Written Answers Nos. 90-122
103. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has examined ways of fast tracking the introduction of contactless payment on public transport from its current projected timeline of 2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15649/26]
View answerLike the Deputy, I am keen to see Next Generation Ticketing implemented on the Irish public transport system. I look forward to seeing its introduction as part of BusConnects Dublin, before being delivered nationwide.
I appreciate that many public transport users have visited other countries and used contactless ticketing systems. I can assure the Deputy that significant efforts have been undertaken, and will continue to be, to implement the Next Generation Ticketing system in Ireland over the coming years.
The Minister for Transport has made significant funding available to support the move to new ticketing technology, and the National Transport Authority, or NTA, has entered into a contract with a Spanish technology company, Indra Sistemas, to deliver the project.
The Minister has also met with Indra directly on this topic, most recently on 30 January at their new Dublin Offices. During that visit, he emphasised the importance of this project and the desire of public transport users, and indeed of Government, to see it implemented without delay.
The initial focus of the project is on the Greater Dublin Area, rolled out across four phases. This is a major, complex project, with an estimated capital cost of over €160 million to implement it in the Greater Dublin Area alone. Phase 1 is due to launch in Summer 2027 which will test contactless payment on new validators or ticket machines. Phase 2 will be ready in Summer 2028, allowing passengers on Dublin's bus and Luas services to use the next ticketing technology, including contactless payments on validators. Plans for later phases remain under development at the moment.
Separately, the NTA is actively rolling out contactless payments across TFI Local Link regular services, allowing passengers to pay for single journeys via debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The system is being deployed across all 15 TFI Local Link offices, with full completion expected by the end of this year.
104. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport to report on all meetings he has held with taxi representative groups, other stakeholders in the taxi industry, and meetings with any other groups related to the taxi industry; his views on the proposal of taxi representative groups for an NTA Taxi booking app to ensure protections of both taxi driver livelihoods and passenger interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15292/26]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, 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.
Taxi drivers, who are self-employed operators, make a business decision to sign up (or not) with a licensed dispatch operator such as Uber and FreeNow by Lyft, and are not obliged by the NTA to sign up with any dispatch operator.
Since I was appointed Minister for Transport, I have met with the following taxi representative groups:
• National Private Hire and Taxi Association (NPHTA).
• Irish Taxi Drivers Federation (ITDF).
• Tiomanai Tacsai na hEireann (TTnH).
• All-Ireland Taxi Association (AITA).
• Taxi Alliance of Ireland.
In addition to meeting these representative groups, I have also met with the Advisory Committee on SPSVs, (which provides advice to the Minister for Transport and NTA on matters relevant to SPSVs and their drivers) twice during 2025 and I intend to meet with the Advisory Committee again in 2026.
My department officials met with the NTA during 2025 to discuss SPSV matters. The NTA does not propose to develop a booking App for taxis.
I recently requested that the NTA conduct 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. This was in response to the introduction of the Fixed-Fare option on the Uber App. As you are already aware, Uber is licensed by the NTA to operate as a dispatch operator.
The NTA has informed me that they are developing a Call for Inputs on the dispatch operator licensing framework as a priority, and expects to publish the Call in late February/early March and intend to seek views from stakeholders as part of this process. Details of public consultations on SPSV matters can be found on the SPSV Latest News page on the NTA’s website and all stakeholders are invited to make a submission at the relevant time. 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.
105. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to examine a dangerous junction in Farranfore village, County Kerry, at the point where the Currow road and the Firies/Castlemaine road meet with the main Killarney/Tralee road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15294/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question.
As Minister, I have overall responsibility for the allocation of exchequer funding for national roads. As part of the annual allocations process for national roads, TII prepare an allocations booklet listing funding for each project in the coming year. Allocations for 2026 were announced last week.
As part of the 2026 allocations, approximately €34 million in exchequer funding was allocated to Kerry County Council for National Roads. This represents an increase of almost €20 million for Kerry when compared to 2025.
With regard to the junction referred to by the Deputy, it is my understanding that Kerry County Council are preparing a feasibility and options report for improving the junction, which will be submitted to TII. Based on this report, it will be for TII to make any decision regarding funding based on the prioritisation process which takes place between TII and local authorities.
A number of road projects in the current NDP have already been delivered, including the Listowel Bypass which opened in 2024.
The recently announced allocations for 2026 will allow many new roads projects to proceed. This includes an allocation of €2 million for the N22 Farranfore to Killarney project, for which a preferred route has been selected. This project would deliver safety improvements to the N22 between Farranfore and Killarney, along with providing a bypass of Killarney. Furthermore, the preferred route would bypass the centre of Farranfore village, including the junction which is of concern to the Deputy. The project is now proceeding through the Design and Environmental Evaluation Phase. This includes identifying the land take requirements and the detailed design for the project. Following this, a Preliminary Business Case will be prepared for consideration as is required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
I hope this information is of assistance to you.
106. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline any plans, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, to provide an earlier weekday rail service from Ballinasloe to Galway city, as the current earliest departure at 7.44 am does not meet the needs of many commuters and contributes to increased road traffic congestion. [15554/26]
View answerPassenger numbers on our public transport network have grown very strongly in recent years, reflecting increased demand and a welcome shift towards sustainable travel. This success does bring some pressures at peak times, including on the Ballinasloe-Galway corridor.
Iarnród Éireann is currently operating all available trains across the network on a daily basis to meet the record demand being experienced on all routes. This is outside of required maintenance cycles to ensure fleet reliability, and any repair works which may be taking place. The company is maximising the use of the available rolling stock to meet demand and continuously monitors passenger loadings.
As a result, there is no additional train set available to operate an earlier service without displacing the early 05:45 Dublin, serving Ballinasloe at 07:44, arriving in Galway for 08:36.
As the new DART+ fleet begins entering service from 2027, a review of the deployment of Intercity and Commuter trains can commence, however Iarnród Éireann are not in a position to provide additional capacity until these new trains begin entering service.
Works are progressing to upgrade Galway Ceannt station, scheduled to be completed later this year, increasing the number of platforms from two to five, which will support the growth in train service frequencies envisioned under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. The recently published Rail Projects Prioritisation Strategy prioritises additional platforms and passing sections of track at Woodlawn and Clara to allow further service expansion on the route also, with development targeted by 2030.
Aithníonn an Rialtas seo go bhfuil nascacht iompair thar a bheith tábhachtach do dhaoine a chónaíonn agus a oibríonn in Éirinn, Government recognises that transport connectivity is hugely important for people who live and work in Ireland and progressing these projects in the years ahead will deliver an enhanced rail service for the people of Galway.
107. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to ensure that returning Irish emigrants who have exchanged their Irish driving licence for a foreign one do not face excessive delays in getting their Irish driving licence back. [14881/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish thank the Deputy for raising this matter.
The Road Safety Authority, through the National Driver Licence Service, is responsible for driver licensing in Ireland, including the driving licence exchange process.
The average processing time for licence exchange applications is 30 working days. However, the length of time taken to complete a licence exchange may vary for a number of reasons. For example, the driver may need to submit outstanding information, such as a medical or eyesight report, or the physical licence itself in the case of an online application.
The most common reason for delays in exchanging a licence is the verification process. In the exchange of a non-EU licence for an Irish licence, the applicant's driving entitlements must be verified by the authority that issued the non-EU licence. Accordingly, the time taken for verification is dependent on the response time from the other licensing authority.
Vigilance is needed when processing a licence exchange application, to ensure a fraudulent document has not been submitted and to ensure a driving test was passed in the country in which the licence was obtained.
Ireland’s road toll has been rising in recent years. It is imperative, for the safety of all Irish road users, that people who are awarded Irish driving licences have been tested to the same standard as Irish drivers. Road safety and keeping Irish roads safe for all road users remains the first priority in this matter.
108. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on actions being taken to improve accessibility on public transport, including further reducing the period of advance notice people must give; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15615/26]
View answerI am fully committed to improving accessibility across our public transport system, in line with the Programme for Government and the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030. A key part of this is reducing, and ultimately eliminating, the need for Advance Notice for disabled passengers.
I am pleased to state that clear and tangible progress is being made. Last year, Iarnród Éireann reduced the Advance Notice requirement to just one hour at 15 of the busiest stations across the network, covering almost all terminus stations and the majority of assistance requests.
Improving accessibility involves three main strands:
Embedding Universal Design in all new infrastructure and fleet,
Addressing legacy accessibility deficits, particularly in older, Victorian-era stations, and
Providing supports that enable independent travel wherever possible.
A good example of progress on new infrastructure is the DART+ fleet arriving next year. Each carriage will have an automatic sliding doorstep that deploys every time the doors open, significantly reducing the platform gap. This feature should eliminate the need for Advance Notice for most passengers using the new trains.
However, the bigger challenge lies with older infrastructure. To address this, my Department funds the Public Transport Accessibility Retrofit Programme, delivered by the NTA, which upgrades existing bus and rail facilities. Recent examples include new accessible footbridges and lifts installed in Athy and Maynooth stations, with similar works ongoing at a number of other locations.
My objective is clear: disabled people should be able to access public transport on an equal basis with others. That requires a whole-of-journey approach, applying Universal Design principles and removing barriers such as the need for Advance Notice.
I remain committed to driving continued progress in this area, and look forward to further engaging with our key stakeholders under my Department's newly established Pillar 5 - Transport and Mobility Monitoring Group, due to meet in the coming weeks.
109. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric buses owned by Dublin Bus that are not in current use; the reasons for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15547/26]
View answerLike the Deputy, I am keen to see more electric buses on our roads, as part of the modernisation of our public transport fleet.
The Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, is making significant efforts in electric buses with the aim of the public service fleet in the Dublin metropolitan area consisting solely of zero-emission buses by 2035.
I wish to clarify that all electric buses are procured and owned by the NTA, not by public transport operators.
Electric buses are currently in operation in the urban public transport fleets in Dublin, Limerick and Athlone. Dublin Bus has absorbed a total of 169 electric buses into its fleet. Of these, 134 are currently in passenger service, including 119 double deck buses. More electric buses will be acquired in the coming months.
There have been delays to the delivery of electric charging infrastructure to bus depots around Dublin, which has in turn prevented the ability of operators to absorb electric buses into their fleet. Currently, 63 electric buses remain in storage. However, I am pleased to announce that because of the recent progress made in installing electric charging guns in depots, all of these buses will exit storage in the coming months.
Indeed, just this month the first electric buses began to operate from the Harristown bus depot, using new charging infrastructure. This facilitated the introduction of ten new double deck electric buses into passenger service.
Significant efforts are underway by the NTA and transport operators to move electric buses into passenger service, and I look forward to the continued rollout of electric buses across Dublin and our other urban centres.
110. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase train capacity to alleviate overcrowding for Kildare commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15358/26]
View answerThere are various initiatives under development which will boost rail capacity and help alleviate train over-crowding for Kildare commuters in the years ahead.
The DART+ West and South West projects in particular will support greater rail frequency and capacity for County Kildare. Funding provided in the NDP Sectoral Plan, which was published by my Department last November, provides for construction to start on DART+ West next year. This key project will provide an extension of DART services from Dublin city to M3 Parkway and Maynooth, as well as the construction of a new rail depot and city centre enhancements as part of the broader upgrade to boost Dublin rail capacity.
Funding under the Sectoral Plan also allowed Compulsory Purchase Orders to commence this month for the DART+ South West project from Dublin city to Hazelhatch and Celbridge. This will enable the DART+ South West project to move forward into procurement, ahead of construction which can be considered as part of the NDP review around 2028.
In addition, three orders for new DART trains have been placed in recent years, comprising both battery-electric and electric carriages, bringing the total number of new DART carriages ordered to 285. Deployment of the first and second trains orders around Dublin will free up existing Intercity and Commuter trains to be used on other rail routes. This carriage redeployment will be decided on by the National Transport Authority and it could boost rail services for Kildare commuters from late 2027, ahead of the implementation of the infrastructure upgrades under DART+ West and South West.
I look forward to seeing all of these important projects advance and deliver additional rail passenger capacity and services for the people of County Kildare.
111. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the measures being taken to ease commuter traffic on the M7 from Carlow-Kilkenny to Dublin return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15493/26]
View answerCongestion on the national road network is a serious matter. Traffic congestion has impacts on the economy, but there are also widely acknowledged personal costs and frustrations to road users as a result of the time they spend in slow-moving or stalled traffic.
The Department has published several reports in recent years on the Economic Cost of Congestion in the Greater Dublin Area and in the regional cities. These reports examine the key factors driving congestion and provide projections of how annual economic costs are likely to evolve over the period 2022 - 2040.
Encouraging a shift from private cars to public transport, by providing attractive alternatives to driving, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The funding provided in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport will see significant advancements in public transport projects across Ireland, which will help tackle congestion by making public transport more accessible, reliable, and affordable.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) plays a central role in achieving this, as they have statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The NTA, in conjunction with transport operators, continuously monitors key performance indicators, including punctuality, reliability, demand, and passenger feedback. Where necessary and feasible, routes and timetables are adjusted to help address issues like congestion and improve service performance. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940 million represents a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from 2025. This reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that public transport services can continue to operate reliably and sustainably in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs.
Crucially, this allocation will also allow for the continued delivery of targeted fare initiatives, including 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. These measures help ensure effective and high-quality public transport service provision.
The department is finalising a new transport strategy called ‘Moving Together - A Collaborative Approach to Systems Change in Transport (2026-2030)’. The aim of this strategy is to help manage transport demand, and congestion, and to support and reinforce the objectives of other policies including the Sustainable Mobility Policy.
The Strategy, which is currently in draft form is a call for collective action across Government and society not only to help reduce carbon emissions over the medium to long term but to help address the more immediate issues of congestion, and air quality – arising from private traffic as well as freight movements. The Strategy, which is expected to be brought to Government in the coming weeks will also unlock the full potential of the Government’s investment in sustainable mobility options by prioritising these modes in urban centres, which is in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
In addition, the Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) and its accompanying SMP Action Plan 2022-2025, which were published in April 2022, seek to generate behavioural change via a wide range of interventions including public transport infrastructure and services, active travel promotion and supports, road safety initiatives, legislative measures, research, public engagement, and others.
Work to implement the SMP and existing Action Plan is ongoing, while the Department is also in finalising a new Action Plan to cover the period from 2026 to 2030 in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government. This will set out measures to improve sustainable transport options across the country, complementing the actions set out in Moving Together and helping to manage transport demand and reduce transport congestion.
From a daily traffic management perspective, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), through its contractors, provides a peak hour recovery service on the M50 and sections of the radial routes that connect to it, such as the M7.
Where incidents such as collisions require the presence of the emergency services, TII implements the necessary traffic management measures. In addition, TII provides information to commuters through electronic signage and their dedicated traffic website.
Taken together, I am confident that the medium to long-term investment and service delivery plans, combined with effective daily management of key transport corridors such as the M7 will lead to an effective reduction in the impact of congestion.
112. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the engagements he has held with CIÉ to re-establish a catering facility on the Galway-Dublin rail service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15502/26]
View answerI understand Iarnród Éireann have been working to restore catering services where possible following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on rail services.
The company’s Train Operations and Procurement team have been engaging with both existing providers in the market, and with operators not currently in the market. The company are asking potential suppliers to be creative and innovative in identifying solutions which will allow the resumption of catering on routes in a cost-effective manner.
However, with costs of up to four times the previous levels quoted, Iarnród Éireann have had to deliver the service on a limited basis, within available funding. A full tender process was undertaken for catering services across the Intercity network within its current PSO funding. Iarnród Éireann have only been in a position to restore catering on the Dublin to Cork route on an interim basis. On-board catering is also available on the Dublin to Belfast Enterprise service, jointly operated between Iarnród Éireann and Translink, and provided under a separate contract.
The company continues to engage with the NTA and my Department on this important matter; however, as I have stated previously PSO funding must be prioritised toward the delivery of actual public transport services.
I have encouraged the NTA and Iarnród Éireann to explore avenues to support wider reintroduction of catering services to improve the customer experience on board. Iarnród Éireann will provide updates to me, my Department, and the wider public on any progress, but at this time, are unable to confirm any restoration date.
I understand people’s wish to see catering services return on all rail services; however, if there is a choice between the taxpayer funding rail services or catering services on trains then I am clear that the taxpayer’s funding is best directed toward providing rail services.
113. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the remaining sections of the Athenry relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15161/26]
View answerI want to thank the Deputy for his question.
As the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on these roads are funded from Councils’ own resources and 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.
It is important to highlight that 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 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.
To date, two of the four sections of the Athenry Relief Road have been constructed. Funding was provided in 2025 to facilitate the construction of the third section which will connect the previous two sections already constructed.
The contract was awarded in 2025 for the third section following the conclusion of the tender process, and the construction programme is underway. The implementation of this project is the responsibility of Galway County Council.
On 17th February, I announced the 2026 allocations in which Galway County Council received an allocation of €2 million for the Athenry Relief Road to continue construction of the third section.
The Department has provided funding to Galway County Council to undertake surveys to allow the development of the preliminary design including aspects of the bridge works required to facilitate the final section of the relief road. This work has been progressed in conjunction with Irish Rail and the cost of the final section is being assessed.
114. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will fund the expansion of Local Link services in Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14233/26]
View answerAs I have mentioned already today, there has been considerable investment in services throughout the country under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, improving how rural communities access Public Transport. I am pleased to state that passengers are responding to this continued investment, with TFI Local Link services recording a combined 6.97 million passenger journeys in 2025, marking another record year and a 19% increase on 2024.
A great example of this continued investment in Galway can be seen in Route 548, which was extended in July of 2025 from Ballinasloe to Athlone and offering weekend services for the first time. This enhanced route offers connectivity to regional bus services, Ballinasloe and Athlone Train Stations.
In Counties Roscommon, Longford and Westmeath, funding increased by 55% between 2024 and 2025 to over €4m, boosting passenger numbers by 91%. A great example of this continued investment can be seen in the launch of Route 570, in September of 2025. This enhanced route offers peak-time services and connectivity to Roscommon Hospital, Roscommon Station and to regional bus services.
I want to reassure the Deputy that funding for Local Link has increased again in 2026, and that strengthening rural public transport remains a core priority of this Government. Following the Budget process, concluded in October 2025, the Public Service Obligation allocation for 2026 has risen to €940 million - a very significant 43% increase on 2025's allocation. This record level of funding ensures that public transport services, including Local Link and other rural routes, can operate reliably, sustainably, and affordably, even as passenger numbers continue to grow and operating costs increase.
In addition, I am pleased to confirm that €31 million has been specifically secured for the Rural Transport Programme in 2026, representing a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This will support the continued delivery of Local Link services in the communities that rely on them most.
This investment underpins our ongoing commitment to Connecting Ireland, which has been a major success story. Since 2022, 185 new or enhanced services have been delivered, connecting over 240 towns and villages to the public transport network. These include 61 new healthcare connections, 41 links to higher education, and 71 connections to rail services. In 2025 alone, more than 8 million passenger journeys were made on Connecting Ireland routes.
115. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport to engage with Iarnród Éireann on the reason on a regular basis, DARTS do not have the maximum number of possible carriages at peak times, resulting in excessive over-crowding and the inability of passengers to board the DART; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15293/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
116. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the criteria used by the NTA and operators when determining carriage allocation on commuter rail services, particularly where demand indicators show sustained overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15550/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
117. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on 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. [15488/26]
View answerI am very pleased with the significant progress made over the last year to deliver MetroLink, the largest public transport infrastructure project in the history of the State.
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. This 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.
Detailed issues such as those raised by the Deputy can be considered during the legislative process.
118. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the ongoing review of timings at the level crossings in Athenry; the scope and expected completion date of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14893/26]
View answerAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
119. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Horse-Drawn Carriages Bill; when it will be introduced and to give; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15534/26]
View answerThe Government agreed, in December 2019, to develop a comprehensive General Scheme of a Bill to legislate in relation to Horse Drawn Carriages, in line with advice from the Attorney General to ensure that Dublin City Council is provided with an appropriate legal basis to regulate this area.
The Department of Transport undertook to consult directly with Dublin City Council in relation to the drafting of the Bill. This matter did not progress in 2020 as planned due to the need to reprioritise other work areas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since then, some initial scoping work on the Bill has taken place, but work is at an early stage in terms of progressing the Bill due to other primary transport legislation being progressed currently.
My Department remains committed to progressing legislation that will replace the Dublin Carriage Act 1853 to ensure that the Dublin City Council is provided with an appropriate legal basis to regulate this area, and the Bill remains on the Government’s legislative programme.
The development of legislation of this nature, which involves the repeal of legislation which predates the foundation of the State, is complex and technical. This is an issue spanning the responsibilities of several Departments and levels of government.
Targeted consultation with key stakeholders such as An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine will take place this year.
It is important to note that other legislation is in place in relation to animal welfare matters which are dealt with by the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, people in possession of a protected animal, including horses, must ensure the animal is kept and treated in a manner that safeguards their health and welfare. Failure to do this is considered an offence under that Act.
In addition, section 33 of the Control of Horses Act 1996 provides that An Garda Siochána may compel individuals in control of horses to obtain necessary attention from a veterinarian if the horse is in pain, distress, neglect or is severely injured, diseased or in need of veterinary attention. Failure to comply is an offence.
Furthermore, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
120. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport taking into account the heavy dependence on the non-national road network in counties Cavan and Monaghan, if he will consider as a matter of urgency the provision of additional financial allocations this year to both local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15561/26]
View answer186. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport taking into account the severe damage due to more intensive heavy rainfall in shorter timeframes that is caused to the non-national road network, if he will give urgent consideration to the provision of additional funding this year following the recent financial allocations to the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15560/26]
View answer188. Deputy David Maxwell asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline any plans to review or increase the local and regional roads funding allocations for both counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2026; if he will consider providing additional or emergency funding to address urgent repair, restoration, and maintenance needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14948/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 186 and 188 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority and Exchequer funding is intended to supplement local authorities’ own resources.
On 17th February I announced an Exchequer investment of €718 million in our regional and local roads across the State. This will facilitate an increase in funding allocation of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal works.
Within the budget available for the regional and local road grant programme, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
In 2026, Cavan County Council received an allocation of €19,165,275 which is an increase of 14% when compared to 2022 and Monaghan County Council received an allocation of €17,231,600 which is an increase of 8.6% when compared to 2022.
Full details of the 2026 regional and local grant allocations are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-roads/.
Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities in the aftermath of Storm Chandra. My Department is liaising with affected counties, who are continuing to compile and assess damage on the ground to enable proper estimation of the total damage caused and the estimated cost of remediation.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. Local authorities are also advised to set aside a contingency from Department allocations and own resources for severe weather events. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is also open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
121. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a timeline for a full rollout of contactless card payments for LUAS, Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and other public transport providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13796/26]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project will provide a transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a next-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
Following a competitive procurement process, the NTA awarded, in April 2024, an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of a new multi-modal, ticketing system to Spanish information technology company - Indra Sistemas S.A. - who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport.
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 working days.
122. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the action that will be taken to improve the reliability of the 132 and the 133 Bus Éireann regional/commuter service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15546/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
