Emer Currie
Question:165. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to provide funding to extend a service to Tyrrelstown-Hollywoodrath (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15144/26]
View answerPublic Transport
Questions (165)
Written answers
As 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders
Public Transport
Questions (166)
Pa Daly
Question:166. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to roll out contactless payments around the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15489/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Rail Network
Questions (167)
Eamon Scanlon
Question:167. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport the discussions that have taken place regarding the provision of an early-morning train service between Longford and Sligo that would allow passengers to arrive in Sligo before 9am; whether Irish Rail has undertaken any assessment of passenger demand, timetable feasibility, or operational capacity for such a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15289/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders
Air Safety
Questions (168)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:168. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport to report on the issue of permission to operate for commercial delivery drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15475/26]
View answerWritten answers
From an aviation safety perspective, the regulation of drone operations, including commercial drone delivery operations, is provided for by an EU regulatory framework that is directly applicable in Ireland.
Two regulations, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, set out common rules for the regulation of drones and drone operators, including training, licensing and registration.
• Regulation 2019/947 sets operational rules that apply to both professional drone operators and those flying drones for leisure.
• Regulation 2019/945 sets the common EU-wide technical requirements for drones, the features and capabilities that drones must have in order to be flown safely. This regulation also seeks to foster investment and innovation in this sector, through a harmonised framework across the European Union.
The aim of the EU drone regulations is to achieve the same level of safety for drone operations as in manned aviation. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation and enforcement of the EU drone regulations and standards.
Commercial drone delivery services are covered by the EU drone regulations. Such operations are closely regulated and fall into the medium risk “specific” category, which requires specific authorisation by a civil aviation authority, the IAA in Ireland. This type of authorisation is recognised in all EU Member States. To obtain an operational authorisation, an operator must provide a comprehensive safety portfolio which includes assessing and addressing both ground and air risks with appropriate mitigations.
In addition to complying with EU drone regulations, drone operators must also comply with national laws, including environmental, planning and data protection laws.
Road Safety
Questions (169)
Colm Burke
Question:169. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport when the next tranche of the Safe Routes to School Programme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15461/26]
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 4 rounds having been announced to date.
It is anticipated that the next round of the Safe Routes to School Programme will be announced towards the end of 2026.
Rail Network
Questions (170)
Joe Cooney
Question:170. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport to outline his Department's position on the proposed rail service to Shannon Airport, via a spur from Sixmilebridge. [15350/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Transport, together with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025. This Strategy outlines how to best sequence and optimise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024.
The Rail Strategy specifies short-term rail infrastructure investments, referred to as Early Interventions, to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, which are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published by the Department of Transport in November last year. This includes a new platform at Limerick Junction, and a new passing loop east of Clonmel, which will support journeys between Waterford and Limerick.
The Rail Strategy also identifies Major Projects, including capacity/frequency enhancements and electrification of the Dublin to Cork and the Limerick to Limerick Junction rail lines, to be progressed.
Projects not included in the Strategy, including the spur to Shannon Airport, are intended to be progressed in the longer-run.
Public Transport
Questions (171)
Shane Moynihan
Question:171. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on any planned upgrades or improvements to the TFI app, particularly in relation to its usability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15551/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 technology projects.
Public transport passenger apps are about having information available to people so that they can make the best use of our public transport system, especially those who may be new to it or have difficulty finding the best way of making their journey.
The NTA is responsible for several mobile applications, including TFI Leap Top Up, the TFI Go mobile ticketing app, TFI Anseo Demand Responsive Application, and the TFI Live mobile application, which is used for journey planning and for the provision of real-time information to customers. In all cases, the NTA works extensively with the supplier to deliver the best possible result.
The NTA has collaborated with other transport authorities on app design. As an example, the NTA has worked closely with Transport for Scotland on a redesign of TFI Live. Unfortunately, progress has been slower than anticipated because of a lack of mobile application development capacity with the source supplier. While the TFI Live application does function and does present journey planning and real-time data to customers, the NTA is currently investigating options to expedite improvements to the application to improve the customer experience.
One project that will produce improved quality journey data to the TFI Live app is Next Generation Automatic Vehicle Location, which replaces five old Automatic Vehicle Location systems with a new centralised solution, to provide higher quality and consistent data outputs to the TFI Live mobile app. This project is going into pilot in March 2026, with full roll-out taking approximately 12-18 months, which I look forward to.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Road Network
Questions (172)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:172. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport to provide a year-on-year update on roads improvement and maintenance funding for County Meath for 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026; the measures he is taking to ensure adequate funding to address road deterioration in the wake of the recent harsh weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14755/26]
View answerWritten answers
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, Meath County Council received an allocation of €26,862,000 which is an increase of 7.5% when compared to 2022.
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.
As regards the total funding allocated to and drawn down by Meath County Council by grant type for the years 2023-2025, details of the regional and local road allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library. The 2026 allocations booklet will be lodged shortly.
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/.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
National roads allocations for years 2023 -2025 are available at: https://www.tii.ie/en/tii-library/reports-accounts/. Full details of national roads allocations for 2026 are available on the TII website: 2026-tii-la-national-roads-allocations-booklet.pdf
I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply regarding funding allocated to Meath County Council. 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
Bus Services
Questions (173)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:173. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of ongoing capacity issues on the No. 424 bus in Connemara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15536/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Legislative Process
Questions (174)
Máire Devine
Question:174. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Transport when he and his Departmental representatives will meet with local stakeholders regarding long-promised revision of the Dublin Carriage Act of 1853 to enable proper regulation and enforcement of the horse carriage industry and implement adequate safety measures; whether he is aware of the rampant intimidation by rogue carriage operators against tourists, residents, licensed operators, and business owners; the reason previous efforts to revise the 1853 Act were abandoned during COVID-19 and still have not been taken up again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15455/26]
View answerWritten answers
A legal lacuna created by Victorian-era legislation precludes Dublin City Council from regulating horse-drawn carriages for hire or reward on the same basis as other local authorities.
The 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.
Targeted consultation with stakeholders such as An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine will take place this year. A General Scheme will be devised, in conjunction with Dublin City Council and other key stakeholders, to address this lacuna and ensure legislative consistency across the country.
Matters relating to intimidation and anti-social behaviour would fall under legislation already in place for An Garda Síochána such as public order offences etc. and I would advise that any such incidents of intimidation or anti-social behaviour should be reported to An Garda Siochána without delay.
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.
Road Projects
Questions (175)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:175. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the safety and upgrades works to the N81 road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15541/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of safety and upgrade works on the N81 road.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question 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.
Rail Network
Questions (176)
Mark Ward
Question:176. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if additional carriage capacity on trains will be provided along the Adamstown to Heuston Station route at peak hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15535/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders
Rail Network
Questions (177)
Michael Cahill
Question:177. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to expedite a solution between Iarnród Eireann, Bus Éireann, the new owners of a centre (details supplied) and Kerry County Council that will allow bus and train passengers go through the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15295/26]
View answerWritten answers
I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I understand that Iarnród Éireann have met with Kerry County Council and yourself last year to discuss connectivity at the station.
I also understand that Iarnród Éireann continue to engage with he Killarney outlet centre new owners to explore options, and that discussions are ongoing.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's (IÉ) responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matter raised. 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
Rail Network
Questions (178)
Willie O'Dea
Question:178. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress made in rail projects under the CMATS. [15559/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme is being delivered on a phased basis and will involves a transformative investment, enhancing the heavy rail network across the region, connecting Mallow, Cork, Cobh and Midleton with increased train capacity. The Programme is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, construction of a through-platform at Kent Station, which opened in April 2025, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton.
Phase 2 of the programme plans for the electrification of the Cork commuter rail network and the delivery of new stations along the network. Last summer Iarnród Éireann held a non-statutory public consultation in relation to Phase 2, with a second round of consultation planned for April 2026.
Phase 2 will be progressed following the completion of Phase 1. Funding provided in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, which was published by my Department in November, will see Iarnród Éireann complete Phase 1 complete this year, and commence Phase 2 thereafter, starting with new stations at Blackpool and Dunkettle and initial electrification works and depot construction.
Iarnród Éireann expects to lodge planning applications to Cork City Council later this year for the delivery of Blackpool and Dunkettle stations.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this 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.
Bus Services
Questions (179)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:179. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the rollout of Galway BusConnects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15563/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities, including Galway. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway, which aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.
In 2023, the NTA carried out an extensive review of the bus network in Galway, in collaboration with Galway City Council, Galway County Council, local bus operators, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers Jarrett Walker and Associates. In April 2023, a draft new network was published, and the feedback and submissions received informed the final new bus network published in December that year.
The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport, resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Galway City, Bearna, and Oranmore. Once this network is implemented, circa 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route (running every 15 minutes or better).
The NTA plans to commence the implementation of the new Galway bus network in the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness. As part of BusConnects, the NTA is also advancing work on the Sustainable Transport Corridor, the Cross-City Link, which will improve travel times on the bus network and improve connections for pedestrians and cyclists.
An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission to Galway City Council for a second Sustainable Transport Corridor, the Dublin Road, scheme in 2025. The Dublin Road scheme, when constructed, will provide 3.9km of bus priority and active travel infrastructure, alongside upgraded pedestrian infrastructure.
Other parts of the BusConnects programme, such as simpler fares, will be delivered with the new bus network.
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 with 10 days.
Taxi Regulations
Questions (180)
Michael Murphy
Question:180. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his views on recent research by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission that indicates that 57% of consumers believe there are not enough taxis in their area, while outside Dublin, just 28% of people agree that there are enough taxis (and just 21% in Connacht and Ulster); the measures he plans to take to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15484/26]
View answerWritten 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.
SPSV vehicle and driver licence numbers have been on the rise since the Covid-19 pandemic. As of 05 February 2026, the number of licensed drivers in Ireland is 27,955. This represents a 10% increase on the 2021 figure of 25,426 and is higher than the number of licensed SPSV drivers pre-Covid 2019 (27,328). Likewise, the number of licensed SPSV vehicles has also been on the rise since Covid with 21,170 vehicles licensed in the fleet as of 5 February 2026, representing a 11% increase on the 2021 figure of 18,946.
A number of initiatives have been taken by the NTA to support taxi drivers nationally and increase the number of taxis available to passengers. Grants, which are administered by the NTA, are available to drivers looking to upgrade or purchase new vehicles. These are the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) Grant, in which applicants can avail of up to €17,500 in grant funding towards the acquisition or conversion of a suitable vehicle to act as a WAV in the SPSV fleet, and the electric small public service vehicle (eSPSV) grant, where applicants can avail of up to €25,000 in grant aid to upgrade their current vehicle with a replacement electric vehicle. It is possible to combine both Schemes. In the case of eSPSVs, €52,709,700 has been provided since 2018 and for WAVs, €37,392,500 has been provided since 2014.
Furthermore, the Board of the NTA approved a nine per cent increase in the National Maximum Taxi Fare which took effect on 1 December 2024, ensuring that taxi fares continue to reflect the rising costs associated with operating a taxi service in Ireland. This followed on from the 2022 fare review in which a 12% increase was introduced. The 2026 National Maximum Fare Review which is carried out by the NTA, is currently in progress.
From a rural perspective, the local area hackney (LAH) licence offers an SPSV service in a rural community where existing transport services do not serve the needs of the community. The LAH can meet the demand for these services, but it cannot displace any existing SPSV services. The NTA held a six-week public consultation on proposed changes to the LAH regulations which closed on 28 November 2025. The NTA’s proposed key changes to the regulations are to:
• permit more than one local area hackney driver to operate the local area hackney.
• enhance the voice of local communities regarding the transport needs assessment for their area and reduce the regulatory burden on applicants, by giving greater clarity to local communities and applicants on the areas nationwide that are open for applications for LAH licences.
In addition, the NTA proposes to:
• extend the maximum licence period for vehicles and drivers from 3 years to 5 years.
• mandate licence holders to demonstrate that they are providing satisfactory service to their community when renewing their licence.
• reduce the time period in which a licence holder must complete their licence renewals from 12/24 months following expiration to within 3 months of their licence expiry, to ensure that a community is not without the required services; and
• introduce a new Fixed Penalty Notice offence for picking up passengers outside of their permitted local area.
The review of the LAH Regulations includes plans for an updated application process to come online in 2026. In preparation for this, the NTA has paused applications for LAH licences under the existing process, ahead of the new and enhanced process coming online. The NTA is bringing these proposed amendments to the NTA’s Board in February 2026.
Road Projects
Questions (181)
Conor D McGuinness
Question:181. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he will prioritise the upgrades needed on the N25 given the unacceptable number of deaths on the road over the past few years and the chronic infrastructure underspend on the road and the region it serves. [15557/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of any such measures.
The allocations for National Roads for 2026 were announced on 17 February. I can confirm that €700,000 has been allocated for the N25 Waterford to Glenmore project in 2026. In addition, funding was provided for safety improvements on the existing N25.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question 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
Cycling Policy
Questions (182)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:182. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the pilot cycle lane between Moone and Timolin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15359/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Cycle Network (NCN), while Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) manage the delivery of NCN projects. The NCN Plan, published in 2024, identifies various infrastructure types which are suitable for use on the cycle network. There is a clear emphasis on physical segregation between cyclists and vehicular traffic on busier roads and shared space between cyclists and vehicular traffic on low trafficked roads (so called quiet roads).
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
Regional Airports
Questions (183)
Pa Daly
Question:183. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the efforts he is making to support the growth of regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15487/26]
View answerWritten answers
Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Air connectivity is essential for the sustainability of rural communities, connecting remote regions to global markets, attracting investment as well as boosting inbound tourism.
In line with this, the Programme for Government gave a commitment to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. Delivering on this important commitment, I was pleased to announce the publication of the new Programme on Wednesday (25 February).
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost €45 million capital investment over the period of this Programme, with €9 million in capital supports available for allocation this year. In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the Estimate process. In total, over €19 million is available for allocation under the Programme in 2026.
This new Programme will continue to support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports. In doing so, for the first time the Programme has been broadened to support airports with up to three million passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). Kerry Airport, along with Shannon, Ireland West Airport (Knock) and Donegal currently meet the eligibility criteria for the new Programme.
In line with National Aviation Policy, the Programme will ensure that these airports receive support for measures aimed at maintaining compliance with the European Union’s safety and security related obligations. It is generally recognised that, without State support, these airports would struggle to comply with international regulatory obligations in these areas. Projects with a sustainability focus will also be supported, encouraging airports to meet their carbon emission reduction targets under the Climate Action Plan as well as build resilience against the likely impacts of climate change.
Such targeted funding has supported the 23% growth in passenger traffic across Irish regional airports last year, when compared to 2019 (the last comparable period prior to COVID-19).
To maximise use of our airports in the regions, including Kerry, the Programme for Government also includes a commitment to conduct a review of National Aviation Policy (NAP). While the principal goals of the NAP remain valid, and it continues to guide decision-making, my Department has commenced preparatory work on revising the NAP, with a view to publication later this year.
The revised NAP will update existing policy in response to developments in the aviation sector since 2015 and will include a focus on maximising use of our regional airports, in line with commitments made in the Programme for Government.
Road Network
Questions (184)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:184. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport to outline the funding allocation to Louth County Council for the roadworks programme this year; if it is anticipated that additional funding will be available later this year for roadworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15491/26]
View answerWritten answers
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 those roads are funded from Councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
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.
In 2026, Louth County Council has been allocated a total of €10,810,650. Of this, €10,040,650 has been allocated for the protection and renewal of Louth's regional and local roads.
This funding will support Louth County Council in carrying out an extensive 2026 programme of maintenance and restoration works. Funding also supports various safety improvement works, bridge rehabilitation schemes, drainage works, climate adaptation measures and community involvement projects.
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.
In this regard, Louth County Council has received an allocation of €770,000 in 2026 for one Specific Improvement Grant scheme; Transport Corridor from L-3161 Marlbog Roundabout to L7163 Chapel Road Roundabout and two Strategic Regional and Local Road schemes: Cavan - Dundalk Scheme RibGeom R178 Sections D6 & D7 and Port Access Northern Cross Route (Drogheda), Phase 3.
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/.
At present, all funding under the Regional and Local Road Programme has been allocated.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on this.
2026 TII Allocations can be located on the TII website in order to find the allocation for a particular project for inclusion above 2026-tii-la-national-roads-allocations-booklet.pdf
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders
Bus Services
Questions (185)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:185. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the start date for the 199 local link bus in Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15538/26]
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As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.