James O'Connor
Question:241. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport his Department's plan to purchase new buses for the BusConnects Cork plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15659/26]
View answerBus Services
Questions (241)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork.
BusConnects is the NTA plan to greatly improve bus services in all five of our cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport and address climate change.
As Deputy may be aware, I secured Cabinet approval for BusConnects Cork in October 2025. With that decision, the Government issued Approval Gate 1 approval in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, allowing the three Sustainable Transport Corridor schemes to enter the planning system. These schemes will provide for a total of 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors.
Following public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years. Implementation will be subject to funding and resources available.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (242)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:242. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a timeline for the delivery of Bus Connects Cork, as it is running behind schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15663/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork.
BusConnects is the National Transport Authority's (NTA) plan to greatly improve bus services in all our cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport and address climate change in our cities.
As Deputy may be aware, I secured Cabinet approval for BusConnects Cork in October 2025. With that decision, the Government issued Approval Gate 1 approval in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, allowing the three Sustainable Transport Corridor schemes to enter the planning system. These schemes will provide for a total of 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors.
Following public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years. Implementation will be subject to funding and resources available.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (243)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:243. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a firm date for the rollout of contactless cards payments across the Cork bus fleet, to match services in other regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15664/26]
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.
A huge effort is being put in by NTA to ensure that this transformational and beneficial project for public transport passengers is delivered as effectively as possible.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
National Transport Authority
Questions (244)
John Brady
Question:244. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on discussions between his Department and the National Transport Authority in relation to funding of the PSO (Public Service Obligation) programme; when these discussions will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15684/26]
View answerWritten answers
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is a non-commercial State body under the aegis of my Department and, while operationally independent, it remains fully accountable to the Department for its governance, performance, and use of public funds. This is grounded in legislation and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, supported by an Oversight Agreement and a Performance Delivery Agreement that define the statutory and policy framework, roles and responsibilities, expected outputs, reporting requirements, and governance obligations placed on the NTA.
In relation to the Public Service Obligation (PSO) programme, my Department engages with the NTA on an ongoing basis through structured formal mechanisms, including the PSO Oversight Group which is chaired by my Department, and meets on a monthly basis to ensure robust financial and performance oversight. This is further supplemented by monthly senior management meetings, as well as regular day-to-day engagement on matters at hand.
As the Deputy will be aware, we secured an unprecedented allocation of €940 million for PSO services in Budget 2026, a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from Budget 2025. This PSO funding allows the NTA to operate the network on a sustainable basis and to prioritise any necessary changes in line with operational capacity and passenger needs.
With over 363.5 million journeys in 2025, supported by the PSO, Ireland’s public transport system is at a pivotal point. Growing passenger demand, urban congestion, and increasing reliance on public transport for commuting and essential travel highlight the need for reliable and sustainable services. The focus for 2026 is on stabilising and strengthening the PSO position, ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably, and progressing improvements that are already in train. We are therefore focused on consolidating and strengthening the current network, while progressing improvements already underway, including Phase 7 BusConnects route adjustments and the new Mullingar town service. The NTA will continue to prioritise improvements, within its €940 million allocation.
I am sure we can agree Deputy, that it is essential that Government continues to invest in our public transport network towards delivering an accessible, affordable, and reliable public transport network throughout the country.
Transport Costs
Questions (245)
John Brady
Question:245. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if his Department’s budget is sufficient for new services to be provided in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15685/26]
View answerWritten answers
Investment in public transport nationwide is an all time high. The 2026-2030 National Development Plan outlines a €24.3 billion investment in Ireland's transport sector, with a focus on enhancing public transport and active travel. This marks a transformative moment for Ireland’s transport system, delivering sustainable and accessible travel options to connect us all. Additionally, as secured in Budget 2026, the PSO programme and associated services are being supported by an unprecedented increase in funding of €940 million - a 43% increase compared to last year.
The focus for 2026 is on stabilising and strengthening the PSO position, ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably, and progressing improvements that are already in train. We are therefore focused on consolidating and strengthening the current network, while progressing improvements already underway, including Phase 7 BusConnects route adjustments and the new Mullingar town service. The NTA will continue to prioritise improvements, within its €940 million allocation.
With over 363.5 million journeys undertaken in 2025, supported by the PSO programme, Ireland’s public transport system is at a pivotal point. Growing passenger demand, urban congestion, and increasing reliance on public transport for commuting and essential travel highlight the need for reliable and sustainable services.
At the same time, the public transport sector is currently experiencing workforce shortages, particularly among drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers. This challenge is affecting some service performance across the network. However, operators are actively engaging with the NTA and the Department to identify and implement solutions to address these resource constraints.
In this context, maintaining and strengthening the existing network is essential to safeguard the delivery of high-demand services to ensure they can operate effectively, while supporting longer-term reforms to enhance capacity, accessibility, and efficiency across the system. The PSO funding allows the NTA to operate the network on a sustainable basis and to prioritise any necessary changes in line with operational capacity and passenger needs. Subsequently decisions on service changes or enhancements are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.
I can assure you the Government remains fully committed to expanding and improving our transport network, ensuring that public transport is an affordable, reliable and attractive option for all.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (246)
Paul Lawless
Question:246. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport when the contract agreed between the State and a company (details supplied) is due to expire; if there is a buyout/ release clause for the State in that contract before the contract is due to expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15718/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question regarding tolls 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 (247, 248)
Máire Devine
Question:247. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the compulsory purchase order for a bus corridor scheme in Dublin 12 (details supplied); the date of commencement and timeline for the CPO process and associated construction works; the compensation arrangements for land acquisition; whether affected homes will be provided with a front driveway given the loss of off-street parking; and whether any measures are planned to address additional noise arising from buses and traffic passing closer to the home and property [15731/26]
View answer
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:248. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the current status of a compulsory purchase order for the bus corridor scheme in Dublin 12 (details supplied); the date of commencement and timeline for the CPO process and associated construction works; the compensation arrangements for land acquisition; whether affected homes will be provided with a front driveway given the loss of off-street parking; and whether any measures are planned to address additional noise arising from buses and traffic passing closer to the home and property [15732/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects.
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investments in the bus services across five cities in Ireland, including Dublin. In each city the programme will involve a mix of network redesign, new electric bus fleet, and the provision of segregated bus and cycling facilities to support more efficient journey times for sustainable transport modes.
Core Bus Corridors are the major infrastructure component of the BusConnects Dublin programme. An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted planning permission for 12 Core Bus Corridor schemes. However, six are subject to legal challenge. These include the Belfield/Blackrock, Blanchardstown, Bray, Kimmage, Swords and Templeogue/Rathfarnham schemes.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 248 answered with Question No. 247.
Rail Network
Questions (249)
Cathal Crowe
Question:249. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progression of plans to develop a rail spur to Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15762/26]
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 last year. 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.
Departmental Funding
Questions (250)
Matt Carthy
Question:250. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport in respect of the 2026 funding allocation of €500,000 towards the N2 Ardee to South of Castleblaney Bypass, for 2026, the stage that this will bring the project to; the further stages to be completed; the current estimated date for final completion of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15763/26]
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 the N2 Ardee to south of Castleblaney Bypass scheme.
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.
Road Projects
Questions (251)
Matt Carthy
Question:251. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport in respect of the 2026 funding allocation of €1,200,000 towards the N2 Clontibret to the Border road scheme, the stage that this will bring the project to; the further stages to be completed; the current estimated date for final completion of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15764/26]
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 the N2 Clontibret to the NI Border scheme.
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 (252)
Emer Currie
Question:252. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport whether BusConnects has a target average speed for bus routes during peak commuter hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15817/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects.
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investments in the bus services across five cities in Ireland, including Dublin. In each city the programme will involve a mix of network redesign, new electric bus fleet, and the provision of segregated bus and cycling facilities to support more efficient journey times for sustainable transport modes.
As stated in Preliminary Business Case for the BusConnects Dublin Programme, which the Government approved in 2022, a key objective of the programme is to improve bus journey times and reliability. This will involve facilitating faster bus speeds, including through the construction of Core Bus Corridors. An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted planning permission for all 12 Core Bus Corridor schemes which, when constructed, will provide for approximately 230km of bus priority and 200km of cycling facilities.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have referred the Deputy's specific question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Road Projects
Questions (253)
Louis O'Hara
Question:253. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the purpose of the €2 million allocation towards the Athenry relief road project in the recent road allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15830/26]
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 these roads are funded from Councils’ own resources and supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
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.
The current proposal indicates that the existing bridge over the final road section may have to be raised and there may be additional impacts on another bridge. The cost implications on the final section of the Athenry Relief Road and any possible impact on the business case for the scheme are being assessed.
Taxi Regulations
Questions (254)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:254. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the measures currently being considered in the context of reform of the local area hackney licence scheme; if a working group within his Department has been established or has considered the matter; if so, the dates in which the relevant body has met and discussed the matter; the timeframe he would envisage for the completion of considerations and the formulation of proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15869/26]
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.
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 early 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.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, 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.
Taxi Regulations
Questions (255)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:255. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to a national taxi strategy to address key issues facing the taxi industry, including supply and barriers to new entrants; the timeframe he would envisage for the completion of such an exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15870/26]
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.
In relation to SPSV supply, vehicle and driver licence numbers have been on the rise since the Covid-19 pandemic. As of 5 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, when numbers were at their lowest.
In relation to barriers to entry, quantitative restrictions, which led to an undersupply of SPSVs in the past, have been removed from the SPSV sector and there are no barriers to entry to this industry other than the obligation to use a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV). As a result of this requirement, significant WAV and eSPSV grants have been provided to SPSV operators to enable them to upgrade their vehicles. In the case of eSPSVs, €52,709,700 has been provided since 2018 and for WAVs, €37,392,500 has been provided since 2014.
With regard to key issues facing the taxi industry, 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. In response to this issue, I have requested the NTA to 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.
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.
Flood Relief Schemes
Questions (256)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:256. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide significant emergency funding for Carlow and Kilkenny to repair and reconstruct roads damaged by recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15942/26]
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.
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, Carlow County Council has been allocated a total of €9,707,625. Of this, €8,447,625 has been allocated for the protection and renewal of Carlow's regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €8,196,800 for protection and renewal grants. Kilkenny County Council has been allocated a total of €21,736,125. Of this, €19,566,125 has been allocated for the protection and renewal of Kilkenny's regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €19,020,700 for protection and renewal grants.
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.
Active Travel
Questions (257)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:257. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport the details of active travel initiatives funded by the National Transport Authority in Kilkenny since 2020; the initial cost estimate for each project; the outturn cost of each project; and for those still unfinished, the latest cost projection, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15943/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Active Travel
Questions (258)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:258. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport the details of active travel initiatives funded by the National Transport Authority in Carlow since 2020; the initial cost estimate for each project; the outturn cost of each project; and for those still unfinished, the latest cost projection, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15944/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Traffic Offences
Questions (259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 265)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:259. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any post-implementation review has been conducted by his Department of the Road Traffic Act 2024 provisions relating to graduated penalty points; whether an impact assessment was undertaken prior to enactment regarding proportionality and licence disqualification risk; and if he will publish any such assessment. [16041/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:260. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department conducted modelling or analysis on the projected increase in licence disqualifications arising from the interaction between reduced statutory speed limits and the graduated penalty points framework; and if he will provide details of same. [16042/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:261. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration has been given to introducing a lower-tier administrative margin for minor excess speeding of 1–5 km/h above the posted limit, including the option of warnings or reduced penalty points; and if he will outline the policy position of his Department on such a tier. [16043/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:262. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the policy rationale for permitting the accumulation of multiple sets of penalty points arising from a single incident under the Road Traffic Act 2024; whether any cap on cumulative points from a single roadside detection was considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16044/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:263. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has examined the road safety regimes of other EU Member States that differentiate penalty thresholds by road type, including urban, rural and motorway classifications; whether any comparative analysis was undertaken prior to introducing the current graduated system; and if he will publish any such analysis. [16045/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:265. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has examined the introduction of accredited driver awareness or rehabilitation programmes as an alternative to penalty points for minor offences; and if he will outline any proposals in this regard. [16047/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 259, 260, 261, 262, 263 and 265 together.
The Road Traffic Act 2024 does not include provisions relating to graduated penalty points. The Act did however make a number of changes to the penalty point system to increase the deterrent effect of penalty points.
Presently, a driver caught committing multiple penalty point offences on the same occasion receives one set of penalty points. The Road Traffic Act 2024 provides that, in future, drivers will receive at least two sets of points, potentially more in the event of an unsuccessful court challenge where three or more offences have been detected. The forthcoming National Vehicle and Driver File Bill, which is targeted for enactment within the first half of 2026, will provide additional legislative clarity around this issue.
The Programme for Government includes a number of commitments on road safety including in relation to a graduated penalty points system and re-education courses as part of the sanctions available for certain road traffic offences. These commitments are reaffirmed in the Phase 2 Action Plan 2025-2027 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy. Primary action 7 of the action plan commits to develop the legislation and framework for attendance on a Speed Awareness Course being imposed a part of a sanction for certain road traffic offences It also commits to develop the legislation for graduated speeding sanctions to ensure a structured and proportionate approach to penalising speed violations based on severity and risk. My Department is progressing a new Road Traffic Bill this year which will include provisions to support these commitments.
Question No. 260 answered with Question No. 259.