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Thursday, 5 Mar 2026

Written Answers Nos. 270-289

EU Presidency

Questions (270)

Ged Nash

Question:

270. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if her Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in her Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff her Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between her Department and parent companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18082/26]

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Written answers

There are currently no plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in my Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term.

Defence Forces

Questions (271)

Paul Murphy

Question:

271. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the total number of applications received to the Permanent Defence Forces; the number of candidates inducted into training; the number of candidates formally attested and sworn into service; whether induction figures are being reported as a substitute for enlistment; and the way in which her Department assures effective governance, oversight, and value-for-money in recruitment where comprehensive end-to-end attrition data does not appear to be available, for each year from 2021 to 2025 inclusive. [18155/26]

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Written answers

Increasing recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence. As a government, we are committed to putting the resources in place to achieve Level of Ambition 2 and a crucial element of this is personnel expansion. A range of measures have been undertaken to tackle recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces over the last number of years. As a result, we have seen a stabilisation in strength in the Defence Forces in 2024 and an increase of almost 200 personnel in 2025. This demonstrates that the key enabling measures which the Government has introduced to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment are yielding results.

As of the 31 January 2026, the latest date such figures are available for, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,767 personnel.

In order to meet government targets for strength levels in the PDF, the Defence Forces are making concerted efforts to increase recruitment. Last year saw a significant growth in numbers with 790 inductions to the Permanent Defence Force (PDF)- the highest in twenty years. I am advised by the Defence Forces that this induction figures comprises all personnel at all ranks who enlist/join the PDF. Furthermore, all Defence Forces personnel are attested (enlisted or commissioned) on the day that they commence their service in the Defence Forces which therefore renders the induction figure the same as the number attested.

I want to build on the progress achieved in 2025 and I am pleased that there continues to be very strong interest in a career in the Defence Forces with further growth again last year in the number of applications received. A total of 16,510 applications were received in 2025, which represents an increase of more than twenty percent on the 13,348 applications recorded 2024. The table below details the number of applications and inductions to the Defence Forces from 2021 to 2025 as requested by the Deputy.

Year

Applications

Inductions

2021

9,561

576

2022

8,043

435

2023

9,479

415

2024

13,348

708

2025

16,510

790

Government has introduced a range of key enabling measures to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment and retention. These include increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement respectively, the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel and the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions. The Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea has been doubled after ten days at sea in a calendar year while the Naval Service tax credit has been extended up to 2029.

There continues to be progress on pay with all personnel benefiting from a pay award delivered last month with a further increase due in June.

All Defence Forces recruitment is conducted fairly and transparently and in accordance with legislation and best practise.

In addition, I am advised by the Defence Forces that there are regular audits and evaluations of recruitment expenditure to ensure adherence to spending allocations and alignment with budgetary policies.

The recruitment process has also been extensively reviewed and modernised by the Defence Forces. A new candidate application system has been introduced which will provide end-to-end attrition data in the future. The new systems leverage enhanced applicant tracking and data analytics to improve recruitment processes and allow data driven decision making and ensure better allocation of resources.

Departmental Policies

Questions (272)

Tony McCormack

Question:

272. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Defence her plans to introduce a local participation mechanism in Irelands defence procurement process to ensure Irish SME’s are included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18196/26]

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Written answers

Ensuring that the Defence Forces have access to reliable, sustainable and strategically important capabilities remains a core priority for this Government. In an increasingly complex security environment, considerations such as security of supply, supply-chain resilience and the long-term maintainability of critical equipment are central to defence capability planning. Defence procurement is therefore not solely focused on the acquisition of platforms or systems, but equally on ensuring that those capabilities remain serviceable and mission-ready throughout their full lifecycle.

My Department continues to keep all aspects of defence procurement policy under ongoing review, including how best to facilitate appropriate engagement with Irish SMEs where this can support capability delivery. This includes exploring opportunities in areas such as maintenance, training, support and specialist technical services, where domestic expertise can complement major procurement programmes. Any future developments in this space will be guided by operational requirements, value for money considerations, and the need to ensure the continued timely provision and sustainment of Defence Forces capabilities.

All procurement undertaken by the Department of Defence is conducted in accordance with national and EU procurement rules. Competitive tendering is used in line with national guidelines, the EU Defence and Security Procurement Directive, and the Office of Government Procurement procedures where relevant. In accordance with Circular 05/2023 from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, all contracts above €50,000 (ex VAT) are advertised on the eTenders platform. Contracts exceeding EU thresholds, currently €140,000 for goods and services, and €432,000 for defence and security are published in the Official Journal of the European Union. These processes ensure transparency, open competition and opportunities for Irish SMEs to participate fully in the Department’s ongoing procurement activities.

Tax Yield

Questions (273)

Thomas Gould

Question:

273. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether motor tax revenue is ringfenced or utilised in general expenditure; the amount taken in motor tax revenue in 2025; and the reason this no longer transfers to local authorities. [18153/26]

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Written answers

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that prior to 2018 receipts from motor tax were paid into the Local Government Fund. Since the 1 January 2018, following budgetary reform measures provided for in the Water Services Act 2017, receipts from motor tax have accrued to the Exchequer. Motor Tax receipts are not ringfenced for any particular purpose and are paid directly into the Central Fund.

Gross motor tax revenue was €926m in 2025.

Regional Airports

Questions (274)

Martin Kenny

Question:

274. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will provide funding for Sligo Airport from the recently announced €45 million for regional airports, given that search and rescue for the north-west is operated from Sligo Airport. [17879/26]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government commits to continuing to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.

In delivering on this commitment, a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 was published by my Department on 25 February. The new Programme supports Ireland’s smallest regional airports, those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than three million passengers per annum. Scheduled services must facilitate international connectivity, either directly or via another national hub airport such as Dublin.

In the absence of scheduled passenger services since 2011, Sligo Airport’s operations fail to meet the connectivity objective associated with Government policy on regional airports. There is no mechanism under State aid rules on funding regional airports which provides for the funding of general aviation services.

I recognise and acknowledge the valuable contribution that Sligo Airport makes in the provision of a Coast Guard SAR helicopter base as an integral element of Coast Guard Search and Rescue services, delivered under contract between my Department and Bristow Ireland Limited. Accordingly, Bristow Ireland Limited has responsibility for agreeing operational arrangements under a commercial contract with Sligo Airport. Sligo Airport is not eligible for Exchequer funding directly from my Department in respect of this important service.

Departmental Reports

Questions (275)

Gillian Toole

Question:

275. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport the current implementation status of each of the three Safety Recommendations Nos. 28, 29, and 30, directed at the Minister in the AAIU Final Report on the Rescue 116 accident, published in November 2021; the specific actions taken to date in respect of each recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17894/26]

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Written answers

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I have responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard and the SAR Aviation Contract.

Recommendation number 28

The review of extant service level agreements with stakeholders involved in IRCG helicopter operations to ensure that they are suitably robust and complete is ongoing. The completion of the contract transition process in February 2026 now provides the basis for the finalisation of the review of MOUs / SLA’s, having regard to the new enhanced service specifications available under the new contract. It is intended to complete a revision of the following MOUs / SLAs, which have implications for Helicopter operations, Department of Health, National Ambulance Service, MEDICO Cork, and Defence Forces. This process is augmented by an established series of scheduled meetings where all matters pertaining to Coast Guard helicopter operations are reviewed.

Recommendation number 29

The Coast Guard has two contracts in place for provision of aviation expertise, one contract applies to the transition of the 2012 contract service to the new Coast Guard Aviation contract, known as the 2023 contract, and the other applies to provision of aviation advice and the operation of an independent audit process for the new contract. My Department will continue to periodically evaluate best options for provision of aviation advice and expertise either under contract or by direct employment of a subject matter expert.

Recommendation number 30

Safety recommendation No 30 was addressed to the Irish Aviation Authority and concerns the review of its arrangements, guidance and procedures for civilian operators providing SAR services within the State. The actions taken in respect of this recommendation are a matter for the IAA.

Aviation Industry

Questions (276, 277)

Gillian Toole

Question:

276. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport whether the detailed review of the mechanisms by which his Department oversees the Irish Aviation Authority, as recommended by the AAIU in Safety Recommendation No. 29, has been completed; if so, when it was completed; what its findings were; if he will publish it; if not, when he expects it to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17895/26]

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Gillian Toole

Question:

277. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport whether he will direct his Department to publish annually a report detailing its technical competence to perform its statutory oversight function in respect of aviation safety, including the qualifications and specialist expertise held within the Aviation Division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17896/26]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the independent civil aviation regulator in the State. The IAA is subject to oversight from both the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) and is subject to audits and inspections from those bodies. The Department engages in a structured manner with IAA on aviation safety risks and trends, as well as on international oversight of IAA and upcoming regulatory developments. The Department of Transport oversees the IAA in terms of its responsibility for overall national civil aviation policy matters in the State.

The Deputy may wish to note that the safety recommendation that makes reference to ensuring that my Department has sufficient specialist aviation expertise to enable it to discharge effective oversight of the full range of IAA activities is safety recommendation no. 31. On foot of this recommendation in the Air Accident Investigation Unit’s (AAIU) final report into the Rescue 116 accident, the previous Minister for Transport commissioned an independent review of aviation expertise utilised by EU ministries with responsibility for civil aviation. The oversight of aviation safety regulation in other jurisdictions was carried out by aviation consultants AQE (Aerospace Qualified Entity). The review concluded that the Department has resources and expertise that are comparable to those Ministries in other European states with an independent aviation safety regulator. The Department’s arrangements for the oversight of the IAA were found to be comprehensive, robust, covering the full range of aspects of the work of the IAA.

The Department also conducted an in-house review of the oversight of safety regulation in other sectors in Ireland. The review found that the Department of Transport has comparable personnel, expertise and resources allocated to the oversight of the IAA to that of other government departments overseeing an independent safety regulator. Similar to the other departments, the Department of Transport relies on its independent regulator for technical expertise and advice when appropriate.

When an external view is required, my Department contracts aviation expertise and draws on advice. There are significant advantages to the approach of externally contracting specialist aviation expertise as necessary. It gives access to a greater range, depth and quantum of expertise compared to a standing appointment of a single expert on contract or otherwise.

In addition, periodic review of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) by the Department is provided for in the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993. Section 32 of the 1993 Act requires me to appoint an independent person or body to carry out an examination of the performance by the IAA of its functions in so far as they relate to the application and enforcement of technical and safety standards in relation to aviation safety. The section 32 examination is undertaken periodically, is independent from ICAO and EASA audits, and the audit is undertaken by contracted industry experts. A Section 32 examination is currently underway.

Question No. 277 answered with Question No. 276.

Road Traffic Accidents

Questions (278, 279)

Holly Cairns

Question:

278. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of road deaths which have occurred in Cork, by road, from 2020 to date in 2026. [17898/26]

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Holly Cairns

Question:

279. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of road accidents which have occurred in Cork south-west, by road, from 2024 to date in 2026, in tabular form. [17899/26]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 279 together.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. The RSA receives both coronial data and collision data from An Garda Síochána for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions.

Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 279 answered with Question No. 278.

Road Safety

Questions (280)

Holly Cairns

Question:

280. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the establishment of a statutory Road Safety Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17900/26]

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Written answers

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has the statutory remit for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and of measures, including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads.

In 2024, my Department commissioned Indecon Economic Consultants to carry out an independent, external review of the RSA. This review was presented to Government and published in November 2024.

The review recommended a restructuring of the RSA into two independent agencies, one focused on the delivery of services and operations and the other responsible for wider road safety initiatives including media campaigns, education and research.

I have decided not to pursue this recommendation as I believe that reform can be delivered more efficiently and effectively within the existing RSA organisational structure. I have directed my officials to prepare revised reform proposals in line with this decision, which includes consideration of using high-profile road safety ambassadors. I will present these proposals to Government in the coming months.

Road Safety

Questions (281)

Holly Cairns

Question:

281. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number and location of identified high-risk road routes, in tabular form; the measures he is taking to address safety on these high-risk routes; and if he will consider a rapid rollout of average speed cameras on these roads. [17901/26]

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Written 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 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to identified high collision locations on National Roads.

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.

With regard to the Regional and Local Road network, collision data is analysed which allows the identification of high-risk road safety areas, called Locations of Interest (LOI), requiring remediation and road safety improvements. When these locations are identified through collision analysis, local authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are consulted regarding proposed road safety measures in the LOI areas. Since 2022, more than 400 locations of interest have been funded under low-cost safety schemes and local authorities continue to review and apply for funding to complete additional schemes each year.

Locations of interest are officially notified by the Department to each local authority, and they are invited to submit applications for low-cost safety schemes in Quarter 3/4 of each year for funding and implementation in the following year. This ensures targeted investment for road safety to areas of the network where it is needed most.

The increased deployment of safety cameras is a commitment under the programme for government and is also a primary action to be delivered under the Phase 2 Action Plan of the Road Safety Strategy.

Work on the first National Safety Camera Strategy is progressing. The Department is working closely with all road safety stakeholders including the NTA, TII, RSA and An Garda Síochána on how best to implement the Strategy. The Strategy will, focus on speeding, red light running, and bus lane infringements, with flexibility for the enforcement of other types of offence in future. It is expected that the Strategy will be published shortly. Once this strategy is in place, it will provide the framework for increased deployment of cameras across the network, in both urban and rural locations, to assist with the enforcement of a wide range of road traffic offences.

In addition, since 2024, An Garda Síochána has deployed 12 new speed cameras – 9 new static cameras and 3 new average speed cameras across the road network. There is now a total of 5 average speed cameras in place at the M50 (Dublin Port Tunnel), M7 (Nenagh Tipperay J26 – J27), N3 between Belturbet and Cavan Town, N5 at Swinford in Mayo, and N2 between Cullen and Ballymagarvey in Co.Meath. Also, the Deputy may wish to note that An Garda Siochána confirmed that as of 1 January 2026 390 new safety camera zones have become operational bringing the total number of safety camera zones nationwide to 1,901. Safety cameras operate in areas where there is a history of speed-related collisions known as speed enforcement zones.

The ongoing measures above demonstrates the Government's commitment to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.

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

Air Safety

Questions (282, 283)

Louis O'Hara

Question:

282. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if the Irish Aviation Authority or other safety regulators contacted his Department with warnings about controller fatigue, inadequate staffing margins, or system resilience issues, especially given the proposals to increase traffic volumes at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17924/26]

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Louis O'Hara

Question:

283. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport given the proposals to increase traffic volumes at Dublin Airport, if a company (details supplied) has given his Department written confirmation that they can safely manage the additional flights without having to rely on controllers agreeing to work on their days off, and that the company has a plan to ensure adequate staffing to handle increased traffic volumes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17925/26]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 283 together.

The safe operation of Irish airspace is a priority for AirNav Ireland. The Company also recognises the importance of ensuring the continued smooth operation of our airports and that any potential disruption to services and passengers is avoided.

AirNav Ireland is regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) in respect of safety and the European Commission's performance and charging framework for the Single European Sky.

The performance and charging framework is designed to ensure the efficiency of European air navigation services across key performance areas such as safety, environment, capacity, and cost-efficiency. It includes EU-wide targets, performance plans and cost bases for charging by air navigation service providers. Ireland’s Performance Plan covering the period 2025-2029 (RP4), submitted to the European Commission by the IAA in August 2025 for review, addresses the provision by AirNav of en route air navigation services and terminal air traffic control services at Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports.

Under the RP4 Plan it is proposed that the number of air traffic controllers employed by AirNav would increase in increments to 364 by end 2029 to meet the expected increase in demand for AirNav's services. AirNav currently employs 324 air traffic controllers, up from 300 at end 2023 (including direct entry air traffic controllers in training and student air traffic controllers on On-the-Job Training).

AirNav is actively recruiting and training student air traffic controllers to ensure it has the capacity to meet increased demand. AirNav expects to train 76 student controllers in 2026.

While overtime remains integral to AirNav's 24-hour operations the reliance on overtime is expected to decrease as air traffic controller staffing numbers rise.

Question No. 283 answered with Question No. 282.

National Transport Authority

Questions (284)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

284. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if there is any way a refused application for the 2026 National Transport Authority taxi grant could be appealed due to tax clearance not being updated (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17927/26]

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Written answers

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of SPSV grants, 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.

Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. 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.

Departmental Inquiries

Questions (285)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

285. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if an application for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17991/26]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to advise that all enquiries relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority. Neither I nor the Department have any role in driving licence applications.

I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if a reply has not been received from the RSA in the next ten days.

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

Air Services

Questions (286)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

286. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the work his Department is doing to improve transport options from Donegal to Dublin; if he is aware of the impact that the removal of the midday Donegal to Dublin flight will have on passengers who need to travel to Dublin for medical purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18001/26]

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Written 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.

In addition to short-term rail infrastructure investments, referred to as Early Interventions, the Rail Strategy also identifies major projects to be progressed which includes reinstatement of lines including the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris to Athenry as well as lines between Portadown, Armagh and Derry to Letterkenny in County Donegal.

In addition 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.

Considering the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded part of the question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

In respect of the Donegal Dublin Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service I would like to assure the Deputy that this Government is firmly committed to maintaining connectivity to the northwest by continuing to provide Exchequer funded PSO air services on this route.

While the new contract continues to provide twice daily two-way air services on this route, I am fully committed to ensuring that an effective service is provided at times that work for all those availing of it, including critical care patients. I had a constructive meeting with representatives from the Donegal Cancer Flights & Services Group recently, where I listened to the very real concerns raised and where we discussed efforts underway to move things forward.

In this regard, my officials are exploring what options may be legally available under the new PSO contract to meet the needs of all users, while ensuring the continuity of this vital service.

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

National Transport Authority

Questions (287)

John Connolly

Question:

287. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport when the NTA will publish their capital plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18067/26]

View answer

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 statutory responsibility for the development of their own capital plan and related strategies.

The Government published the National Development Plan (NDP) Review in July and the Department of Transport published the Sectoral Plan for Transport in November, which sees an allocation of €22.3 billion in Exchequer resources to the transport sector from 2026 to 2030, along with an additional allocation of €2 billion from the country's Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to support the development of MetroLink. Of this total allocation, funding of circa €10 billion for public transport infrastructure is earmarked from 2026 to 2030, in addition to the €2 billion for MetroLink.

The Department of Transport published the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan in November last year, which set out how the NDP funding over the period 2026-2030 will be invested in the Transport sector. The NTA's capital investment plan over the period to 2030, which will be published later this year, will provide further detail on plans for investment in public transport and will align with the funding priorities set out in the Department's Sectoral Plan and broader Government policy.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply.

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

Road Projects

Questions (288)

John Connolly

Question:

288. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the proposed park and ride facilities to be developed in Galway on the N6 national primary road next to Junction 19, approximately 550 spaces and at the N83 national primary road, just north of Claregalway approximately 320 spaces; the status of the accompanying development of the bus priority measures along both the N6 and N83; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18068/26]

View answer

Written answers

As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is leading the development and rollout of strategic park and ride sites nation-wide through the Park and Ride Development Office.

The Park and Ride Development Office has developed a Park and Ride Strategy for Galway. The Park and Ride Strategy envisages the development of up to five bus-based strategic Park and Ride sites, three for initial development and two for future development, and the expansion of rail-based Park and Ride site at Oranmore station.

With regards to roads, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Act 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan, 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the development of the bus priority measures along both the N6 and N83.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA and TII 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.

Driver Licences

Questions (289)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

289. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the reason private coaches require a PSV licence while State owned coaches do not; and the reason there is requirement for a PSV licence when coaches have to undergo regular commercial vehicle road testing. [18071/26]

View answer

Written answers

In order to operate a bus/coach passenger service in Ireland a number of licensing requirements set by various government bodies must be adhered to, with the ultimate goal being to keep Irish roads and passengers safe.

These regulatory regimes include a Large Public Service (LPSV) Licence/Test, a Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test, a Road Passenger Operators Licence, and a Passenger Route Licence.

My Department has responsibility for policy oversight for the Large Public Service Vehicle (LPSV) sector. The Department however currently has no oversight role with regard to operational aspects of the LPSV licensing regime as it is carried out by An Garda Síochána.

PSV Officers of An Garda Síochána carry out Large Public Service Vehicle (LPSV) inspections to determine the suitability of a bus for use as an LPSV before it can be licensed, and a subsequent inspection at each licence renewal period. The licence is valid for 3 years, unless otherwise provided for by the PSV officer.

The applicant must be a fit and proper person (having regard to character and previous conduct) and the vehicle safe for the carriage of passengers. The technical examination considers the vehicle's specification, age and condition.

The LPSV Licensing Regulations do not apply to LPSVs owned and operated by a statutory transport undertaking. Under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, PSO bus services which hold Public Service Contracts are generally exempt from standard bus route licencing requirements also. PSO services are socially necessary but financially unviable services which are subsidised by the taxpayer. These services are directly regulated by the National Transport Authority under the requirements of the Direct Award Contracts. While exempt from the licensing requirements of an LPSV, they must abide by all other road safety regulations and abide by the terms of their public service contract with the NTA.

The performance of all public transport operators is closely monitored by the NTA under their contractual arrangements. These contracts allow for not just the monitoring of performance and the publication of annual performance reports, but importantly, allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard, including vehicle standard related performance and safety.

As you are aware, my Department is currently undertaking a review of the licensing regime for Large Public Service Vehicles (LPSVs), with the aim of streamlining and improving the overall process and eliminating duplication across various testing regimes, including Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing (CVRT). Issues related to the application of the LPSV licensing regime is being considered as part of the review.

As part of this process, my Department will also be required to make legislative amendments to implement the outcomes of the review.

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