it appears as if there is a shortage of taxis when in reality there is not; his plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11999/26]

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Written answers

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry 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.

As the Deputy is aware, SPSV operators are self-employed and may decide to sign-up, or not, with a licensed dispatch operator, such as Uber. They are not obliged by my Department or the NTA to be affiliated with any dispatch operator but where they choose to do so, they are free to contract with a dispatch operator of their choice.  They also decide on their own hours of work within the SPSV regulatory framework.

As the Deputy is further aware, the structure of the taxi and hackney market has undoubtedly changed since liberalisation of the market took place, and more notably in recent years, in relation to the role of dispatch operators. I have requested that the NTA conducts a regulatory assessment of dispatch operator licensing in Ireland in the context of ensuring that the regulatory framework for this element of the overall sector is sufficiently up to date and robust to respond to developments since the enactment of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

The NTA is currently developing the Call for Inputs on the dispatch operator licensing framework as a priority, and expects to publish the Call in late February/early March. A sustainable taxi sector is an important element of our transport system, and I encourage all stakeholders to take the opportunity to feed into this important piece of work, as input from stakeholders will inform the NTA's process and decision-making in revising the current dispatch operator framework.

Given the NTA's responsibility in regulating dispatch operators, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (80)

Mark Ward

Question:

80. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to update the list of substances that are tested in roadside testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6204/26]

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Written answers

An Garda Síochána have specialised equipment to test at the roadside for the most prevalent drugs detected in Irish drivers, namely cannabis, cocaine, benzodiazepines, opiates and amphetamines/methamphetamines. The list of drugs for roadside testing is kept under constant review, in accordance with national and international patterns in drug driving. 

Members of An Garda Síochána have powers to arrest a driver they suspect may be impaired, with or without the use of a roadside testing device, which, in turn, can result in a specimen being sent for testing to the Medical Bureau for Road Safety (MBRS). The MBRS currently tests for 81 intoxicants.

Insurance Industry

Questions (81)

Emer Currie

Question:

81. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of fleet owners and motor traders who were prosecuted for the failure to upload vehicle insurance details to the National Fleet Database under the Road Traffic Act [16302/26]

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Written answers

As Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that my Department does not administer the National Fleet Database, which is owned and operated by the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) and as such can not provide the information requested. Enforcing Road Traffic Acts offences is a matter for An Garda Síochána. To my knowledge, there have not yet been any prosecutions in relation to requirements to upload of fleet policies. However, it is important to note the National Fleet Database is still at a relatively early stage of its development and the focus of MIBI and An Garda Síochána remains on trying to encourage compliance at this time.

Climate Change Policy

Questions (82)

Ciarán Ahern

Question:

82. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide details of all occasions in which he or his predecessors exercised the power conferred on them under Section 15(3) of the Climate Action & Low Carbon Development Act (2015), which states that ‘the relevant Minister may, from time to time, give a direction to a relevant body requiring it to adopt such measures as are specified in the direction for the purposes of compliance by the relevant body with subsection (1)’; to provide the details of the direction given in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15242/26]

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Written answers

As Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, I have not exercised the power conferred on me under Section 15(3) of the Climate Action & Low Carbon Development Act 2015, as amended.

According to records held in my Department, and to the best of my knowledge, the power provided for by Section 15(3), has never been used by any of my predecessors since the Climate Action & Low Carbon Development Act 2015, as amended, was enacted in 2015.

In line with the Programme for Government 2025: Securing Ireland’s Future, the Government remains fully committed to the legally binding emissions reduction targets set by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.

Rental Sector

Questions (83)

Michael Cahill

Question:

83. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will request the Tax Strategy Group to examine the possibility of reducing taxation on rental incomes, as an incentive for property owners (1 to 3) to stay in the business, and for new landlords to invest in properties both for long-term and short-term lets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15327/26]

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Written answers

I refer to my replies to the Deputy's recent Parliamentary Questions PQs numbers 492 and 501 of 17 February 2026. As I advised the Deputy, "(l)andlords who are individuals and who are letting residential premises can also claim the residential premises rental income relief under section 480C TCA, which is €800 for 2025 and €1,000 in 2026 and 2027." 

The Residential Premises Rental Income Relief (RPRIR) was introduced by section 21 of Finance (No. 2) Act 2023.  It is an income tax relief at the standard rate of income tax for individual landlords of rented residential property. The purpose of this relief is to provide an incentive for landlords, specifically targeted at attracting and retaining small-scale landlords in the private sector.

The relief is as follows:

• €3,000 in the tax year 2024;

• €4,000 in the tax year 2025;

• €5,000 in the tax year 2026 and

• €5,000 in the tax year 2027.

This equates to a tax credit of up to €600 in year one, €800 in year two and €1,000 in years three and four. The relief is capped at the individual’s tax liability on rental income from residential property.

The credit is available to individual landlords of residential rental properties. Companies are not eligible for relief.  A property that is not let may also be eligible for relief if it is being actively marketed for rent. This is to ensure that landlords can claim the credit where a tenant may have terminated the tenancy during the year and the landlord is seeking another tenant for the property. 

To claim the credit for a year of assessment, the landlord must, on 31 December in that year, have complied with Local Property Tax requirements and have valid tax clearance. 

In relation to the Deputy's suggestion regarding the Tax Strategy Group (TSG), the TSG is not a decision-making body. Papers on various options for tax policy changes are prepared annually by Department of Finance officials. These papers are simply a list of options and issues to be considered as part of the Budgetary process. 

The Residential Premises Rental Income Relief is in place until 31 December 2027 and I would also note that the Programme for Government, "Securing Ireland's Future", commits to continuing this relief.

Tax Code

Questions (84)

Eoin Hayes

Question:

84. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the efforts being made to implement the recommendations following the Indecon Review of the Taxation of Share-Based Remuneration, particularly in respect of the Employee Ownership Trusts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15374/26]

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Written answers

The Deputy is referring to an independent review of share-based remuneration, carried out by Indecon International Consultants on behalf of my Department.

This review made a number of recommendations, including recommendations about the Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP) and employee ownership. 

KEEP is a is a tax efficient share option scheme and is designed to facilitate the use of share-based remuneration by unquoted SME companies to attract and retain key employees. Finance Bill 2025 extended the relief for a further three years to 31 December 2028.

As part of any consideration of the recommendations of the review, it is important to analyse and evaluate a range of factors including the potential impacts, benefits and Exchequer costs of implementing any changes. 

Additionally, and as the Deputy will appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, and having regard to the sound management of the public finances and my Department’s Tax Expenditure Guidelines.

Cost of Living Issues

Questions (85)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

85. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the Bank of England is considering introducing price controls to control the cost of living (details supplied) and whether he would consider the same here. [15380/26]

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Written answers

I am advised that the Bank of England has no role in the introduction of price controls in the UK.

It is important to note that Governments across Europe have introduced a wide range of measures to help absorb the worst impact of rising prices over the last four years - part of which was due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In Ireland, like elsewhere, the policy response included transfers to households, as well as measures that directly influence the price of goods and services. For instance, in relation to the latter, this Government extended the reduced VAT rate on gas and electricity until 2030 in Budget 2026.

More generally, analysis from my Department confirms that lower income households gained the most from the measures introduced in Budget 2026, with gains in the bottom two cohorts of 4.9 per cent and 3.8 per cent, respectively.

It is important to note that, on average, increases in wages and core welfare rates are in excess of price increases. This will help support the purchasing power of households over the coming period.

Tax Yield

Questions (86)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

86. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance amount of money raised in residential zoned land tax to date, by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15575/26]

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Written answers

RZLT is an annual tax, calculated at a rate of 3% of the market value of the land within its scope, known as a relevant site. Relevant sites are identified by reference to maps published by local authorities, which are revised on an annual basis, and reflect land that the local authority has determined meets the relevant criteria for the tax, being that the land is zoned for residential or mixed-use (including residential) purposes and that it is serviced. Owners of such land, including local authorities, are required to register and pay the tax by 23 May each year.

I am advised by Revenue that the total receipts collected in 2025 are provisionally recorded as €49.2 million

Information in respect of the amount of residential zoned land tax collected to date, including registrations and returns by local authorities, is published on the Revenue website. Please see a link to the latest publication at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/property-taxes/pt-stats-update-211025.pdf.

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