Written Answers Nos. 141-160
141. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the implementation of the agreed increases in pensions for former CIÉ employees following the recent staff vote; the estimated timeline for when these changes will be fully implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25563/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department, alongside our financial and commercial advisors NewERA, are currently engaging with all relevant stakeholders. This includes CIÉ, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.
My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate procedures, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals as part of the formal process, which is now well underway.
142. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the timeline of construction for the Finglas Luas extension project, given the recent legal action has now been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31269/26]
View answerAs 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure including light rail.
Luas Finglas is an exciting project that has the potential to transform Finglas and the wider area for those who live and who work there.
Government consent for approval for the project to proceed at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines was obtained on 22 October 2024. An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the Luas Finglas Railway Order in October 2025. I warmly welcome the decision to withdraw the legal challenges, as we now have full planning permission in place to move forward with the Luas Finglas extension.
Turning to the future of the project, the Deputy may be aware that Luas Finglas is one of the four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the lifetime of the NTA Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042. The project is identified in the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport as part of the National Development Plan Review. Specifically, under the Sectoral Investment Plan, the main construction works will commence by 2029, though some enabling works may commence beforehand.
I understand that the project team is currently preparing for future phases of the project, including drafting and updating the detailed business case, procurement strategy and tender documents.
Noting the NTA's responsibility the Luas Finglas project, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
143. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider an emergency support package for taxi drivers who are seriously impacted by the current fuel price hikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31343/26]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
In response to the increase in fuel prices, the Government has introduced temporary and targeted measures to reduce fuel prices for households and businesses nationwide, with additional supports for key sectors of the Irish economy. A new package of measures on fuel costs was announced on 12 April, in addition to the previously allocated €250 million in targeted supports that included a reduction in the rate of Mineral Oil Tax applying to petrol and auto diesel, and a reduction in Marked Gas Oil. These measures include:
• A reduction in excise on diesel by 10 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction on diesel to 32 cent (VAT inclusive), following ongoing engagement with the European Commission.
• A reduction in excise on petrol by 10 cent (VAT inclusive), brining the total reduction on petrol to 27 cent (VAT inclusive).
• The planned increase in carbon tax, that was scheduled for 1 May 2026, will be deferred until October 2026.
The Government is approaching the rise in energy prices from a position of relative economic strength, having conserved the necessary fiscal space to respond as needed to external shocks. The measures taken will allow Government to support those most exposed, whilst maintaining the capacity for further interventions if needed, in the context of a volatile and evolving international situation.
144. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the potential reinstatement of a Dublin Bus service to Kilcock in order to improve connectivity for commuters in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31271/26]
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 this case, Dublin Bus.
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.
145. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to urgently improve access from the train station to the bus station in Killarney, as the current situation is not acceptable, especially for our senior citizens, persons with mobility issues, and parents with babies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31449/26]
View answerAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
146. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the reported decision to withdraw the 6.50 a.m. Athenry to Galway train service in the coming months; the rationale for this proposed withdrawal; the engagement that has taken place with Iarnród Éireann on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31284/26]
View answerAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The 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. As Minister of State I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
In light of the NTA and Irish Rail's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
147. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy that is currently under construction; if the plan is ahead of schedule considering the volume of commuters wishing to utilise public transport; if his Department is considering the inclusion of the Midleton-Youghal rail line on future railway plans or another mode of transport on the same corridor to coincide with the Greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31433/26]
View answerIntegrated land use planning and transport planning is led through Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies (MATS) which set out programmes of proposed transport investment in active travel, bus and rail for each city over a 20-year period.
These transport strategies are consistent with the spatial planning objectives in the National Planning Framework and the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and align with the EU legal requirement for Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) for Urban Nodes. In other words in Ireland MATS are SUMPs. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for developing and implementing the MATS to provide high quality, accessible, sustainable transport across Ireland.
The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was published in 2020. It was prepared by the NTA in collaboration with Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The NTA intends to commence a full review and update of the CMATS later in 2026. It is envisaged that the NTA will engage external specialist support, including engineering and strategic planning expertise, to assist in preparing the updated strategy.
A comprehensive stakeholder engagement programme will form a central part of the review. This will include consultation with key local and national stakeholders, local authorities, transport operators, and the wider public which will include a public consultation process.
In the meantime there has been significant progress under the 2020 Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.
BusConnects Cork
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities, including Cork. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published in November last year, has allocated funding to the NTA to progress BusConnects in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year of what elements of the programme will be advanced within the funding available.
Cabinet approval for the BusConnects Cork Preliminary Business Case was secured in October 2025 and the Government issued Approval Gate 1 in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. The NTA is currently preparing the required documentation and expect to submit planning applications to An Coimisiún Pleanála later this year. This planning application will provide for a total of 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors. An amendment to section 44 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 (the DTA Act) is currently being progressed to facilitate same.
Cork Area Commuter Rail
The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme is being delivered on a phased basis and will provide a transformative investment that will enhance the heavy rail network across the region, connecting Mallow, Cork, Cobh and Midleton with increased train capacity.
Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, construction of a through-platform at Kent Station, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. This phase has received EU funding of €164m through the Recovery and Resilience Facility and is expected to be substantially complete this year ahead of full commissioning in 2027. The through-platform at Kent Station is already operational, opening in April 2025.
Phase 2 will deliver a new depot to support an electrified and expanded fleet for the Cork network, together with up to eight new stations. Feedback from the first round of Public Consultation, which concluded in July, is currently being analysed and incorporated into the preliminary design ahead of a second round of public consultation planned for April 2026. The Preliminary Business Case for the Programme as a whole, is currently planned to be submitted by the NTA to the Department in early Q3 2026. As the estimated value of this project exceeds €500m in value, it will require Government consent at Approval Gate 1, as per the recent update to the Infrastructure Guidelines. Subject to approval, Iarnród Éireann plans to submit a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála in late 2026/early 2027.
Funding provided in the National Development Plan Sectoral Investment Plan, published by the Department of Transport in November, will see Iarnród Éireann complete Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and commence Phase 2, starting with new train stations at Blackpool and Dunkettle and initial electrification works and depot construction.
Blackpool and Dunkettle stations are being advanced independent of the Railway Order application, with planning applications for these two stations expected to be lodged by Iarnród Éireann in the coming weeks.
Cork Luas
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in partnership with the NTA, launched a non-statutory public consultation between April and June 2025 on the Emerging Preferred Route for Luas Cork. Approximately 1,000 responses were received as part of the public consultation. The issues highlighted in the submissions received have been included in the post consultation report published by TII in October 2025 and amendments are anticipated to made to the proposed scheme as a result.
Following the development of those revised design, TII published the Preferred Route on 17th April, and commenced a second round of non-statutory public consultation. The Luas Cork Preferred Route reflects feedback received and engagement with key stakeholders and offers improved accessibility. It will reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, unlock housing and help to create a liveable, sustainable city.
TII will host a series of public events around Cork City in May to provide information on and discuss the new Preferred Route with residents and businesses.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport sets out the objective of lodging a Railway Order application in respect of Luas Cork, with the project expected to progress to the preparation of this application to An Coimisiún Pleanála in parallel with the development of the Preliminary Business Case, in accordance with the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines.
Northern Distributor Road
The Cork Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Route, which is planned to link the N22 (Carrigrohane Road) to Glanmire, was established in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. It is intended that the Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Route will include both car traffic and bus lanes, as well as cycling and pedestrian facilities.
Cork City Council launched a public consultation on the emerging preferred route for this project in 2025. Cork City Council received 1,600 submissions and hosted four public consultations. That process is now completed, and the Public Consultation Report is being finalised.
Currently, it is anticipated that the preliminary design will be completed and the proposals be ready to submit to An Coimisiún Pleanála in early 2028. Subject to necessary approvals, tenders could be sought for the work as early as 2031.
Middleton-Youghal Rail Line
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024, sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions.
A proposal to develop a line between Midleton and Waterford along the South Coast was examined as part of the Review, but ultimately this route was not included in the recommendations in the final report. Analysis undertaken as part of the Review indicated that it would likely be more cost-effective to route longer distance services between Cork and Waterford via improved railways between both cities and Limerick Junction, rather than on a new line.
One of the Review's recommendations is that the Review be updated once a decade, taking account of latest policies and developments. The potential for the Midleton and Waterford line could be reassessed at this point.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
148. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of projects approved from the €2 billion allocated to his Department to support low-carbon transportation as part of the €3.15 billion of the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30762/26]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, last July the Government published the National Development Plan (NDP) Review, which allocated €2 billion to my Department to support low-carbon transport. In November, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation wrote to me to request that I, in my capacity as Minister for Transport, confirm the projects this allocation will be designated to. In my reply to the Minister, I confirmed the total allocation will be used to support the construction of MetroLink.
As the Deputy will be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the NDP 2021-30 and NDP Review 2025. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.
The Railway Order for MetroLink was published by An Coimisiún Pleanála on October 2, 2025, representing a major milestone for the programme.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has submitted a Detailed Business Case and Procurement Strategy to my Department and the National Transport Authority for review, ahead of a Government decision at Approval Gate 2 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation in the 2030s.
149. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress of proposals to upgrade the R624 access road to Cobh and the Great Island in east Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32177/26]
View answerThe initial project appraisal to upgrade the R624 Cobh Road was submitted to my Department in 2019, with an estimated cost of over €100 million at that time and possible staged implementation.
Since then, work has been undertaken with regard to strategic assessment and project outline.
Cork County Council recently commenced the tender process to appoint a consultant to develop preliminary designs, environmental assessments, and technical documentation to progress the project through planning and public consultation phases.
In 2026, the Council was allocated €250,000 for the development of the Preliminary Business Case.
In accordance with Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority. Work on such roads is funded from Councils' own resources, supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of work to be funded is a matter for local authorities.
For 2026, €718 million was allocated, through State road grants, for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, with approximately 90% of this funding allocated to road maintenance and renewal and the remainder directed towards new roads, bridges, and road realignments. This total allocation will facilitate an increase in funding of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal work.
In 2026, Cork County Council was allocated a total of €78,060,500. Of this, €74,745,500 was for the protection and renewal of regional and local roads and €3,315,000 was for new roads and road improvement.
Any new road project that seeks State funding is assessed by my Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and my Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important that local authorities prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility.
150. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an up to date report on all planned, approved or proposed bus route service enhancements and all planned new, approved or proposed bus route services in Cork county; the current status and anticipated timelines for delivery on all of these enhanced services and new services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31335/26]
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.
Ireland’s public transport system is at a pivotal point. Growing passenger demand, worsening urban congestion, and increasing reliance on public transport for commuting and essential travel highlight the need for reliable and sustainable services. At the same time, the public transport sector is currently experiencing a significant workforce shortage, particularly among drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers.
This challenge is already affecting service performance across the network. Bus operators are actively engaging with the NTA to identify and implement solutions to address these resource constraints. In this context, maintaining and strengthening the existing network is essential to safeguard the delivery of high-demand services to ensure they can operate effectively, while supporting longer-term reforms to enhance capacity, accessibility, and efficiency across the system.
The PSO funding allows the NTA to operate the Network on a sustainable basis and to prioritise any necessary changes in line with operational capacity and passenger needs.
The focus for 2026 is on stabilising the PSO position, ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably, and progressing improvements that are already in train. We are therefore focused on consolidating and strengthening the current network, while progressing improvements already underway, including Phase 7 BusConnects route adjustments and the new Mullingar town service. Within its allocated resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational improvements, where possible within its €940 million current allocation. Decisions on service changes or enhancements are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.
151. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the Luas light rail project since the publication of the feasibility study in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31312/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including light rail.
The Programme for Government commits to examine further investment in light rail for our cities.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, has been developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS) which will replace the Galway Transport Strategy adopted in 2016 and will provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport and the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Galway Metropolitan Area.
Part of the development of the new GMATS necessitates mode specific analysis and this is being undertaken in the form of of a Light Rail Feasibility Study and a Strategic Roads Feasibility Study. Both studies will form part of the analysis used to inform the development of the multi-modal GMATS, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus, rail, roads and demand management measures.
In Galway, the Light Rail Feasibility Study was published by the NTA in October 2024 for information and has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing a light rail system in Galway. The feasibility study will form part of the evidence base used as an input into the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, which will be subject to a full environmental analysis and public consultation process in due course. It should be noted that any future light rail project in Galway will only be advanced subject to funding and securing relevant Government approval under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
As the Deputy is aware, work on GMATS was on hold pending An Coimisiún Pleanála’s determination on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road application.
An Coimisiún Pleanála recently approved the Galway City Ring Road in April 2026 which has enabled the reactivation of the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy by the NTA. It is anticipated that the draft Strategy will be ready to go to public consultation in late 2026.
Noting the NTA's responsibility, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
152. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the plans, or proposals being considered, to roll out additional camera and technology-based enforcement measures across the road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30063/26]
View answer157. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progress of the first National Safety Camera Strategy; when he expects it to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31318/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 157 together.
Enforcement of road traffic offences, such as speeding, is the primary responsibility of An Garda Síochána. This includes enforcement of speeding laws through the use of cameras and other technologies. Questions in relation to Garda enforcement plans should be addressed to the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
To assist An Garda Síochána in meeting its enforcement objectives, yesterday I published the first National Safety Camera Strategy. This Strategy will provide the framework for increased deployment of safety cameras across the network, in both urban and rural locations, to assist with the enforcement of a wide range of road traffic offences. The Strategy focuses on speeding, red light running, and bus lane infringements, with flexibility for the enforcement of other types of offence in future. In addition, the Strategy sets out a partnership approach for camera deployment and enforcement between An Garda Síochána, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA). This approach was agreed by the Road Safety Leadership Group which I chair. As set out in the Strategy, TII will be responsible for the management of fixed and average speed cameras, in partnership with An Garda Síochána, who will continue to be responsible for the enforcement of camera-detected speed offences. The NTA will assume the primary responsibility - both management and enforcement functions - for urban traffic management offences.
A Camera Enforcement Oversight Group will be established, comprising senior leaders from AGS, NTA, TII, RSA, the Courts Service and the Local Authority sector. The Group will be responsible for progressing the Strategy and will report on progress to the Road Safety Leadership Group. Effective enforcement is a key pillar of road safety, and this Strategy provides a clear framework to strengthen the use of safety cameras in a way that is targeted, evidence-led and proportionate.
The Programme for Government commits to further expansion of safety cameras across the road network to encourage safer driving. The increased deployment of safety cameras in the coming years is a key action to be delivered under Action 6 of the Phase 2 Action Plan, as part of the all-of-Government Road Safety Strategy. The partnership approach as set out in the Strategy provides an effective structure through which the most progress can be made on the deployment of road safety camera systems in the near-term.
It should also be noted that camera enforcement has been increasing. Since late 2024, An Garda Síochána with the assistance of TII and local authorities installed three additional average speed camera zones and nine static camera locations. There are currently 9 static safety cameras in operation across the road network and five average speed cameras.
There are also now 9,000 hours of GoSafe monitoring carried out on our roads each month and 390 new safety camera zones became operational from 1st January 2026, bringing the total number of safety camera zones nationwide to 1,901.
153. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to ensure 103 and 105 bus services in Meath operate in line with published timetables; the measures he is taking to enhance services on these routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29504/26]
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 Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days
154. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if his Department review the requirements regarding the width of new cycle lanes and new footpaths that are being installed under the Active Travel Fund Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31213/26]
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. In addition, the NTA has published the Cycle Design Manual, an update of the previous National Cycle Manual, to guide local authorities in the design of Active Travel infrastructure around the country.
The updated Cycle Design Manual was published in 2023, following substantial engagement with the Department of Transport and other relevant stakeholders. The CDM draws on the experience of delivering cycling infrastructure across Ireland over the last decade, as well as learning from international best practice, and has been guided by the need to deliver safe cycle facilities for people of all ages and abilities.
The Department of Transport chairs the National Guidelines, Standards and Oversight Group, which provides a coordination role for infrastructure guidelines and standards between the NTA, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Department to ensure consistency and minimise overlap. The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) also provides guidance on some urban layouts and is updated periodically.
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.
155. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport following the recent commitment to addressing anti-social behaviour on the public transport network, to provide an update on the legislative progress for the transport security force, specifically the expected timeline for this force to become operational to protect passengers on Irish Rail services; the way this new force will collaborate with An Garda Síochána to ensure a permanent and visible security presence across high-risk commuter routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31299/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the necessary steps to deliver on the commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Considerable progress has been made in recent months, and this work remains a top priority for all parties involved.
This work centres on developing a well-considered and informed approach to identifying the most suitable model for the Transport Security Force. In this regard a proposed model is currently under detailed consideration, with all key stakeholders fully engaged – the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice.
Further meetings with stakeholders are scheduled for early May, at which a finalised proposal will be presented and discussed, with the objective of achieving alignment on the preferred way forward. Following this engagement, I intend to bring a Memorandum to Government to provide a comprehensive update on the agreed approach, associated decisions, and the proposed next steps.
In addition my Department and the NTA are actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, and the introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited, with a view to making progress on its foundations during 2026.
In parallel with the work being carried out in the Department of Transport, the Government continues to invest heavily in public transport safety, with over €14 million spent by operators on safety measures in 2025. All operators continue to have strong relationships with An Garda Síochána, who ultimately assist in supporting these incidences.
I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers. In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
156. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport when the NTA will report back to him on the issues relating to taxi dispatch companies (details supplied) and others, and the impact of same on the livelihoods of taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31344/26]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the regulation of dispatch operators, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
The requirements on dispatch operators in Ireland were last set in 2015, prior to the increase in popularity of app-based providers. As a result, all dispatch operators in Ireland are subject to the same regulatory requirements, regardless of how they connect with passengers or how many drivers choose to work with them.
The NTA recently held a Call for Inputs consultation on the dispatch operator licensing framework to ensure the regulatory framework remains suitable for passenger needs and an evolving SPSV sector. The Call for Inputs closed on 17 April 2026. Input provided will inform the NTA's process and decision-making in revising the current dispatch operator framework. I understand that the NTA will consider all responses received and expect to follow up on this Call for Inputs with a consultation on dispatch operator regulations later in 2026.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
158. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric buses which are not in use; to provide a breakdown of their locations around the country; the reasons they are lying idle; when they will be put to use; the estimated total cost of their purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31136/26]
View answerAs 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and upgrade of the public bus fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Pending a more detailed response, my Department has invested significantly in the electrification of the urban bus fleet. This funding has provided for the installation of charging infrastructure across a number of depots to date, including 196 charging guns in Dublin, 70 in Limerick and 18 in Athlone.
Departmental funding allocations have also facilitated the purchase of electric buses, with 193 battery-electric buses fully absorbed or in the process of being delivered into Dublin Bus's fleet, and a further 87 fully absorbed or in the process of being delivered into Bus Éireann's fleet nationwide. The rollout of these buses has allowed for the operation of fully electric bus services in Limerick and Athlone.
Further electrification across depots will be expedited by a forthcoming electric bus charging infrastructure framework, which the NTA expects to award in May and which will serve as the basis for future charging installations rather than relying on standalone procurement processes.
159. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided for the establishment of a new bus service between Athenry and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30005/26]
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.
Ireland’s public transport system is at a pivotal point. Growing passenger demand, worsening urban congestion, and increasing reliance on public transport for commuting and essential travel highlight the need for reliable and sustainable services. At the same time, the public transport sector is currently experiencing a significant workforce shortage, particularly among drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers.
This challenge is already affecting service performance across the network. Bus operators are actively engaging with the NTA to identify and implement solutions to address these resource constraints. In this context, maintaining and strengthening the existing network is essential to safeguard the delivery of high-demand services to ensure they can operate effectively, while supporting longer-term reforms to enhance capacity, accessibility, and efficiency across the system.
The PSO funding allows the NTA to operate the Network on a sustainable basis and to prioritise any necessary changes in line with operational capacity and passenger needs.
The focus for 2026 is on stabilising the PSO position, ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably, and progressing improvements that are already in train. We are therefore focused on consolidating and strengthening the current network, while progressing improvements already underway, including Phase 7 BusConnects route adjustments and the new Mullingar town service. Within its allocated resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational improvements, where possible within its €940 million current allocation. Decisions on service changes or enhancements are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.
160. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport to provide the latest update on the implementation of the A spine of the BusConnects programme in Dublin; if he will ensure there is adequate resources for service delivery to prevent similar staffing and scheduling issues that arose with the introduction of the F spine of the BusConnects Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31270/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the BusConnects routes in Dublin.
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across five cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA. The roll-out of the remaining phases of the BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign will occur over the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness.
Further, I can assure the Deputy that I recognise the importance of maintaining an adequately resourced workforce to support the delivery of public transport services. The Programme for Government commits to enhancing and supporting a skilled workforce to maintain and operate public transport vehicles.
To advance this commitment, my Department chairs the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce, which brings together representatives from the relevant Departments, agencies, public transport operators, including Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead, and training bodies. The Taskforce is tasked with identifying the key factors contributing to recruitment challenges and developing practical measures to support a sustainable pipeline of drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers. My Department will continue to engage with stakeholders, with a view to producing an action plan in the coming months.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have also 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.
