Barry Ward
Question:372. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the provision of a new driving test centre in Sandyford, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30235/26]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (372, 373)
Barry Ward
Question:373. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the basis for the delays to date regarding the provision of a new driving test centre in Sandyford, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30236/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the provision of test centres and their locations. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, I am informed by the RSA that, unfortunately, a previously identified site for a new test centre for South Dublin will now no longer be progressing at the proposed location in Sandyford. I am assured by the RSA that it is continuing to support learner drivers with a view to improving access to driving tests. This includes ongoing efforts to secure a suitable location in South Dublin for a new driving test centre.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 373 answered with Question No. 372.
Departmental Data
Questions (374)
Carol Nolan
Question:374. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport to provide details on all open EU infringement proceedings where the subject of the infringement relates to the functions of his Department; the reason the infringement proceedings were initiated; the procedural stage of the infringement proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30276/26]
View answerWritten answers
As of 16 April 2026, there were 48 open infringement proceedings against Ireland, 5 of which are the responsibility of my Department. Full details of all 48 cases, including the responsible Department, subject area, and procedural stage are published on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. www.ireland.ie/en/eu/implementation-of-eu-law-in-ireland/.
Driver Licences
Questions (375)
Cathal Crowe
Question:375. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing interim measures for persons who previously held an Irish driving licence, subsequently exchanged it for a foreign licence while residing abroad, and have since returned to the State and applied to exchange their licence back to an Irish driving licence; given that the current processing time for such exchanges can be up to three months, during which applicants may be unable to obtain motor insurance or access a vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30320/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Department has no plans to issue interim driving licences. The RSA previously considered the introduction of interim licences, but concluded that this would only further delay a licence exchange application as verification of the non-EU driving licence would still have to be undertaken.
Vigilance is needed when processing a foreign licence for exchange, to ensure a fraudulent document has not been submitted and to ensure a driving test was passed in the jurisdiction in which the licence was obtained. Road safety and keeping Irish roads safe for all road users remains the priority in this matter.
Road Safety
Questions (376)
Michael Collins
Question:376. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport the measures currently in place to regulate the brightness, alignment and use of modern LED vehicle headlights (details supplied); his plans to introduce or strengthen legislation, regulations or enforcement standards in this area, including limits on brightness and mandatory alignment requirements, to ensure the safety and comfort of all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30376/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise that light emitting diode (LED) and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights are known to provide greater brightness, improved colour rendering, increase efficiency and, in the case of LED in particular, longer performance life.
I am aware that concerns have been expressed in some quarters in relation to the brightness of headlights, in particular LED and HID headlights. The use of headlights in the EU?is regulated by the European type-approval system, which establishes the technical and safety standards required for a vehicle or component to be placed on the European market, through eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/858/oj/engtransposed by www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2020/si/556/made/en/print- European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020. Accordingly, if a headlight has been type-approved and entered into service, it is considered safe to use within the EU.
During roadworthiness testing, a vehicle lighting system is tested to ensure it is in working order and correctly aligned for the safe performance of the vehicle. Factors which can contribute to headlamp glare include misaligned, dirty or damaged headlamps or the use of incorrect bulbs or unapproved components.
As the standards for these lights are regulated at EU level, any engagement with vehicle suppliers would be based on the type approval required. However, as with any concerns over vehicle safety, I am willing to consider evidence-based policy reviews in relation to their use.
I understand that the UNECE Working Party on Lighting and Light-Signalling is investigating this issue, and the European Commission has confirmed that it is part of its newly established task force. Currently, the task force is conducting research on the causes of glare and will provide recommendations to the Working Party when the report is completed. Both I and the Department, with the Road Safety Authority, will be guided by that work.
Road Safety
Questions (377)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:377. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport to confirm whether the default 30km/h speed limit provisions of the Road Traffic Act 2024 remain available for commencement by Ministerial order; the circumstances, if any, under which he will consider commencing these provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30377/26]
View answerWritten answers
Following my direction, the Department of Transport issued a Circular to local authorities on 16 October 2025, directing them to implement built-up and urban area speed limits no later than 31 March 2027, and in accordance with updated ‘Speed Limit Guidelines’.
Whilst the recommendation of the ‘Speed Limit Review’ intended that speed limit changes in built-up and urban areas would be implemented by way of the introduction of a ‘default speed limit of 30km/h’, it was subsequently recognised that this would be difficult to achieve in the short-term, as there is presently no definition of an urban area in legislation for the purpose of setting speed limits. To introduce a default speed limit of 30km/h in all urban areas would first necessitate updated legislation, and this would take an additional period of time, thus delaying the proposed implementation of speed limit changes in urban areas.
Furthermore, whilst the ‘Local Government Act, 2001’, has defined 85 built-up areas nationally, the Central Statistics Office has identified 867 urban areas nationally. A change in the ‘built-up area speed limit, from 50km/h to 30km/h would only have an impact on 85 of the 867+ urban areas nationally and therefore ‘special speed limit bye-laws’ would still be required for the remaining 782+ urban areas.
The proposed speed limit changes in built-up and urban areas will be implemented by way of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’, rather than by way of a change in the ‘default speed limit’, at this time. Accordingly, in respect of those roads in built-up and urban areas where local authorities propose to change existing speed limits, it will be necessary for each local authority to undertake a statutory public consultation process and consider all representations, in accordance with the requirements of the ‘Road Traffic Act 2004’, as amended. This period of statutory public consultation will provide an opportunity for members of the public and all stakeholders to engage with the process and to make representations to the local authorities and the elected members on the proposed speed limit changes.
As the making of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’ is a reserved function, the speed limits on roads in built-up and urban areas will only be changed where a majority of the elected members vote to do so.
Responsibility now rests with the local authorities to implement these speed limit changes. As you will be aware 30km/h speed limits are not new, they have already been implemented on many roads in built-up and urban areas nationally in recent years, including for example, Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Dundalk, and on such roads across the administrative area of Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown County Council.
Furthermore, there has been extensive implementation of 30km/h speed limits in housing estates in many local authorities nationally over the past ten years, supported by funding from the Department of Transport. Therefore, this phase of speed limit changes in built-up and urban areas will build on the positive work that local authorities have already carried out in this area.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (378)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:378. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the number of heavy duty EVs that were supported under the zero-emission heavy duty vehicle purchase grant scheme in both 2024 and 2025 respectively; the total spend under the scheme in each of those years; the breakdown of the type of vehicle supported in each year; the average size of grant provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30378/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle Grant Scheme, administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and funded by the Department of Transport, was established in February 2024.
Changes to the General Block Exemption (Reg. 651/2014) in July 2023 impacted the AFHDV Grant Scheme and made it no longer viable under the new regulations. In response, the Department established the Zero Emissions Heavy Duty Scheme (ZEHDV), with a focus on incentivising the purchase of zero emission heavy duty vehicles.
The ZEHDV Grant Scheme awards grants to assist companies and enterprises who wish to buy zero-emission heavy duty vehicles (ZEHDV) which are supported by the Scheme instead of buying the diesel equivalent.
In November 2024, the scheme was expanded to include purchase grants for recharging infrastructure.
|
AFHDV and ZEHDV Scheme |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Funding available |
3,500,000 |
2,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Grants Paid |
1,566,497 |
1,444,270 |
|
Admin Paid |
175,000 |
175,000 |
|
Actual Spend |
1,741,497 |
1,619,270 |
|
|
|
|
|
No. of Applications Received |
24 |
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
No. of Applications Approved |
15 |
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
No. of Applications Paid* |
12 |
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
Average Grant Paid per Application |
174,055 |
103,162 |
|
Vehicles |
2024 |
2025 |
|
EV Van 3.5t-5t |
2 |
24 |
|
EV Truck 19t-46t |
9 |
2 |
|
EV Rigid Truck 16t-20t |
|
6 |
|
EV Van 5.5t-8.5t |
2 |
3 |
|
EV Midi Bus c.21-32 seats |
3 |
|
|
EV Single Deck Bus C.40 seats |
|
3 |
|
EV Single Deck Bus c.40+ seats |
2 |
|
|
EV Truck 16t-19t |
2 |
|
|
EV Artic Truck 16t-19t |
|
1 |
|
EV Refuse Truck |
1 |
|
|
Grand Total |
21 |
39 |
*Applications received less approved does not equal number of applications paid because (a) some applications paid in the year were received as AFHDV and paid in 2024 and 2025 and (b) some applications were approved but not yet paid
Environmental Schemes
Questions (379)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:379. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport his plans to review the zero-emission heavy duty vehicle purchase grant scheme to increase uptake; his plans to increase the value of grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30379/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle (ZEHDV) Grant Scheme is a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a zero emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle.
Changes to the ZEHDV grant scheme will make it easier and more flexible for companies to invest in electric trucks and buses, with total grant value of up to €500,000 per year per company now available.
The updated scheme allows businesses to phase investment over time, rather than relying on a one-off funding opportunity, helping companies manage cash flow while modernising their fleets.
Alongside the vehicle purchase support, businesses can also access grants of up to €300,000 under the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grant Scheme (ZEHDV-I) to install depot charging infrastructure and support charging logistics hubs and urban locations.
The Government is also supporting businesses at the planning stage through the EV Fleet Assessment Grant, which offers fully funded expert assessment to help companies understand how electric vehicles can operate within their existing fleets. Assessments cover routes, vehicle suitability, charging needs and total cost of ownership providing a clear roadmap to electrification.
Funding and incentives for Electric Vehicles are under regular review by Departmental officials with a view to targeting exchequer funding which can deliver most effectively against Government priorities. The ZEHDV scheme offers the maximum available funding per vehicle under EU State Aid requirements. We will continue to take a balanced approach, ensuring that our incentives and policy measures are both ambitious and deliverable within the current environment.
Rail Network
Questions (380, 381)
Emer Currie
Question:380. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the details of the alignment of the Tyrrelstown LUAS under LUAS 2050 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30381/26]
View answerEmer Currie
Question:381. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the details of the alignment of the Blanchardstown LUAS under LUAS 2050 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30382/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 381 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
The Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 was published by the NTA in January 2023. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the 2022-2042 lifetime of the strategy. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg, and Bray. Other possible projects, identified in the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042, for delivery in the period after 2042 include a Green Line extension to Tyrrelstown and a light rail line from the City Centre to Blanchardstown.
As part of the periodic review of the Transport Strategy, the demand for possible orbital light rail lines will also be considered, again for delivery after 2042. In reviewing the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042, the NTA will be informed in part by TII and their Luas 2050 vision.
Noting NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 381 answered with Question No. 380.
Road Network
Questions (382)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:382. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm whether there is any statutory licensing or permit requirement for organised road bowling events taking place on public roads, including mandatory Garda approval, insurance and traffic management arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30386/26]
View answerWritten answers
Section 75 of the Roads Act, 1993 and Part VIII of the Roads Regulations, 1994, set out that it is for the relevant local authority to make any decision regarding the temporary closure of a public road in their area. This would include temporary road closures for sporting events, such as road bowling. As such, the organiser of any such event should, in the first instance, engage with the relevant local authority who will inform them of the process involved in applying for a temporary road closure. My Department has not role in these processes. Enforcement of road traffic offences is a matter for An Garda Siochana. The Deputy may wish to consult my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on these matters.
Rail Network
Questions (383)
Louis O'Hara
Question:383. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport whether the Government is mandated to construct a heavy rail connection such as a railway spur to Dublin Airport by 2040 in order to be compliant with Article 34 of EU Regulation 2024/1679 (details supplied); the actions his Department is undertaking to be in compliance with this regulation; whether he can give an indication of when a heavy rail spur to Dublin Airport will be constructed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30410/26]
View answerWritten answers
The guidelines and requirements for the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) are set out in EU Regulation 2024/1679. Article 34 includes a requirement that airports with annual passenger volumes exceeding 12 million be connected to the trans-European railway network by the end of 2040. Dublin Airport exceeds this passenger threshold, while the entire Irish rail network is part of either the core or comprehensive TEN-T network.
It should be noted that Article 34 also allows the European Commission to grant an exemption to this requirement in "duly justified cases", which could include geographical or physical constraints, negative environmental impacts, or a negative socio-economic cost-benefit analysis.
The MetroLink project will connect Dublin Airport to the heavy rail network at Glasnevin and Tara Street stations. The project will therefore help deliver strategic connectivity for Dublin Airport across the island of Ireland.
In terms of planned investment in heavy rail, last December my Department published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy, which was prepared with he support of the European Investment Bank and in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Strategy outlines the approach to sequencing and optimising the recommendations of the 2024 All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the coming years.
In the short-term to 2030, the Prioritisation Strategy specifies a number of '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. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published be my Department in November 2025, and include passing loops at Mosney and Skerries.
The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these is “FourNorth”, to add track capacity on the busy Northern line north of Connolly station; electrification and line speed improvements on the Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Belfast routes, both of which are on the TEN-T network.
Building a rail spur from Clongriffin to Dublin Airport, which aims to complement MetroLink, is a long-term recommendation in the Rail Review. Given existing congestion on the Northern Line, planned investments to enhance capacity and resilience on the line and the progression of FourNorth will help to facilitate a future connection between Clongriffin and Dublin Airport.
Bus Services
Questions (384)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:384. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport if Bus Éireann commercially operated expressway services are required to present a PSV certificate when applying for their motor tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30576/26]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to advise that 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. PSO services are socially necessary but financially unviable services which are subsidised by the taxpayer. 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 National Transport Authority.
Bus Éireann is a statutory transport undertaking and 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. S.I. No. 192 of 2017 -Road Traffic (Large Public Service Vehicles) (Licensing) Regulations 2017 applies to large public service vehicles other than large public service vehicles owned and operated by a statutory transport undertaking.
For further information on this question, I have referred your query to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please contact my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Rail Network
Questions (385, 386)
Barry Ward
Question:385. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any engagement he is having with Irish Rail in relation to increasing the use of solar power in the rail network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30582/26]
View answerBarry Ward
Question:386. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the merits of increasing the use of solar as part of the operation of the rail network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30583/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 385 and 386 together.
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the proposed use of solar power on the rail network, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for 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.
Question No. 386 answered with Question No. 385.
Rail Network
Questions (387)
Barry Ward
Question:387. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the merits of providing solar panels on buildings owned by Irish Rail including all train stations, similar to what has been provided for on schools across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30584/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Departmental Policies
Questions (388)
Ged Nash
Question:388. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if it is the current policy of his private office/Department to formally invite or notify all local Oireachtas members of constituency events at which Ministers are in attendance in the course of performing their ministerial duties and functions; if he will provide the Department's current policy or protocol on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30607/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister I attend a wide range official engagements across the state. My private office makes reasonable efforts to contact relevant public representatives where appropriate, and in line with the nature of the event. However, there is no overarching requirement or formal protocol mandating that all local members be notified in every instance, particularly where the event is not directly organised by the Department.
Where an event is organised by a third party, it is the responsibility of the event organiser to extend invitations to, or otherwise inform, local public representatives as they consider appropriate.
Departmental Data
Questions (389)
Ged Nash
Question:389. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of all events across every constituency attended by the Minister in the course of his ministerial duties since 1 January 2026, where formal invitations/notifications to attend were not issued by his office to all local Oireachtas members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30625/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I attend a wide range of official engagements across the State. There is no centralised system within the Department to record invitations/ notifications that were issued to local representatives and Oireachtas members for any of these engagements.
In an event that the engagement was organised by a third party it is their responsibility to issue invitations where they feel it is appropriate.
Departmental Policies
Questions (390)
Emer Currie
Question:390. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30666/26]
View answerWritten answers
Please see details below of the main policy achievements of my Department since 22 January 2025.
Air Services
Questions (391)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:391. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the current arrangements governing the supply and storage of aviation fuel in the State, including at Shannon Airport; to detail the agreements or practices relating to the refuelling of foreign military aircraft, including those of the United States; if such refuelling activities could have an impact on the availability of jet fuel stocks for civilian aviation in the event of a shortage; the measures in place to ensure that civilian fuel supply is not adversely affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30675/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland’s fuel supply chains remain robust and reliable, and the national Oil Security of Supply Group chaired by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) and comprising other relevant Departments including the Department of Transport as well as the industry representatives continue to monitor this.
The National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) maintains strategic stocks of petroleum products in Ireland, including jet fuel (kerosene-type), to meet 90-day stockholding obligations required by EU and the International Energy Agency (IEA). These reserves are designed to be used in collective action with other IEA nations to stabilise markets, as dictated by the International Energy Program agreement.
The sourcing of aviation fuel at any airport is a commercial matter for the operator of an aircraft, be that a civil or military aircraft, and their fuel supplier. Shannon airport provides the infrastructure for fuel storage and refuelling at the airport but has no engagement with individual fuel suppliers. A third-party contractor manages the fuel operations at the airport campus.