Written Answers Nos. 177-197
177. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the timeline for the publication of the Climate Action Plan 2026; how he intends to close the emissions gap arising from the exceedance of the first Carbon Budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27882/26]
View answerThis Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis and work remains ongoing across Government Departments to carry out climate mitigation efforts every day. The rollout of retrofitting, renewable energy deployment, and more affordable electric vehicles continues at pace.
Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 35 years which is notable given concurrent demographic and economic growth including an increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) most recent emissions reporting confirms that Ireland has recorded overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions for a third consecutive year, with a decrease of 6.8% in 2023 followed by a further 2% reduction in 2024.
We are making significant strides toward our target of 80% renewable energy by 2030, having now reached the major milestone of 8GW onshore renewable electricity generation. Government is now prioritising the development of our offshore wind capacity. We have doubled our wind energy capacity over the past 10 years, and in February wind energy provided a record 50% of our electricity. The Government has also approved an unprecedented investment of €18.9 billion in Grid for the period 2026 – 2030 which is fundamental to the electrification of homes, businesses and transport. The 2025 ZEVI target for electrical vehicle sales of 195,000 was surpassed in October 2025, with sales now at 212,000 and I have recently announced an unprecedented package of new and enhanced grants for homeowners across the country who are looking to benefit from home energy upgrades under the National Residential Retrofit Plan.
The latest EPA reporting projects that the first carbon budget will be exceeded, however it worth noting that the EPA's projections are updated annually in light of delivery progress and emerging data. For example, the EPA's assessment of exceedances from the first carbon budget has improved significantly over the last two years. The report which they released in 2023 projected an exceedance of between 37 MtCO2eq. (12%) and 45 MtCO2eq. (15%) under the WAM and WEM scenarios respectively. In contrast, their latest report released in 2025 projected a much smaller exceedance of between 8 MtCO2eq. (2.7%) and 12 MtCO2eq. (4%).
This shows that our progress on delivery is having a significant impact, which is being reflected in ongoing revisions to the projections. Nevertheless the next Climate Action Plan will need to continue to show ambition and focus on our highest impact measures and actions in order to keep up the momentum shown to date.
Work is currently underway on this next Climate Action Plan. Following the extensive recommendations delivered by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy late last year, the Government is taking the necessary time to carefully finalize the Carbon Budget process. I am of the view that the next Climate Action Plan should reflect the outcome of that process. In that regard, my Department is working towards bringing a draft of the new Climate Action Plan to Government later this year.
In the meantime our ongoing efforts are supported by Climate Action Plan 2025, in tandem with its predecessor, Climate Action Plan 2024, both of which remain in place and provide a strong framework for continued delivery of climate action across all sectors, given that many of the measures and actions in these plans are multi-annual in nature and effect. Work remains ongoing across Government Departments to deliver on these commitments and carry out climate mitigation efforts every day, supported by recently enhanced governance and delivery arrangements.
In line with our Programme for Government commitment, enhanced implementation governance structures to support accelerated climate action delivery, have been put in place in 2025 to streamline structures and ensure that key strategic projects are supported. The Climate Action Delivery Board (CADB), which I now chair, and the Climate Action Programme Board (CAPPB) provide co-ordinated oversight and strategic direction on the delivery of the Climate Action Plan measures and actions and provide oversight and support to delivery taskforces in delivering their work programmes. Through these structures we will continue to focus on closing the gap to reach our 2030 targets.
178. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his response to the recent Supreme Court judgement on the Coolglass Wind Farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27883/26]
View answerI note the recent judgment on the Coolglass Wind Farm Ltd case which was delivered by the Supreme Court of Ireland in February of this year.
The judgment provides useful clarification on the operation of Section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 (as amended) and, in particular, how it interacts with the statutory planning framework. It clarifies that the legislative framework that underpins our climate ambition is robust and effective and it also provides confidence that the planning policy framework is one that is reflective of this ambition.
It is, however, a significant judgment and it is important that its full implications are carefully assessed. My Department, the Office of the Attorney General, and relevant Ministers, Government Departments and agencies (including those under my aegis) are currently considering the ruling in detail, including any broader planning and policy implications that may arise.
The Government is fully committed to delivering on Ireland’s climate ambition across all sectors, and to progressing climate action in a planned and coherent way, which ensures that affordability, competitiveness and energy security are central to our future climate planning.
179. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if she will review and outline the process for joining the First Line Reserve of the Naval Service, in particular in relation to the regulation governing age limits for entry to the First Line Reserve and if these can be amended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27708/26]
View answerMy key priority is the modernisation of our Defence Forces, and revitalising our Reserve Defence Forces is a vital part of that transformation process.
In that context, the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) Regeneration Plan published in July 2024, contains 27 actions across four objectives, namely: Recruit & Retain; Resource; Train & Educate and Integrate & Deploy. Each of the 27 actions contribute to the ultimate goal of developing a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis with the Permanent Defence Force, both nationally and overseas.
A legislative amendment to increase the maximum retirement age for the FLR is currently in progress.
I am advised that the Process for joining the First Line Reserve is as follows:
Application to the First Line Reserve is outlined in DFR R1 which states that an officer must make an application in writing for such an appointment. This application “shall normally be made before the applicant ceases to be an officer of the Permanent Defence Force” and:
Be, on the critical date, not less than five years below the maximum age limit appropriate to officers of his description as prescribed in paragraph 8 of DFR R1.
Be medically classified.
Have a medical classification as set out in para 4 (2) c (i) (I) or (II) and (ii) of DFR R1.
Be recommended by the Chief of Staff as a suitable and qualified person to be an officer of the Reserve of Officers (First line).
Satisfy the Minister as to character.
I am advised that the individual who raised this query is not restricted by the age limit of 54 years of age and his application has progressed to the medical stage of the process.
180. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the policy and oversight arrangements in place to monitor the operational readiness of the Air Corps fleet; the percentage availability rates for each aircraft type over the past five years; and whether he will provide the current availability rate for each platform. [27813/26]
View answer189. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the reporting structures in place within her Department to monitor Air Corps operational capability; whether regular performance reports are produced; and if she will provide copies of the most recent reports. [27822/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 189 together.
Defence Forces operational plans and response capabilities are subject to normal operational security reporting restrictions and are not disclosed for operational security reasons. In this context, the Department of Defence receives operational and readiness reports for situational awareness purposes only. Direct command and control of assets, as well as specific tactical deployment decisions, remain the remit of the military authorities. Comprehensive data regarding Air Corps activities is publicly available in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-defence/collections/annual-reports). The Annual Report 2025 has not yet been published and it will be made available in due course. For ease of reference, I will arrange to have latest Annual Report forwarded to the Deputy.
181. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the total number of aircraft in the Air Corps fleet currently classified as fully operational, under scheduled maintenance, or unavailable for operational use; the average maintenance downtime per aircraft type; and the governance mechanisms in place to monitor and reduce downtime. [27814/26]
View answerMy officials have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the military authorities, and I will arrange to have same forwarded to the Deputy subject to any operational and security related concerns.
182. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department has conducted any assessment of capability gaps arising from the retirement of legacy aircraft prior to the full operational deployment of replacement platforms; if so, to provide details of such assessments; and the mitigation measures adopted. [27815/26]
View answerThe management of Defence Forces aviation capabilities is addressed as part of ongoing force-planning and capability development processes within the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces.
In this context, consideration is given, on a continuous basis, to the implications arising from the planned withdrawal of legacy aircraft and the introduction of replacement platforms. Such considerations form part of normal capability management arrangements and are informed by operational requirements, safety considerations, and the phased nature of capability development.
For reasons of operational and security sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to comment in detail on the content or outcomes of internal assessments, or on specific arrangements.
I am satisfied that appropriate arrangements are in place to manage the transition between aircraft platforms, and that capability requirements continue to be kept under review in line with Government policy and the assigned roles of the Defence Forces.
183. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the original and revised delivery timelines for replacement aircraft programmes, including the C295 maritime patrol aircraft and H145 helicopters; the reasons for any delays; and the oversight structures in place to ensure delivery within agreed timelines. [27816/26]
View answerThe Department of Defence ensures that there is an appropriate focus on good practice in purchasing and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines, including oversight structures to ensure that projects are delivered in accordance with agreed timelines. The procurement of goods and services by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces is carried out in accordance with public procurement policy and national and European Union law and expenditure is made in accordance with Public Financial procedures.
Procedures are in place in respect of defence expenditure to provide a forum for oversight, approval and review in accordance with the Public Spending Code Infrastructure Guidelines. Specifically, a High Level Planning and Procurement Group (HLPPG), comprising of senior civil and military management of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, and an associated Working Group, meet on a monthly basis to evaluate all relevant procurement matters. Purchasing procedures in the Defence Organisation are kept under constant review to support good procurement practice, project management and good corporate governance.
The two Airbus C295 Military Patrol Aircraft were delivered in June and October 2023 respectively. A third Airbus C295 in a military transport specification was delivered in October 2025. The Dassault Falcon 6X strategic reach aircraft was delivered in December 2025. These deliveries were made on schedule in accordance with the projected timeframes.
Expected delivery of the four H145M Helicopters will be phased over 2027 and 2028, beginning in March 2027. This project remains on schedule.
184. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the total capital expenditure committed to Air Corps fleet replacement and upgrade programmes since 2019; whether any cost overruns have occurred; and the value-for-money assessment frameworks applied by her Department. [27817/26]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.
Since 2019 the Air Corps has taken delivery of:
• 4 x Pilatus PC-12 ISTAR/ transport aircraft.
• 2 x Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
• 1 x Airbus C295 Military Transport Aircraft.
• 1 x Dassault Falcon 6X Strategic Reach Aircraft.
The Department has also contracted to purchase 4 Airbus H145M Helicopters, scheduled for delivery during 2027 and 2028. This represents a total ex VAT investment of almost €435M.
The Department of Defence ensures that there is an appropriate focus on good practice in purchasing and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines, including oversight structures to ensure that projects are delivered in accordance with agreed timelines. The procurement of goods and services by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces is carried out in accordance with public procurement policy and national and European Union law and expenditure is made in accordance with Public Financial procedures.
Procedures are in place in respect of expenditure to provide a forum for oversight, approval and review in accordance with the Public Spending Code Infrastructure Guidelines. Specifically, a High Level Planning and Procurement Group (HLPPG), comprising of senior civil and military management of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, and an associated Working Group, meet on a monthly basis to evaluate all relevant procurement matters. Purchasing procedures in the Defence Organisation are kept under constant review to support good procurement practice, project management and good corporate governance.
With regard to the procurement of Air Corps assets, the rolling Equipment Development Plan (EDP) encompasses a programme of sustained equipment procurement/acquisition across the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the new Strategic Framework and the recently updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
This is part of the ambitious programme of work to move to Level of Ambition 2 ( LOA2) and will ensure that the Air Corps and the wider Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment required to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
Capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to Defence under the National Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding represents an increase of €600 million or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion.
I am satisfied that the ongoing programme of prioritised sustained investment in upgrading and enhancing Air Corps capabilities will ensure that the Defence Forces continue to be suitably equipped to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
185. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the number of trained pilots, aircrew, and technical staff assigned to each aircraft type within the Air Corps; the current vacancy rates; and the policy measures in place to ensure alignment between staffing levels and operational fleet requirements. [27818/26]
View answerIt has not been possible to provide a response within the time frame available. I will respond to the Deputy when the information requested is to hand.
186. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the annual intake, training completion rates, and attrition rates for Air Corps pilots and technical personnel over the past five years; and the measures being taken to address retention challenges. [27819/26]
View answerIt has not been possible to provide a response within the time frame available. I will respond to the Deputy when the information requested is to hand.
187. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the annual operational output of the Air Corps, including maritime patrol hours, search and rescue support, and other mission categories, over the past five years; and how this compares to the Department’s assessed operational requirements. [27820/26]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy for 2021 – 2024 is publicly available and can be found in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Reports, Section 3: Defence Forces Operational Outputs.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-defence/collections/annual-reports.
The Annual Report 2025 has not yet been published and it will be made available in due course. For ease of reference, I will arrange to have latest Annual Report forwarded to the Deputy.
188. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether, and the extent that, the State has relied on external or contracted aviation services to compensate for Air Corps capacity limitations in the past five years; and the associated cost. [27821/26]
View answerAn independent and flexible strategic reach air transport service is an increasingly essential requirement to assist the Government in meeting its national and international obligations. To provide such a service without interruption, the Department of Defence has contracted an air taxi contingency arrangement which provides for the short-term charter of crewed jet aircraft to augment the existing Ministerial Air Transport Service operated by the Air Corps.
This arrangement is utilised on occasions when the military aircraft currently operated by the Air Corps are unavailable or unsuitable for a particular mission. This service has been provided at a total cost of €3,279,016.40 for the last 5 years.
The Department of Defence has also contracted for air charter services to facilitate the rotation of Defence Forces UNDOF and UNIFIL troops between Ireland and their overseas postings. This is at a total cost of €3,816,245.85 for the last 5 years.
190. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to provide car charging points for homes with no driveways or designated parking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27077/26]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
In July 2025, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) adopted a Strategy Statement on Private Wires.
In December 2025, Government approved the drafting of the Private Wires Bill. The bill will amend the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 to enable private development of electricity wires in 4 specific circumstances, including to allow on-street charging for EVs.
Department officials are working with officials in relevant Government Departments and local government to develop a framework under new legislation to enable people without access to off street parking to use a home charging solution for on street parking. We expect this to be finalised later this year.
Further, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan also provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of public destination and neighbourhood charging and will be led by Local Authorities.
Local authorities will be funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking. While strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is funding pilot infrastructure projects in a number of Local Authorities, so as not to delay any initial rollout.
191. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the provision of catering services on the Dublin to Galway train line; the outcome of the tender process in 2024; the developments that have happened since then; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27718/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
192. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update as of April 2026 on the proposed Ballincollig-to-city cycle connection as part of the Lee to sea route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27719/26]
View answerAs 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.
193. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the plans being made to ensure that 'Sunday service' is not implemented on public transport on St. Patrick's Day 2027 in order to provide for the large number of people who travel to Dublin city and other local hubs for the festivities, considering that preparations for the 2027 parade started on 19 March 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27736/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
194. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the policy basis for requiring Bus Éireann’s expressway services to operate on a fully commercial and unsubsidised basis; whether his Department has considered the potential role of PSO supports for routes that provide essential regional connectivity but may not be commercially viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27737/26]
View answer195. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department or the NTA was consulted in advance of the recent decision by Bus Éireann to cancel certain expressway routes following its operational review; whether an assessment has been undertaken of the potential impact of these cancellations on regional connectivity and passenger access to public transport; the number of applications from private coach operators to operate on corridors affected by these cancellations; the way in which such services are integrated into national transport planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27738/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
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.
Bus Éireann operates both Public Service Obligation services funded by the State subvention and Expressway intercity services which operate on a commercial basis and do not receive any State subvention.
I am aware that Bus Éireann recently announced the withdrawal of some services which operate under its Expressway service. This decision was taken following a financial and operational review carried out by Bus Éireann with regard Expressway performance over recent years, which sought to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the company as a whole.
As is the case with any such commercial route withdrawals, the withdrawal of these routes triggered the NTA’s PSO Determination process, the outcome of which has been published on the NTA's website. Therefore, as the query raised by the Deputy is a commercial operational matter for both Bus Éireann and the NTA, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
196. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the current level of public bus transport provision serving Kiltimagh, County Mayo; whether he accepts that the town currently has no direct inter-urban or express bus service; the way in which this position aligns with the objectives of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; and the specific measures which are planned to improve connectivity for Kiltimagh, including timelines for delivery. [27764/26]
View answerAs 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 and TFI Local Link services. 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.
197. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No.396 of 18 March 2026, if he will reconsider the opportunity that exists when reforming the motor tax disc system in the near future to incorporate the facilitation of bulk purchases and renewals of motor tax by corporate fleet owners in the reforms; if the system in operation in the UK, where multiple vehicle registrations can be uploaded at once during the payment process, would be used as a template; his views on whether the absence alone of this proposed reform from the Programme for Government does not constitute a reason not to incorporate it in forthcoming reforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27770/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that priorities are guided by the Programme for Government in the first instance.
The Department considers all options when developing the functionality of the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) system to continue to ensure a high-quality service for the public. Enhancements are prioritised based on those that will deliver the greatest benefit to the widest range of users.
The NVDF ecosystem not only requires ongoing technical maintenance and development to ensure a high-quality service for the public but development to implement the digital alternative to the paper discs displayed on vehicle windscreen in line with the Programme for Government. In addition, system updates are needed to support the introduction of multi-offence incidents for penalty points.
There are no immediate plans to develop functionality for a fleet-taxing facility.
